last minute questions

[My3SonsandMaya]

Hi we leave on Wednesday for Disney. Here are a few questions for all you experts.

In your opinion, is it better to see the afternoon parade or evening parade? And from where inside the park? I'm talking about the parade at DL not DCA.

Is Snow White's Musical still showing at DL? I didn't see it on the calendar.

Also, what are some good rides to go on while Fantasmic is going on? We have seen this before when we were at WDW and while it is a good show, we would rather ride rides during this time since it is only a two day stay.

If we take an afternoon break back at the hotel what is a good time to come back? When do the crowds start dieing down?

We will be renting a car at LAX and driving to BWPPI, any tips on the route for that? Also is there a grocery store on the way to the motel or near the motel that we could stop at for bottled water and snacks?

I've read all the posts on the rude disney guests and I'm starting to get a little nervous that we will have a hot, crowded, rude-filled time on our trip. We are a family of six, four kids, we will have a stroller,which we will try not to run over people with, will try to avoid playiing catch up in the line, hopefully we won't offend anyone. I'm getting nervous that it will be an every man for himself kind of thing, hoping that is not the case!!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I've been to DL lots of times (going again in 2 weeks) so I'll attempt to answer your questions:

During the summer, either parade time will be very crowded. If you take an afternoon break, you'll most likely be out of the park during the 3:00 p.m. parade so you'll probably want to opt for the evening time. Main Street gets the most crowded for parades. We like the area near Small World. The first parade starts from behind Small World and then gets stored near the front of Main Street. In the evening, it comes back the other way.

I don't know if Snow White's musical is still playing. If it's not on the schedule I would assume it's not. We saw it 2 years ago so it would be safe to assume it's run it's course. It was playing in the outdoor theater by the Toon Town train station.

During Fantasmic, it's best to avoid the entire New Orleans/Adventureland area. It's almost impossible to walk through there when people start staking their spots and after the show it's gridlock. I would concentrate on Tomorrowland and Fantasyland during Fantasmic. There are two shows so as soon as the first is done, it won't be long before people start lining up for the second.

Were planning on taking breaks around 2:00 or 3:00 and coming back around 5:00 or 6:00. Usually by 6:00 you see families with sleeping kids in stroller who've had it for the day! Hope this helps your planning!

 

[disneylandfreak]

Hi, we prefer the evening parade not for an particulary reason and we head back towards small world, I think its a little less crowded back there. When and where ever you watch you should stake a place out because it does get crowded.
I don't think Snow White is showing any longer it hasn't been there in quite some time now.
As for rides during Fantasmic, that side of the park is crazy when the show is over so I would try to stay away from that area and maybe hit rides on the other side or time it so you aren't by NO square when Fantasmic gets over.
Crowds are by far the best in the morning and tend to just increase as the day goes on. We generally go back and swim or sleep around one or two and come back at about five, but it is still crowded until really late.
We go to Disneyland every year a couple of times and I have to say we've only had maybe 2 times where we have had run ins with other guests I'd say for the most part people are perfectly nice also I think a big part of having a good time is to be able to just let things go. If someone bumps into you try not to let it bother you because it will happen with that many people milling about.
Have a great Holiday.
Jen

 

[HydroGuy]

In your opinion, is it better to see the afternoon parade or evening parade? And from where inside the park? I'm talking about the parade at DL not DCA.

Doesn't matter IMO. See whichever one fits your schedule. If you are doing an afternoon break then the afternoon parade is harder to do, so the evening one is more convenient.

Is Snow White's Musical still showing at DL? I didn't see it on the calendar.

It is gone. They use the space now for the PFF.

Also, what are some good rides to go on while Fantasmic is going on? We have seen this before when we were at WDW and while it is a good show, we would rather ride rides during this time since it is only a two day stay.

First, Fantasmic is better at DL than at WDW. But if you plan to skip it, I am not sure there are any rides which are better to ride during this time. During the shows many lines for rides drop. IJA, POTC, BTMRR, etc., usually are fairly short lines, for example.

If we take an afternoon break back at the hotel what is a good time to come back? When do the crowds start dieing down?

I would not come back before 5PM. After that, it just depends on whatever works for you. But it all depends. If you are ready to come back at 3 or 4PM, there are things you can do like Tiki Room, HISTA, TTwC, etc. Plus, if you have FPs you can use them whenever. The most important thing, IMO, is just make sure you get some rest, cool off, and kids get naps. Other than that, come back when you are ready.

