Help me plan for 1 day at the last minute! UPDATED WITH A PLAN

[JoyG]

Could someone help me plan a 1 day tour of Disneyland? Dh has a business trip and the two of us are going to try to do DL on Superbowl Sunday. This is very last minute for me and I am freaking out a bit b/c I am a compulsive planner and this is just not enough time! From what I read in the searches, is Superbowl Sunday was crowded last year...so I need to plan well. We'll be driving up from San Diego for the day and arriving to be there at park opening.

We were in WDW this summer and these are some of the things we saw and wouldn't care to repeat at DL:

Dumbo/Aladdin's carpets/Astro Orbitor
Small World
Jungle Cruise
Haunted Mansion
Teacups


Things we saw at WDW and would like to repeat at DL:
Peter Pan
Pooh
Buzz
Philharmagic (is that there?)

Didn't see at WDW but would like to see at DL:
Pirates
Snow White
Fantasmic
Honey Shrunk Audience (is that there?)
Any non roller coaster/thrill rides that aren't at WDW

I'm not a big roller coaster fan, although I wouldn't be opposed to simulator type rides like Soarin (although we can't do again in DL b/c we're not going to DCA)


Is there anyone who enjoys planning who'd like to create a plan for me, including dining reccommendations?

Thanks!
Joy

I posted my tour plan in the thread below, please critique it for me!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Ok...Eat at the Blue Bayou!!! It is inside Pirates of the Car. ride and the monte crisco sandwiches make my mouth water whenever I think about them! Call and make a PS for that. Also, do the pirates ride, it is different to WDW and is awesome! I don't want to spoil it for you, but definately do it!
Do the Matterhorn - its not scary and not really like a roller coaster! You will LOVE it!
Pooh is there over by Splash Mtn - its not my fave, but you may like it.
They have Buzz, Peter Pan,etc... and also other dark rides like Mr. Toad, Snow White, Pinocchio that are not at WDW and neat to see. I think the Snow White show may be in rehab? Not sure. We went to it and liked it, but loved the Aladdin show over in DCA much better. That show is worth the price of admission alone. You might want to consider getting a hopper so you can go over and do Soarin' and Aladdin if nothing else! Aladdin reminded me of a full blown broadway production and I was IMPRESSED!
We went to Honey I Shrunk the Audience and left about 5 mins into it. TOO scary for us....not our thing.
There is one simulator ride and thats the Star Wars one. I am not big on these, but we did it the once.
The autopia is pretty fun here. Small World is much different, as you will see when you are there, and you might be tempted to go on it! Remember its a good place to sit down for 10 mins and have air conditioning! hahaha.

They do have Fantasmic, but you have to check the schedule to see if/when it is playing whle you are there.

Hope this helps a bit!

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

If you are really concerned about making the most of your day, consider purchasing RideMax planning software (http://www.ridemax.com). You get 90 days for $16.95 (I don't know of any discounts out there).

RideMax is a touring plan optimizer, meaning you plug in what you want to see along with the date and it figures out which attractions you should visit when. It's PARTICULARLY worth it on busy days.

Along with the software, you'll have access to some RideMax "insider's secrets" like good parade spots, etc. Maybe nothing you couldn't pick up by spending the next couple of weeks scouring these boards, but it's pretty compact. That alone might be worth $17!

I played with RM for our Dec trip and really liked playing with it. We didn't end up following any particular itenerary, but that was our fault, not the software's. If I had another trip planned, I'd be right back on the subscribers list!

Don't forget Indiana Jones in Adventureland! It's a herky-jerky ride, but not a roller coaster and REALLY well done. If you liked Tarzan, check out his treehouse in Adventureland, too. They remade the Swiss Family Treehouse into his place a few years ago. It's a neat walkthrough, but not worth waiting in line for.

Get familiar with DL's FP system, as it's official policy to ignore the return window--they are good from the start of the window through the end of park hours that day. That is an IMPORTANT timesaver!

I'm sure you'll get lots of great advice on this board. Everyone was so helpful answering all my questions for our Dec trip! Happy planning!

 

[JoyG]

Thank you so much for the reccommedations! I had read about Ridemax but wondered if it was worth it for just one day...it sounds like the equivalent of Tour Guide Mike for WDW...which I loved by the way!

It's great to know I can use the FP all day!

I have a question about early entry...will there be resort guests allowed to enter early on the day that I go to DL (Feb 5)? How does that usually affect the crowds? I've never had the experience at WDW where I entered after anyone else...I was always right there at rope drop! LOL. Will there be lines already when I get there?

