Last Minute Trip This Weekend

[kangamama]

hi everyone! I haven't made a trip since the 24 hour event in 2015, but decided yesterday to take my kids, last minute, down to DLR this coming weekend. We will only have one day in the park, and I'm trying to decide if we would actually be able to take advantage of park hoppers if we had them for the day. I'm imagining it is going to be very busy. Thoughts? Also. I've read that Jedi training now takes sign ups! Yay! What time would you suggest we show up, with a 9 am rope drop? Is there anything else new in the last 18 months?

 

[Kindermouse]

FRom what Ive read sign up immediately for Jedi Training. There is a thread around here somewhere where we made a list of all the new things and changed things in the park in the last couple of years.

As far as park hoppers go I always get them as a strategy for getting away from DL when it gets too crowded. Since your worried about the crowds this might be a way to deal with that. Also it would give you the option of seeing the new soarin.

 

[kangamama]

Do you think that arriving at 8 for a 9 am rope drop is early enough?

 

[kangamama]

oh yikes -- I just read that this is the half-marathon weekend. What was I thinking??

 

[lurkergirl]

Between the holiday, the 60th Celebration ending and the Disneyland Half-Marathon events...it's going to be super busy!

 

[Angrose]

oh yikes -- I just read that this is the half-marathon weekend. What was I thinking??

It's also the last weekend of the 60th celebration and entertainment. Plus 3-day weekend. Triple wammy! I hope it's not too bad, but I think you should prepare for the worst. Going in with a plan will make it much easier to deal with.

I'm trying to think if what is new since the 24-hour day. Peter Pan got some upgrades (I don't think it was open yet that weekend) and there are the new storybook windows at the Emporium. If you like Tower of Terror and won't be back before the end of the year, then definitely ride that because it will change over to Guardians of the Galaxy in the spring.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Nevada Jen]

Not sure it is the best weekend to be doing DLR (OK, I actually think it is a horrible idea!). But if you are prepared for crowds and waits, the weather should be nice at least. Make dining reservations. I would be tempted to reserve at least two meals. That is the thing I find the hardest when the crowds are crazy, finding food. Not sure how old your kids are. Maybe great wolf lodge would be a better idea this weekend? I think 1 day in a crowded park might really sour you on Disney. Definitely get park hoppers. I think they is the only thing that will make it tolerable. Also, I think the ride that replaced Lugi's Flying Tires in new since you were there. Can't remember the name of the ride off the top of my head.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Just bumped the "changes in the past two years" thread.

If you go over the weekend, Sundays are much less busy than Saturdays. Not sure how that will be affected by everything going on, though. Arriving at the gate at 8 for a 9 am rope drop would normally be fine but who knows this weekend.

 

[kangamama]

Thanks! Yes, I know it is going to be horribly busy -- we tend to only go during busy times, so I think we will survive .

 

[kangamama]

Just bumped the "changes in the past two years" thread.

Many thanks!

 

[gottalovepluto]

You sure can pick a weekend! It's going to be an absolute madhouse. On the one hand park hoppers might be worth it to me, even for this 1 day trip, in order to have the ability to exit Disneyland before PTN and DL Forever start running so that you can do rides during that time over in DCA with breathing space when walking around. On the other hand with everybody and their brother, aunt, friends, cousin twice removed, etc. watching the shows it might be a great time to be doing rides in DL- just pick 1 side of the park and don't try to cross until after the fireworks. (Both shows have become beloved Disney shows and are having their final performances [well almost final, the last shows are Monday night] and no one knows when/if they will be coming back on the schedule. PTN will return "select nights over the holidays" but what that means we have no idea at this point.) I don't know if park closure level crowds are being anticipated this weekend, maybe others have insight on that, but that is something to keep an eye on if you're thinking of leaving the park for an afternoon break.

What's new in 18 months? Soarin' Over The World opened this summer. Last chance to ride Tower of Terror before it permanently becomes a Guardians of the Galaxy ride (it shuts down in Jan). (Admittedly those would both require the Hopper option for you.)

 

[kangamama]

I'd say the primary reason we are coming is so that I can see PTN one more time. Lol so I am part of the problem!

Ok, well, wish us luck!