Help, advice, or tips for a DL rookie?

[EB Beaumont]

Like many that post here, we are WDW vets, but have never been to DL. We're visiting family in the LA area in a few days though, so we are gonna check DL out. We are going to the parks on Sun, Mon, and Tues. Planning on doing DL on Monday and DCA on Sunday and Tuesday (we may do DL on Tues instead of DCA if crowds aren’t as bad as I expect).

Our plan is to get there at rope drop (or use Magic Morning when available). If so, what entrance should we use (we are not staying within walking distance)? Consensus in previous threads seems to be Downtown Disney. Does that seem like that best bet for quicker/easier entry?

We plan on adding MaxPass to the tickets. We are used to the WDW FastPass and I’ve read the threads about MaxPass here but still a bit unsure about how effective it will be for us since we have never used it before. My goal is to get rides that my little girl enjoys the most (mostly thrill rides for 46” or less). Any tips?

My Mom is going to go the parks with us on one of the days. She’s older and wants to ride one of those scooter things. I’m worried that it’s gonna be so crowded that she’s gonna have a difficult time getting driving it around. Thoughts?

Lastly, I’m tall. 6’4” to be exact. One thing I’ve always loved about Disney is they do such a great job with the coasters/rides for taller, bigger people compared to places like Six Flags. Even on the smaller rides for kids, like the Barnstormer at WDW, I’m able to ride with my little girl. There are only a couple of rides at WDW that I’ve encountered that are not at all fun for taller folks because of very limited leg room (lookin at you, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Test Track). Are there any rides at DL that might give me issues? Specifically wondering about Hyperspace Mountain. I’ve heard Space Mountain is really uncomfortable for taller people at WDW, so I haven’t ridden it since I was a kid. I do know some rides have more leg room in the back or front of the rides (like Splash Mountain), and that is the kind of info I could definitely use.

Thanks for any help, tips, and suggestions... we are looking forward to the trip...

 

[pharmama]

Like many that post here, we are WDW vets, but have never been to DL. We're visiting family in the LA area in a few days though, so we are gonna check DL out. We are going to the parks on Sun, Mon, and Tues. Planning on doing DL on Monday and DCA on Sunday and Tuesday (we may do DL on Tues instead of DCA if crowds aren’t as bad as I expect).

Our plan is to get there at rope drop (or use Magic Morning when available). If so, what entrance should we use (we are not staying within walking distance)? Consensus in previous threads seems to be Downtown Disney. Does that seem like that best bet for quicker/easier entry?

As a clarification, if you have tickets with a Magic Morning that is only offered at Disneyland on Tues, Thurs and Sat. So if you plan to use it, it will have to be Tues at DL.

I know you said you’re not staying in walking distance. Are you driving to the parks or being dropped off? If driving, this will determine which entrance you will use (if you park at Mickey & Friends you will go thru security there then take the tram to DTD, if you park at Toy Story you will take a bus to the Harbor side). Security is much improved on the Harbor side (which used to be terrible) with the new permanent stations so I wouldn’t stress too much about which side to go to.

We plan on adding MaxPass to the tickets. We are used to the WDW FastPass and I’ve read the threads about MaxPass here but still a bit unsure about how effective it will be for us since we have never used it before. My goal is to get rides that my little girl enjoys the most (mostly thrill rides for 46” or less). Any tips?

Definitely get MaxPass. It will allow you to maximize your rides. There are lots of threads on how to use it- I’d look for Skyegirl’s one and review that.

Lastly, I’m tall. 6’4” to be exact. One thing I’ve always loved about Disney is they do such a great job with the coasters/rides for taller, bigger people compared to places like Six Flags. Even on the smaller rides for kids, like the Barnstormer at WDW, I’m able to ride with my little girl. There are only a couple of rides at WDW that I’ve encountered that are not at all fun for taller folks because of very limited leg room (lookin at you, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Test Track). Are there any rides at DL that might give me issues? Specifically wondering about Hyperspace Mountain. I’ve heard Space Mountain is really uncomfortable for taller people at WDW, so I haven’t ridden it since I was a kid. I do know some rides have more leg room in the back or front of the rides (like Splash Mountain), and that is the kind of info I could definitely use.

I can’t share first hand for someone your height but I would definitely avoid Goofys Sky School as it feels cramped for me at 5’6” and DH (6’) was very unhappy. Probably also need to skip the Matterhorn. Matterhorn has the same ride vehicles as Space at WDW.

Space at DL, however, has different ride vehicles than WDW- you sit side by side in twos. It’s not super spacious but I think you’ll be ok. And if you’re a Star Wars fan it’s probably worth the ride on Hyperspace.

