Getting to DL early PM - what to do?

[koquinn]

We're arriving on a Wed in late Oct, probably getting to the park around 2pm. We have dinner ressies at 6:30. Have 3 little ones (ages 6,3, and 0) with us, fairly long day of travel coming from WI. I'd like to start with Fantasyland but everything I read says it's the busiest that time of day. We only have 4 days in the 2 parks (staying on property, not planning any outside tours at all). What would you recommend we start with? We can save Fantasyland for the next am if that's easier? But perhaps a Wed pm isn't an issue anyway. Any thoughts would be appreciated. We do have park hopper passes so we could easily go to CA too, just not sure where to start as a newbie! TIA!

 

[Eeee-va]

I always think of the arrival day like a bonus day, so anything I get done that day is just an extra. I try not to put any pressure on it, like things I have to do.

Given the length of your trip and the age of your kids, I would take it very easy that first day. If you want to avoid crowds, your best way to do that is to get up early every day and take advantage of Magic Mornings. I wouldn't want to do anything to risk that--it's better to lay low your first part-day, than to have to sleep in the next day. So with your kids, I think I'd consider resting in the room (if it's available, and if the kids will allow it, LOL) until maybe 5, then taking the train around Disneyland and doing the reservation. If you're at the Disneyland Hotel I might try the monorail to get in.

If you definitely want to go to the parks right away, you could maybe check out Toontown (it will be busy but might be manageable, aside from Gadget's Go-Coaster and Roger Rabbit, and you might be able to get a Fastpass for Roger Rabbit). You could feasibly get in line for a meet and greet like the Princess Fantasy Faire or Rapunzel, but even if your family wants to, that doesn't seem like a fun way to start a trip to me. I'd personally wait until the next day (on-property, you should have a Magic Morning) to do Fantasyland.

I'd tell you to start in DCA but I'd feel weird if the first park I visited in my trip wasn't Disneyland!

 

[rramstad]

The key thing for me in your description is that you arrive Wednesday night.

Thursday has Magic Morning, and you absolutely should do that, 100%, for sure, and you can easily ride everything in Fantasyland in that hour. You can probably get in line for Nemo at the end, or get FP for Star Tours right at park open, too.

I would consider going to the park for a walk around and maybe a few attractions Wednesday night, but I'd definitely go to bed really early, and hit the MM on Thursday.

 

[jernysgirl]

Maybe try to head to Adventureland first? You could probably get on the Jungle Cruise fairly easily, go to the Tiki Room, maybe take the kids through Tarzan's.... at that point you might even wonder back and try to get a FP for HMH (Haunted Mansion) or Splash and take the kids on Pooh.

But I do agree with the PP, I might try for a couple of hours of rest/refreshment in the room, maybe stroll through DTD, maybe ride the monorail and/or the train before dinner.

 

[goldies 5]

On our later day arrivals, our kids always want to start at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at CAP. They can run off some steam there. Then we head to Bugs Land. Then we head over to DL if they are up for it.

 

[rramstad]

I like some of the earlier suggestions too.

We had a similar arrival -- with three kids -- checked into the hotel and made it into the park around 6 PM.

I knew we had MM the next day, and I wanted to get a sense of what the kids could handle, so we did exactly what someone else mentioned, we wandered into Adventureland and did Tiki Room, walked through Tarzan, ended up riding POTC and HM because the lines were short, as well as Pooh. Did Jungle Cruise at night, very fun. Also Indy, using Fastpass we grabbed when we first got in the park, and hitting it towards the end of our time in Adventureland. Oh, and BTMRR had a pretty short line too so we rode that as well.

We also watched the fireworks, which was great as it meant we didn't have to worry about it later in the trip.

If I recall correctly we also managed to ride Nemo as the line was only about 20 minutes, and again, it was something I knew we wanted to do but also kind of wanted to get off the checklist, if you know what I mean.

We got our bearings in the park, as well, scouting out where everything was, so we knew where we were heading the next morning... in fact, I pointed out the Fantasyland rides as we were wandering around, and mentioned that we'd ride all of them the next morning, so that gave everyone lots of motivation to get up early.