Is there anyplace to get an early breakfast seating that will allow me in the park earlier than usual?

Thanks!
Joy

 

[tink2dw]

Is there anyplace to get an early breakfast seating that will allow me in the park earlier than usual?

Yes I would like to the answer to this!!

 

[nskjerven]

no early entrance other than what you can get it you have it with your ticket (some do have them)

I have to comment on your pass & do list...

Dumbo/Aladdin's carpets/Astro Orbitor (I agree, not supper great)
Small World ) you really should do this DL is much bigger and better IMO
Jungle Cruise )missed it at WDW can't comment
Haunted Mansion Dland is different and longer....
Teacups Dland again is different, but you can see this one and decide(late night is the time to do fantasyland(after 10pm easy on/short lines)


Things we saw at WDW and would like to repeat at DL:
Peter Pan (the line is allways long, no fast pass, short lines early am late night)
Pooh (love it)
Buzz (new and better, IMO)
Philharmagic (is that there?) (yes we have a show, not the same, good and fun about Dland history)

Didn't see at WDW but would like to see at DL:
Pirates (a must!!!)
Snow White (good show, try to sit down in front for best seats)
Fantasmic (didn't see at WDW, but love it at Dland, get there at least an house early for good seats, sit as close to the edge of the lake as you can)
Honey Shrunk Audience (is that there?) (yes, but this isn't my favorite, I'd do other things first)
Any non roller coaster/thrill rides that aren't at WDW Space Mountain is of course a roller coaster but it is very smooth, I refuse the others myself.

Best advice is to use Fast pass.

Good luck and have fun!!!

Nan

 

[Amy&Dan]

There is nothing like Mickey's Philharmagic at Disneyland unfortunately. The movie mentioned by the other poster is on Main Street and is a history of Disneyland narrated by and starring Steve Martin. This is something for the 50th and if you are into Disney history should not be missed as I assume it will be removed and replaced with the Abe Lincoln exhibit that is usually there once the 50th ends this fall.

Fantasyland at Disneyland is superior and has several rides that can't be found at WDW: Mr. Toad, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Storybookland Canal Boats (I love this one at dusk, it is so peaceful and pretty), Casey Jr. Circus Train (I would skip this one as you see basically the same stuff on the canal boats and this line is a slow mover). Peter Pan is better at DL IMHO but Snow White is better in WDW, again IMHO! Also the Matterhorn is in Fantasyland and not scary but really bumpy and jerky. So if that bothers you avoid at all costs! It is similar but even bumpier than WDW's Space Mountain. Speaking of Space Mountain, Disneyland's has been refurbed and its wonderful. Nothing like WDW's, much smoother, with cool music and affects. Also so much easier to get in and out of than the ride vehicles on WDW's versioin. Nothing scary, no big drops or anything like that. I would also suggest riding the train, DL's is a bit different with a very nice Grand Canyon/prehistoric dinosaur sequence not found at WDW. It can also be a nice way to get from one area to another while you rest your feet!

Pirates is far superior at Disneyland, much longer and just better. I agree that Blue Bayou is wonderful. If you can't get an ADR ,than I might suggest one of the cs places in New Orleans Square. Since WDW doesn't have this "land" you might enjoy it. The French Market is good and they usually have live jazz on Sunday's. Riverbelle Terrace is also nice with wonderful views of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer's Island.

In Adventureland, Indiana Jones is a great ride. Same ride vehicle as Dinosaur in AK but a far superior ride with just incredible theming and effects. It is also smoother than Dinosaur. Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain are fun to do but pretty much like WDW's counterparts, so I would make sure you see the unique things in Adventureland and Fantasyland before seeing those. Als, you don't sound too thrilled with rollercoaster type rides. I think you mentioned Honey I Shrunk the Audience. Disneyland's version is completely identical to WDW's and a somewhat dated show. If you are planning any upcoming trip to WDW where you would have more time I would save this show for that trip. I like it, but it can be a tad time consuming with the pre show. Now if you are huge fans of that movie, by all means go and see it!

Above all see Remember! It is by far the best fireworks display I have seen at any Disney park and a must see! Fantasmic is better at DL, go to the later show if they have one, it is less crowded. And again, I think it is better but still very similar to WDW's version but without all that nice seating. So if that isn't a favorite of yours, don't waste your time. And i wouldn't compromise seeing Remember from the hub, Main Street or near Small World (you miss some affects but still have a great view and they project very cool images on Small World exterior and you don't have to stake a spot as early) to see Fantasmic. The parade is also wonderful and something unique for the 50th.

