It's been 6 years, what do I need to know?!

[PNWJ]

My husband and I are bringing our daughter down for her 11th Birthday January 19-22. The last time we came was the same time of year for her 5th Birthday so this will definitely be a little different on the attractions front. We had such amazing luck with crowds and weather (knock on wood!) the last time we came but it sounds like overall attendance is really up so I have a few questions based specifically on what I know our family will want to ride/see etc.

Since our last trip my daughter has been to WDW and now she's an adrenaline junky so there will be no teacups or princesses on this trip. Our focus will obviously be the more exciting rides and we plan to park hop for two full days. I'm wondering how hard I need to work at FP's? I don't mind being the runner but if it's a waste then I'll skip it. We fly in late on the 18th so our first day will be Thursday 1/19 and will plan to be at DL at rope drop and I don't care if she's 11 and too cool, I'm making her get the birthday pin. I'm not handling this growing up thing very maturely! So my first actual question is, since we plan to head to DCA at some point should I do a run over for Radiator Springs FP's or will park levels be low enough I could skip it? Most of our focus at DL will be Adventureland and Frontierland since now my apparently too cool daughter is saying no thanks to fantasyland. Tomorrowland has never been a huge draw for her but should we do the new space mountain? Anything else we can't miss in that area?

As far as DCA we are definitely excited to ride RsR since last time we were there that whole area was under construction. We are pretty sad about no ToT but oh well. Anything else I need to know after not visiting for the last 6 years would be appreciated info. Sounds like fastpasses aren't little paper tickets anymore?

 

[PNWJ]

Also, stupid question I'm sure but the calendar for January 19th says the park closes at 6 but the parade is at 7:30?

 

[MacMama0930]

Also, stupid question I'm sure but the calendar for January 19th says the park closes at 6 but the parade is at 7:30?

The park is closing early that day and they're having a special ticket event for the first showing of MSEP.

 

[MacMama0930]

The park is closing early that day and they're having a special ticket event for the first showing of MSEP.

Good to know now vs being surprised when you're there! Plan on doing DCA that evening or consider buying tickets for the special event. They're not cheap though - I think $98?

 

[Winnowill]

Sounds like fastpasses aren't little paper tickets anymore?

No, they still are. No changes, there, yet.

 

[PNWJ]

Thank you! Now that I look further than my nose I'm finding the info about the parade

 

[chickapin parterre]

6 years....

entry into gate is now complicated, first with security and then the criminal photo photography. So now the gates open up early most of the time to a large rope drop area.

FP for adventureland and frontierland will be easy for you as at rope drop and even with folks are already in the park with early hour entry, these areas are empty in the intial hours because most focus is on kid friendly areas. so grap a pass for Indy, ride HM, if it is open, pirates, next FP for thunder, ride indy, jungle boat and then tunder, all in 2.5 hours

RSR, time for 11th birthday moments. everybody should experince Single rider line, FP line and the wait in Standby. If you leave 'Disneyland at noon and to DCA for RSR FP, hopefully you will have late evening avaiable, if not, then that would be evidnec that a runner would need to be sent the next day for the final way to experince RSR

 

[figment_jii]

It's probably worth noting that Thursday's (Tue and Sat as well) are usually DL's MM/EMH day. If you have access to MM/EMH, I would consider trying to ride Space, Star Tours and/or the Matterhorn (Matterhorn has two tracks, so it might be worth considering riding it twice) during that hour. If you aren't going to MM/EMH, then I would head to Indy (FP maybe), Big Thunder, and/or Splash (depending on the weather) at opening (only FL and TL are open during MM/EMH and they don't issue FPS during that hour). I generally opt for an Indy FP over BTMRR FP because the BTMRR line is generally shorter and Indy seems to go down more often.

In terms of RSR, I would always opt to get a FP. Regardless of when I've gone, there always seem to be a line (at least an hour). I would go the FP route because you'll get to ride together. If you don't mind being split up, then SR is an option instead of standby/FP. I also prefer the FP route because you can request the front row (better view). If you have the official DLR app you can monitor the FP return times for RSR and then send a runner to DCA when it's getting close to the time you want (just note that the app runs about (5 to 15 minutes behind schedule).

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

I don't care if she's 11 and too cool, I'm making her get the birthday pin. I'm not handling this growing up thing very maturely!

Me, neither!

Tomorrowland has never been a huge draw for her but should we do the new space mountain?

Space (in any version) is my adrenaline junkie DD 10's second favorite ride. Her favorite is California Screamin'.

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

The park is closing early that day and they're having a special ticket event for the first showing of MSEP.

If you don't get tickets to the special event that night, use the Disneyland app to keep an eye on FP return times for RSR, Soarin', Goofy's Sky School, and California Screamin' at DCA. When FP windows start showing up for the evening hours after DL closes, you should grab FPs if possible. That way if DCA ends up with larger-than-normal crowds, you'll have some ride insurance. You might also consider doing the Dessert package for WOC at DCA that night if it's in your budget. It would give you a special event on that side of the park.

 

[tarheelalum]

The fast pass return times are strickly followed now so get there within the hour. Sometimes the people will give you a couple of extra minutes but don't count on it. All of the fast passes are connected now except World of Color and Buzz Lightyear, within there respective parks, but I still think the 2 parks are not connected. Also its always crowded now so temper your expectations bring a lot of patience. And have a great time!

 

[PNWJ]

Thanks everyone for your input! We are getting so excited, 16 days!