How's my Itinerary

[Critter3]

Thanks in advance, but I am hoping I can get some comments on my day 1 of my itinerary (4 days total planned - 2 in each park)? Essentially I am wondering if I am planning too much, or if this will leave us time to take our time, or add another ride, or if it's fine considering all that may occur (park business, rides down, pee breaks, etc.). Never been and even though I have been basically planning this for like 2 years, I am not too sure what to expect. Our dates are May 20-23 (Fri-Mon). First 2 days at DLR and the next 2 at DCA. I will likely bump this once I get my other days preplanned. The first 2 days (at DLR) will be Grad nights. Since it's our first time (2 adults, 8y/o, and 5y/o) I assume we will be slow walkers as we rubber neck while we walk through the park (besides at rope drop when I plan to ensure the family is ready to walk swiftly, lol). We plan to rope drop all days and will have Genie+.

Day 1 - DLR
8am-9:30am:
Peter Pan
Dumbo
Tea Party
Carousel
Alice in Wonderland
9:30-10:30am: I'll be looking to get a LL for at least one and hopefully 2 of these if needed to stay within this time limit. I'm also planning for a bathroom break and a snack break in here. I think I'd be lucky to do all 3 but I am guessing at least 2? If only 2, which one should I leave until later in the day (evening)?
Buzz
Star Tours
Autopia
10:30-11:45: I'll be looking to get a LL for IJ.
Indiana Jones (may do rider switch as well)
Jungle Cruise
11:50-1:00pm:
Reservation at Cafe Orleans
1:00-1:30pm:
Half hour to either try a ride we didn't have time for or to just explore. Another option which I will likely look to do is book an ILL for RotR for this time. But not sure how "easy" it will be to get one for this time slot.
1:30-3:30pm:
Head back to HoJo for rest/pool.
3:30-5:30pm:
The only ride I have slotted for this time is Smuggler's Run which I will try and use LL on. The rest of the time will be to explore Galaxy's Edge and potentially do a ride or two that maybe we had to skip earlier to stay on track.
5:30-6:00pm:
Reservation at Savi's Lightsaber Workshop
6:00-7:00pm:
Dinner, likely mobile order from Docking Bay 7.
7:00pm-8:30pm:
This is open. Go exploring, do rides we missed or want to do again, go shopping, or even look to do stand-by for RotR.
8:30-9:30pm:
Not sure exactly what to do here but from what I read I should start scoping out a spot for the fireworks and to stick around Main Street. Also the Night Parade will also be in here (8:45pm)? I'm thinking we will likely look to be behind Partners for the fireworks. Not sure if we have to pick our spot at like 8:30 and stand there until it's time, ha ha?
9:30-10:00pm:
Fireworks.
10:00pm:
We'll see how the day is going and how exhausted we are, but we would likely be heading back to the hotel for the night to plan for Day 2.

Any comments, critique, or advice would be greatly welcomed.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I am wondering if I am planning too much.

Are you asking:

1) Am I planning to do too much stuff? or;

2) Am I doing too much planning?

The answer to both is yes.

 

[Critter3]

Oh I already know the answer to #2! I'm a project manager so it's in my blood, lol. It might be strange to those that visit Disney on a yearly, monthly, or even weekly routine but for me/my family this will be our first and most likely our last visit (due to lots of reasons). So I am trying to plan as much as I can to try and ensure as much as I can that my family has a great vacation. Hence the purpose of this thread, ha ha. Of course, like I mentioned there is a million things that can throw a wrench into these plans, but at least I will have a base plan and can adjust from there.

 

[StarSeven7]

Some notes on the LL return times. Buzz, Star Tours, and Autopia we were generally able to get almost immediate returns times for, so you should have no issues with those, but Indiana Jones is a more popular LL so if you do those other rides in Tomorrowland first, I think you might have trouble getting Indiana Jones in that time slot. I think you might be better off doing Indiana Jones and Jungle Cruise first and then heading to Tomorrowland and using LL on all of those rides.

