Help, newbie with last minute scheduling ???

[lor]

Hi, we just booked a least minute trip to Disney., myself, my DH and my 9 year old daughter...yah!!!, but need some input as to scheduling, we are going to have 5 days to spend down there, Nov 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. We would like to do 2 days on the California side , 2 days on the "Disney side, and spend one day going to Sea World. so if anybody has advice ???...
1) Which days to go to which park?
2) which day out of our 5 would be best for sea world
3) Also we have one day of early entry , so which day would be good to use that on?

Thanks very much !! any help would be much appreciated Also what rides/ attractions get busy, and we should hit first??

frantic mom last minute planning
Lor

 

[wishonstars]

I'm going to recommend the ride max software. It's a program that helps you to schedule rides and make a plan for the days you will be there. Works for both Disneyland and California Adventure. When you sign up you also have access to his "great tips" which will probably give you some insight into which days might be best to do EE, and the parks. his website is just http://www.ridemax.com

As for Sea World, maybe the Saturday or Sunday you are gone? Disneyland should be busy then and Sea World as well, but I would put Sea World on a busier day personally. Good luck!

One more thing, EE is only on certain days, so make sure you don't miss that. Does anyone remember exactly what days EE is? I can't off the top of my head.

 

[mundaremom]

We haven't tried Ride Max so I can only go on personal experience. The days you have chosen we were in DL last year and it was busy but it wasn't. I honestly think DL is a hit and miss place. Last year we were walking by POTC on our way to Splash Mountain and noticed the sign said 5 Minute Wait - so we went and literaly walked onto the ride. We had this with a number of rides, I think DL and CA are best done without a schedule. Go with the flow, check out the different shows and characters. We loved the group that was outside the Golden Horseshoe, they were hillarious, same thing with the Sword and the Stone, this year there is also the Jedi Training and the Princess Faire. Last year we watched people running from one ride to the next, and I mean running, I couldn't understand that. There was so much to see, reactions from our kids (10 & 5 at the time), shops to explore, food to eat. Have a wonderful time I am sure your daughter will have a blast as will you and your husband. We had so much fun last Nov we are going again but this time we are arriving Nov 16 and bringing a few more family members with us. Last year our son went on the carausol with Mary Poppins totally unexpected but fun! You can't plan for those things. Have a great trip!

 

[got2travel]

Just so you know, Disney expects that weekend to be very busy. They've already extended the hours and added shows. I would recommend avoiding Disneyland Friday and Saturday. Do California Adventure or Sea World on those days. I haven't been to Sea World so I can't give any advice there.

It might kind of fun to start and end your trip in Disneyland. If you have early entry, definitely use it. I don't remember what days it's offered so that may interfere with the previous advice I've given. But then again you could do the early entry, get all your Fantasyland rides in, hit a few other E ticket rides then head over to California Adventure. It opens later than Disneyland anyway.

Search for Hydroguy's fastpass info to make sure you make full use of the fastpasses. The most important thing I tell people about fastpass is that even though it has a 1 hour return time frame, you are not limited to that one hour. You can't try to ride before your hour but you can still use the pass if you don't get back before the end time.

 

[lor]

Thanks for the info,
I think we will do Disney on the Thursday(Maybe with early entry), CA on the Friday, and Sea World on the Sat, and the rest of the days split between Disney and CA depending on hours and shows etc.
i would imagine it would be too late for any reservations for any restaurants and shows etc.
Lor

 

[minnietoo]

Thanks for the info,
I think we will do Disney on the Thursday(Maybe with early entry), CA on the Friday, and Sea World on the Sat, and the rest of the days split between Disney and CA depending on hours and shows etc.
i would imagine it would be too late for any reservations for any restaurants and shows etc.
Lor

no it is not too late - shows at DL are first come first served so you don't need ressies - and many resturants have same day seating available - you might need ressies for Blue Bayou - but I would bet you'll find seating for all others

 

[HydroGuy]

Search for Hydroguy's fastpass info to make sure you make full use of the fastpasses. The most important thing I tell people about fastpass is that even though it has a 1 hour return time frame, you are not limited to that one hour. You can't try to ride before your hour but you can still use the pass if you don't get back before the end time.

Here is a link: "Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

Also, I agree that Thursday with EE sounds like the best bet for DL. One thing to pay attention to is the schedule of shows, parades and fireworks. You may need to hop into DL on your DCA day over a weekend to see them.

Also another vote here for RideMax which I have used. Just remember that if you create a RideMax itinerary, that does not mean you have to follow it for the entire day. When we have used it, it is typically only for the morning.

 

[ScrapperKimmyD]

I believe EE is M, T, Th.

It's not too late to make reservations - I just did yesterday for BB, Plaza Inn and Lilo & Stitch.

 

[HydroGuy]

I believe EE is M, T, Th.

And Saturday.