First summer visit since CL remodel - suggestions?

[momtotwolittleones]

The last time we visited DL during the summer was an early August trip about 4-5 years ago, before the CL remodel. We were there for 5 days, and stayed onsite (inlaws were paying) so we did everything we wanted to despite some crowded times. Since then we've been going the week after Thanksgiving, and it's been great.

This year, however, we only time we can go is at the end of June for 2 days, staying offsite. When we go offseason we get there before opening, but with opening being at 8am, I just don't see us getting there at 7am. We will have no early entry. And I'm a bit freaked about how much more crowded it will be than we are used to, but we are also fairly experienced park goers so I know some of the basics.

Any suggestions for a two day (Wed and Thu) offsite, summertime visit without getting there at 7am? Our priorities are rides, and some shows. My kids couldn't care less about characters. Thanks!

ETA: My "twolittleones" aren't so little anymore - they are 13 and almost 10!

 

[rtfelt]

Are you hopping? Even if you don't get there at 7, you need to be there by 8. Go to the park without EE for first couple hours then hop to park with EE (generally less crowded overall because everyone is avoiding the EE park too). Get FP as soon as you can but don't use am FP until end of window to use early am for non-FP rides. Use evening FP early in window because park less crowded after second F! Show, so ride other non-FP then.

 

[momtotwolittleones]

Yes, we are getting park hoppers. I need to read up on what FP Carlsand rides are connected.