(We also rode Matterhorn, but only because it was going down the next day for refurb, otherwise we would have left it for MM.)

The park was closing at midnight, but we were probably out of there by 10:30 or so. You can get a lot done in four hours...

 

[PoohBearFriends]

It is hard to go to Disney without going to FL at that age. Once they get through the castle you are toast. Everyone is right you can get 8 rides down in MM hour the next day. Wait if you can.

A couple more ideas: Hit the parade in DL so they get the excitement and characters, it will get them in the mood for the next day. Then go to adventureland and run in Tarzan tree house and do Jungle cruise. It will get wiggles out and you will be away from FL.

Idea 2: DCA with Bugs life area is great for your age group. They would still feel they were doing something fun. Redwood creek is fun to run in but doesn't open at the end of Oct. until 29th, secondary to refurbishment.

You could also go to Disney Animation and see characters without too long of a line.

We tried FL when the girls were 2 and 4 and did it all wrong, getting ears with names on it, seeing Cinderella and then waiting in really long lines at all the rides. UGH! Girls were tired and we didn't get to do much. I wanted to save you from that.

 

[koquinn]

Thanks all for the suggestions!! I am still on the fence as to whether we should just go to DCA that day instead? Sounds like we'll definitely avoid FL though. Does it make a difference about DCA vs other parts of DL if I say we go to WDW every Oct so my kids get the basics of DL anyway? I mean, it'll still be really exciting, but they have seen some of it before sort of.

 

[ArchOwl]

Maybe watch World of Color that night? I don't know where your dinner reservations are at, though. That could be a conflict.

There is also the parade at DL, which is very well done. You won't be at a disadvantage crowd-wise. It does interfere with your dinner reservation, though since it starts at 7pm.

Personally, I don't have a problem with going to DCA first rather than DL. Although I can't imagine NOT going to DL at some point. But the order doesn't matter to me.

 

[koquinn]

We're doing a WOC dining thing later in the week. I have been through the list of attractions at DL pretty thoroughly, but will be doing DCA soon. Maybe we'll just do that. We're staying at GCH so I think it's actually easier to get to anyway??

 

[ArchOwl]

We're doing a WOC dining thing later in the week. I have been through the list of attractions at DL pretty thoroughly, but will be doing DCA soon. Maybe we'll just do that. We're staying at GCH so I think it's actually easier to get to anyway??

Ok, then yes if you are at the GCH, you have a private entrance to DCA. I would take time to explore DCA and maybe watch the Disney Jr. show since you have little ones. Afterwards you could spend time in the Animation building and do the Turtle Talk with Crush. Then there is Monsters Inc in the same area. Bugs Land isn't too far away with some really neat theming and rides for the smaller set. I would also put Little Mermaid on my list, a great ride for the whole family and a short wait.

 

[koquinn]

ArchOwl - that all sounds great! Think I'm leaning that way. I spent one day in DLR a couple years ago with a girlfriend and it's all coming back to me how there's so much more crammed in despite "just" having 2 parks compared to WDW!! Hoping we can get it all done in 3.5 days but if not I'll just have to convince DH we need to go back.

 

[ArchOwl]

ArchOwl - that all sounds great! Think I'm leaning that way. I spent one day in DLR a couple years ago with a girlfriend and it's all coming back to me how there's so much more crammed in despite "just" having 2 parks compared to WDW!! Hoping we can get it all done in 3.5 days but if not I'll just have to convince DH we need to go back.

Very true! I haven't been to WDW (planning a trip next year!), but my friend says DL seems very "crowded" to her compared to her "home" park of WDW. Since you have dinner planned, I would just take it easy and explore the unique parts of DCA. Fantasyland in DL will be so much nicer in the morning and much more magical!

My nieces and nephews really enjoy the Animation Building in DCA and we consistently make that a stop for at least 30-45 minutes to go to the Beast's Library where you take a quiz and see which Disney character you are, watch the Toy Story zoetrope, stand in awe at the huge screens full of Disney films, and watch Turtle Talk. It is low key and there are hardly any lines even during the most crowded parts of the day.

