First Time at DL - Questions!

[missangelalexis]

After lurking these boards I've finally decided to jump in and post!

My girlfriends and I are taking a first time trip to California (Hollywood) at the end of June. Unfortunately, because there is so much we want to do while in California and so little time, we will only be stopping at Disneyland for a day trip. We plan on going Tuesday, June 26th and taking the LuxBus (we will not be renting a car while there) which will give us about an 11 hour day.

I have been doing my Disney homework to try and come up with a plan of attack, since we will want to see as much as possible in the short amount of time while we are there. Sadly, I feel like there is not as much planning info for DL as there is for WDW which makes it a little harder as a newbie!

I guess for now, I'll start with some questions about meeting characters. Typically, how long are the waits to meet Mickey & Minnie in Toontown? They will be the 2 major characters we will want to meet while there, and I'm trying to figure out when the best time would be to see them! The same would go for Princess Fantasy Faire, what are the wait times like there? Also, are there any other characters that meet regularly that we could potentially squeeze in?

Thanks in advance

 

[PigletSeeker]

What characters do you want to meet? You can usually catch a few of them out and about depending on who. If you want to meet Mickey, do it over at DCA near Paradise Pier in his little gazebo, there's rarely a long line. You can get a lot done in 11 hours with just 2 people and no little kids, but with that amount of time, I'm not sure I'd waste it in line at Princess FF...it's usually a 45-60 min wait. And you won't know in advance which princesses are there.

ETA: just re-read and saw you wanted to meet Minnie and Mickey....like I said Mickey can be easily met at DCA...sometimes Minnie is by her plane near Soarin' with a short line!

 

[missangelalexis]

What characters do you want to meet? You can usually catch a few of them out and about depending on who. If you want to meet Mickey, do it over at DCA near Paradise Pier in his little gazebo, there's rarely a long line. You can get a lot done in 11 hours with just 2 people and no little kids, but with that amount of time, I'm not sure I'd waste it in line at Princess FF...it's usually a 45-60 min wait. And you won't know in advance which princesses are there.

You make a good point about the princesses, perhaps we will skip that then. Besides Mickey & Minnie, there are no specific characters we want to meet, just anyone we can easily come across! Also, there is 4 of us, but like you said no kids, so that helps!

How often is Mickey at Paradise Pier in DCA? Do you have to be lucky to catch him or is he usually there for a good portion of the day? Our plan is to head over there in the early afternoon.

 

[Hound 109]

Comments Below:

After lurking these boards I've finally decided to jump in and post!

Welcome!


My girlfriends and I are taking a first time trip to California (Hollywood) at the end of June. Unfortunately, because there is so much we want to do while in California and so little time, we will only be stopping at Disneyland for a day trip. We plan on going Tuesday, June 26th and taking the LuxBus (we will not be renting a car while there) which will give us about an 11 hour day.

Sounds fun.....when will you get to Security or the Turnstiles?


I have been doing my Disney homework to try and come up with a plan of attack, since we will want to see as much as possible in the short amount of time while we are there. Sadly, I feel like there is not as much planning info for DL as there is for WDW which makes it a little harder as a newbie!

Sadly??

Actually, there's more info here than most are able to absorb. Thankfully, Walt's Park is FAR less complicated to come up with a one day plan than the resort in the swamp.

I guess for now, I'll start with some questions about meeting characters. Typically, how long are the waits to meet Mickey & Minnie in Toontown? They will be the 2 major characters we will want to meet while there, and I'm trying to figure out when the best time would be to see them! The same would go for Princess Fantasy Faire, what are the wait times like there? Also, are there any other characters that meet regularly that we could potentially squeeze in?

Thanks in advance

I'll let others post about the best way to meet characters. (maybe schedule an early afternoon character meal?)

But in regards to learning about DLR & then Planning for a visit to one or two of the parks, I've posted this info before to other DLR newbies.....


Here is some good basic info for the first time DLR visitor:

If you are a WDW veteran, then here is your primer.....a must read!!:

HydroGuy's "DLR for the WDW veteran tip thread". http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Also, lots of good info for the WDW vet in Mary Jo's tip thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084


Regarding touring DLR....the two most important things to remember is to:

- Get to the parks BEFORE opening &
- Know how to use FP at DLR.


30 minutes early is typically when security opens (so getting in THIS line 5-15 minutes prior to security opening is best). Being one of the first 8-10 families at Security will get you up front (probably first thru third family) in line at the DL turnstile. Being very near the front of the turnstiles is important (to me) so that:

- If it's an MM day, I'm first on Peter Pan...if i'm first on PP then the rest of MM flows easily. & even if i'm not doing PP, i would want to be first on Matterhorn...or SM (or whatever) during MM.

"Critique of MM/EE" by Hound 109 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392671


- Even on a non MM day, I want to be one of the first few the turnstiles so i can get to the ST, SM (or Indy) FP machine first (to start the FP collection clock). Then we'll hop on our first ride a minute or two later & begin the important first 90-120 min. of the day at DLR.