RSR uses basically the same ride vehicles as Test Track.

 

[Geemo]

Like many that post here, we are WDW vets, but have never been to DL. We're visiting family in the LA area in a few days though, so we are gonna check DL out. We are going to the parks on Sun, Mon, and Tues. Planning on doing DL on Monday and DCA on Sunday and Tuesday (we may do DL on Tues instead of DCA if crowds aren’t as bad as I expect).

Our plan is to get there at rope drop (or use Magic Morning when available). If so, what entrance should we use (we are not staying within walking distance)? Consensus in previous threads seems to be Downtown Disney. Does that seem like that best bet for quicker/easier entry?

We plan on adding MaxPass to the tickets. We are used to the WDW FastPass and I’ve read the threads about MaxPass here but still a bit unsure about how effective it will be for us since we have never used it before. My goal is to get rides that my little girl enjoys the most (mostly thrill rides for 46” or less). Any tips?

My Mom is going to go the parks with us on one of the days. She’s older and wants to ride one of those scooter things. I’m worried that it’s gonna be so crowded that she’s gonna have a difficult time getting driving it around. Thoughts?

Lastly, I’m tall. 6’4” to be exact. One thing I’ve always loved about Disney is they do such a great job with the coasters/rides for taller, bigger people compared to places like Six Flags. Even on the smaller rides for kids, like the Barnstormer at WDW, I’m able to ride with my little girl. There are only a couple of rides at WDW that I’ve encountered that are not at all fun for taller folks because of very limited leg room (lookin at you, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Test Track). Are there any rides at DL that might give me issues? Specifically wondering about Hyperspace Mountain. I’ve heard Space Mountain is really uncomfortable for taller people at WDW, so I haven’t ridden it since I was a kid. I do know some rides have more leg room in the back or front of the rides (like Splash Mountain), and that is the kind of info I could definitely use.

Thanks for any help, tips, and suggestions... we are looking forward to the trip...

A couple of my group are over 6'. They have trouble with Goofy's sky school in DCA. They complain about leg room for the Matterhorn but still ride. I've never heard them having an issue with any of the other rides.

Enjoy

Geemo

 

[EB Beaumont]

As a clarification, if you have tickets with a Magic Morning that is only offered at Disneyland on Tues, Thurs and Sat. So if you plan to use it, it will have to be Tues at DL.

Thanks. I should have looked at that closer. We changed our days in the park from 2 to 3 last night, and I didn’t pay close attention to which park had the MM on which day. One reason for changing from 2 days to 3 was to get the MM option.

I know you said you’re not staying in walking distance. Are you driving to the parks or being dropped off? If driving, this will determine which entrance you will use (if you park at Mickey & Friends you will go thru security there then take the tram to DTD, if you park at Toy Story you will take a bus to the Harbor side). Security is much improved on the Harbor side (which used to be terrible) with the new permanent stations so I wouldn’t stress too much about which side to go to.

We will be driving from our hotel each day. More than likely we will leave the parks around lunch to grab a bite and relax and head back for the late afternoon until closing.

Definitely get MaxPass. It will allow you to maximize your rides. There are lots of threads on how to use it- I’d look for Skyegirl’s one and review that.

I will keep researching it. I feel better about it now than I did a few weeks ago when I first started looking at it. At the time, I thought DL and WDW had the same type of FP systems in place.

I can’t share first hand for someone your height but I would definitely avoid Goofys Sky School as it feels cramped for me at 5’6” and DH (6’) was very unhappy. Probably also need to skip the Matterhorn. Matterhorn has the same ride vehicles as Space at WDW.

Space at DL, however, has different ride vehicles than WDW- you sit side by side in twos. It’s not super spacious but I think you’ll be ok. And if you’re a Star Wars fan it’s probably worth the ride on Hyperspace.

RSR uses basically the same ride vehicles as Test Track.

Great info, thanks. Test Track was doable, but uncomfortable. Rock ’n' Roller Coaster was downright awful and I (my shins) hated every second of it. I’ll definitely give Space a try, thanks. Appreciate all the info!

 

[EB Beaumont]

A couple of my group are over 6'. They have trouble with Goofy's sky school in DCA. They complain about leg room for the Matterhorn but still ride. I've never heard them having an issue with any of the other rides.

Enjoy

Geemo

Thanks. Sounds like I definitely need to steer clear of Sky School. I know my little one will want to ride Matterhorn, but I may sit it out too. She can ride with my wife...

 

[starry_solo]

Make sure you keep your parking receipt so you can re-park in the lots/structure on the same day when you re-enter, without having to pay another fee.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Like many that post here, we are WDW vets, but have never been to DL...

