If i want to rope drop TSMM from GCH...

[mouschievous]

I can use the hotel entrance and not be at a disadvantage, right?

 

[LilyJC]

We’ve always been fine to use that entrance, but ymmv… Also keep an eye on the app/ask a CM as TSMM is frequently closed at opening

 

[MikeRx]

We typically go main entrance from the plaza, but as posted above YMMV with the crowd at the GC entrance, and head to TSMM first. If it's not open yet we do the Incredicoaster and then TSMM as it usually opens by the time we ride the IC. Even if it opens while riding the crowd has not made it back there yet as they are focused on WS, GotG, or RSR.
Our DCA Day Plan:
Rope drop (now with 30 min advantage) TSMM
IC and eat incredicookie (we are a GF family and these are a treat!)
get G+ for GotG or if short wait <15min ride and save G+ for later
Pal Around/Whirlwind (if waits at GotG require use of G+)
Soarin (use G+ if there is a wait)
Lunch at WCT along wall to watch the crowd go by as we drink wine and enjoy lunch....

Monsters/Goofy's/LM and all other lower tier rides based on crowd and G+ availability
Consider ILL for RSR for an evening ride if times work with other evening plans. WS is ok, but not on our "must-do" list any more.
Consider GRR if hot and we can go back to change if soaked....

Our next adventure will be from the PPH so we will try out the new entrance. It should give a real advantage to the Pier attractions as it enters near the Corn Dog stand.

Mike

 

[stagemomto3]

We typically go main entrance from the plaza, but as posted above YMMV with the crowd at the GC entrance, and head to TSMM first. If it's not open yet we do the Incredicoaster and then TSMM as it usually opens by the time we ride the IC. Even if it opens while riding the crowd has not made it back there yet as they are focused on WS, GotG, or RSR.
Our DCA Day Plan:
Rope drop (now with 30 min advantage) TSMM
IC and eat incredicookie (we are a GF family and these are a treat!)
get G+ for GotG or if short wait <15min ride and save G+ for later
Pal Around/Whirlwind (if waits at GotG require use of G+)
Soarin (use G+ if there is a wait)
Lunch at WCT along wall to watch the crowd go by as we drink wine and enjoy lunch....

Monsters/Goofy's/LM and all other lower tier rides based on crowd and G+ availability
Consider ILL for RSR for an evening ride if times work with other evening plans. WS is ok, but not on our "must-do" list any more.
Consider GRR if hot and we can go back to change if soaked....

Our next adventure will be from the PPH so we will try out the new entrance. It should give a real advantage to the Pier attractions as it enters near the Corn Dog stand.

Mike

I like your plan! My one question is starting at TSMM, as I didn't see it to be one of the attractions open for Early Entry. Have you seen otherwise? Thanks!!

 

[pharmama]

In the past TSMM was usually open during EMH but not always. Like IC, its one of those rides that doesn't always open on time (whether that's at regular park open or for EMH).

 

[MikeRx]

If it's not on EE when it returns then we will alter our route a bit and start at GotG. We can handle it 2-3 times per trip, but only do TSMM once as the wrist action is too much for my old arms .... not that old... just not in TSMM shape...

 

[mel2014]

If it's not on EE when it returns then we will alter our route a bit and start at GotG. We can handle it 2-3 times per trip, but only do TSMM once as the wrist action is too much for my old arms .... not that old... just not in TSMM shape...

Here is the current early entry list:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/early-admission-options/

 

[mouschievous]

Update! We easily RD Pixar Pier from the GCH entrance. We got down to the entrance about 7:30, and RD was right at 8. Highly recommend!

 

[MikeRx]

Here is the current early entry list:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/early-admission-options/

Thank you!

 

[gelatoni fan]

From my experience, Midway Mania never really has much of a line until like an hour after park opening. No idea how it'll change with Early Entry but I generally recommend it as a 2nd to 4th ride of the day, not a first.

 

[pdp]

From my experience, Midway Mania never really has much of a line until like an hour after park opening. No idea how it'll change with Early Entry but I generally recommend it as a 2nd to 4th ride of the day, not a first.

I was at DCA today and observed exactly this. We didn’t make rope drop and went through the hotel entrance at around 8:20am. Got to TSMM around 8:30am, had around 10 minute wait in the standby line… got to save our LL pass to go again later in the day. I think everyone who was there for rope drop went straight to RSR.

 

[mouschievous]

I was at DCA today and observed exactly this. We didn’t make rope drop and went through the hotel entrance at around 8:20am. Got to TSMM around 8:30am, had around 10 minute wait in the standby line… got to save our LL pass to go again later in the day. I think everyone who was there for rope drop went straight to RSR.

I think you're right! We decided to do single rider for RSR and focus our morning on the rides that don't have SR lines. Since we opted not to buy Genie+, this has been a good strategy for us.

 

[mel2014]

I was at DCA today and observed exactly this. We didn’t make rope drop and went through the hotel entrance at around 8:20am. Got to TSMM around 8:30am, had around 10 minute wait in the standby line… got to save our LL pass to go again later in the day. I think everyone who was there for rope drop went straight to RSR.

We observed this as well in two recent visits -- almost everyone that was by the Little Mermaid for rope drop was trying to get the Radiator Springs the back way through Pacific Wharf. So my advice if you want to get to Pixar Pier would be to stay to the right side of the rope to avoid have to cross the crowd.