KNOW THESE FP THREADS:

"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

"FastPass for Dummies and Smarties - A Photographic Explanation" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052

"Which Fast Pass First?" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1107718

"Strategies For Using DL and DCA Opening Time Differences to Collect More Fastpasses"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197


"Why I Park Hop" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961


If you have kiddos ages 4-11, then Jedi Training is a must:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699



Regarding getting to the Security Tent 35-45 min. prior to general admission (or MM) opening.....in other words... 5-15 min before SECURITY opens:

Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[missangelalexis]

Comments Below:



I'll let others post about the best way to meet characters. (maybe schedule an early afternoon character meal?)

But in regards to learning about Walt's park & then Planning for a visit to Walt's park, I've posted this other DLR newbies.....


Here is some good basic info for the first time DLR visitor:



Have a great time at Walt's Park.

Thanks for all the helpful info!

It looks like we will be reaching the turnstiles around 8:45-9:00am (Can't be helped when we are relying on the LuxBus).

Perhaps "sadly" was not the right term to use! I am just so used to seeing pages and pages of suggested itiniaries for WDW, as well as set times/locations to meet characters at each of the park. But I guess it is is easier to plan a day at 2 parks rather than the mass of WDW

 

[PigletSeeker]

My 2 recent visits, I was at DCA in the mid-afternoon and Mickey was there both times. One afternoon Minnie was there, and one she wasn't...you can ask a cast member what time you can find her there. Sometimes, midday, there is a Princess hanging around on the side walkways of the castle. There are also usually at least 2 characters hanging around Town Square in DL during the day.

 

[Pixiafurie]

I would say not to waste any time in line for Mickey - he is very easily seen throughout the park during the day (a lot of time on Main St!). I don't know much about the Princess Fantasy Faire, but I imagine they would be aiming for younger kids. But I have never seen it so this could be an error in judgement.

If you are only going for a day, be sure to hit up superheadliners like Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Star Tours, and Nemo early if they are on your list of rides. This lines easily get long as the day goes on!

 

[Hound 109]

I would say not to waste any time in line for Mickey - he is very easily seen throughout the park during the day (a lot of time on Main St!). I don't know much about the Princess Fantasy Faire, but I imagine they would be aiming for younger kids. But I have never seen it so this could be an error in judgement.

If you are only going for a day, be sure to hit up superheadliners like Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Star Tours, and Nemo early if they are on your list of rides. This lines easily get long as the day goes on!

Nemo a "super headliner"??? I'd call it a B ticket ride at best. (maybe an A ticket).



But Pixia is right.....do the Big rides (& the DLR exclusive rides). Have a plan.

 

[HydroGuy]

Nemo a "super headliner"??? I'd call it a B ticket ride at best. (maybe an A ticket).

Hey! OK, the original subs were E-tickets in 1959. And I rode them as a kid many a time and, while memorable, they never seemed all that great. IMO the Nemo subs version is an upgrade.

How we got from E-ticket to A-ticket is a bit hard to grasp. But as you said we are agreeing to disagree. I am just agreeing to that disagreement again here.

For the record for other readers, Nemo Subs is not a great ride but I think it got a bum rap when it re-opened in 2007.

 

[WaltsMartini]

Not sure if you are planning on going to CA Adventure, but you may want to consider doing just Disneyland. With Cars Land opening over at DCA, it will be MOBBED there.

I agree with Hydroguy about Nemo - it is ok. But, unless you go first thing in the morning (and IMHO, there are a lot better ways to spend the precious morning hours), you will be waiting a LONG time for Nemo. It's a really slow loading ride.

And Hydroguy - we met at the Expo! I was "PrncesKMW" on the boards then - updated my handle because I am marrying a Martini (literally - his last name is Martini). Hope to see you at the next Expo!

 

[missangelalexis]

My 2 recent visits, I was at DCA in the mid-afternoon and Mickey was there both times. One afternoon Minnie was there, and one she wasn't...you can ask a cast member what time you can find her there. Sometimes, midday, there is a Princess hanging around on the side walkways of the castle. There are also usually at least 2 characters hanging around Town Square in DL during the day.

Great, thanks for this info!!

 

[missangelalexis]

Thanks for everyone's info and advice!

Space Mountain and Splash Mountain are definitely at the top of the list (Most likely will be skipping Indiana Jones and will definitely be skipping Star Tours). I've been going back and forth about Nemo. While I know some of my companions want to go on it, I can take it or leave it, especially since I know it will be a time eater. I am hoping I can convince them to just skip it.

We do plan on doing California Adventure. I know it's going to be tough with the opening of Carsland, but there are a few rides there that are on the "must do" list (TOT, California Screamin, Grizzly River Run, and Little Mermaid).

I already have a draft itinerary written up, I am hoping to do the following in the time that we get there (Lets say 9:00-9:30) until around 1pm. Is this reasonable or am I being too ambitious?

