How early to get to Disneyland park w/out using Magic Morning entry?

[Divine Disney]

I'll be going to Disneyland for only a day and staying offsite early Jan 2018. Disneyland has Magic Morning entry that day, but I won't be able to utilize it this time. I'd like to beat the crowds as much as possible and be there for "rope drop", but I'm not familiar with facing my current scenario. I'm used to either using Magic Morning or going to the opposite park. Either way, I'm usually one of the first at the gates.

Here is what my typical morning schedule looks so any advice on how to change it or what would be different would be a huge help!

• Arrive to parking structure 1hr45min before official park opening.
  • Usually waiting at booth to be let into Pinnochio lot since there so early.
• Park, ride tram, go through security, use restroom, get starbucks coffee.
• Get in line at gates approximately 1hr before opening.
  • Look for line that is the shortest or has no line at all.
  • Wait until gates are opened
• Get through turnstiles
• Rent stroller while having someone simultaneously get a locker and another getting our buttons from city hall
• Everyone meet back up at City Hall to head to rope at one of the lands
• Wait patiently until they rope drop

Also, can someone tell me where bag check/security has been lately? When I was there in January last year it was in the esplanade, but in Sept it was right outside the escalators for the parking structure. Thanks!

 

[smartlabelprint]

I would follow your typical morning schedule.

 

[smartlabelprint]

One suggestion. Order a stroller from city strollers and have it delivered to your hotel. Or bring your own.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Bag check at parking structure is permanent for now since the security perimeter was expanded to include DtD.

You won't beat any crowds in Fantasyland or Tomorrowland so I'd go to Adventureland & New Orleans Square if I was rope dropping a MM without MM/EMH. Also, I'd buy MP if just doing one day it can really help you knock out your favorite headliner rides

 

[Divine Disney]

Thanks for the tip about FL & TL! I did plan on buying the MP this time. I loved using it during Mickey's Halloween Party.

Should I worry about the logistics of the gate lines or are they pretty much the same, even if it's not a MM?

 

[Cactus girl]

One tip, at park opening time, the MM gates convert to regular gates. This means very short lines to get in. If you are in a regular line adjacent to this one, it makes it easy to slip over when the gate converts.

Enjoy your day!

 

[Divine Disney]

One tip, at park opening time, the MM gates convert to regular gates. This means very short lines to get in. If you are in a regular line adjacent to this one, it makes it easy to slip over when the gate converts.

Enjoy your day!

That's a great tip, thanks!