 

[Critter3]

Some notes on the LL return times. Buzz, Star Tours, and Autopia we were generally able to get almost immediate returns times for, so you should have no issues with those, but Indiana Jones is a more popular LL so if you do those other rides in Tomorrowland first, I think you might have trouble getting Indiana Jones in that time slot. I think you might be better off doing Indiana Jones and Jungle Cruise first and then heading to Tomorrowland and using LL on all of those rides.

Thanks, I'll have to consider that change. Is that just because usually when you are looking for a LL for Indy, that it would be at least 2hrs out? My plan was to start looking for a LL at rope drop for one of the rides at TL, and keep an eye on it so that I can target the 9:30ish time. Then as soon as I scan in for that LL I would look for Indy at 10:30-11:00.

 

[StarSeven7]

Thanks, I'll have to consider that change. Is that just because usually when you are looking for a LL for Indy, that it would be at least 2hrs out? My plan was to start looking for a LL at rope drop for one of the rides at TL, and keep an eye on it so that I can target the 9:30ish time. Then as soon as I scan in for that LL I would look for Indy at 10:30-11:00.

Our first morning I had a brain fart and apparently was too excited to be in a park that I forgot to purchase Genie+ in the 20 minutes we were standing in front of the castle and didn't remember until we were in line for RotR! That was the point I grabbed Indy and I would say it was around 9:40 at that time. We were very easily able to get Buzz, Star Tours, and Autopia for immediate returns after that (actually we didn't do Autopia then but we did it later in the day and every time we looked we could get immediate returns). So I would suggest doing Indy first when the LL time gets to around 9:30ish, and then once you head over to TL you should be able to get all those 3 rides with LL almost immediately. That was our experience last week at least! But I guess if you wanted to ride those rides twice in one day, then you could do them standby. But if you've already paid for Genie+ you might as well take advantage of the LL!

 

[BrianL]

Getting those immediate returns was my favorite thing about MaxPass and I'm glad to hear you can still do it. I'd walk up to Raoger Rabbit with a 30 minute wait, punch it in, and get an immediate entry. That's always nice!

 

[StarSeven7]

Getting those immediate returns was my favorite thing about MaxPass and I'm glad to hear you can still do it. I'd walk up to Raoger Rabbit with a 30 minute wait, punch it in, and get an immediate entry. That's always nice!

It definitely depends on the ride - obviously that wasn't possible with the popular rides! But really nice for many of the rides!!

 

[DisneylandFan22]

If you have one park per day tickets I am not sure anyone here would recommend DL, DL, CA, CA. You may want to reconsider that.

You also might want to consider extending your hotel break time with younger kids. Remember you also have to consider the 15-20 minutes it is going to take you to walk to the HOJO. Also, I don't know your dates, but it is likely to be very hot and busy during this time of the afternoon.

I would do Casey Jr. Train over the Carousel. The Carousel is fairly easy to get on later in the evening.

I see you are trying to group your rides by land, but I would just say that for us personally, after the rope drop time this rarely works for us. The varying line times just don't allow for it. Walking from land to land for rides isn't a big deal because they are not that far apart.

If IJ is important to you, you might want to do PP then IJ first thing in the morning. You can try to ride it a second time with your LL.

You might want to consider riding the Jungle Cruise at night.

This is the best thing you have planned. I encourage more of this type of thinking:

7:00pm-8:30pm:
This is open. Go exploring, do rides we missed or want to do again, go shopping, or even look to do stand-by for RotR.

If you want to be in a premier spot for the fire works, then yes you should start looking for a spot early. Also, you should consider the height of your kids, and that in certain places, like by the Partner's Statue, people will be likely to be standing in front of you.

I know you have more days to plan but don't forget to consider things like Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. Being your only visit you might want to watch the Flag Retreat Ceremony and other entertainment.

A lot of the magic of DLR is in the details and the spontaneous events and interactions. Try to keep that in mind.

Those are a few points for consideration.

