Help Easter Trip

[Zeebs]

A bit of back ground, California is pretty much half way between the UK and New Zealand so myself and two best friends who are celebrating big birthdays have arranged to meet up with our families for a 2 week trip 1 week Anaheim and 1 week on the road (grand canyon, Las Vegas etc)

6 adults and 7 children aged between 11 and 4.

We have hired a house not far away from Disneyland and we plan 3 days at DL.

The issue is that due to my friends both being teachers the only time all our holidays matched up is Easter. So we are heading in on crowd levels of 10, 8 and 6 according to Touring Plans. I have been to DL before many years ago but it was very quiet and we have been to WDW again not at really busy times.

I am not sure how to cope with the busy day, how to plan even.

Can we still access the park from the Californian Hotel entrance if we have a character breakfast there.

Will be happy to split up but because I have been before to both venues, I feel like the others think I know what I am doing.... no idea....

Plan to make use of opening, last time we tried a break and then came back in the evening but it seemed to be just as busy as when we left????, added to the walk back to the hotel and then back to the park we didn't really feel it was worth it. Was that just an odd occurrence?

I look forward to all help anyone can give me. We also have a day planned at Universal, LEGOLAND, the San Diego Zoo - we have crammed so much in but it is a once in a lifetime trip for the two families coming from NZ we felt we needed too.

Many thanks
Kirsten

 

[figment_jii]

Plan to make use of opening, last time we tried a break and then came back in the evening but it seemed to be just as busy as when we left????, added to the walk back to the hotel and then back to the park we didn't really feel it was worth it. Was that just an odd occurrence?

I think this really depends on when you left and when you came back. In general the park gets busier as the day progresses, with peak crowds in the mid-afternoon. After that, crowds tend to diminish after fireworks or parade or Fantasmic (whichever is last) ends. So if you came back before the evening entertainment was over, I'm would expect the park crowds to still be fairly significant. If you're going during Spring Break (around Easter), I would anticipate the parks being open late (11 or midnight), with crowds remaining high until an hour or so before closing, at which point you might see a tapering off. It won't be empty, but it might be noticeably less crowded (depending on which ride(s) you heading to).

 

[chickapin parterre]

So here are some positive views:

* Disneyland now snaps photos of each ticket holder at the gate and then recalls that photo each time you enter the gate. The result is that there will be a rope drop each morning. This will allow you to explore Main Street, grab treats and allow your friends to explore the area.

* Halloween and Christmas are now highly attended events. I think this will take pressure off the park. The touring numbers are correct though I don't expect anything higher than 8.

* The economy has improved in the states and I think folks will use Spring break to travel to regions yet unexplored. Like a ski cabin, or golf, water parks, water sports, visit grandparents, family, etc. Or maybe they have a master plan like yours and everyone is spread on evenly and it is not crowded at any attraction.

* What are your California dates?

The negatives views:

*You can research on line school breaks and surrounding schools are your weeks. Oregon is week prior. this could be the observation about the day being a 10

*Why character breakfast? Big chunk of time for first time visitors.

*You are in a third category of lodging: 1) on site 2) across the street lodging and 3) lodging that requires driving, parking and waiting. This puts you at large disadvantage. leaving the park and returning will not gain anything but becomes a negative.

* level of rest for travelers, when do you plan to catch up on sleep? How will folks respond to waking up at 5:30, be in the parking garage at 6:15, gate 6;300, for 7;00 early entry, gate 7:20 for 8:00 entry

Solutions:

1) divide into two groups if you have two guides. If one guide only then rent strollers for folks 6 and under.

2)Fantasyland first day morning is Tuesday, (park hopper early entry ) you enter park early, faster time to accomplish small rides, when that hour is up you head to tomorrowland, coordinate FP rides and baby sitting for kids with dark ride fear. 11:00 small children eat and hydrate, big children ride matterhorn and then eat while walking to Toon town and Small world. 3:00 children sleeping in strollers, time to wander over to R0A and take in sights.

3) you are out of sync for FP use in this area. I don't think any FP slots are open before 7:00 hour. Though if you are splitting the group as suggested in #9, then grab FP, gaining multiple from folks going home at 5:30 Good time for sit down meal.

4) It is crowded in this area now, you are tired.

5) This will be the time to TEACH to new visitors why splitting up on DAY TWO is important. very little for young children to do in this area. So, young and dark ride fear children can ride boat, pooh , tree house, character exploration and explore island while brave group can take in Indy, HM, Splash and thunder. Pirates could be the whole gang. plus children sleeping in strollers.

