Just back -- some comments on our trip and entry logistics

BriannaRuth

DIS Veteran
Joined
May 29, 2012
Messages
2,086
Not a full-blown trip report, but here you go -- Hope this helps anyone who has questions about arrival/security logistics!

We stayed at the Sheraton Park the first 6 nights. First time at this hotel; we normally stay onsite. I was pleasantly surprised with how long it *didn't* take us to get to the park. We walked from the hotel to security in about 18 minutes and we were not rushing. Other days we took the Toy Story shuttle, which is across the street from the hotel. The walk to the shuttle was about 10 minutes then another 10 minutes or so on the shuttle to the park. I really didn't feel it took us any longer to get to the parks from here than from the DLH. We were easily able to take mid-day breaks and always took the Toy Story shuttle back and forth in the afternoons and at night. We had a standard room, which felt pretty small for 2 adults and 2 teens. Stayed for free on points and were given a pool view with a full balcony. The pool was never crowded but also had very little shade.

Our park days were Wednesday through Sunday, and we always did the park that did NOT have EE. The parks opened at 9 the first 4 mornings with EE at 8. We consistently arrived around 7:45 because my kids like being first in line at the gate. On mornings when DCA had EE, arriving at 7:45 got us first in line at DL but it was all the way over to the far left gate. Security at this time of the morning was a breeze, like 5 minutes including walking through the metal detector. This was at the main entrance; I don't know what security was like at the DTD entrance.

They opened the gates for rope drop at DL at 8:30, and we were always right along the rope going towards PP. We normally stay onsite and do EE, so I was surprised at how many people were NOT lined up towards the PP entrance. The crowds were much more even, with lots going towards Adventureland and Tomorrowland as well as Fantasyland. Once they dropped the ropes, we headed directly to PP. We never walked fast enough to make it first on PP, but never had to wait long. Our last morning DD16 took off without us and she was the first one on PP, which was a huge deal to her since it's her favorite ride.

On our DL mornings we rode most of FL in about an hour and a half. The morning we did Matterhorn after PP we had to skip Alice and the morning we did Alice after PP we had to skip Matterhorn but were able to do it single rider later in the day. Then DD16 got Space FPs before meeting us at Indy, which we were able to ride without much wait. Wait was usually posted at 25 minutes but I don't think we ever waited more than 15. Then we did BTMRR and HM, grabbed a snack and did Space, grabbed a Star Tours FP. Were able to ride everything we wanted just about every day, some things more than once. Rode Splash and POC multiple times daily, and we always took afternoon hotel breaks.

Saw Paint the Night from the raised area near Small World right next to the reserved area. We got there about 45 minutes before the parade and stood right along the rail. The teens rode Matterhorn single rider while DH and I held the spots. The view was great and the parade was just awesome! But trying to get back over to POC after the parade was a nightmare.

One DCA morning we also got there at 7:45. Hardly anybody was in line for DCA at that time so we easily were first in line. They also opened for rope drop at 8:30 -- we did TSMM first with about a 10 minute wait because it was down for a short time. Were able to get RSR FPs and rode twice (once at night). Again, we were able to do just about everything we wanted without huge waits, even with a 3-4 hour break in the afternoon. I was surprised at how long it took waits to build at GRR; wait times seemed short longer into the day than at Splash.

We did the WoC dessert party -- we arrived about 45 minutes early and were about 3rd from the front of the line. I asked if seats were preassigned and was told it was first come, first served, so getting there early DID guarantee us our choice of seats. They seated the hightops in front first and we got one of those. Couldn't have asked for a better view. My girls are 12 and 16 -- our server just said the glow cups were "for kids" and we asked for and were given one for each girl. The 16 year old does look young but I don't think she looks 12. :) We also received champagne refills when we asked. DH and I liked the food but our DDs weren't crazy about most of it.

Saturday we were late for our DCA entry and didn't arrive until about 8:20 for a 9 AM opening. Lines at security were MUCH longer as DL was already open for MM -- I was really worried but we still made it to the gate shortly after they opened DCA for rope drop, maybe about 8:40. It didn't really affect us much; we did TSMM first again after grabbing Soarin' FPs and had practically no wait.

Sunday, our last day in the parks, was an 8 AM opening with EE at DCA at 7. We arrived about 6:50 for DL and hardly anybody was in line so we were easily in front. Sunday was a great day to do DL! The park didn't feel full at all until after noon and we were able to ride just about everything with very little wait. My DDs were able to do Splash 4 times in a row at about 10:45 PM and still had time for POC and PP before the park closed!

Monday morning we transferred to the DLH (took Uber). I had booked a premium room and requested a pool view in the Fantasy Tower, but they upgraded us to a one bedroom suite in the Frontier tower, which worked out great because we rented a cabana for the day and the Frontier tower was much closer. The suite was great -- so roomy! The cabana was nice but we sometimes had to hunt for a server. It was in the 90s and we were really glad to have the shade. Spent the day at the pool, then DH and I did Chef's Counter at Napa Rose while the kids had room service. Our first time at Napa Rose and it was awesome! I was surprised to see that only 4 of the 8 Chef's Counter seats were taken.

Tuesday we did DTD before leaving mid-afternoon.
 
Last edited:
Great report. You seemed to have an amazing time...and well thought out and planed for a strategy to get on the rides that you wanted.
 
Thanks for the report! Taking a few tips and info from here, 11 sleeps till DL!!!!
 













Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE











DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest DIS Tiktok DIS Twitter DIS Bluesky

Back
Top