Finally started packing, some last minute questions

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Taking my first ever trip to DL in just two days, solo. I want to ride every single one of the rides at DL/DCA, is there a printable checklist I can use to keep track? It would be awesome if it noted the rides had Single Rider Lines or Fast Pass.

Do all the characters give autographs? Do the characters sign the same way all the time or do they sign differently on different days (cough different CM)? Do the characters usually have an additional CM with them? I want to get in some of the pictures, but would rather not bother strangers all the time to do it.

I will be bringing a tripod, but it's probably not practical to set it up and wait 10 seconds for the camera's timer to take a picture with a character. I'll be using it for some scenery shots of DL and try out my hand at taking nightshots/fireworks. I actually have two tripods, one of those standard folding 60" ones that do kind of take up a lot of room. Then I have gorilla pod like one, it's smaller and is flexible to wrap around things. I'm thinking of taking the gorilla pod, but will I find enough things to affix it to?

Other reason I want to take the gorilla pod is that its fits in my backpack more easily, plus it is flexible so it won't jab into my back like the other tripod might. I should be able to take my backpack on all the rides, correct?

I plan to utilize the DL's photopass, can I just get the card from any PP photographer?

I ordered my DL tickets from getawaytoday, I can just pick these up from the Will Call window? Are the ticket booths/will call window opened before the gates open or do they open at the same time? (trying to gauge how early I should get there)

Where is the closest place with free WIFI when I'm at DL? I think it will be the hotel lobbies, but if there any tips, I would appreciate it. I might like to upload some photos, but phone doesn't have data :(.

What's everyone wearing? It looks like rain for the few days I'm there, so I've packed two cheap ponchos. I don't anticipate them holding up if there is heavy rain, but I'll buy one of the DL ponchos then. Anyone recall the cost of those? Think I read it was under $10 in some postings.

I'm not actually staying near Disney, but about 5 miles from SNA. The hotel has an airport shuttle, what should I tip the guy for picking me up and dropping me off? I was thinking $2 since it's not that much of a drive, but CA prices seem vastly different than what I'm used to (those $50+ cab rides, ouch!). The hotel's shuttle service does have limited service, so I might need to take a taxi, about how much would it cost for a 5 mile ride? I'm sure there will be taxis available at the airport, but if I'm at my hotel and need a ride to the airport, any recommended companies to call if I need a ride at 4-5AM?

What would be a good place to rest for a little downtime at DL? Especially if there is rain?

Anyone have trouble getting coins for the penny squishers? I feel silly looking around for heavy coins to pack, I'm not really a big fan of the machines, but figure I might get some if there are good designs. Should I get new shiny pennies to press or old ones? I read somewhere, that some of the older pennies have less zinc or something in them, so they don't have the silver streaks?

I think that is all of my questions, certainly appreciate any other tips, tricks, wisdom for my trip. Thanks!
 
About the pennies, I'm in no way an expert but one time i ran across a website dedicated to the subject of squished pennies. There were all kinds of tips there about what kinds of pennies to use, etc. I can't remember the site but if you google pressed pennies i'm sure you'll find it. I do remember reading something about older pennies but can't remember what years. I think they recommend you clean them though before you press them. I can't help you with the cab questions. Sorry that wasn't more help. Have a great trip!
 
I can answer a few..
Checklist..The maps for DL and DCA have the attractions/ rides listed and designate if there is fast pass available. Not sure if it lists single riders.. off the top of my head Splash, Soarin, Grizzly River Rapids, Toy Story Mania, Mulhulland Madness, and Screamin have single rider lines.

Splash is fun as single rider, usually no line/ no wait and you feel special cool to walk across the little bridge and pop into a log while everyone else is waiting waiting waiting for their turn. :laughing:

Usually characters have a "handler" or a photo pass person nearby, they would be happy to take a pic with your camera. Otherwise I spy a couple or someone else who is solo and offer to take their pic if they do mine.

Backpack on rides is fine as long as it fits near your feet or in the basket (under seat or in front of you) .

Will call/ticket booths open before the parks, not sure what time though...

I've picked up good wifi reception on my Itouch in the Grand lobby, the signal diminishes the closer you walk towards downtown Disney or as you exit back thru the DCA gate.

Resting spots out of the rain..

Most shops along Main Street are interconnected, nice to stroll and browse. Pop into the cinema on Main Street.. lots of visitors miss this little gem.
Take the train for a complete grand tour.
Do the castle walk thru
Innoventions
Take the monorail, get back in line and take it again.

My husband's bag got extra scrutiny during airport security screening due to the large amount of coins he had in a baggy. :eek: :laughing:
There are quarter change machines available in the penny arcade place and at the store near Jungle Cruise .. the name escapes me...

Have fun!
I loved my solo trips to DL!
 
Taking my first ever trip to DL in just two days, solo. I want to ride every single one of the rides at DL/DCA, is there a printable checklist I can use to keep track? It would be awesome if it noted the rides had Single Rider Lines or Fast Pass.
The maps have a list of all rides, FP, and Single Rider.

I should be able to take my backpack on all the rides, correct?
Yes

I plan to utilize the DL's photopass, can I just get the card from any PP photographer?
YES

I ordered my DL tickets from getawaytoday, I can just pick these up from the Will Call window? Are the ticket booths/will call window opened before the gates open or do they open at the same time? (trying to gauge how early I should get there)
I think they open 30 minutes prior to opening.

Where is the closest place with free WIFI when I'm at DL? I think it will be the hotel lobbies, but if there any tips, I would appreciate it. I might like to upload some photos, but phone doesn't have data :(.
Maybe McDonalds across Harbor?

What's everyone wearing? It looks like rain for the few days I'm there, so I've packed two cheap ponchos. I don't anticipate them holding up if there is heavy rain, but I'll buy one of the DL ponchos then. Anyone recall the cost of those? Think I read it was under $10 in some postings.
I think they are $10...
 

I can answer the opennies question for you!

I collect the smashed pennies and the best one's to use is 1982 and older because of the zinc in the new ones. The difference is amazing. Go to parkpennies.com and it has everything you need to know about the pennies and even a location list you can print out.
 
If you get tired of carrying your backpack you can always rent a locker. My DH carries around a large tripod but we found out that the lockers inside the park were too small so had to rent one of the ones on the outside by the entrance. He used it only for night shots, fireworks and the night parade but other than that he found enough other locations to steady his camera on without using a tripod.
 
Do all the characters give autographs? Do the characters sign the same way all the time or do they sign differently on different days (cough different CM)? Do the characters usually have an additional CM with them? I want to get in some of the pictures, but would rather not bother strangers all the time to do it.

Sully and the bears from Brother Bear are some I can think of that do NOT sign. Not sure if there are any others....The characters that sign all sign their names the same way (or close) in our experience.
 


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