6) After sit down meal, head back to Main street. Do not catch the train in NOS, you will have to wait for 2-4 trains before boarding. Remember, everyone in the park is tired, everyone in ROA will want to ride that train, everyone in ROA wants to escape.

7) you could catch jungle cruise on the way out, though I wouldn't invest the 90 mins to do so.

8) Main street. What a mess!!! Parade time somewhere. Hold your ground, parade will be viewed on next day into the park.

9) 5;30 , time to send youngsters home and remaining group boards the train for several trips around the park to rest, take in the sites

10) use FP secured in # 3

11) Firework planning. I would do that over FAntasmic. Many conflicting views about the two choices. But as a first time visitor crowd, just way to much planning and energy for Fantasmic. Bathroom, snacks, sitting on ground is just easier in Castle Hub.

 

[figment_jii]

* Disneyland now snaps photos of each ticket holder at the gate and then recalls that photo each time you enter the gate. The result is that there will be a rope drop each morning. This will allow you to explore Main Street, grab treats and allow your friends to explore the area.

I don't think taking photos of guest at the ticket gates has anything to do with rope drop. They've been allowing guests onto Main Street before the park opens for decades.

Halloween and Christmas are now highly attended events. I think this will take pressure off the park. The touring numbers are correct though I don't expect anything higher than 8.

The OP is asking about Easter, so Halloween and Christmas is not going to be an issue.

Based on the rest of your post, I'm wondering if you meant to answer some other thread.

 

[chickapin parterre]

But rope drop was not every morning decades ago. Now with the photo process there is higher % of rope drop happening during crunch times every morning. Spring break is crunch time. Visitor should plan for a rope drop.

Halloween and Christmas is an issue, it helps diminish crowds the other 8 months. Can you imagine what Christmas would be like if there was no Halloween in the resort. It would be down right riot-able, oh, not the right word, they all ready have riots during Christmas.

Poster ask for ideas and help with planning the three days as they are in a rented house and not on or near site. I suggested a possible view of how that might look with the diverse range of friends poster has to manage, 6 adults, 7 children, that is a large task, better know where the bathrooms are located, benches for under height riders, food allergies, FP for space mountain , mess waiting at end of STar tours, nemo room, and the Three musketeers rule- One go potty, we all go potty!!!!

 

[figment_jii]

But rope drop was not every morning decades ago. Now with the photo process there is higher % of rope drop happening during crunch times every morning. Spring break is crunch time. Visitor should plan for a rope drop.

I still don't understand what you are talking about. Rope Drop happens when they "drop the rope" at the end of Main Street and allow guests into the rest of the park. Taking photos at the turnstiles has nothing to do with rope drop. Rope Drop happens when the park opens; the photos happen at all times of the day.

Halloween and Christmas is an issue, it helps diminish crowds the other 8 months. Can you imagine what Christmas would be like if there was no Halloween in the resort. It would be down right riot-able, oh, not the right word, they all ready have riots during Christmas.

Um...I'm still not quite seeing your point here. There will still be crowds at Spring Break-time. I don't think the crowds at Christmas can get much higher, so having events at Halloween isn't really going to take the pressure off of Christmas. Maybe some folks choose between Christmas and Halloween and Spring Break, but I don't know if it makes are really appreciable difference. DLR is going to be busy at Spring Break.

Poster ask for ideas and help with planning the three days as they are in a rented house and not on or near site.

Oh...the numbering system confused me. It really seemed like you were responding to someone else's bullet point question list. I think your suggestions are interesting, but they're a bit hard to follow, so that might also have contributed to my confusion about who's post you were answering.

 

[gottalovepluto]

As to the afternoon break: we love it but our trips are 4-5 days. I think whether or not it is right for your group is something only you will be able to evaluate. Although, that's a lot of stress since everyone in the group is looking to you! Since you didn't feel the break was really worth it to you last time, maybe try Day 1 without the afternoon break to evaluate it. Without the afternoon break the kids will probably crash earlier in the evening than they might otherwise. We got the most use out of the break when we stayed walking distance from the parks. When you have to get out to your car, exit DL, drive to your house, and then go back through all of it in the evening I can see why it may not be worth it to your specific group. That's ok! We're all different! Many shows to catch in the afternoon provide temporary breaks: Aladdin (my favorite!), new Frozen sing-along & animation academy in DCA. My mind is a little fuzzy on good afternoon break for in DL right now... I know of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and Mickey's Magical Map (that one is outside).