I've read all the posts on the rude disney guests and I'm starting to get a little nervous that we will have a hot, crowded, rude-filled time on our trip. We are a family of six, four kids, we will have a stroller, will try to avoid playiing catch up in the line, hopefully we won't offend anyone. I'm getting nervous that it will be an every man for himself kind of thing, hoping that is not the case!!

Don't worry about it. I saw that thread and took it as random events. I never saw anything like that when I was at DLR a month ago for 3.5 days. Every once in awhile I see someone being rude, just like everywhere. IMO the vast majority of the guests at DLR are considerate and extremely patient - considering the stressful situations that often exist. Most people are there to have a good time, and most of them do.

 

[Hound 109]

I agree don't worry about the comments of rude behaviour. I also see these as random events (& probably far less likely to ever happen if you avoid the weekends & mid afternoons.... which evidently you wisely are)

A tip if it works for you on the DL parade. The pathway that runs from the Hub back towards IASW is lined with benches on either side. The area just below the bathrooms (next to Alice)...it's also where the Matterhorn is closest to the HUB....on either side (near there) are benches with landscaping etc. behind it.

If you nab a spot on one of the benches (like we did), there are no crowds, no shoving etc. (because there's only room for the people on the bench (no one can gather behind or in front of you). DW & her sister sat on a bench & waited for 30 min. (held our spot for 3 1/2 people on the bench) while DS 8 & I rode Buzz (which was around the rocks from our sitting place). This was a great place to watch the parade.

Have fun.


hound -

 

[tinkerbelt]

First, Fantasmic is better at DL than at WDW. But if you plan to skip it, I am not sure there are any rides which are better to ride during this time. During the shows many lines for rides drop. IJA, POTC, BTMRR, etc., usually are fairly short lines, for example.

I agree - try to see Fantasmic if you can, it is a really great show, and definitely not the same Fantasmic that they have at WDW.


As for the parade, it's the same in the afternoon and the evening, so it doesn't really matter. I personally like the evening parade, because it's so pretty at night with all the lights, although in summer that doesn't matter as much because it's light out during the evening parade.

 

[HydroGuy]

If you nab a spot on one of the benches (like we did), there are no crowds, no shoving etc. (because there's only room for the people on the bench (no one can gather behind or in front of you). DW & her sister sat on a bench & waited for 30 min. (held our spot for 3 1/2 people on the bench) while DS 8 & I rode Buzz (which was around the rocks from our sitting place). This was a great place to watch the parade.

I like that spot too because of the benches - we did this once in 2005. In the summer these will likely be in the sun in the afternoon, but in the evening they are in the shade - which is nice if you are waiting for 30+ minutes.

My only complaint with this spot is that the evening parade comes up from Main Street to IASW and the street curves away from you so you cannot see the parade very well as it approaches. In the afternoon parade, the parade approaches from IASW and you can see it better from the benches.

 

[SunDevilDaddy]

I agree don't worry about the comments of rude behaviour. I also see these as random events (& probably far less likely to ever happen if you avoid the weekends & mid afternoons.... which evidently you wisely are)

A tip if it works for you on the DL parade. The pathway that runs from the Hub back towards IASW is lined with benches on either side. The area just below the bathrooms (next to Alice)...it's also where the Matterhorn is closest to the HUB....on either side (near there) are benches with landscaping etc. behind it.

If you nab a spot on one of the benches (like we did), there are no crowds, no shoving etc. (because there's only room for the people on the bench (no one can gather behind or in front of you). DW & her sister sat on a bench & waited for 30 min. (held our spot for 3 1/2 people on the bench) while DS 8 & I rode Buzz (which was around the rocks from our sitting place). This was a great place to watch the parade.

Have fun.


hound -

Ditto on the benches. In some spots along Main and through the hub the crowds can be deep! Stick to this prime real estate and you'll be stretching your legs and singing zipidedooda!

 

[SunDevilDaddy]

We will be renting a car at LAX and driving to BWPPI, any tips on the route for that? Also is there a grocery store on the way to the motel or near the motel that we could stop at for bottled water and snacks?

There is a target on Harbor about 1 mile south of the park. It is not a Super Target or Target Marketplace so there is no official grocery section but they do have bottled water, snacks, and some freezer items. We purchased Smuckers Uncrustables for the kids at this Target which worked as a good snack in the park!

