Leaving Sunday!! Tentative plan...

[beachteachlv]

DH and I drive to Anaheim Sunday and have our day at the parks Monday. I have come up with a tentative plan of attack using advice and wisdom from the lovely members here! Please tell me if you'd recommend otherwise, or know something that will likely impact and alter this plan.

We have both done both parks before, and we know with one day we won't hit everything, especially with how busy it will be.

Updated plan using advice from thread...
DH wants to ride RSR in daylight, so we will still head there first.

We are planning to be at DCA around 7/7:20am for rope drop..

DCA -
Radiator Springs Racers

after ride immediately head to DL - get a locker to store sweatshirts, etc.

(This is our ambitious plan, and we have our favorites picked out in the event we have to cut several)
Space mountain FP
Buzz FP
Matterhorn
Star tours
Buzz
Space mountain

Indy FP
Big thunder
Jungle cruise
Indy

Haunted Mansion FP
Winnie the Pooh
Pirates
Haunted Mansion

Christmas parade 3:15
Carnation Cafe 4pm reservation
Paint the Night 5:45

Back to DCA
Ariel
Soarin single rider
RSR single rider
Other misc. rides

Back to DL
possibly catch fireworks @ 9:30
Fantasyland rides
It's A Small World
Hit favorite rides again until close (Space Mountain, Indy, Pirates, Big Thunder, etc)


We are prepared to go with the flow

Thanks for all the advice!!!!

 

[figment_jii]

My general sense is that next week is going to super busy in the parks, with capacity crowds being likely at times on one or more days. So be prepared to adjust your plans as you go. I would check with the CMs at the gates before exiting DL to find out if there are currently any restrictions on entrances (i.e., it won't necessarily tell you if they are approaching capacity closures, but it should help you figure out if they're already reached that point).

My only other thought is that you've probably got a moderately overly-ambitious plan for FPs. Space, which currently has its Hyperspace Mountain overlay is extremely popular. So if you wait until two hours after park opening to get a FP, there is a good chance that the return time will be much later in the day. I would use the Disneyland App or Ask Otto (the phone system) to keep tabs on the return times in case they're starting to get beyond what would work for your plan.

Truthfully, given the crowds, I'd honestly be surprised if you were able to accomplish everything on your Disneyland list in time to find a decent spot for the Christmas Parade. The curb/front row spots are likely to be gone at least an hour before the parade steps off.

 

[Mysteryincorp]

Yes I have to agree, that list seems very, very ambitious. I would hit RSR, then grab a fast pass for RSR then head straight over to Space Mountain to get a fast pass. Just know if you do that you are tying up your fast passes for a couple hours so by the time you can pull your next one, you may be looking at evening ride return times.

 

[SMD]

I would skip starting in DCA since RSR has single rider and Little Mermaid is a high capacity ride. While it's often doesn't knock as much time off as other single riders, if you go to DCA later in the day using single rider for Soarin is a good alternative too. Start in DL because you don't want to either get shut out due to a closure or end up having to choose between 5pm FP or your plan to go to DCA at that time. Do TL first, then HM and JC, consider single rider for Indy if you finish JC before your HM FP time. Buzz FP are disconnected, so depending on the Star Tours standby time you could probably grab that right after Space (though often Star Tours standby is longer than Space first thing in the morning.) Matterhorn, BTMR and POTC I'd fit in between HM and Indy depending on the wait times. Are you also planning to do Launch Bay or any character meets? Because those are time consuming too. And how far is your hotel? Seeing the Christmas parade at 3:15 doesn't give you a lot of time to watch the parade, exit, return to your hotel, rest and then be back through bag check and at DCA at 5pm. You might want to consider just going to DCA after the parade and taking a slower pace there, because starting there at 5pm doesn't leave you a lot of time to get back to DL for 9:30 fireworks, either.

 

[figment_jii]

As a follow-up, are you staying on-site? DCA has EMH on Monday, so if you don't have EMH access, there will probably already be a line for RSR by the time you get there. I wouldn't be surprised if the line was already 30-60 minutes at that point. I would strongly consider the Single Rider Line and then immediately heading over to DL to do those attractions you want. I would also prioritize the attractions so you cans cut things if needed.