One day will be perfectly fine for Universal and one day will be fine for LEGOLAND. San Diego Zoo is huge, do a bit of research before you go and know what is the most important stuff you want to see. We did really poor planning when we visited and then let one of the young ones be in charge of the map and decide where we were going- regretted that half-way through the day lol.

Do you know of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park? It was known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park when I went but it was awesome. Tigers, lions, condors, giraffes oh my!! In your shoes I would give some serious thought to changing out that Universal day for a San Diego Zoo Safari Park day. Universal Hollywood has a Despicable Me ride, but other than that I find the offerings to be very limited for children (unless they're into The Mummy, Transformers, and Jurassic Park then you're good). Check them both out online. http://sdzsafaripark.org/ and http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/attractions/

 

[chickapin parterre]

Gate opening- an advantage to snap a photo in an empty park in front of the castle with no one in the background. I have that photo, with the photo of the clock, first family thru the bars and our family in front of the castle, just us, no one else. Rope drop now prevents that from happening. An everyday rope drop is now becoming common place. On early entry the rope drop is in the hub and not main street as Frontierland and Adventureland already have a rope up and cast member re-directing folks to what is really open in the park. Because of the cumbersome photo process they now open the gates early.....most of the time . By the way, that family photo, Thanksgiving morning.

Busy. the poster found a site that suggested a 10 day is going to happen. How and what day is that going to happen? Poster came with those numbers. I am just suggesting that 2014 was a banner year in attendance and other than the economy there has to be another reason. And I am suggesting that folks budgeted for events in addtion to touring to what has become Halloween and Christmas CRUSH and not so much to be in the park spring break.

yes they are hard to follow, not sure if poster needs ideas or would like to see a quarter hour plan, if poster wants more time frame details than I can clarify.

 

[figment_jii]

Gate opening- an advantage to snap a photo in an empty park in front of the castle with no one in the background. I have that photo, with the photo of the clock, first family thru the bars and our family in front of the castle, just us, no one else. Rope drop now prevents that from happening. An everyday rope drop is now becoming common place. On early entry the rope drop is in the hub and not main street as Frontierland and Adventureland already have a rope up and cast member re-directing folks to what is really open in the park. Because of the cumbersome photo process they now open the gates early.....most of the time . By the way, that family photo, Thanksgiving morning.

Maybe we're just using different terminology to describe the same things. For several years now (long before they started taking photos of guests to attach to the the ticket), they've opened the turnstiles 15-30 minutes before park opening. I call the place where they scan your tickets the turnstiles or ticket gates. They have a rope or something similar set-up at the end of Main Street (usually before it fans out into the Hub). The shops and dining venues on Main Street are generally open, so you can shop or get something to eat while you wait. Then at the park's official opening time, they "drop the rope" and guests can enter the rest of Disneyland. On EMH/MM "rope drop" is a little different, but still largely the same. There are already guests in FL and TL, but Adventureland and Frontierland are closed off (roped off). Non-EMH/MM guests are held on Main Street, but the waiting area is extended into the Hub area. The pathway the runs from TL and along the Plaza Inn is used as an entry/exit path for EMH/MM guests. Then when the park opens to everyone, all of the ropes are removed.

Busy. the poster found a site that suggested a 10 day is going to happen. How and what day is that going to happen? Poster came with those numbers. I am just suggesting that 2014 was a banner year in attendance and other than the economy there has to be another reason. And I am suggesting that folks budgeted for events in addtion to touring to what has become Halloween and Christmas CRUSH and not so much to be in the park spring break.

The OP mentioned that they got the numbers from Touring Plans, which goes from a scale of 1 to 10. I don't have access to Touring Plans, so I can't tell if the 10 is on Easter Sunday, but it wouldn't surprise me. Touring Plans has President's Day Monday as a 9 out of 10 and looking at how they define a "10", it would also fit with the "middle" of the Spring Break period.

I'm confused about whether or not you think it will be busy or not. On one hand it sounds like you think the crowds will be lower than expected because of Halloween and Christmas has attracted guests to those time periods and away from Spring Break, but on the other than you say "busy." So I am not quite sure what you are trying to say.

I'll just say again, I don't think Christmas and Halloween events really have a major impact on Spring Break crowds. Spring Break is a popular time of the year to visit and it will be crowded in the parks.