 

[Pluto468]

I think it might be worth dropping a ride here or there and planning on doing them at another time. For instance, Peter Pan can have a long line if you don't catch it just right so it might mess up your schedule. I would do PP first and see what else you have time for in Fantasyland. Also assume that at least one of the things on your list could have an unexpected issue like a super long line, a closure, etc.

This is the type of thing that can work really well:
"7:00pm-8:30pm:
This is open. Go exploring, do rides we missed or want to do again, go shopping, or even look to do stand-by for RotR."

Sometimes little things come up like a ride on a main street vehicle, or you spot a character someone wants to see, or someone wants a snack. If you have a more general plan, like,
"8-9:30- Fantasyland," that might be more relaxing. I think it's still a good idea to know what rides you MUST do.


We usually go into the parks with general ideas of what we want to do but don't schedule it too much. Our first trip to Disneyland was probably our best, because we had literally no idea what was there aside from Small World and Space Mountain. We wandered aimlessly around the park and did whatever looked like fun.

I agree with a previous poster about Tom Sawyer island. Last time we went my kids & I easily spent 2 hours there. It was so relaxing and one of their favorite parts of the trip.

However you plan your day, you'll have a great time

 

[smartlabelprint]

I also disagree with your park day choice.

 

[Critter3]

I also disagree with your park day choice.

The reason I did DL, DL, DCA, DCA is because the Grad Nights are the first 2 nights and from what I understand they close the park early at 9pm. And hence, we wouldn't be able to see WOC.

What would be the reason for not doing this? What would be best? I have already made reservations so if I were to change I would need to see if I could.

 

[sophy1996]

I would plan for more of a break time in the afternoon. It'll take 5-10 minutes just to walk out of the park, then another 10-15 minutes to the hotel. And then the reverse coming back. With only a 2-hour break, you'll basically have only an hour at the hotel, which isn't much for pool time and a bit of rest. Maybe try to head back to your room right after lunch. The parks get way more crowded after 11 am than they are in the golden first couple of hours in the morning anyway.

With a four-day trip, this is a marathon, not a sprint. It's going to be hard to get up on Day 2, then Day 3, then Day 4 if you don't pace yourselves.

 

[Critter3]

If you have one park per day tickets I am not sure anyone here would recommend DL, DL, CA, CA. You may want to reconsider that.

You also might want to consider extending your hotel break time with younger kids. Remember you also have to consider the 15-20 minutes it is going to take you to walk to the HOJO. Also, I don't know your dates, but it is likely to be very hot and busy during this time of the afternoon.

I see you are trying to group your rides by land, but I would just say that for us personally, after the rope drop time this rarely works for us. The varying line times just don't allow for it. Walking from land to land for rides isn't a big deal because they are not that far apart.

This is the best thing you have planned. I encourage more of this type of thinking:

I know you have more days to plan but don't forget to consider things like Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. Being your only visit you might want to watch the Flag Retreat Ceremony and other entertainment.

A lot of the magic of DLR is in the details and the spontaneous events and interactions. Try to keep that in mind.

Those are a few points for consideration.

Thanks. As just noted I had a reason for that. Also, I was somewhat hoping they would bring back the Magic Morning and we would get that and be able to use it on the Saturday, lol.

Yeah the break time will be loose and if we need longer, then we will take it. I was just planning the 2 hours for this first day because I assumed we would all be excited and would be eager to get back to the park. My other days I am planning for at least 3 hours. We will be there May 20-23.

Yeah I was trying to group our rides per land at least for the first day when I wanted to essentially tick off the rides I think we would enjoy. I thought it would help too, to try and not burn out the kids with too much walking on the first day. But if it's not a big deal to walk from land to land I'll have to consider that. My second day in the park is going to be planned like "go with the flow", and essentially the plan will be to just enjoy things and just target the rides we missed the day before or want to ride again.