As others have said, I would consider trying to find somewhere in the park to take a break and skip going back to the hotel. The parade won't finish up until 3:45 pm or so (depending on where you watch it from), then you have to get back to your hotel, and then back to the park and through security. There have been reports that with the new, more intense security measures, waits of 20 to 30 minutes at bag check aren't uncommon. So, I don't think you'll really have much time to rest at the hotel if you wanted to be back to DCA around 5:00 pm.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

We will be there at that time. I was told that Disneyland is more likely to close due to capacity crowds vs. DCA (which will still be crazy crowded). With that in mind, if you must hop, I'd get as much done as you can in Disneyland first before heading over to DCA. We have hoppers just in case we need to leave and get shut out of one part due to crowds, but we were advised to try and stick it out in the park we pick for the day and not plan on hotel time for resting unless we're done for the day or flexible in our plans (like dining). I tried building a plan on Touring Plans with about the same number of attractions in Disneyland alone, and it said it would be pushing it even under normal conditions. That's fine b/c we have things highlighted based on the must do's vs. the would like to do's, but you may want to do something similar so that you keep your top priority attractions in mind. Also not sure what you plan to do for food, but I was strongly encouraged to make dining reservations since we'd waste a lot of time waiting for lines at quick service and quick service seating.

 

[beachteachlv]

I would skip starting in DCA since RSR has single rider and Little Mermaid is a high capacity ride. While it's often doesn't knock as much time off as other single riders, if you go to DCA later in the day using single rider for Soarin is a good alternative too. Start in DL because you don't want to either get shut out due to a closure or end up having to choose between 5pm FP or your plan to go to DCA at that time. Do TL first, then HM and JC, consider single rider for Indy if you finish JC before your HM FP time. Buzz FP are disconnected, so depending on the Star Tours standby time you could probably grab that right after Space (though often Star Tours standby is longer than Space first thing in the morning.) Matterhorn, BTMR and POTC I'd fit in between HM and Indy depending on the wait times. Are you also planning to do Launch Bay or any character meets? Because those are time consuming too. And how far is your hotel? Seeing the Christmas parade at 3:15 doesn't give you a lot of time to watch the parade, exit, return to your hotel, rest and then be back through bag check and at DCA at 5pm. You might want to consider just going to DCA after the parade and taking a slower pace there, because starting there at 5pm doesn't leave you a lot of time to get back to DL for 9:30 fireworks, either.

RSR is the ONLY ride in DCA that my husband wants to go on, so DCA is a very flexible point for us. Would it be better to catch PTN at 5:45 and then go to DCA and spend the evening over there? Fireworks are NOT a "must" for us to see inside the park.

We have no character meets planned and no dining reservations.

Would a better plan be to arrive at DL at 7:15/7:20 for Rope Drop and stay at DL until after the 5:45 PTN - then head to DCA until close?

Our hotel is the Anaheim Desert Inn - so right across the street - but if we opt to stay for the earlier PTN at 5:45 a rest break at the hotel is definitely not an option.

As far as rides at DL, we are not "set" on any plan of attack. We would obviously like to ride as much as possible, and based on wait times (I have been following using the app) it seems like Tomorrowland would be the place to start our day.

 

[beachteachlv]

We will be there at that time. I was told that Disneyland is more likely to close due to capacity crowds vs. DCA (which will still be crazy crowded). With that in mind, if you must hop, I'd get as much done as you can in Disneyland first before heading over to DCA. We have hoppers just in case we need to leave and get shut out of one part due to crowds, but we were advised to try and stick it out in the park we pick for the day and not plan on hotel time for resting unless we're done for the day or flexible in our plans (like dining). I tried building a plan on Touring Plans with about the same number of attractions in Disneyland alone, and it said it would be pushing it even under normal conditions. That's fine b/c we have things highlighted based on the must do's vs. the would like to do's, but you may want to do something similar so that you keep your top priority attractions in mind. Also not sure what you plan to do for food, but I was strongly encouraged to make dining reservations since we'd waste a lot of time waiting for lines at quick service and quick service seating.

We did not make any dining reservations. We were worried that dining reservations could restrict our FP times. If it is a general consensus that dining reservations are a smarter way to go, then we may be able to find something still available. Recommendations would be great - we usually tend to snack throughout the day and rarely sit down to eat, but that may be a good way to get a "break" in.

 

[beachteachlv]

ETA: I made a reservation at Carnation Cafe for 4:00pm. Figured Christmas Parade from 3:15-3:45 (we are not interested in waiting an hour before for curb side seats, we will be content just to stand around where we can find space), then "dinner" at 4:00pm... PTN at 5:45. This may be enough of a break to feel recharged before heading to DCA. Is this a reasonable plan??

