Looking for some non-EE entry info

[rizzle64]

We will be in DLR next week and we haven't been for awhile. I'm hoping to get the latest on the early morning procedures on the non-EE mornings. We will be visiting each park on a day when EE isn't happening, so DCA on Thursday and DL on Friday, ect.

What time do they allow you through the turn-styles to MS/BVS?
What time do you suggest we get there if the parks open at 8:00am?
Are the gate 14 and 19 tips still good to try out, even on the non EE mornings?
Any other tips for the best rope drop experience?

Thanks!!!

 

[Godzilla55]

We were the first ones in line at 7am for an 8am opening at disneyland on a Wednesday. I think they opened the gates about 20 min before 8 am.

This was last week.

I headed for space mountain which had a separate rope, and my mom and kids went to the fantasy land rope.

I rode space and grabbed fastpasses while they went on PP and Dumbo.

I would imagine CA would be similar, but did not experience it myself.

The reason we were at DL so early was by accident. I goofed and thought that Wednesday was our magic morning for Disneyland, but it was EMH at CA that day so since we were offsite guests we had to wait it out. Sure could have used that extra hour of sleep. But the upside is it was the first time we ever made it to rope drop in over 4 trips. We usually take a mid day break and nap, and close the parks down each night. It helps beat the heat too!

 

[ktlm]

We were there 2 weeks ago. We did DL regular entry on a Monday to make the Anna and Elsa run. DH got there just after 7:00 for an 8:00 opening. He did gate 19 and was first in line. DD and I joined him about 7:30. We were going to just stay back in the line but the people behind him in line told us just to come up. Even at 7:30 we would not have been horribly far back and I think still would have fared well in the A&E run. That day was fairly low crowds, so I don't know that every day was like that.

At about 7:40 to 7:45, they pulled their family of the day- did their little announcement and then opened the turnstyles. That started the 1st leg of the A&E run. At that point, you will see everyone bolting to the castle where the ropes are set up. You will see a couple of people actually at the ropes to the lands other than Fantasyland and A&E, but the bulk of the crowd will be headed to A&E. Our day they did not have a dedicated line from rope drop to A&E- it was drop the rope and the 2nd leg of the run started. DH ran with the Dads and he could have been first, but knew that DD and I weren't running so he let about 4 Dad past him. DD and I did a fast walk and would not have been that far behind him in line.

If Anna and Elsa are your rope drop intention- then I would have someone in line at 7:00 a.m. ready to make the run. If you are staying in walking distance the rest of you can come a little later, and if you do not get next to each other by rope drop then just hightail it to the line to meet your runner. Your runner can always let people go ahead in the line until you join up. We let a lot of people ahead of us because we waited for Elsa to show up as we didn't want to do the line again.

If you are not headed for Anna and Elsa, then know that the turnstiles and rope drop are going to be a little more crowded than usual because there will be a bunch of people who might not normally be rope drop people there to make the A&E run. The bright side is that while if you are later, you may be behind the crowd at the turnstyles or rope drop, that if you aren't headed to Anna and Elsa- then you will be leaving the crowd and it shouldn't be bad where you are going yet!

 

[XMom]

We will be in DLR next week and we haven't been for awhile. I'm hoping to get the latest on the early morning procedures on the non-EE mornings. We will be visiting each park on a day when EE isn't happening, so DCA on Thursday and DL on Friday, ect. What time do they allow you through the turn-styles to MS/BVS? What time do you suggest we get there if the parks open at 8:00am? Are the gate 14 and 19 tips still good to try out, even on the non EE mornings? Any other tips for the best rope drop experience? Thanks!!!

Our plan of attack on a non-early entry day in Ca Adv is that we go straight to RSR then after we get off that, we go to the FP area for RSR and get a FP for that to ride later in the day. Next we head to Soarin to get a FP, next head up to Grizzly Rapids to get a FP for World of Color. Then we head to Paradise Pier and ride Toy Story Mania and Screamin. By the time we are finished with those, it is time to get to Soarin for our FP. This way we hit the headliners and still have a FP for RSR later in the day. Keep in mind that RSR and WOC are not linked to the FP system so that is why you can still obtain the FP for Soarin. Toy Story does not have a FP. Not sure of the ages of your family. But the Aladdin Show is amazing if you have time or interest in seeing it. Animation Academy is also a favorite of my kids and is a nice way to cool down. For lunch, you can go to the exit to the Grand Cal and head to Whitewater Snacks. We love their Nachos and Carnitas Burger. It isn't very crowded and the prices are decent for Disneyland.

 

[Cats2]

Keep in mind that RSR and WOC are not linked to the FP system so that is why you can still obtain the FP for Soarin.

Recent reports have said that RSR is now connected to the FP system :-(