 

[purple figment]

Planning a trip for 3 families that includes 7 children 11-4 years old during Easter break can be daunting. If you are going the week leading up to Easter it will be more crowded than the week that begins on Easter Sunday. If at all possible, I would suggest going the second week.

Since you've been to WDW recently and Disneyland Resort (DLR) some years ago that helps. Disneyland (DL) refers to the original park and is often compared to the Magic Kingdom in WDW. Disney's California Adventure (DCA) is the second gate.

To get a general overview of DLR you can click on the grey Disneyland link at the top of this page and then click on any of the green links such as Theme Parks, Resorts, Dining, Planning, etc or here's a link to the same page:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/

Another useful tool is Hydroguy's thread called "A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" which might be useful in a reverse way since you've been to WDW recently:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Hydroguy has additional useful threads linked in his signature and there are additional information links in this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276

You could also buy or borrow from the library a guidebook such as Birnbaum's Guide to DL or the Unofficial Guide to DL. They're good for general information, but for the most current info the Disboard is probably the best.

As far as planning for specific days at DLR, I've found that multiple families, lots or children and crowded parks are all challenges. It will always take longer than you anticipate to get everyone organized and ready to move on to the next attraction or activity.

Have a general idea of which attractions you want to experience, try to minimize walking and time by staying in an area rather than criss crossing the park, utilize rope drop and fastpasses.

Is the house you have rented within walking distance of DL or will you be driving? You can either park at the Mickey and Friends structure or the Toy Story Lot which has buses to shuttle you to the park.

I agree that getting there at rope drop is important because you'll accomplish a lot early in the morning. When we've been there rope drop was at the far end of Main Street adjacent to the Camera shop and Coke/Refreshement Corner. If your tickets allow early entry take advantage of that as well.

Utilize fastpasses for the more popular rides. DLR still has the old paper FP system (yay) rather than the FP+ system instituted at WDW. However, DLR does enforce the return time so be sure to use your FP within the hour listed on them. Fantasmic! and World of Color both have FP and dining packages, but the FPs are disconnected from the rest of the system so you can hold a FP for the show and another for a ride at the same time.

As far as an afternoon break - it sounds like it wasn't too practical previously. If you are driving to the parks it can be time consuming to take a break so I would wait to see if it's worth the time to head back to the house. If you decide to stay in the parks there are shows to watch, you can ride the train around DL or sit down for lunch or a snack.

The Grand Californian allows access to only DCA, but it's a small entrance and can get backed up, especially in the morning. Many have said that if you are interested in Radiator Springs it is actually faster to exit the GCH, walk through DTD and enter via the main entrance. I think a character breakfast receipt will allow use of the hotel entrance, but I am not positive.

San Diego Zoo is enormous and very hilly so definitely plan on strollers and take advantage of the internal buses and moving sidewalk to take you from one location to another. There is also Sea World in San Diego.

It's been many years since we've been to Universal Studios in LA, but it is much smaller than Universal Orlando.

Good luck and feel free to ask any specific questions you may have.

 

[Zeebs]

Thank you everyone for the help.

The days we have scheduled to go is Thursday 2nd April which is a 10 crowd level, then Sunday 5th April (Easter Sunday) crowd level 6 Monday 6th April 8.

Unfortunately we can't change too much around.

the kids are 11, 11, 9, 9, 7, 7 and 4 my daughter is the 4 year old and has additional needs so we will have a stroller for her.

The house we have hired is a 10 min walk to the trams, so we will not be bothering with driving the cars to the parks.

I have seen Fantasmic before in WDW and while I liked it I am not sure I would spend my time waiting for it. I think we will have to see how we are going.

We have no issue splitting up from the group as I know all travelling together will be a nightmare at times.

The reason we thought about a character breakfast is 1. they don't really offer much choice for dinners, and the idea is if we eat early enough at the Grand Californian we can enter the side entrance and get a bit of a head start on the crowds.

Once again thank you I am sure we will all have a fab time,

Kirsten

 

[Zeebs]

because of the group set up we all have must sees, Universal is on one families list and the zoo on another, so compromise has us going both places.

 

[chickapin parterre]

* The trams, might be better off walking thru DTD, do some on line research for the trams using 2014 as a date. There have recently been issues.

* Do some research on entry from GCH. Sometimes it is faster thru the main gate.

