Help with day trip?

[mrswh]

First day trip to DLR. We usually stay on property, so we are right there and have early entry. Just trying to figure out a strategy for a one-day trip (coming from about 30 minutes away) with no early entry.

First, we plan to buy park hoppers. The day we will be there both parks open at 8:00 and it is an EE/EMH day for DL. I know we need to be in the FP line for RSR right at opening to get FPs. Then what? Stay at DCA and ride TSMM? Or by the time we get through the FP line is the TSMM line going to be 45 minutes anyway? Most important rides at DLR are IJ, BTMRR, Star Tours, POTC and Space Mtn. At DCA the kids will surely want to ride Goofy's 10 times, and I know early a.m. there is no line . . . but don't want to end up in 2 hour line for IJ later in the day. Would love any suggestions on which park to go to first/next - I don't mind a bit of hopping but don't want to be zipping back and forth between parks every 15 minutes to get FPs.

Second - how much time should I allot for congestion around the parks, parking, riding the tram in, etc.? Any tips on arriving/parking??

Thanks a ton!!

 

[MouseEXP]

First day trip to DLR. We usually stay on property, so we are right there and have early entry. Just trying to figure out a strategy for a one-day trip (coming from about 30 minutes away) with no early entry.

First, we plan to buy park hoppers. The day we will be there both parks open at 8:00 and it is an EE/EMH day for DL. I know we need to be in the FP line for RSR right at opening to get FPs. Then what? Stay at DCA and ride TSMM? Or by the time we get through the FP line is the TSMM line going to be 45 minutes anyway? Most important rides at DLR are IJ, BTMRR, Star Tours, POTC and Space Mtn. At DCA the kids will surely want to ride Goofy's 10 times, and I know early a.m. there is no line . . . but don't want to end up in 2 hour line for IJ later in the day. Would love any suggestions on which park to go to first/next - I don't mind a bit of hopping but don't want to be zipping back and forth between parks every 15 minutes to get FPs.

Second - how much time should I allot for congestion around the parks, parking, riding the tram in, etc.? Any tips on arriving/parking??

Thanks a ton!!

I will answer the second question first. It can take 30 minutes to get from the parking lots to the entrance. Also take a look at the Toy Story Parking Lot that could be a bit better than the Mickey and Friends parking structure. Especially when you are heading home.

So basically if the park opens at 8am leave at your place by 645 to 655am. Get to parking by 720am. Arrive for rope drop by 750am.

If you start at Disneyland
Grab a FP for Indy at opening
Ride Star Tours. Then Buzz Lightyear . Grab FP for Space Mountain when it is time.
Ride Big Thunder
Use FP for Indy
Ride Pirates and Mansion
Use FP for Space
Head to DCA (should be around 1030am-11am)
Grab a FP for RSR
Only issue is that TSMM will be a 45 minute wait.
For Goofy FP would be easy, but if you can use Single Rider it would be easier and fast if you want multiple rides.

If DCA is first
Grab a RSR FP
Then TSMM ( should be around 10-20 minute wait)
Then Screamin, Goofy a few times
Grizzly River
Use FP for RSR
Then if you want ride RSR later at night go ahead and grab a FP for RSR on your way out.
When you get to Disneyland FP order should be Space, Indy, Star Tours, Big Thunder.

 

[tarheelalum]

If you are going to just do the day don't make a bunch of plans. Just be there very early and give yourself extra time to park at mickey and and friends and be prepared to walk from the there because waiting for the tram can waste a lot of time and make you late.

Just have a rough idea of things you want to do. Do the things that you really want to do first that way later on in the day if they are broke down you won't get let down (Indiana Jones).

Download a good wait times app so you have an idea of what is going on crowd wise throughout the parks. I have an android phone and I use the mousewait free version. I don’t know what iPhone people use.

And most importantly don't stress about rides if they are broke down or whatever. You are at DL and you should be enjoying your day first and foremost. Don't turn your day into a military operation by planning everything out. Just go with the flow and have a good time.