I've read all the posts on the rude disney guests and I'm starting to get a little nervous that we will have a hot, crowded, rude-filled time on our trip. We are a family of six, four kids, we will have a stroller,which we will try not to run over people with, will try to avoid playiing catch up in the line, hopefully we won't offend anyone. I'm getting nervous that it will be an every man for himself kind of thing, hoping that is not the case!!

Just to reiterate what others have posted. Don't worry about it! On our last trip we had one encounter with a rude guest that sticks out in my mind. And that was while waiting for Mary Poppins and Bert. There was a very impatient and rude lady in the line yelling at everyone to hurry up. But, it was a short and isolated event and in no way did it ruin the rest of our trip. The way I figure it she was the one who had the bad trip...otherwise why would she have been so unhappy. I'm sure there were line jumpers and the likes, but we never really took notice of them and any time our party got spread out entering ride ques everyone was happy and helpful and friendly in helping us to regroup. I have to agree that the majority of experiences at DLR are positive ones and the majority of people share in the magical atmosphere.

Just kick back and enjoy. Don't worry about any potentially rude people and don't worry about offending anyone else. You'll have a fun ride!

 

[HydroGuy]

Ditto on the benches. In some spots along Main and through the hub the crowds can be deep! Stick to this prime real estate and you'll be stretching your legs and singing zipidedooda!

One more thing about benches, especially the ones over towards the Matterhorn. For the most part people sit down here to watch the parade, but if you score one of the concrete benches and people do stand in front of you, your kids can stand up on the bench and improve their view. So if you have younger children of smaller stature, this is a plus.

 

[Hound 109]

I like that spot too because of the benches - we did this once in 2005. In the summer these will likely be in the sun in the afternoon, but in the evening they are in the shade - which is nice if you are waiting for 30+ minutes.

My only complaint with this spot is that the evening parade comes up from Main Street to IASW and the street curves away from you so you cannot see the parade very well as it approaches. In the afternoon parade, the parade approaches from IASW and you can see it better from the benches.

Agreed on the view (or lack of) HydroGuy. The parade was coming from the Hub (for us) & we coundn't see them coming until they rounded the corner. The upside was that the anticipation on all the little one's faces was amazing . Once the first float was upon us we were pretty much watching what was around us so the long view (toward the Hub) didn't come into play (for us).

Also, although we were on "the benches" (basically in front of Ariel's greet place), there were also folks across the way on those old 50 y/o concrete benches that backed up to the garden behind Snow White & the 7 dwarfs statues (next to Alice's bathroom). Those long concrete benches weren't in the sun at all (we were in the sun for a few minutes on the benches but the Temps were in the 70s on our day).

So I guess what I'm saying is that BOTH SIDES of the parade route (in that area) has great no hassle seating (with no people in front of you or behind you). Also, CMs prevented any late arriving people from sitting in front (or standing in the gardens behind). IMO, it took away the stress of "will someone sneak in front of me?, will folks be 4 deep behind me?". Which was really nice. As SunDevilDaddy said,.... you'll be singing "zippydoodah" .........especially when you're sitting on a bench with a churro or a dole whip float waiting for a great Disney Parade.

I need to mention that a nice Diser posted about this location a couple of weeks before our June trip. (& I can't remember who it is....i want to think it was a female from canada, but i'm not sure.) Anyways, it was a great tip, so thanks to that person.

EDIT - JUST SAW HER POST ON ANOTHER THREAD....I THINK IT WAS MYSTIC PATH WHO PROVIDED THE PARADE TIP (to me).

hound -

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We like an evening parade, usually a good time to rest. We just sit right in the middle of main street. Whichever side has the shade!

In the summer months we never really saw the crowds go down in the evening much. Maybe MUCH later, but it always still seemed crowded when coming back say around 6-7 pm.

As for the rude people. Last month we encountered quite a few line cutters (kinda hard to not notice when someone is pushing you up against the wall/rope/chain to get by you). We didn't have any problems with those with strollers or at the parades. Just something to be aware of. But nothing to ruin a trip over. I wouldn't worry about offending anyone, a little common sense and courtesy to others is really all you need.

 

[Master Mason]

From everything I have heard ,you want to see fantasmic at DL, it has way more things to see in it, than the show at WDW. I would rather see it any day of the week compared to the parade.