First Family Trip

[Kfamily]

This year I am planning a trip for my son's 5th birthday to DLR. This is our first family trip (I went when I was 13 in 1996.)

We will be going July 31st-August 6th with 5 days in the park. I have been reading these boards to get as much information as I can but I have limited internet time. I was wondering if there is a good book I can buy or check out form the library that has great information about DLR?

 

[DizNee Luver]

These boards have unlimited info but if you're unable to spend much time on the net...... I like Birnbaum Guides - Disneyland. It explains quite a bit with nice pictures. After reading that, maybe you could come back & ask specific questions....you'll get quick responses here!!!
(I picked up my copy of the book at Barnes & Noble for $15)

Have fun planning & hope you'll get a chance to cruise thru some of the informational threads.... great stuff!!

 

[DLR29]

The Unofficial Guide has the best insider information on how to tour the parks, save money on hotels, where to eat, what rides are best for each person, etc., but Birnbaum has basic interesting info too and lots of pictures.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

This year I am planning a trip for my son's 5th birthday to DLR. This is our first family trip (I went when I was 13 in 1996.)

We will be going July 31st-August 6th with 5 days in the park. I have been reading these boards to get as much information as I can but I have limited internet time. I was wondering if there is a good book I can buy or check out form the library that has great information about DLR?

I also think that it’s a good idea to go to the library and check out the ‘Birnbaum’s DLR 2009’ and ‘Unofficial Guide to DL 2009.’

Birnbaum’s is glossy and enthusiastic.

The UG doesn’t have any photos, and (in my opinion) it tends to be overloaded with details. Many parts of the book can be skimmed over, but it’s an o.k. starting point.

But those 2 books don’t do a great job of explaining FastPass, and they barely mention ParkHopping.

So along with those 2 books, be sure to read the HydroGuy Tips Compilation sticky (at the top of this forum).
Here’s the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

For your first trip, in August, it’s definitely worth reading the following threads from the HTC:

All of HydroGuy’s FastPass threads. (See the FastPass quote at the bottom of this post.)

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

"Hidden Time Losses When Using a Car At DLR"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1381580

"HydroGuy's Hotel Rule"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

"HydroGuy's Fireworks Rule"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199851

DLR29’s "Magic Morning (Early Entry) Super Thread"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403

Hound109’s "Jedi Training Academy Tips"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699

Hound109’s "Why I ParkHop at DLR"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961

In the following quote, HydroGuy shows an example of how you could ideally collect 6 FastPasses by 12:00 Noon:

Assume DL opens at 8AM - this is the order you should get your FastPasses in an ideal world. Modify this is as necessary to fit your group, location in the parks, and available time.

At DL

1. Space Mtn (get FP @8:10AM - next FP time will be 8:55AM - you can use this FP anytime after 8:55AM)
2. Splash Mtn (get FP @8:55AM - next FP time will be 9:40AM - you can use this FP anytime after 9:40AM)
3. Indiana Jones (get FP @9:40AM - next FP time will be about 10:30AM - you can use this FP anytime after 10:30AM)
4. Buzz Lightyear (get FP @10:30AM - next FP time will be about 11:15AM - you can use this FP anytime after 11:15AM)
5. Big Thunder Mtn RR (get FP @11:15AM - next FP time will be about 12:00PM - you can use this FP anytime after 12:00PM)
6. Autopia (get FP @12:00PM - next FP time will be about 12:45PM - you can use this FP anytime after about 12:45PM)

It really is not that hard to do the above by 2PM as long as you start at 8AM. If you really want to focus as above, you can get one of everything by lunch.

There is one other FP opportunity at DL: Roger Rabbit. Roger Rabbit is not connected to the DL FP system and you can get one anytime you want without conflict with other DL FastPasses.

Further, I no longer get FPs for Autopia after realizing the FP return line can be a 25 minute wait. If I only had one day at DL, I would get an Autopia FP. But if I had multiple days, I would plan Autopia for an early morning thru the standby line.

At DCA

Similar logic holds. Here is the ideal order to get FastPasses:

1. Soaring over Ca
2. California Screamin
3. Tower of Terror
4. Mulholland Madness

Grizzly River Run is disconnected and you can get one any time you want.

- HydroGuy (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=12622132&postcount=4)

Edited To Add: Grizzly River Run may or may not be connected to the other DCA FastPass machines.

HTH

 

[Rivergallery]

Is GRR still disconnected? I keep reading reports that it is connected.

 

[Kfamily]

Wow thanks for all the information! I really appreciate it.

 

[kerickson]

We are tentatively thinking of going back the 1st week of Aug to take advantage of our APs. I bought UG for WDW last year when planning a WDW trip, my UG for DLR just arrived at my house today. Can't wait to read it! Even though I've been to DL many times I still love reading all the books and learning something new! 1/2 the fun is the planning and anticipation!