Is this too much to do on arrival day??

[swtangels4me]

Ok this is my plan and our first trip to DCA or Disneyland.

We are arriving on April 23 (like so many of us are, lol) and will be driving in from Phoenix, we have 2 kids our dd is 4.5 yrs and our ds is 2 yrs.

Here it is...

Try to arrive into PP by 3pm for check in, drop off luggage.

Go see Aladdin at 4:20

Next try to see the Block Party Bash at 5:15 (but have a question, can you see this from Ariels Grotto?) We are having dinner at 6:10pm, so just was wondering if we can be outside the restaurant and still see the Block Party??

Then hit a few rides after dinner (will have to see Its Tough to be a Bug, since they are refurb'g it on 4/24) or just walk around.

Wait for Electrical Parade to start at 8:45

Then depending on the kids if they can stay awake try to make it to Fantasmic for the 10:30 show, but this is not a priority!! We will see the fireworks show later in the week, since they added it on all week!!

What do you all think, too much?? Or will it work?? Any tips!! I know the timing will be tight and not get the best spots to see the BPB, but no biggie!!

Nicole

 

[cinderella_mom]

You'll probably have to run to catch Aladdin at 4:20. It's at least twenty minutes to walk from PP to the theatre since you have to go through security (lines should be short at that time of day). Block Party is kind of an inateractive parade experience. It is fun for the little ones, but you'll miss out if you're in Ariel's Grotto. If you have reservations for 6:10, you'll be fine to see it and then go to dinner.

How much you can do will depend on the crowds which have been heavy-ish on Sundays, and how rushed you want to feel. I'd say just take it as it comes. How many days are you going to DLR?

 

[swtangels4me]

We will be there til the 27th. We have a 3 day hopper, possibly thinking of getting upgraded to the 4 day if DH sister will come on Thursday. So Monday we are heading into DL and then take a day off Tuesday, then back to either DCA or DL on Wed, and Thursday is still up in the air (gotta love family, lol!!).

Nicole

 

[CindyH]

Go see Aladdin at 4:20

Next try to see the Block Party Bash at 5:15...We are having dinner at 6:10pm, so just was wondering if we can be outside the restaurant and still see the Block Party??

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think you'll be able to see the 4:20 Aladdin then catch BPB at 5:15 - I believe Aladdin runs for over an hour.

On the other hand, you can definitely do dinner at 6:10pm after seeing BPB. We saw BPB last Monday, and had dinner reservations at 6pm at Wine Country Trattoria. We were checking in for dinner by 5:45pm.

 

[eduk8r26]

Aladdin runs at least 45 minutes, but by the time you get out of the theater and hoof it back to where BPB starts--or ends--it will be cutting it close. You can probably find a spot to see it if it's not too crowded.

 

[samkj]

Getting to Aladdin is my only question with your schedule. The check in lines at the DLR hotels can be long. I would try to check in early and have them store your luggage if necessary if you are set on going to the show that day.

BTW, do you already have your park tickets? I believe you will have to pay full price if you upgrade at the park, so instead of a $20 difference between the price of the tickets you are looking at $50. If you are going to get the 4 day hopper for the presale price you will need to get it ASAP.

Have a great trip!

 

[Barbday62]

I too am from Phoenix so I can give you some ideas on the before 3 check in part. Its 5 1/2 to 6 hours of driving (depends on traffic - LA is the worst part) plus add in if you plan to stop for lunch, gas, potty breaks or anything else.

Some hotels let you check in early too so that may be worth trying for.

Also dont forget to chek out those tickets sold at Safeway I think it is. I noticed you can play for the kids price tickets.

 

[victorandbellasmom]

We saw the 4:20 Aladdin and got out in plenty time to watch Block Party Bash. We left after Aladdin ended and found many people staking out spots in front of the Playhouse theatre and the circle surrounding it.

 

[mAlien13]

This is almost exactly what we are planning on doing, swtangels4me! I started a thread about it, will bump it for you because there is a lot of good advice about times to arrive for shows and parades. We are arriving a little earlier, and are going to go into DL first to try to catch the 3:15 parade there. We are also having no good luck figuring out how to fit Aladdin in on the 23rd. We might change our dinner plans to lunch plans and go the 6:05pm, haven't decided yet.

Good luck! It's almost time!!!! I can't wait!!!

 

[Rapunsel]

I have 4 year old and 1 year old and suggest passing on its tough to be a bug. Unless they are used to the dark, loud noises and things "jumpimg" out at you.

I was even a bit scared of hopper...


that's just my opinion....

 

[Alex2kMommy]

We also will skip It's Tough To Be A Bug. Both Birnbaums and the Unofficial Guide books said it was too intense and scary for toddlers and young children (or even anyone afraid of bugs), so even if my DS5 were willing, DSnearly2 is out of the question. (And I never did see the movie Arachnophobia, and never will!)

 

[swtangels4me]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions!! We still just might try Its Tough to be a Bug, and if they get scared, we wont go. They both like the movie!! We'll see.

Someone said the walk to Ariels Grotto from Aladdin is kind of a distance. Does the BPB not go anywhere near Ariels Grotto!! I think we can catch BPB on another day, but not sure since only certain days!!

What would be your advice after seeing Aladdin, if we cant see the BPB??

 

[hlbtimes2]

Its not that far from Aladin to Ariels. It will take you a few minutes, but its not that far. Here is a pdf file of the DCA map http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/media/dlr_v0200/en_US/map/images/DCALowbandMap.pdf The block party bash route is shown in little stars (red/ green/ blue). Those are the spots where it stops for the show. Some days, it only does 2 stops rather then 3. You'll want to check the daily time sheet when you get to the park. It should say on there where the stops will be that day. You should be able to make it to the red area after Aladin. Or if it is already stopped at red when you get there, quickly make your way around the crowd and go to blue or green- ahead of the parade. That will put you closer to Ariels and you should be able to watch the whole show. The hardest part will be getting around/ thru the people.

When you look at the map, Aladin is on the far left side. Ariels is near the left side of the water. There is a bridge between the green and blue parade areas, Ariels is across the bridge.