FP strategy for DL 7/12/15 (sunday) to hit big rides-TX!

[ldo]

Hi, I am a WDW expert, but never been to DL. We are going for 1 day on Sunday, July 12. My teens want to ride the following--in order of importance. I see that there is no FP+ like WDW, so do I race around and collect fp from the machines? If so, in what order? I see that Indy and MAtterhorn have single riders--should my teens do those and save Fp for other rides? Are the SRL usually open at peak times? They do Everest alone all the time. How intense is Indy compared to Everest?The earliest we can get to the park is probably 9am, as we are staying over at Redondo beach. At WDW, you can still walk on many rides with minimal wait until about 10am--what about @ DL in the summer, or is it already packed?
Must do:
Indy
Matterhorn
BigThunder
Space
then,
splash
pirates
autotopia
alice
thanks for a plan of attack! Elaine

 

[figment_jii]

Of the rides on your list, only Indy, Big Thunder, Space, and Splash currently have FPs. There is no FP for Matterhorn, Pirates, Alice, or Autopia (there is one, but the machines are currently unavailable due to the Innoventions closure). I would use SRL's when possible to try and cut down on the waits. Indy, Splash, and Matterhorn all have SRLs.

In terms of FP, DLR does enforce return times (with no stated grace period). Also, you cannot "race around and collect FP"...once you've pulled a FP, you have to wait until that FP window opens or two hours later, whichever comes first, to get you next FP (the exceptions are the "disconnected" FPs: F! and Frozen at Fantasy Faire in DL).

The lines will steadily build during the day and the "best" time is usually the first hour or so in the morning after opening. Being on the summer schedule means the parks will probably open at 8:00 am, so if you don't arrive until 9:00 am, you'll already have missed some of the best time in the morning. On the flip side, DL is usually open until midnight, so you have a fair amount of time to get things done.

I would head straight to Space to get a FP (it'll probably be two or more hours out) and then check out the wait times and go from there. My second choice for a FP would be Splash (if not using the SRL) or Indy (if not using the SRL).

 

[ldo]

so, does that mean we can get a FP for Space and then go right over and get a FP for F! and also Frozen, as they are not hooked into the system? thanks for the advice. We planned to get Space and then wait in line for rides around space, then I (Mom) would walk over and get BT while they were on Space. SLR will really help us out.

 

[figment_jii]

so, does that mean we can get a FP for Space and then go right over and get a FP for F! and also Frozen, as they are not hooked into the system? thanks for the advice. We planned to get Space and then wait in line for rides around space, then I (Mom) would walk over and get BT while they were on Space. SLR will really help us out.

Yes, F! and Frozen at Fantasy Faire are not connected to the rest of the DL FP system, so you you can get those and then immediately get an attraction FP (or vice-a-versa). I would probably pick-up the F! FP when you're getting the Big Thunder FP because they're in the same general area. Note that F! are distributed for the first show first, then when those run out, they start distributing FPs for the second show.

 

[MouseEXP]

If at the park at 9am...
Grab a FP for Indiana Jones Adventure, Ride Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Grab FP for Big Thunder Mountain and Fantasmic, Use FP for Indiana Jones, ride Pirates, use FP for Big Thunder.
Before you use the FP for Big Thunder, grab a FP for Space Mountain and Fantasy Faire, use FP for Big Thunder.
Should be time for early lunch.
After Lunch Buzz Lightyear, use SR for Matterhorn, Grab FP for Star Tours, before you use FP or Space Mountain.
Save Alice and Autopia for a night ride when it is less crowded.

 

[figment_jii]

It depends on the individuals, but I don't know that I'd want to do Splash that early in the morning. I would wait on that one until later in the day when it's warmer...

 

[MouseEXP]

It depends on the individuals, but I don't know that I'd want to do Splash that early in the morning. I would wait on that one until later in the day when it's warmer...

Reason for Splash early is to avoid the need for Fastpass, plus on average the sun is usually out by 930am so you should dry off in no time. By 10am the line for Splash will be long enough that you will need that Fastpass.

 

[figment_jii]

I agree that avoiding a FP for Splash would be nice, but I still think it's a better ride for the afternoon. Just because the sun is out doesn't necessarily mean it's warm enough to feel okay/comfy walking around in damp/wet clothes. There is also the SRL option for Splash, so they could use that if they wanted to ride it when it's warmer out.

 

[SMD]

I would do FP for Space, ride Space, either use FP immediately or ride Star Tours or Buzz, then use FP. Grab an FP for Indy, ride BTMRR, get F! FP, use Indy or ride Splash single rider, then do HM (I don't see the point in getting an FP for Splash and going back over there, just do SR. There may be FPs for HM that day, you'll have to check.) You could also do SR for Indy, but you'd miss part of the queue. Don't bother with FP for BTMRR, the line isn't ever more than 40 minutes when it's outside the queue area and about 20 the rest of the time. You can always go back at night and get an FP then. Then go to SR for Matterhorn. Alice is always long, it can be shorter just before the parade, but figure you're going to wait 30-40 minutes for that one no matter what. I have no advice for Autopia, the FP machines are currently closed. You may just have to suck it up and wait after you've hit everything else. Then I'd hit POTC last as that line stays pretty consistent throughout the day. If you haven't used your Indy FP at this point, go SR, then you'll see the queue with FP later.

 

[jeffg4]

Do single rider for Matterhorn, which does not have a FP. It's not worth the typical 30-60 min wait for a ride that you end up separated within the vehicle anyway.

 

[PHXscuba]

How intense is Indy compared to Everest?

Indy is very much like Dinosaur; they share the same type of track and ride vehicle. I think Dinosaur is the scarier of the two.

PHXscuba

 

[tinklvsu]

WDW goer here - went to DL last year middle of June... I'd go grab a fastpass for Indy, then head to ride something else and get F! Early on. Several people suggested to get a fastpass for ride Indy early on because it has a tendency to break down easier throughout the day (and it did after we had riddin it ) ... I did notice, even though it was the middle of summer, the lines were nothing compared to WDW, and moved much faster. The weather is also super freaking amazing compared to Florida!!! Lol