Help needed for Columbus Day weekend

[Jensspark]

I will be at DLR October 9, 10 and 11 and need some help planning. I'm a WDW regular and know how to plan my trips there, but I'm really confused for my DLR trip!

I will probably do the MM at DL on Sunday the 10th, but any ideas for what I should do on Saturday and Monday? I won't be arriving on Saturday until early afternoon (flight in to San Diego arrives at 10:30). Monday I need to drive back to San Diego, but probably won't leave until around 7:00 (will push back to 8:00 if that's the parks' closing time).

I'm sure I will face some fun crowds...how would the crowd levels compare to WDW/MK in June?

I would like to see WOC if it is still happening (maybe on Saturday night w/the picnic?). Right now I'm thinking of hopping between the 2 parks on Saturday, devoting most of Sunday to DL and most of Monday to DCA (TSMM opening mid-trip for me leaves me possibly doing this).

I will be alone, so there aren't any sit down meals, I can do SR lines, and I'm completely flexible. Basically, I'm a blank page that will soak up all of your suggestions/tips for this "holiday" weekend.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Nala83]

I hate to see a lonely thread! I've never been on Columbus Day, but it has been surprisingly busy in recent years. As a WDW expert, you know all the tricks- get there at park opening, collect fastpasses at every opportunity, and pack patience.

You should still be able to grab a fastpass when you arrive on Saturday. Some (like Space) may be out for the day, but BTMRR and Buzz should still be available. See fireworks and/or Fantasmic (better than WDW) Saturday night.

There's a great thread in the stickies about Magic Morning. Your best bet is to knock out all of the Fantasyland rides in that hour.

Picnics work well for WOC, that way you don't have to give up your precious early morning by standing in line.

What else...single rider lines are more prevalent than at WDW. Locations in DL: Splash and Indy. Locations in DCA: Screamin, GRR, Soarin, MM. I don't think I've ever waited in the regular line for Splash of GRR- single rider is your friend.

Have specific questions? Ask!

 

[PHXscuba]

Columbus weekend will be very busy at DLR -- I believe DL hit capacity at least on Friday last year. All of the Halloween stuff being up and the Halloween parties draw more visitors that time of year.

There is a great thread called "Halloween at Disneyland". It's insanely long, but it will answer a lot of questions, or you can ask your own. I believe there's also a "visiting in October" thread.

The best thing about DLR is that you can make great use of park-hopping to collect the FPs and maximize the opening/closing times. It's SOOO much easier than WDW. With two and a half days and larger crowds, you'll want to focus on the stuff that's unique to DLR or to Halloweentime.

Check the stickies at the top for HydroGuy's tips -- he has a special one for WDW vets coming to DLR. It's a great synopsis for people who know Disney but not Disneyland.

PHXscuba