 

[SMD]

What do you mean by fireworks not being a must for inside the parks? The current show isn't as visible from outside the parks, especially from DCA and they do really rely more on the projections then any other show. But if you're ok with missing the projections then trying to see them Sunday night from outside might be an option. Plus at this time of the year they're susceptible to cancelation, so for a day trip you invest time waiting at your own risk.

5:45 PTN sounds like a good plan, especially since it gives you the flexibility to see a later show if you end up with a FP for that time or the plan changes. As far as food, my friend held our spot while 2 of us went to get food. We found it faster to go farther for food, like NOS, Frontierland rather than Plaza Inn or corn dogs which had longer lines. If you tend to buy snacks throughout the day, consider bringing a wrap or sandwich that you can eat while waiting for the parade or in line to save time.

 

[beachteachlv]

What do you mean by fireworks not being a must for inside the parks? The current show isn't as visible from outside the parks, especially from DCA and they do really rely more on the projections then any other show. But if you're ok with missing the projections then trying to see them Sunday night from outside might be an option. Plus at this time of the year they're susceptible to cancelation, so for a day trip you invest time waiting at your own risk.

5:45 PTN sounds like a good plan, especially since it gives you the flexibility to see a later show if you end up with a FP for that time or the plan changes. As far as food, my friend held our spot while 2 of us went to get food. We found it faster to go farther for food, like NOS, Frontierland rather than Plaza Inn or corn dogs which had longer lines. If you tend to buy snacks throughout the day, consider bringing a wrap or sandwich that you can eat while waiting for the parade or in line to save time.

We are okay viewing them Sunday outside the park if possible, but regardless the fireworks are not (for us) worth scheduling our entire evening around.

Im feeling more confident about going to DL first, for most of the day, and spending the evening at DCA. We would likely end up back in DL at some point before closing too, I imagine it would just depend on the speed at which we get rides done at DCA and the ability to re enter DL.

 

[Cats2]

As a follow-up, are you staying on-site? DCA has EMH on Monday, so if you don't have EMH access, there will probably already be a line for RSR by the time you get there. I wouldn't be surprised if the line was already 30-60 minutes at that point. I would strongly consider the Single Rider Line and then immediately heading over to DL to do those attractions you want. I would also prioritize the attractions so you cans cut things if needed.

figment_jii gives good advice, however I just wanted to mention that during regular times of the year, EMH at DCA is on Mondays, BUT during this period of time, there's EMH/MM DAILY at DL and EMH daily at DCA. So, there's going to be people in both parks at 7 am before the official opening time. I think it's still worthwhile to go early, because the crowds will only build throughout the day.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

We did not make any dining reservations. We were worried that dining reservations could restrict our FP times. If it is a general consensus that dining reservations are a smarter way to go, then we may be able to find something still available. Recommendations would be great - we usually tend to snack throughout the day and rarely sit down to eat, but that may be a good way to get a "break" in.

I guess we are using the TS meals as our in park downtime. We have to eat and will likely need a little peace in the crowds. We, however, are big TS meal people, so this aspect is the norm for us. I know FP times could be a concern, but I deal with that so much better than waiting in line and being hungry and I don't snack well. LOL. I know many people are the total opposite, so this TS approach may not be ideal for you guys...but stopping to book a TS meal might be the way to go if you feel you really need a break and don't want to leave the park. We have meals at Goofy's Kitchen (non-park day), Plaza Inn breakfast, Blue Bayou dinner, Storytellers Cafe breakfast (since it shouldn't be as hard to get in and out of DCA), Carthay Circle WOC pkg, Cafe Orleans lunch, and Carnation Cafe dinner. I would love to head to Catal for dinner, but I don't want to risk leaving the park. We're also hoping to hit Trader Sams on our non-park day. I know others recommend Ralph Brennan's, but we're so close to NOLA that we don't typically go for any of that while we're away.

