First Day, Arrival Late in the Day - 1/2 Day With Hopper?

[pokee99]

I was planning to buy a 3 Day Hopper for my daughter and I for our 3 full days at DL/DCA, but we'll likely have 5pm onwards free on our first day - which is a Wednesday (after checking in and having a bite to eat). It's only $30 more each to add a 4th day, which could be beneficial if there's any hope in scoring any good rides in the evening on that first day.

Is there any good strategies for a first day, late day arrival? How does that work with reservations and Hopper Pass tickets to activate? I've never done Day 1 that late in the day, so I have no idea how that works, or if it's even advisable?

 

[julesann]

I think on a Wednesday you could get on some rides with a little wait--depends on what "good" is for you and how old your daughter is and the time of year. I would encourage you to add in the 4th day and go directly to DL for your meal--either mobile order or book an ADR. It would be lovely to simply walk around, see the sights, take your time, maybe ride the train around and enjoy the evening even if you don't ride much or at all.

 

[gelatoni fan]

What time do the parks close on the day you are looking at? The parks can close as early as 8PM in which case I don't think it's worth it. If it's a later park closing, you could definitely get some rides done.

 

[pokee99]

What time do the parks close on the day you are looking at? The parks can close as early as 8PM in which case I don't think it's worth it. If it's a later park closing, you could definitely get some rides done.

This is a good point. The hours aren't posted yet, but it will likely be 8-9pm. We weren't planning on staying out too late anyway, since we have to be up early the next morning, but it would only give us about 4-5 hours on arrival day. We'd likely eat a late lunch and then eat again after the park closes, so spending the time on rides alone. My daughter is 16, so we'll be doing everything and anything!

 

[smartlabelprint]

We’ve come for a few hours on our first night. We got some food and watched a parade. My kids fell asleep in the stroller and my DH and sib rode Indy before it went down for refurbishment. It was wonderful. I enjoy the lights and atmosphere of Disneyland after dark. That alone is worth the 4th day to me. It’s really personal preference.

 

[shosh1530]

Our trip last summer we entered the park our first night at 6 pm (on a day that closed at 9). We had a great three hours! It was our first visit since Galaxy's Edge opened and we chose to spend our time there doing Oga's, build a droid, Ronto Roasters, Millenium Falcon and walking around. Plus we rode Thunder Mountain. I think it was probably one of my favorite evenings in the park because we weren't exhausted from going all day.

our most recent trip the park closed at 8 and we decided to not go into the parks. We instead explored the hotel (GCH) and hung by the hot tub for a bit. I think if it had been open another hour though we would have done it.

 

[pokee99]

Thanks everyone! I'm going for it and buying a 4 day Hopper!

 

[Katykins14]

Here's a related question - if you have a park hopper and are entering the parks later in the day (after 1 pm when you're allowed to hop), do you still need to first enter the park that you have reserved for that day?

 

[smartlabelprint]

Here's a related question - if you have a park hopper and are entering the parks later in the day (after 1 pm when you're allowed to hop), do you still need to first enter the park that you have reserved for that day?

Yes

 

[pokee99]

Good question! I reserved DCA, but I figured we could check in on our first day there (at around 5pm) and then immediately head over to DL if we changed our minds (capacity permitted)?

Also, is there any chance of getting a LL or ILL ride that late in the day, or are we pretty much stuck with stand by? Maybe our first night is better spent wandering around and getting oriented with what's open, dining options and park changes? It's gonna be hard to hold back at Avengers Campus and Galaxy's Edge, since these will be new for us!