* Wow, a 10 Thursday, when 10 is reserved for Christmas and NYE. I am thinking a misprint of information. Thursday is nothing special in the Easter calendar. Disneyland has nothing on their calendar. Hmmmmm!

* Can't compare last year because Easter was at the far end of the lunar calendar, really spreading out the crowds. Where as this year everything is bunched up, but why Thursday a 10 and the weekend a 6?

* If there are no issues of splitting up, then a grand time should be had by all. If the folks our depending on you for tips, then make a several postcards: postcard for bathroom locations, postcard for Fastpass locations, postcard for water fountains, and postcard for DO NOT's like don't board train in NOS, no Peter Pan, no Toontown on a hot day, no shopping at star tours, no flip flops ( shoes or strong sandals), etc

DOs, water bottles, snacks, ride train late in day for rest and quiet, Twain late in day for rest and quiet. have a schedule of choices. wear ponchos on splash, you will get wet and maybe will need dry socks.

*It is new experience for your friends. They have no concept of what to expect or how the magic happens. It will happen, relax and go where the pixie dust leads.

* Of course I don't write this for your benefit as you know all the tips for a grand trip. This is for your folks in California, in the living room when they are second guessing you " Really, is it that necessary???" yes folks, it is that necessary.

 

[figment_jii]

The house we have hired is a 10 min walk to the trams, so we will not be bothering with driving the cars to the parks.

I recently stayed a house on the west side of Walnut St and we thought about walking to the parking lot tram, but ultimately decided to walk the entire way to the parks. While the tram would have been nice (i.e., less walking), we would have had to fold up the strollers each time. In the end, we decided unloading the strollers and folding them up was a bigger hassle, than walking.

I have seen Fantasmic before in WDW and while I liked it I am not sure I would spend my time waiting for it. I think we will have to see how we are going.

Fantasmic is now using a FP-style system, so if you think you might want to see it, you'll need to get a FP for the show. While some elements of the DL and DHS F! are similiar, there are a few major differences. Most folks generally agree that the show at DL is better, but the seating at DHS is better. DL is pretty much standing room only (only some of the dining package viewing areas are seated). You might Google a video or two of DL's F! and see if you think the differences are worth seeing in person. For me, I watch F! at DL on a fairly regular basis, whereas it's a once-in-a-while show at DHS.

The reason we thought about a character breakfast is 1. they don't really offer much choice for dinners, and the idea is if we eat early enough at the Grand Californian we can enter the side entrance and get a bit of a head start on the crowds.

In truth, I don't know that having a breakfast at the GCH is really going to give you a head start on the crowds. Even if you eat there, you still can't use the entrance during EMH (if it's an EMH morning). Overall, I don't think you'll gain any time advantage eating at the GCH.

I went to DLR in mid-November with a group of twelve, but only two were kids (3 and 5), so different from your group, but still with little ones. For us, we found that we really couldn't "plan" the days per se. It was easier to know where we wanted to start the day and if there were any timed activities (e.g., shows like Mickey and Magical Map or Playhouse Disney) we wanted to do that day and then leave the rest of the day unplanned. We had a rough list of the attractions and shows we wanted to do, but we didn't plan out which order we'd do the attractions and/or see the show.

With a large group, it was easiest to split up and have a few set meeting times during the day (e.g., we'll be seeing the 3:30 pm show, dinner is at 6:00 pm, etc.). Being that you're all international, I don't know if you have easy access to texting, but we also used to that to keep in touch. (Just in case, there is no wifi in the park, so that seems to limit some folks ability to use their phones in the parks.)

Ultimately, given the size of your group, I think being flexible is going to be the most important part of your plan.

Wow, a 10 Thursday, when 10 is reserved for Christmas and NYE. I am thinking a misprint of information. Thursday is nothing special in the Easter calendar. Disneyland has nothing on their calendar. Hmmmmm!

It's Touring Plans....which is known to be a little wonky. They don't "reserve" a '10' for any particular days, but rather base it on past crowds and projected wait times (at least that's what they claim). I would take the '10' with a grain of salt, but I do think the parks will be fairly busy that day because local schools are on Spring Break.

If there are no issues of splitting up, then a grand time should be had by all. If the folks our depending on you for tips, then make a several postcards: postcard for bathroom locations, postcard for Fastpass locations, postcard for water fountains, and postcard for DO NOT's like don't board train in NOS, no Peter Pan, no Toontown on a hot day, no shopping at star tours, no flip flops ( shoes or strong sandals), etc

I agree with some of these tips, but disagree with others. I disagree with the tips about boarding the train at NOS, riding Peter Pan, and no shopping at Star Tours.

