Flying out tomorrow! Last minute questions

[DorkyDisneyMom]

We will arrive at LAX at 9:30AM hoping to hit the parks by 11:30.

Where is the Visa Meet and Greet?

Also I’m still debating which park first. Original plan was DCA and grab a FP for RSR and ride Soarin without a FP and work our way around that park. However we have 11 people and one of them is older and will only ride TSMM and Ariel. So that person will be waiting by themselves a lot. Also I’ve been checking wait times for the last 2-3 weeks and DL wait times aren’t too bad.

Traditionally we ride Pirates first. It’s what we’ve always done each trip. Then hit the stuff by there like BTMRR and Indy etc; However we will have younger ones with us and I’m afraid to jump right in on BTMRR and then HMH for fear of scaring them. We could do JC while the big kids go on Indy and try BTMRR but I’m just unsure. We have Maxpass so I could watch for a later RSR and grab them as soon as they were available.

My other concern about starting at DCA is grabbing that RSR FP and having to start with that 90 minute wait off the bat. If we do BTMRR we can more than likely grab that FP and check in and get another one right away and kind of build the day from there. The older person will ride other stuff in DL like HMH and FL rides and Buzz so they won’t be waiting alone as much.

I’m way overthinking, I know. I’m a compulsive planner. We have 2 day hoppers with Maxpass. So a quick trip! I have Friday pretty much mapped out. It’s so hard to try to cram it all in in that short period. It’s been 7 years since my whole family has been. This will be the first time using Maxpass. Excited to try it out and save some steps.

Any tips on mobile ordering? Been watching YouTube and it looks easy peasy! Can’t wait to try that out too.

Help!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Please keep checking the local weather reports for Anaheim. There is a storm moving through Anaheim now and it is supposed to rain tomorrow (Wed.), so make sure to have alternate plans in case rides shut down -- like RSR (notorious for going down because of rain). Also have plans for dry, warm places to hang out for your older and younger family members in case things get chilly. Make sure to bring jackets. Right now, it looks like Thursday and Friday should be fine, but just keep weather adjustments in mind. Also keep an eye on the entertainment schedule -- rain and damp can affect that.
The Disney Visa M&G in DL is in Launch Bay. In DCA, I think it is by the Monsters ride. Have battery backup for your phone, if you'll be the only one in charge of MP and Mobile Ordering. For such a large group, dining at off peak hours will be easier. The kitchens will be able to get all your meals prepared more quickly. Check the menus ahead of time (maybe during your flight?) so that you'll know which locations will work best for your group. And, if it does rain during the day, dining at off peak hours will help you get table space for a large group inside -- competition for inside tables during rainy weather can be tight.
ETA: CP is this weekend, so Town Square will be more congested with set up and equipment. Shouldn't cause you any trouble, but just be aware of traffic in that area.

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

Please keep checking the local weather reports for Anaheim. There is a storm moving through Anaheim now and it is supposed to rain tomorrow, so make sure to have alternate plans in case rides shut down -- like RSR (notorious for going down because of rain). Also have plans for dry, warm places to hang out for your older and younger family members. Make sure to bring jackets.
The Disney Visa M&G in DL is in Launch Bay. In DCA, I think it is by the Monsters ride. Have battery backup for your phone, if you'll be the only one in charge of MP and Mobile Ordering. For such a large group, dining at off peak hours will be easier. The kitchens will be able to get all your meals prepared more quickly. Check the menus ahead of time (maybe during your flight?) so that you'll know which locations will work best for your group. And, if it does rain throughout the day, dining at off peak hours will help you get table space for a large group inside -- competition for inside tables during rainy weather can be tight.

I’ve got a back up battery! Thanks for the reminder. I’m hoping my sister and my daughter will help with the ordering. It’s a lot of people for sure!

I wasn’t aware rain was forecasted. I’ll keep checking. That will help make the decision easier as to where to start. I saw the other day where RSR was down almost the whole day due to the rain.

I’ll make sure to pack a change of clothes for everyone just in case. My family of 5 will be fine as we are in Nebraska so we are accustomed to cold wet weather. However my sister is in Phoenix and the older aunt is from Fullerton. Will make sure to have back up plans for them and for the younger ones.

The 4 year old has decided she’s my Disneyland partner. She would like to see princesses. I know there’s PFF but what exactly is that? My princess is 19 so they didn’t have that when she was that age. I know I can check the app and find characters too.

Also is it possible to catch the fireworks on Friday and then see WOC at 10:15 if we “walk with purpose” over to DCA? I’m not set on WOC but my sister was wondering. I love regular WOC but I love fireworks and snow on Main Street the most!

 

[mouschievous]

How young is young? We did Pirates, HMH, then Thunder Mountain last year. Our 6 year old nephew loved all of them, but HMH was his favorite, so you never can tell!

I don't love DCA - most of the rides are meh for me - but there's some good people watching, and great theming, particularly in CarsLand. My FIL entertained himself for 2 hours watching the people freak out on Incredicoaster on the water All that to say there's plenty to do even for those who don't favor that park.

As far as fireworks - it's not a great view, but you can see them from the main street in DCA. We watched them from near guest services/the photo shop.

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

How young is young? We did Pirates, HMH, then Thunder Mountain last year. Our 6 year old nephew loved all of them, but HMH was his favorite, so you never can tell!

I don't love DCA - most of the rides are meh for me - but there's some good people watching, and great theming, particularly in CarsLand. My FIL entertained himself for 2 hours watching the people freak out on Incredicoaster on the water All that to say there's plenty to do even for those who don't favor that park.

As far as fireworks - it's not a great view, but you can see them from the main street in DCA. We watched them from near guest services/the photo shop.

Youngest is 4 so maybe I’ll take a chance. I just don’t want to have her be scared of everything. We did talk about trying each ride once. Hoping she will do well with that.

 

[nikkislaght]

Youngest is 4 so maybe I’ll take a chance. I just don’t want to have her be scared of everything. We did talk about trying each ride once. Hoping she will do well with that.

every year before we go.. we start looking at YouTube videos of the rides.. your 4 yr old can do that too.. there are lots of people that post POV videos . just explain to the little one that while watching them may not give you a 'true' feel of the rides, it will give them an idea of what it will look like inside . hope you all have a great time..

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Princess Fantasy Faire is where Carnation Plaza Gardens used to be -- to the right side of the castle when you go down Main Street toward Town Square. Also, Anna & Elsa are in DCA in the Animation Building. You can visit them when you go to the Visa M&G -- they aren't far from each other.