The Disney Jr. show is very cute and much better than the show that used to be there and you don't have to stand in line to catch the show, usually showing up 5-10 minutes before it starts will snag you a good seat.

The Bugs Land rides are adorable, especially Heimlich's Chew Chew Train, which I force DH to ride on a consistent basis (I think he likes it, too!). My niece just loves smelling the animal cookie scent on this ride.

If you do this and maybe hop on a few more rides like Monster's Inc and Little Mermaid, I think you will have a very relaxing and fun evening and be ready to get up and go the next day! Have fun!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I see you're coming from Wisconsin. That means it will be a couple of hours later for you. Your dinner ressies will be at 8:30 per your body clocks. Your kids might be ready to turn in shortly after dinner.

I like the idea of going to DL on Wednesday, and hanging around Main Street and Adventureland for those hours. The parade is a great way to get in the spirit. I just saw it for the first time on Friday, and really enjoyed it. The floats are beautiful, characters fun, and music is entertaining. I wouldn't recommend staying up too late.

For Thursday, I would recommend Magic Morning, and spending the day in Disneyland. If your kids get a little tired, go back for a short nap, but then watch the fireworks/Fantasmic, if they are up for it.

I would recommend sleeping in on Friday, and going to California Adventure in the morning, then either staying there or park hop.

On Saturday you can do the things you have missed at both parks.

Sounds like a great vacation.

 

[koquinn]

I see you're coming from Wisconsin. That means it will be a couple of hours later for you. Your dinner ressies will be at 8:30 per your body clocks. Your kids might be ready to turn in shortly after dinner.

Yep, I'm hoping everyone MAKES it through dinner! I'm guessing it may be ugly... But, my kids are used to eating out so hopefully they'll hold up. I'm hoping everyone sleeps on the plane a bit so they're rested for a fun afternoon.

Thanks again for all the tips all! I'm gonna go through the DCA attractions now and then talk it over with DH as to where to start. Leaning towards DCA... But I'm just so excited to do it all!!

 

[Eeee-va]

Does it make a difference about DCA vs other parts of DL if I say we go to WDW every Oct so my kids get the basics of DL anyway? I mean, it'll still be really exciting, but they have seen some of it before sort of.

As far as I'm concerned, yes, that, coupled with you staying in the GCH, makes a big difference.

My reasoning for suggesting DL first was a) it's the original and I feel like it should come first and b) when you enter DCA from the main entrance, you will be faced by a maze of construction walls.

I grew up going to DL only, so it just feels right to start there. I went to WDW a few years back and started in Epcot of all places, but I didn't have memories of the Magic Kingdom being "first" and it worked for me.

But coming from WDW, you may not feel like DL is the "first" park; in fact, many people from WDW never get over the size of our castle! LOL. Just like I don't feel like the Magic Kingdom needs to go first at WDW, because I didn't grow up with that idea.

And coming in to DCA from the GCH's private-ish-to-Disney-Hotel-Guests entrance, your first impression of DCA/the parks will not be construction walls. So I don't have any reason why DCA can't be your first park of the trip.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[koquinn]

As far as I'm concerned, yes, that, coupled with you staying in the GCH, makes a big difference.

My reasoning for suggesting DL first was a) it's the original and I feel like it should come first and b) when you enter DCA from the main entrance, you will be faced by a maze of construction walls.

I grew up going to DL only, so it just feels right to start there. I went to WDW a few years back and started in Epcot of all places, but I didn't have memories of the Magic Kingdom being "first" and it worked for me.

But coming from WDW, you may not feel like DL is the "first" park; in fact, many people from WDW never get over the size of our castle! LOL. Just like I don't feel like the Magic Kingdom needs to go first at WDW, because I didn't grow up with that idea.

And coming in to DCA from the GCH's private-ish-to-Disney-Hotel-Guests entrance, your first impression of DCA/the parks will not be construction walls. So I don't have any reason why DCA can't be your first park of the trip.

Have a wonderful trip!

That all makes sense to me. DH thought so too. Too funny about the castle - I did spend a single day in DLR with a girlfriend a few years ago and I must admit I chuckled at the tiny-ness of it!!!