I've boarded the train at NOS dozens (probably hundreds) of times in my life and I haven't found that stop to be any better or worse than of the other stops.

I can't tell from the tips whether "no Peter Pan" means don't ride Peter Pan or if s/he's trying to tell you the attraction is likely to be closed while you are there. If it's the latter, then that is correct (it's rumored to be closed into early-May). If it's the former, then I disagree that you should outright skip Peter Pan. It is a immensely popular ride and lots of folks really like it.

In terms of no shopping at Star Tours, I'm not sure why there is anything wrong with the Star Traders shop. It has some unique items (like build-your-own Lightsaber, build-your-own Droid) and plenty of other Star Wars merchandise. It also usually has a good selection of Disneyland Park merchandise. It's one of the bigger shops in DL, and I shop there quite often. I took the 3 year old I was with to pick out on his Christmas presents there. So, I don't see anything wrong with shopping at Star Traders.

A side note, but the guide map for both parks indicates where the bathrooms are located. There are usually drinking fountains near the bathrooms and you can also get a free cup of ice water at any of the counter service locations.

Most all of the FP distribution kiosks are near the entrance to the attractions. The Fastpass Encyclopedia thread has the locations listed in the first post:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3094011
The ones with remote distribution locations are:

• RSR is distributed near It's A Bug's Life, about halfway between Carthay Circle and Carsland.
• Splash Mountain is distributed near The Briar Patch (shop) across from Hungry Bear.
• Star Tours is distributed across the walkway, near the entrance to BUzz Lightyear Astro Blaster.
• WoC show FPs are distributed at Grizzly River Run.
• F! show FPs are distributed near Big Thunder Ranch.

If you're interested in meeting the characters from Frozen or seeing the Frozen Sing-Along in DCA or the show in Fantasy Faire, then those are also using a FP/Return Ticket system. I haven't tried any of them, but there are a few threads with recent information that might be worth looking at before you go.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3364890
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3366642

DOs, water bottles, snacks, ride train late in day for rest and quiet, Twain late in day for rest and quiet. have a schedule of choices. wear ponchos on splash, you will get wet and maybe will need dry socks.

I agree that riding the Mark Twain in the evening can be a lot of fun. It is worth noting that the Mark Twain stops running in the early-evening. The ship is used in F!, so they have to get it ready. So, if F! is being presented that evening, you can stop by the dock and ask when the last departure will be for the day.

 

[chickapin parterre]

Well, Easter cannot be based on past experiences. It is not a calendar holiday. It is a lunar holiday

Touring plans gave July fourth a 10 for 2014. That didn't happen. July fourth (US Holiday) was a 6 till 2:00 and maybe reached an 8 by fireworks.

13 folks leaving Star tours, along with 27 other folks at the same time, being swept down the ramp into a a very tight merchandise area, narrow isles full of previous adults and kids, tons of eye candy, and crowds of adults and kids....kids, wait, where did the kids disappear?? And the autopa fastpass expires in 10 mins, someone needs the bathroom, drink, and we have to pull out the map to find out where the bathroom is located.

All that I am suggesting is that in the park there are places that will consume time from the plan. Unforeseen places. Like a store full of toys that offers no outlet for adults to shuttle kids away from the merchandising. A pep talk at the house or before boarding addressing the end of the Star Tours ride: about the store (we will go back later at an assigned time), the extreme flow of folks in the store and any physical conditions from the ride.

Or what happens when Indy is down, Pirates is Down and HM has yet to open? All at the same time. What do you do? Flexible ??? sure, but what does that mean when 100's of folks around you are trying to be flexible.

When I help folks plan their trips to Disneyland I tell them that it is highly likely that many attractions will close at one time. But not to worry , they have help, the Flexible Card. they pull out the FLEXIBLE card, look for the Bold letters ROA. It recommends that they leave the area and head to Main street and board the variety of vehicles, find a bench, snack and water.

Then continue on with the magic into the next section of the day.

And this is not a magic killer. The magic is outside the store, outside the intersections of folks looking at maps. The magic can be structured or the magic can spontaneously happen around every corner. But each will have a different outcome at the end of the day.

 

[figment_jii]

Well, Easter cannot be based on past experiences.

