How early to arrive during Spring Break?

[castawaycayfans]

Our plan is to go to DL on 4/26 and I found out that they are open at 8am. So how early should we plan on heading over there? I know how to plan for WDW, but this is our first time at DL. I want to do as much as possible, but have reasonable expectations on what we can accomplish in a day. I know that we can't hit everything, but what are some of the things that we should not miss since we only have 1 day?

Thanks!!!

 

[PinkBudgie]

If you only have one day, then be there before 8am. You want to be there before gate opening- maybe 7:30-7:45. The time you leave your hotel depends on where you are staying, if you are parking and taking the tram, or if you are walking.
Are you doing just DL or doing both DL and DCA too? There are so many things to see, it depends on what is important to you. Big rides, classic rides, rides only at DLR, shows?

 

[MVBowers111]

I agree with the previous poster...I'd be there no later than 7:30 so you can get in line. If you only have one day, I'd make a list of the rides that you have to experience and then make a plan and use fast pass. Look up Hydroguys tips for fast pass and follow that. You can get a lot done in a day if you work your plan well. You may also consider Ridemax, I've heard great things about it but have never used it myself. I'm pretty good with my own plans since we've been so many times. Have a great vacation!

 

[castawaycayfans]

Thanks for the info!!!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I would be through bag check and in line at the gates at 7:30. It is an early entry morning, so when making your ride plan, be aware that there will be people in the park ahead of you in Main Street, Tomorrowland, and Fantasyland.

 

[Hound 109]

I would be through bag check and in line at the gates at 7:30. It is an early entry morning, so when making your ride plan, be aware that there will be people in the park ahead of you in Main Street, Tomorrowland, and Fantasyland.

Agreed. Be in line at security at 7:20 - 7:25am.

But OP.... if you're staying ONsite.....be at the security tent at 6:25am (for MM).


My one day trip report (linked in my signature at the bottom of my post) might be helpful.

Also, here is info from a similar post a couple of days ago:

Quote:
If you are a WDW veteran, then here is your primer.....a must read!!:

HydroGuy's DLR for the WDW veteran tip thread. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699


Also, lots of good info for the WDW vet in Mary Jo's tip thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084


Regarding touring DLR....the two most important things to remember is to:

- Get to the parks BEFORE opening &
- Know how to use FP at DLR.


30 minutes early is typically when security opens (so getting in THIS line 35-40 min. early is best). Being one of the first 8-10 families at Security will get you up front (probably first thru third family) in line at the DL turnstile. Being very near the front of the turnstiles is important (to me) so that:

- For MM I'm first on Peter Pan...if i'm first on PP then the rest of MM flows easily. & even if i'm not doing PP, i would want to be first on Matterhorn...or SM (or whatever) during MM.

"Critique of MM/EE" by Hound 109 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392671


- Even on a non MM day, I want to be one of the first few the turnstiles so i can get to SM (or Indy) FP machine first (to start the FP collection clock). Then we'll hop on our first ride a minute or two later & begin the important first 90-120 min. of the day at DLR.



KNOW THESE FP THREADS:

"Getting the Most Out of FastPass During High Season" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=885132

"FastPass for Dummies and Smarties - A Photographic Explanation" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1186052

"Which Fast Pass First?" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1107718 (see my post #4 in that thread)

"Strategies For Using DL and DCA Opening Time Differences to Collect More Fastpasses"
www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1553197

"Why I Park Hop" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961



If you have kiddos ages 4-11, then Jedi Training is a must:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699



Regarding getting to the Security Tent 30-40 min. prior to opening:

The one time that I lined up 5 min. before opening (instead of 35 minutes before opening), I was way back (40-50 families back) at the turnstiles when i walked up. 2-3 rides could have been ridden by the time I've made it thru the turnstiles 10-12 min. after opening.

Plus there's lots to do while you wait the 30 min.... Pics to take, maps (& touring plans) to study, sunscreen to put on, McBreakfasts to munch on, people watching to do, talking to others in line who are as pumped up as you.

& if they "let people onto Main St." early.....the first ones thru the turnstile are also the first ones on the rope on Main St.

Some may think that this thought process is a tad anal (& they're right )....& many will say they prefer to "go with the flow".......But I (& many others here) also like to "go with the flow".......but we will tour (& collect FPs) very scientifically the first 2-2.5 hours, & then because we are so productive those first 2 1/2 hours...... we are able to "go with the flow" the rest of the day (but still enjoy all of our favorites ).

Have fun at Walt's Park....next time plan 3 days minimum though.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

But OP.... if you're staying ONsite.....be at the security tent at 6:25am (for MM).

Whoops. Good point. I was thinking about the one day part and forgot to ask where they are staying. OP, definitely go to MM if you are staying onsite. That first hour will help you greatly in maximizing your one day. Agree with Hound about doing 3 days next time if you decide to come back; 4 would be even better.

 

[perlster]

& if they "let people onto Main St." early.....the first ones thru the turnstile are also the first ones on the rope on Main St.

Well ... you might think so, but it's not necessarily so.

Back to the day of the Visual Crowd Report - I did get to the rope (as that photo implies), but I was hardly one of the first ones through the turnstile (although I sure was surprised). Perhaps 200 or so people made it through before I started up Main Street. I didn't dawdle.

 

[Hound 109]

& if they "let people onto Main St." early.....the first ones thru the turnstile are also the first ones on the rope on Main St.

Well ... you might think so, but it's not necessarily so.

Back to the day of the Visual Crowd Report - I did get to the rope (as that photo implies), but I was hardly one of the first ones through the turnstile (although I sure was surprised). Perhaps 200 or so people made it through before I started up Main Street. I didn't dawdle.

That picture......


Ok....let me re-phrase.....it's best to be near the front of the turnstiles so one can be first on Peter Pan....

....& if they "let people onto Main St." early.....the first ones thru the turnstile are also the first ones on the rope on Main St.....

......except for perlster & other cool Dis'ers who never dawdle & are ALWAYS holding the rope!




Why on earth don't they open at 8am on days like this??? (Texas & AZ & probably other states have Spring Break....so folks will be up early.)

 

[perlster]

Methinks/Mehopes (if some big shots remember this next year and learn their lesson) that Disneyland will open at 8 AM on any non-MM day during Spring Break of 2012.

After twice getting on board the second ship , I put the petal to the metal that morning - no way was anybody gonna out"walk" me to Peter Pan this time.

 

[HydroGuy]

Methinks/Mehopes (if some big shots remember this next year and learn their lesson) that Disneyland will open at 8 AM on any non-MM day during Spring Break of 2012.

After twice getting on board the second ship , I put the petal to the metal that morning - no way was anybody gonna out"walk" me to Peter Pan this time.

Did I miss something? This has been standard practice for a long time I thought?

"Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124

 

[perlster]

You missed something.

 

[HydroGuy]

You missed something.

OK, looking at last year - Friday, March 12, 2010 until Sunday, April 11, 2010 - I see hours of 8AM until Midnight every day.