Here are some links that have great information for you:
* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here! -- this is a sticky at the top of the first page with LOTS of helpful information!
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets -- a classic thread!
HydroGuy Tips Compilation -- so much good information here!
"Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy" by @Skyegirl1999 - www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/ -- read this (!) and ask any questions in this thread -- you'll get great help there!

Does your mom have experience driving an ECV? In crowded conditions? If not, have her "practice" driving at Walmart or Target to get used to using an ECV. DLR is not the best place to learn how to use one for the first time! If you think she will be uncomfortable or stressed using one in crowded conditions for 3 days, think about renting a wheelchair for her. You can always park the wheelchair when she feels like stretching her legs for a bit, then come back for it when she needs to rest.

 

[EB Beaumont]

Here are some links that have great information for you:
* DLR Info/Links - Maps, Hotels, DISer Reviews, Hydroguy's tips, NEWBIE INFO here! -- this is a sticky at the top of the first page with LOTS of helpful information!
A DLR Guide for WDW Vets -- a classic thread!
HydroGuy Tips Compilation -- so much good information here!
"Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy" by @Skyegirl1999 - www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/ -- read this (!) and ask any questions in this thread -- you'll get great help there!

Does your mom have experience driving an ECV? In crowded conditions? If not, have her "practice" driving at Walmart or Target to get used to using an ECV. DLR is not the best place to learn how to use one for the first time! If you think she will be uncomfortable or stressed using one in crowded conditions for 3 days, think about renting a wheelchair for her. You can always park the wheelchair when she feels like stretching her legs for a bit, then come back for it when she needs to rest.

Thanks for the info/links and suggestion. I think the wheelchair is the best way to go.

 

[wowsmom]

My son is 6'2" and has more problems with the rides that have lap bars (as opposed to seatbelts or over the shoulder harnesses). We always ride in the front on Space Mountain because there is a tiny bit extra room, although when he was in his early teens, he almost got stuck on Space once because his legs had gotten so long he couldn't figure out how to get them out from under the bar!

If you ride RSR, sit in the back row - there's not necessarily more leg room but there is more foot room.

No advice on Matterhorn - we stopped riding that a few years ago due to how rough it is.

 

[twodogs]

I saw a very tall man trying to ride Space this weekend. Literally could not sit down in the front seat of the ride vehicle because his femurs were just too long. They moved him to the very back seat of the same ride vehicle and he fit. The CMs seemed to know what to do for him. Have fun! And Astro Orbiters is brutal. I’m 5’9” and I almost could not get out of that thing. My DH had an even worse time and he is only around 6’. I won’t ride it anymore!

 

[EB Beaumont]

My son is 6'2" and has more problems with the rides that have lap bars (as opposed to seatbelts or over the shoulder harnesses). We always ride in the front on Space Mountain because there is a tiny bit extra room, although when he was in his early teens, he almost got stuck on Space once because his legs had gotten so long he couldn't figure out how to get them out from under the bar!

If you ride RSR, sit in the back row - there's not necessarily more leg room but there is more foot room.

No advice on Matterhorn - we stopped riding that a few years ago due to how rough it is.

Ha! Yeah, I’ve seen enough on here now that I’m not even gonna attempt the Matterhorn. If my little girl wants to ride it, the wife can ride with her. One thing I learned a long time ago (at Six Flags), in to cross my feet on the lap bar rides and it gives a tad bit of extra room since the legs can go lower. Not the most comfortable way to ride a coaster, but better than the alternative. Thanks for the tips...

 

[EB Beaumont]

I saw a very tall man trying to ride Space this weekend. Literally could not sit down in the front seat of the ride vehicle because his femurs were just too long. They moved him to the very back seat of the same ride vehicle and he fit. The CMs seemed to know what to do for him. Have fun! And Astro Orbiters is brutal. I’m 5’9” and I almost could not get out of that thing. My DH had an even worse time and he is only around 6’. I won’t ride it anymore!

I wonder if Astro Orbiters at DL uses the same vehicles at WDW? I don’t recall having many issues with it, but I also ride it with a tiny kid and that allows me more room. I do wish I could give an inch of my height to my girl so that we could ride Incredicoaster. She was REALLY looking forward to that but it looks like she’s gonna come up an inch or so short.

 

[pharmama]

I wonder if Astro Orbiters at DL uses the same vehicles at WDW? I don’t recall having many issues with it, but I also ride it with a tiny kid and that allows me more room. I do wish I could give an inch of my height to my girl so that we could ride Incredicoaster. She was REALLY looking forward to that but it looks like she’s gonna come up an inch or so short.

They're basically the same ride so yes, I'd think same ride vehicles. They certainly look identical other than paint coloring and decoration.