Sure it can...Easter may not happen on the same day every year, but it does happen every year. That's not to say that every single Easter will be identical, but all of the touring plans use past data to help predict the future. Without past data, there is no way to make any type of reasonable estimate about the future. But it is just that, an estimate, and it's bound to have errors.

All that I am suggesting is that in the park there are places that will consume time from the plan. Unforeseen places. Like a store full of toys that offers no outlet for adults to shuttle kids away from the merchandising. A pep talk at the house or before boarding addressing the end of the Star Tours ride: about the store (we will go back later at an assigned time), the extreme flow of folks in the store and any physical conditions from the ride.

I think each group is different and each group can handle different things in different ways. I didn't find there to be any issues with taking children out via the stores. We didn't lose them and we didn't need to promise them a return trip later to exit the store. I bolded the part about assigning a return time to a store, which is not something I would do, unless it's to say, "we'll come back later" or something very generic. Saying "we'll come back at 12:30 pm" or something specific like an assigned time, seems counter-productive to being flexible.

When I help folks plan their trips to Disneyland I tell them that it is highly likely that many attractions will close at one time. But not to worry , they have help, the Flexible Card. they pull out the FLEXIBLE card, look for the Bold letters ROA. It recommends that they leave the area and head to Main street and board the variety of vehicles, find a bench, snack and water.

I've never heard of a Flexible card, but I don't see any reason to say you have to leave the area. There are plenty of other attractions in that area and you have no way in advance to know how the lines will look. The issue with having "if this...then that" type plans is what happens if there is something happen at the assigned fallback activity. Are you going to have to make "iff this...then that" cards for every possible permutation? For example, what happens if you pull out your ROA card and it says to go to Main Street, but it's right during the parade? You wouldn't be able to the ride the vehicles and you probably couldn't find an unoccupied bench. It for reasons like this that I think having cards that tell you what to do is the exact opposite of being flexible and going with the flow of things. This is not to say that guests shouldn't have a general sense of what is in that same area and some alternatives in mind of what they can/want to do. I just don't see a reason to have a card telling them what to do.

I suppose in the end, we just have to accept that we tour very differently (I definitely tour one way when I'm with all adults and another way when I'm with small children). Your system would end up stressing me out, with all of the flash cards and the lists of do and don't written down. I would prefer to have a general sense of what I want to do on any given day and then adapt as the day goes.

 

[Jennafoo]

Gotta agree with Figment here. I'd take chickapin's advice with a grain of salt...which I guess is actually good advice for the internet in general.

Maybe it's just the super confusing writing style (I still am not sure what they mean by "getting out your flexible card and looking for ROA"; maybe I'm dense), but the tips seem to be either counter to what I've heard before, or very specific to the poster's own experience.

Not discounting it entirely, just recommending that the OP check out posts by long-time DISers like Figment, especially if they're confused by the advice.

 

[Sherry E]

Kirsten --

I didn't want to bombard you with too much information -- especially since you will be trying to make the most of the limited time you have at DLR -- but I wanted to mention that I spent a bit of time enjoying the Springtime/Easter activities at DLR last year (which spanned late March to April 20th). If you are interested in hearing more about what those entail, just say the word and I will share some links to threads and blogs about the 2014 festivities (I've got them all saved in a file!). Although nothing has been announced just yet and may not be announced until March, I would have to assume that, after the success of last year's Easter Egg hunts in DL and in DCA, the same events will take place again this year.

 

[Zeebs]

Hi Sherry,

Thank you very much I would love the information and tips that would be great. Hadn't even thought of the Easter Bunny side of Easter and what we would do while we are on our trip.

many thanks
Kirsten

 

[jlearn]

Kirsten --

I didn't want to bombard you with too much information -- especially since you will be trying to make the most of the limited time you have at DLR -- but I wanted to mention that I spent a bit of time enjoying the Springtime/Easter activities at DLR last year (which spanned late March to April 20th). If you are interested in hearing more about what those entail, just say the word and I will share some links to threads and blogs about the 2014 festivities (I've got them all saved in a file!). Although nothing has been announced just yet and may not be announced until March, I would have to assume that, after the success of last year's Easter Egg hunts in DL and in DCA, the same events will take place again this year.

I would love to hear about the activities and other special events that DLR has during Easter. I will be bringing my family out for our first visit to DLR from April 6 to the 11, 2015. We have been to WDW many, many times and are looking forward to this great experience!