First Timer Questions

[DisPhanatic]

My family is planning our first trip to Disneyland in June 2019. Because of school, our dates aren't flexible and I am crossing my fingers that Star Wars opens a little later in the summer. Dates are Thursday 6/13 - Sunday 6/19 and then we move to north LA for 6 nights followed by San Diego for 2 nights. We have reservations at DLH. Travelers are me, DH, and our sons who will be 11 and 13.

I have a few questions that I can't seem to get straight in my head.

- Tickets: Undercover Tourist is running a ticket deal that looks like it will save us $300 compared to the Disney website (4 day park hoppers). It says they are eTickets. What will I need to do when I get to the parks? How does MaxPass work if I purchase UT tickets? Can I get 4 days worth of MaxPass at once or do I have to purchase it each morning?

- Fantasmic Meal: I hear that we should absolutely do the F! meal for seating. My sons eat a good variety (chicken, steak, pork) but don't like a lot of sauces. None of the F! menus look appealing to them. I saw someone say that you can order from the regular menu as well at Hungry Bear. Is this true for BB and RBT too? Which restaurant would you recommend for the most accommodations?

- Nighttime Entertainment: We are there for three nights and the first would be our travel day so I am sure we will be tired. For DL, we plan to do F! meal and just watch the fireworks from those seats. For DCA, it looks like the entertainment schedule is a little up in the air. Is WoC the regular show? What parks could have nighttime parades? Am I missing anything? I realize this far in advance that change is likely!

Thanks in advance. We are really excited for this trip.

 

[FCDub]

Get the e-ticket and link to the app. On your first park entrance, it will print you a hard copy ticket.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I see from your signature that you have lots of WDW experience. This classic thread will give you good information for your trip planning: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets.
There is an ongoing thread for people planning trips for next summer. Jump on in for tips, suggestions, advice, ideas, and lots more: Surviving Summer 2019 at Disneyland!.
Yes, you will be able to order off the regular HB menu for the F! dining package there. But you will still pay the dining package price no matter what you order. Also, restaurants at DLR are very good at customizing orders when possible. Your sons could easily order their meals without sauce or with sauces on the side. Don't be afraid to ask your server if meals can be served plain. Look at the menus here (Menus) before your trip -- it will help you plan which places will work best for your family's needs. All the F! dining package reserved areas have the best views of the show -- so it doesn't really matter which restaurant you choose for the view, just choose based on which menu will work best.
WOC is normally a nightly show in DCA, but it has been on an unusually long hiatus for repairs. It is supposed to be back by the end of this year. It certainly should be back by next summer. A dining package can work very well for this show. Look at this thread, especially the first post, for more information: World of Color Superthread. Right now there is a fabulous nighttime parade, PTN, in DCA. If it is still showing next summer, make time to see it!
When you get your tickets, print out a hard copy for safe keeping, just in case something goes wrong with the app or your phone. Also, take a photo of each ticket with a clear image of the bar code. If the tickets get lost/stolen, you'll be able to replace them easily at Guest Services by showing the photos.
Come on back with more questions! You're going to have a great trip!

 

[DisPhanatic]

Get the e-ticket and link to the app. On your first park entrance, it will print you a hard copy ticket.

Thanks! Will I need to go to a special window to get the hard copy ticket or can they do that right at the turnstile? Do you know how MaxPass would work in this situation?

 

[DisPhanatic]

I see from your signature that you have lots of WDW experience. This classic thread will give you good information for your trip planning: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets.
There is an ongoing thread for people planning trips for next summer. Jump on in for tips, suggestions, advice, ideas, and lots more: Surviving Summer 2019 at Disneyland!.
Yes, you will be able to order off the regular HB menu for the F! dining package there. But you will still pay the dining package price no matter what you order. Also, restaurants at DLR are very good at customizing orders when possible. Your sons could easily order their meals without sauce or with sauces on the side. Don't be afraid to ask your server if meals can be served plain. Look at the menus here (Menus) before your trip -- it will help you plan which places will work best for your family's needs. All the F! dining package reserved areas have the best views of the show -- so it doesn't really matter which restaurant you choose for the view, just choose based on which menu will work best.
WOC is normally a nightly show in DCA, but it has been on an unusually long hiatus for repairs. It is supposed to be back by the end of this year. It certainly should be back by next summer. A dining package can work very well for this show. Look at this thread, especially the first post, for more information: World of Color Superthread. Right now there is a fabulous nighttime parade, PTN, in DCA. If it is still showing next summer, make time to see it!
When you get your tickets, print out a hard copy for safe keeping, just in case something goes wrong with the app or your phone. Also, take a photo of each ticket with a clear image of the bar code. If the tickets get lost/stolen, you'll be able to replace them easily at Guest Services by showing the photos.
Come on back with more questions! You're going to have a great trip!

Thanks so much for the advice here! Assuming WoC is back, are the viewing areas for this seated or standing? I was planning on doing a FastPass but not a meal for this show. I will check out the tips threads and the menus. I really appreciate it. PTN sounds like a don't miss!

