Leaving tommorow night! Afraid I haven't planned enough!

[mad hatter fan]

We pick the kids up a little early from school tomorrow and head to the airport. We will be at the Hojos for 7 nights and then the DLH for the last 3. We usually see some of my family on our trips but we recently found they are not available this time.

I have planned out which mornings to use our two MM (the first sunday and tuesday). I have made our dining reservations and have a good idea of which days to see Fantasmic and the Fireworks.

This will be our 5th Disneyland trip (we also have done WDW twice) so I am quite familiar with the rides and fastpass use, etc. I also have brushed up by reading the stickies at the top of the page.

But we have never gone at as busy of time as we are going now. I feel worried that I have not planned out what rides we are to do each day. I have no experience fitting in the subs or the Toy Story ride.

Any helpful last minute tips or any reassuring comments?
I want to be excited not worried

 

[Jrsy Boy]

We just got back yesterday and found that, especially on the weekdays, the parks were not very busy at all. Toy Story does not have FastPass, so the wait may be a bit longer, but if you do that first thing in the morning or earlier in the day, the wait will probably be shorter. The wait for Finding Nemo was not too bad for most of the trip and was definitely worth the wait. Check the schedule for the holiday events. We got trapped by the Candlelight Processional on night and were detoured behind the buildings on Main Street to get around it.

Let me know if you have any specific questions...

 

[pixiewings71]

By staying at the DLH you will have access to MM if it is available the days of your stay there.

Just use FP's and don't stress, the parks are beautiful this time of year, crowded yes but still beautiful. Do Nemo last one of your nights, get in line right before closing. The line is still long but you won't waste as much time during the day if you do it that way. Or you can use MM, just head over there first thing and get it done. TSMM is well worth the line, just wait for it, you won't regret it.

 

[bumbershoot]

Regarding MMs, I take it you got your tickets through getawaytoday, so you have the 2 while staying at hojo? And you're getting in late Friday night? If so, know that you could think about going on Saturday, before you even start getting used to the time, since it would be later according to your bodies. Maybe not something to plan on, but if everyone's up, you might think about jetting out for that very first MM day.

And as pixie said, with DLH you get more MM days. If I'm looking at the calendar right you'll be there Friday night, Sat night, and Sun night? Which means if you're up to it, you could go for MM Sat and Sun too, thanks to being guests of DLH.

Which means you do not have to stress about Nemo! Just go on it on one of your MM mornings. Or if your family is full of Fantasyland nuts, just go first thing on a regular morning OR at dusk OR during a parade.

I find the lines of Nemo and TSMM to be quite pleasant. It's not like Peter Pan where you're squished in, rather, the lines are wide, the switchbacks are brilliantly designed, and especially on TSMM there's good people-watching and stuff in the queue to look at.

For TSMM I had heard to avoid early mornings and go as the day wanes on, but we did NOT have good luck with that. Spent a total of 70 minutes in line (per the estimated wait time sign, we did not time it) to go on it twice. But it was absolutely worth the wait, it's a GREAT ride!

You have SO much time, and now that family is eliminated you'll have lots of time to relax and take it easy when you need to. Have fun!

 

[SeattleTink]

No worries....just enjoy it all. Take your time, collect fast passes, enjoy the sights and sounds!

We leave in just a couple hours and will be in the park tonight.

We also are staying at HoJo's! Maybe I will see you there!

Have a great trip, and really just enjoy!

 

[evilprncess96]

Once you get there it will all fall into place. Have a magical time and don't stress!

 

[perlster]

Rain is possible on Saturday.

 

[LucyDingo]

Just remember...there is such thing as planning TOO MUCH. Just relax and enjoy your trip.