My original plan had Pirate's Lair but I was reading that if you go there you would be there a minimum of 1 hour with the ride to the island and everything. Because this is our first time (and may be our only time) going to Disney I was thinking we could use that time on more "important" things, lol. I can take the kids to a jungle gym anytime I want. But the second day could very well include this if the kids are sick of rides and just want to do some running around . Regarding other entertainment there wasn't anything that really stood out to me. I was originally wanting to do that Mickey Map show, but I see it's not happening right now. We'll likely take in some of the other stuff like watching the cavalcades or bands, on the second day.

Yeah I am more than aware and ok with having my plans blown up within the first hour. As long as we have fun and have a good time that is all that matters!

 

[StarlitNight05]

The reason I did DL, DL, DCA, DCA is because the Grad Nights are the first 2 nights and from what I understand they close the park early at 9pm. And hence, we wouldn't be able to see WOC.

What would be the reason for not doing this? What would be best? I have already made reservations so if I were to change I would need to see if I could.

I agree with this stance too. I love California Adventure, but it's just not the same as Disneyland. Disneyland has classics, and so much packed into the park. It would almost seem like a let down to have California Adventure for two consecutive days -- and this is coming from somebody who loves their share of adult beverages and multiple rides on Incredicoaster or GOTG. For 4 days, I think alternating would be the best strategy.

 

[Critter3]

I agree with this stance too. I love California Adventure, but it's just not the same as Disneyland. Disneyland has classics, and so much packed into the park. It would almost seem like a let down to have California Adventure for two consecutive days -- and this is coming from somebody who loves their share of adult beverages and multiple rides on Incredicoaster or GOTG. For 4 days, I think alternating would be the best strategy.

I just had a look and CA is only available Sat and Sun. So I would have to go DL, CA, CA, DL. Thoughts? Also, does anyone know how I would easily do this? Would I be able to call Support and have them make these changes? Or would I have to cancel my reservations and then re-reserve? If that is the case I likely will just keep what I have to prevent the scenario that I cancel my reservations and then have my days sold out by the time I try and rebook.

 

[limace]

I’d spend money on park hoppers-we always get them and use them at DL. And yes, running around time is super important for kids in my experience-so pool breaks, but also things like Redwood Creek and Tom Sawyer.

TBH this reads like old school WDW fast pass plus planning to me-used to be almost required there, but never has been as essential at DL. Your family may be different than mine, but mine HATES being herded around. Ymmv.

 

[smartlabelprint]

You cancel and reschedule. It takes literally under a minute. Honestly I might do 3 DL, 1 DCA (not on a grad night).

With those ages the kids need pirates lair for a respite from noise & chaos.

Magic mornings aren’t coming back at all from what I hear.

ETA mine are 2,6,7 and we are bringing 2 strollers. That could help you get through the park a little faster. There’s no way my kids can walk to the hotel. Are yours good hikers or anything? Maybe they have more stamina than mine. Just consider if you want to be packing whining kids home from the parks!

 

[Pluto468]

I keep hoping Magic Mornings will come back, too! Those were awesome. I agree with a PP that it would be worth investing in hoppers if you can. I can understand why you want to be at DCA for World of Color, and hoppers would help with that.

I like your idea of doing the park by lands. You're right, it is alot of walking for the kids on the first day if you're going back and forth between lands randomly. Luckily there are alot of nice spots to stop and relax for a few minutes. You could also ride the Mark Twain or the train. I bet your kids would love the tour around the park on the train! We used to do that as a snack/rest time when my kids were little.

Mine were 5 & 9 on one of our visits. We usually went to the park first thing and stayed until 12 or 1:00, then went back to the hotel until around dinner time.

 

[gelatoni fan]

Most people would do DL, DCA, DL, DCA instead of DL first two days and DCA last two days. I would keep DCA on the Monday because there will likely be no fireworks that day.

Make sure you have a backup rope drop plan. It's not that uncommon these days for both Peter Pan and Alice to be down at rope drop which means that Dumbo can hit 20 minutes almost immediately after park open. I generally don't plan out much more than my first few rides, the shows and sometimes food because rides break down so often now that you can't really plan around that.