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Thanks so much for the advice here! Assuming WoC is back, are the viewing areas for this seated or standing? I was planning on doing a FastPass but not a meal for this show. I will check out the tips threads and the menus. I really appreciate it. PTN sounds like a don't miss!

WOC is standing unless you splurge for the dessert party. We always do FP for WOC, but we also always do a dining package for Fantasmic, so I think you're making the right call there.

I wouldn't count on PTN being at DCA, but hopefully it will be!

I'd just add Maxpass onto your tickets each day since I don't think you can add them at the time of purchase from the discounted sites. You just exchange them at a regular turnstile; there's no disadvantage to having an e-ticket.

 

[Niltiac]

Thanks! Will I need to go to a special window to get the hard copy ticket or can they do that right at the turnstile? Do you know how MaxPass would work in this situation?

I have not used Undercover Tourist specifically, but generally speaking e-tickets can be redeemed at the turnstile and they will give you your hard ticket right there.

Assuming WoC is back, are the viewing areas for this seated or standing? I was planning on doing a FastPass but not a meal for this show.

The viewing area is standing, and if anyone in your party is on the short side and you want a halfway decent view, you have to arrive *early*. That said, if you do arrive early enough, you can get just a good a spot as the people with the dining packages get.

 

[Winnowill]

Thanks! Will I need to go to a special window to get the hard copy ticket or can they do that right at the turnstile? Do you know how MaxPass would work in this situation?

You can scan the barcode on your e-tickets as soon as you get them, even before you get the regular tickets at the turnstile. So they can be in your app already, ready for you to purchase MaxPass as soon as you scan in.

 

[smartlabelprint]

WHere did you find this deal?

 

[DisPhanatic]

WHere did you find this deal?

Undercovertourist.com has 4 day park hoppers for $323. I need four adult tickets since the kids will be 11 and 13. I have used them before for Universal Orlando tickets with no problems. These tickets look to be good into 2020 so you will be protected from ticket price increases. I think I will be buying them!

 

[DisPhanatic]

You can scan the barcode on your e-tickets as soon as you get them, even before you get the regular tickets at the turnstile. So they can be in your app already, ready for you to purchase MaxPass as soon as you scan in.

Perfect. It sounds like there is very little drawback to going this route. I was torn at going for a Costco package when they are available or jumping on the ticket deal.

 

[DisPhanatic]

Thanks again! Given that WoC is standing room only, I will probably just go with a FastPass. Cannot wait to see how the West Coast does Disney!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thanks again! Given that WoC is standing room only, I will probably just go with a FastPass. Cannot wait to see how the West Coast does Disney!

There is the WOC Dessert Party which is the only dining package which offers guaranteed seating (with an actual chair!). All other WOC viewing areas, dining package or free FP, are standing only. If you decide to stay with the free FPs, study the first post in the WOC Superthread. Knowledge is power, especially when in comes to WOC viewing!

 

[Napoleon Dynamite]

Last Minute Travel Club had a 4 day park hopper for $296.97. I've used them twice, love them! Had no issue adding to the app. Saved a ton! Do a search on this board for reviews

 

[pharmama]

Thanks! Will I need to go to a special window to get the hard copy ticket or can they do that right at the turnstile? Do you know how MaxPass would work in this situation?

The hard copy ticket will be printed at the turnstile after they scan either your eTicket print out or the app if you've already loaded the tickets there. You will have to purchase MP each day if you buy tickets anywhere other than direct from Disney but its not a big deal. If you have CC saved in your account on the app and all the tickets pre-loaded its very fast.

As mentioned above, LMT Club is generally the best deal for tickets.

 

[Pamela M]

Last Minute Travel Club had a 4 day park hopper for $296.97. I've used them twice, love them! Had no issue adding to the app. Saved a ton! Do a search on this board for reviews

I think the number gave is for 3 and under. I'm on the last minute travel site now and it's giving me $314.70 - still cheaper than undercover Tourist. And I know for sure your e-tickets will have a bar code and can be easily added to the app.

 

[Napoleon Dynamite]

I think the number gave is for 3 and under. I'm on the last minute travel site now and it's giving me $314.70 - still cheaper than undercover Tourist. And I know for sure your e-tickets will have a bar code and can be easily added to the app.

You mean 3-9 (under 3 is free). I had an old chart from earlier this year saved on my PC, so it could very well have went up with the ticket increase earlier. Still cheap though!

 

[smartlabelprint]

Undercovertourist.com has 4 day park hoppers for $323. I need four adult tickets since the kids will be 11 and 13. I have used them before for Universal Orlando tickets with no problems. These tickets look to be good into 2020 so you will be protected from ticket price increases. I think I will be buying them!

They’re $314 at last minute travel club. I recently bought my December ticket. It saved around $160, not $300. You still pay for maxpass $10/day per ticket in the park.