I need help with my one day in both parks

[frozonefan]

Ok, I think I am all set for my one day trip to DL and DCA. I'll be there on Friday, April 28th which is not an EE day for DL. I am planning on opening and closing the parks (per Ridemax) and I have a pretty decent plan to do (almost) everything through Ridemax, but since Ridemax doesn't take park hopping into account i need some help to know if this plan will work. I'll be at Dl at opening and stay until 10:00. i know that's only two hours, but I can get a lot done and get into DCA close to opening. DCA will only take me 4 and a half hours (per Ridemax) and I will be back in the DL by 2:30 or 3:00 for the remainder of the day. Is Fastpass linked in both parks? Can I get a Fastpass for Indiana Jones just before I leave DL and then get another one for Tower of Terror shortly after arriving at DCA? The plan is to do Fantasyland (PP, Matterhorn, Alice, Pinocchio)first, then hit Roger Rabbit once Toontown opens. I'll also ride SpaceMountain and Buzz Lightyear and have a FP for Indiana Jones. Then over to DCA for Monster, Soarin', the rollercoaster, ToT and some shows. Then I'll pick and choose at DL (HM, Splash single rider, etc,) and of course parades and fireworks. So is this possible or is Ridemax going to dissapoint me? Also, where are the best places to catch a quick bite? I'm staying at the Crowne Plaza, they say it's a mile away. Since the Mickey and Friend's parking garage doesn't open until 7:30, would I be better off walking it? I don't think my hotel will start transportation quite that early. I'm pretty useless these days. About all I can think of is planning this day.

 

[Pir8girl]

I think your plan is a good one and I think ridemax will help you get to all the rides you want. As far as I know, the fastpasses are not linked between DCA & DL, so yes, you can grab a fastpass at Indy and one at ToT.
If you want to be there at opening, you'll either have to walk it or see if you can talk someone in hotel transportation to get you there earlier.
There are tons of places to eat in DL & DCA. Since time is a factor for you, look on your ridemax schedule and see where you'll be at lunchtime. That will help you narrow down your restaurant choices.
We'll be there that day too! Good luck and have fun

 

[hlbtimes2]

Not a problem getting FP at both parks, they are not linked. And, I dont recall if ridemax says it or not, but Roger Rabbit and Grizzly river are not linked to anything either.

Places to eat: You'll be at DCA at lunch time. Taste pilots grill has decent burgers. They have topping bar where you can get fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, etc for it. The soup/ salads in sourdough bowels in the warf area are pretty good. There is a mexican place right there too. Havent tried the food at that one, but have eaten at the others. There is also strips and dips in the pier area that is supposed to be ok. Its mostly deep fried foods so I avoid it.

Sounds like you'll be back in disneyland at dinner time. We've had good luck getting in and out of pizza port pretty quickly and like the food their. The salads and pastas are good. The pizza is ok, but super. The french market has pretty good food, but seems slow to get through line. There is a walk up place near there, in NOS, that has clam chowder in a bread bowl that is great. YOu can also get awsome, huge, corn dogs at the little red cart at the end of mainstreet. Grab one of those, and have a seat for the parade. You might be able to plana late dinner at the plaza and sit outside. You could catch the parade as it goes by. Not perfect seats, but it would be a good use of time and a nice rest.

 

[hlbtimes2]

Oh, and NO ridemax will not let you down if your main goal is rides! It does make it a little harder to just enjoy the park and all it has to offer, but its a great way to ride the most things in one day. They also offer a lot of great tips and info.