So my advice (for what its worth ) is to get there early, 30 minutes before park opening, meaning get to the gate 45 minutes before park opening. They open Main Street 30 min early if the park opens at 9:00 or later. See Fantasyland first since there are no fastpass attractions in Fantasyland. Then you can tour the other lands as you wish. We can generally see Fantasyland in around one hour if we get there first thing.

I think you are smart to skip California Adventure. I love the park but you can pretty much do everything there in one form or another at WDW. The exception to this Aladdin. It is an incredible show but with your one day schedule just not feasible I suppose.

Good luck! With your knowledge of WDW, especially fastpass and arriving early, you should be able to get a lot done. I have done Ridemax, it is not nearly as detailed as Tourguide Mike but can help you come up with a very detailed itinerary. It will even figure in breaks, ask you how fast you like to tour etc. Have a great time and be sure to post a trip report and let us know what you think about the original!

 

[JoyG]

Ok, I got a guide book for DL over the weekend and went through and decided which attractions I'd like to do.

Here's my touring plan:

-Leave San Diego at 6:30am to be in Anaheim before park opening at 9:00
9-10am
1. Proceed to Indiana Jones and pick up fast pass.
2. Go straight to Fantasyland
3. Ride Peter Pan
4. Ride Alice in Wonderland
5. Ride Mr. Toad
6. Ride Snow White
7. Ride Pinnochio
8. Ride Storybook Canal
9. Head over to Toontown, grab FP for Roger Rabbit (or ride immediately if there's no line) This FP machine isn't "linked" so I should be able to hold this FP at same time as Indie.
Take train to New Orleans Square.

10-11am

10. Ride Pirates of Carribean (will have to wait in line, hopefully not longer than 1/2 hour).
11. Use FP for Indie (should be near the return time now). Pick up another FP after the ride or before the ride for later in the day.

11:00-11:45
12. Early Lunch at Blue Biyou

11:45-1:00
13. Take Train back to Toon Town (may need to wait a few minutes, hopefully not too long)
14. Use FP for Roger Rabbit
15. Snow White show (wait time??)
16. Small World (wait time??)

1:00-2:00
17. Proceed to Tommorrowland
18. Get FP for Buzz (If out of FP, may have to wait or skip this attraction)
19. See Honey I Shrunk the Audience (wait time??)

2:00
20. Head to Main Street for parade. Since we don't have kids with us, I'm not too concerned about staking out a spot. As long as I'm in the vicinity I should be ok (?).
21. Browse the Cinema and Disney 1st 30 years shows.
22. Spend some time shopping before or after parade.

4:00
23. Early Dinner at Carnation

5:00
24. Head over to Buzz to use FP if I was able to get one.
25. Head over to Winnie the Pooh (if the line isn't too long try to do it, if not forget it)
26. Waste time until Fantasmic and Fireworks. Do Indie again with FP. Possibly leave park for a little while or find some characters and act like a kid.
27. See Fantasmic and Fireworks


My time estimates get fuzzy after 11 or so. I know I packed in alot during the first hour at Fantasyland. I based this on when I went this summer I was able to walk on no less that 5 or 6 rides in the first hour the park was open.

I would like to ride the Mark Twain Riverboat but I don't think I'll be able to fit it in. I've seen Buzz (no less than 5 times this summer!) so if the line is too long and I don't get a FP, it won't kill me.

I might have a long line at Pooh also, which I'll skip b/c I did that this summer also. Other than that these are the only rides we wanted to do here. What do you think of my times? Will I be able to get this done?

Thanks for input!

Joy

 

[Amy&Dan]

That sounds pretty good. Just to let you know, the Snow White show is currently not running. It may start back up this summer but I haven't heard in awhile. It stopped running after Labor Day. You should be fine to see the parade without too much stake out time! If you haven't already, I would for sure call and make reservations for both of those restaurants. The number is 714-781-3463. Blue Bayou in particular can get very busy. Wait times for Small World and Honey I Shrunk shouldn't be too bad. Pooh Bear does not usually have the long line that the WDW one does since it is located in Critter Country and not Fantasyland. I think you can get this done, it will certainly be a full day but with just two adults you can move pretty quickly. Remember that you can also shop at the end of the day, the shops on Main Street stay open one hour past park closing. Have a really fun time!

 

[Judy from Boise]

I think your plan looks very good. When you first get to Indy in the am sometimes the FP machines aren't up and running in which case you could ride it first then grab the FP.Also the grand canyon part of the train is through the tomorrowland to main st segment. A full circle is a nice way to relax mid day!