Going off season during weekdays

[marmac]

We (DH and I and two small kids) are planning our first trip to DL the first week of March 2010. Unfortunately, the only days we are able to go to DL are Tuesday - Thursday. I realize this is not ideal as many things will not be running. However, we want to make the most of our time there and are concerned about the shorter length of days. We have 3 day ph passes and were planning on doing MM on Tuesday and then DCA Wednesday (arriving before 9:30 in hopes that they will open at 9:30 for Soarin). Thursday we are wondering about doing breakfast with Minnie in order to get into the park earlier (read that tip on here). We are staying offsite so will only have the one MM. We would also like to do a meal at Ariel's Grotto. Character meetings other than the meals and going to Pixie Hollow are not high on our list of things to do.

Any tips for how to get on all rides and see all shows etc...with these shorter days (DL 9am-8pm and DCA 10am-6pm).

Also, are there any tips for good places to sit to watch Celebrate Parade and Pixar Play Parade?

 

[Nala83]

Keep in mind that the shorter hours correspond with lower crowds. I find I can get just as much (if not more) done on days with shorter hours because I don't have to deal with the crowds and the longer wait times.

One tip: Pay attention to the schedule for shows and parades, because some of them won't be showing everyday. Check the Disney website for that.

 

[letthembelittle]

I think three days will be fine, just make a list of what things you and your family members MUST see or do and do those first. And if you have to choose between the Celebrate "party" and the Pixar Parade I would do the parade, I am not a fan of Celebrate.

 

[Had2stopLurking]

I think three days will be fine, just make a list of what things you and your family members MUST see or do and do those first. And if you have to choose between the Celebrate "party" and the Pixar Parade I would do the parade, I am not a fan of Celebrate.

I totally agree with this re: pixar vs celebrate. The Celebrate Parade is, well, annoying. I think it works to do the High School Musical thing at DCA due to larger walkways, but that format does NOT work in DL *in my opinion*.

To the OP. You should have no problem doing everything you want in that amount of time. If you are doing Minnie's and Ariel's, you'll hit up most of the characters with no waiting in lines; not to mention a ton of fun.

Although Aladdin probably won't be running during your time there, if you have little ones, I HIGHLY suggest doing the Playhouse Disney Live on Stage. We didn't even have little ones and loves watching the kids get up and dance to their favorite Disney characters from TV. It's really cute.

For us, another not miss is Turtle Talk with Crush in Animation Station at DCA. Very cute.

Even with shortened hours, getting around DL in the amount of time you have should be no problem. You will probably be able to do DL one day (go back to rest then go finish the park), do DCA the next, then go back and do all of your favorites again on the 3rd day.

Don't forget to utilize Fast Pass and Child Swap! Also ask about Single rider rather than child swap. Sometimes that could work faster for you.

Hope you have a great trip

 

[zscfan]

I LOVE going off season on weekdays!!! That is the reason I always get the SoCal Select AP, it suits my needs perfectly. You will get so much done!

 

[HydroGuy]

I think you will get the most value by doing MM on Tuesday as you plan and starting Wed at DL right when it opens. Since Wed is not an MM day it is a really good day to do DL. I would then hop to DCA on Tuesday and/or Wednesday.

 

[marmac]

Thanks to everyone for your great advice!! I have checked the calendar of shows and see that Aladdin is playing but only on Thursday...so we will definately see that.

Hydroguy - By doing DL both Tuesday and Wednesday morning and then doing Minnie's breakfast in DL on Thursday morning, will we be getting into longer lines for Soarin' and Toy Story at DCA since we won't be there first thing in the morning??

Thanks for the tips about Celebrate vs Pixar. I have watched the YouTube videos of the parades and I think that my kids would love both. So we are going to try to see both.

Does anyone have any favourite spots to sit/stand for the Celebrate party and Pixar parade?

Another question...since we are Canadians we are getting our tickets through ARS travel and our 3 day PH passes will be $144 each...is that a good deal?

Thanks again everyone!!! We are getting so excited!!

 

[HydroGuy]

Hydroguy - By doing DL both Tuesday and Wednesday morning and then doing Minnie's breakfast in DL on Thursday morning, will we be getting into longer lines for Soarin' and Toy Story at DCA since we won't be there first thing in the morning??!

Well, Soarin has FP so there is nothing magical about being first thing in the morning. And TSMM does not have FP so again there is nothing magical there. Some say go on TSMM first thing in the morning and others say wait until later in the day. Regardless, you can start either Tue or Wed at DL and hop to DCA at 9:30 if that is what you really want to do.