 

[beachteachlv]

I guess we are using the TS meals as our in park downtime. We have to eat and will likely need a little peace in the crowds. We, however, are big TS meal people, so this aspect is the norm for us. I know FP times could be a concern, but I deal with that so much better than waiting in line and being hungry and I don't snack well. LOL. I know many people are the total opposite, so this TS approach may not be ideal for you guys...but stopping to book a TS meal might be the way to go if you feel you really need a break and don't want to leave the park. We have meals at Goofy's Kitchen (non-park day), Plaza Inn breakfast, Blue Bayou dinner, Storytellers Cafe breakfast (since it shouldn't be as hard to get in and out of DCA), Carthay Circle WOC pkg, Cafe Orleans lunch, and Carnation Cafe dinner. I would love to head to Catal for dinner, but I don't want to risk leaving the park. We're also hoping to hit Trader Sams on our non-park day. I know others recommend Ralph Brennan's, but we're so close to NOLA that we don't typically go for any of that while we're away.

We are now looking at our TS reservation as our break time. We booked Carnation Cafe we are doing Ralph Brennan's on Sunday night after we drive in.

 

[figment_jii]

figment_jii gives good advice, however I just wanted to mention that during regular times of the year, EMH at DCA is on Mondays, BUT during this period of time, there's EMH/MM DAILY at DL and EMH daily at DCA. So, there's going to be people in both parks at 7 am before the official opening time. I think it's still worthwhile to go early, because the crowds will only build throughout the day.

As Cats2 said, it's unusual for both parks to be open early on any one day, which usually only happens with DLR is expecting huge crowds. When DCA has EMH that tends to really impact the lines for RSR, TSMM, and Soarin' at regular park opening. Over at DL, EMH/MM means that Tomorrowland and Fantasyland will see longer lines at opening. Luckily, they do not start distributing FPs until the parks open to everyone (i.e., no FP distribution during EMH/MM).

Just to see, I checked on the Disneyland App just now (8:55 am) and the FP return time for Hyperspace is 11:25 am-12:25pm, Star Tours is 9:45 am-10:45 am, and RSR is 1:15 pm-2:15 pm. Both parks opened at 8:00 am to the general public and both had early entry.

 

[beachteachlv]

As Cats2 said, it's unusual for both parks to be open early on any one day, which usually only happens with DLR is expecting huge crowds. When DCA has EMH that tends to really impact the lines for RSR, TSMM, and Soarin' at regular park opening. Over at DL, EMH/MM means that Tomorrowland and Fantasyland will see longer lines at opening. Luckily, they do not start distributing FPs until the parks open to everyone (i.e., no FP distribution during EMH/MM).

Just to see, I checked on the Disneyland App just now (8:55 am) and the FP return time for Hyperspace is 11:25 am-12:25pm, Star Tours is 9:45 am-10:45 am, and RSR is 1:15 pm-2:15 pm. Both parks opened at 8:00 am to the general public and both had early entry.

The FastPass times will determine a lot for us, but we are also going in with the understanding that we will have to wait in long lines. I don't know that there is a "perfect" strategy for these crazy busy holiday days, so we will just do our best!

 

[figment_jii]

I don't know that there is a "perfect" strategy for these crazy busy holiday days, so we will just do our best!

I think you have a good plan (go early and be flexible)!

 

[Satchmo128]

We are okay viewing them Sunday outside the park if possible, but regardless the fireworks are not (for us) worth scheduling our entire evening around.

Im feeling more confident about going to DL first, for most of the day, and spending the evening at DCA. We would likely end up back in DL at some point before closing too, I imagine it would just depend on the speed at which we get rides done at DCA and the ability to re enter DL.

We were in the parks 12/11 - 12/15 and found that it was best to start each day at Disneyland, get as much done as possible, and then head over to DCA later in the day. Since the parks were (very) crowded, but not closed for capacity, we were able to hop back and forth throughout the day, but Disneyland never really felt uncrowded after around 11:00 each day.

I think the best idea is to go straight to Hyperspace Mountain and ride it first thing in the morning. Maybe get a FP after you ride if you really want to do it again later.

Pack your patience, and have fun!

 

[beachteachlv]

We were in the parks 12/11 - 12/15 and found that it was best to start each day at Disneyland, get as much done as possible, and then head over to DCA later in the day. Since the parks were (very) crowded, but not closed for capacity, we were able to hop back and forth throughout the day, but Disneyland never really felt uncrowded after around 11:00 each day.

I think the best idea is to go straight to Hyperspace Mountain and ride it first thing in the morning. Maybe get a FP after you ride if you really want to do it again later.

Pack your patience, and have fun!

If RSR wasn't at the top of DHs ride list, we would probably start at DL. It's such a toss up, IMO, when dealing with the holiday crowds.

I'm also worried about park hopping too much during the day, with the likelihood of Disney reaching capacity.

Patience will definitely be key!!!