Get Space Mountain Fast Pass
Finding Nemo Submarine*If wait time is less than 20 mins, if not save for later part of the day if we REALLY want to ride*
Peter Pan’s Flight
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Snow White’s Scary Adventures
Space Mountain
Get Splash Mountain Fast Pass
Pirates of the Caribbean
Haunted Mansion

 

[HydroGuy]

And Hydroguy - we met at the Expo! I was "PrncesKMW" on the boards then - updated my handle because I am marrying a Martini (literally - his last name is Martini). Hope to see you at the next Expo!

Hi there! Kelly, wasn't it? Yes I will be there next year at the Expo. At this point DS16 is planning to join me so I won't be flying solo next time.

Congrats on your Martini!

 

[pixiewings71]

Why are you planning to skip Indy? Just wondering, it's a very fun/popular ride! And Star Tours is amazing since the makeover, it's easily one of my favorite rides now and in the past I rarely rode it.
I would consider watching the Nemo ride from the handicapped accessible viewing station. It's the same ride, you just don't get on a sub and go "underwater". You can ask the CM at the head of the line to point you in the right direction, this viewing station is available for those who cannot navigate steps or who might have severe claustrophobia which would make it impossible for them to ride, but it is open to all park guests. There is normally very little wait for the viewing station. Just an option if you don't want to wait in the hour long line.

Definitely agree with your intent to park hop, even if you do find it mobbed in DCA you can still ride the favorites.

Make sure you utilize the FP system, it will be very helpful with a whirlwind trip.

 

[missangelalexis]

Why are you planning to skip Indy? Just wondering, it's a very fun/popular ride! And Star Tours is amazing since the makeover, it's easily one of my favorite rides now and in the past I rarely rode it.
I would consider watching the Nemo ride from the handicapped accessible viewing station. It's the same ride, you just don't get on a sub and go "underwater". You can ask the CM at the head of the line to point you in the right direction, this viewing station is available for those who cannot navigate steps or who might have severe claustrophobia which would make it impossible for them to ride, but it is open to all park guests. There is normally very little wait for the viewing station. Just an option if you don't want to wait in the hour long line.

Definitely agree with your intent to park hop, even if you do find it mobbed in DCA you can still ride the favorites.

Make sure you utilize the FP system, it will be very helpful with a whirlwind trip.

Thanks for the tips! I've heard many good things about Indy! Just for time purposes and the fact that there are 4 of us and we all have different "priority" rides, I think it will have to be skipped so we can have time for everything else.

And we will definitely be utilizing FP

 

[pixiewings71]

Thanks for the tips! I've heard many good things about Indy! Just for time purposes and the fact that there are 4 of us and we all have different "priority" rides, I think it will have to be skipped so we can have time for everything else.

And we will definitely be utilizing FP

I understand that completely, I do suggest considering a FP for Indy tho, you may really regret loosing out on it....altho you may then begin planning your return trip to DL!

 

[Pixiafurie]

Nemo a "super headliner"??? I'd call it a B ticket ride at best. (maybe an A ticket).



But Pixia is right.....do the Big rides (& the DLR exclusive rides). Have a plan.

Nemo kind of got tied into this group because that line gets long! Whether it's popularity or just slow loading (it's probably mostly the latter), it can take a while to get on.

 

[dheinz]

Hound109 - YOU ROCK! Great advice on the DL touring. I think it is easy to assume that WDW style touring will work in DL. I am quickly seeing that is not the case.

 

[xXtowerOFterrorXx]

Dont know if anyone has suggested this yet but, if you have or anyone in your party going has either an iPhone or Android phone you should download an app called Mouse Wait. Its free from both the iPhone app store and the Android Market. (as Ive had both phones and had the app on both) This is such a handy little app while in the Disney Parks. It will give you pretty accurate wait times on ALL the rides, as well as locations of bathrooms, places to eat plus a lot more. It will also give you the location of the cast memeber you are looking for, Mickey, Minnie, etc etc in the park on a real time basis. Plus its got a lot of fun stuff to do like webacams and blogs you can read to amp your self up about your trip. I pretty much worship this app before and while in the park...

 

[missangelalexis]

Dont know if anyone has suggested this yet but, if you have or anyone in your party going has either an iPhone or Android phone you should download an app called Mouse Wait. Its free from both the iPhone app store and the Android Market. (as Ive had both phones and had the app on both) This is such a handy little app while in the Disney Parks. It will give you pretty accurate wait times on ALL the rides, as well as locations of bathrooms, places to eat plus a lot more. It will also give you the location of the cast memeber you are looking for, Mickey, Minnie, etc etc in the park on a real time basis. Plus its got a lot of fun stuff to do like webacams and blogs you can read to amp your self up about your trip. I pretty much worship this app before and while in the park...

I did download Mouse Wait! I am glad to hear that it is accurate though, I will definitely use it while in the park. I did not realize it had a character finder until you mentioned it, thank you!!