MM in DL on Marathon Weekend? When During Trip to Upgrade to AP?

[egritz]

I'm buying discounted 5 day park hopper tickets prior to going on our trip. We are driving down on Saturday November 14th, our first day in the park is Sunday November 15th.

1st question - is there MM on that Sunday still with the Marathon going on? If so, is it better to do our MM on Sunday morning, or wait until Tuesday? First priority will likely be Peter Pan, DD4 is talking about it non-stop.

My dilemma is that we are planning to upgrade to AP's after we use our MM, but if we don't use MM until Tuesday, then we lose out on 2 1/2 days of potential AP discounts. We typically eat 1 meal per day in the park (we brown bag the other, and do breakfast in our room). We can save most souvenir purchases until after we get our AP's.

My kids (16 months & 4 1/2 years at the time of the trip) are usually somewhat early risers (6am-6:30am). That said, we were there last year the same week and we got a late start on Sunday just for regular opening, so we used our MM for Tuesday instead. (And I can't remember if they still did MM on Sunday, but I think they moved it to DCA that day).

 

[Xenorye]

1st question - is there MM on that Sunday still with the Marathon going on? If so, is it better to do our MM on Sunday morning, or wait until Tuesday? First priority will likely be Peter Pan, DD4 is talking about it non-stop.

Sunday MM is actually EMH at DCA for resort hotel guests only (Sun/Mon/Wed/Fri is DCA, Tue/Thur/Sat for DL). But yes, it is still scheduled. Just not for Disneyland park. If you're looking for MM, Saturday (if you're there) or Tuesday are your options.

 

[egritz]

Sunday MM is actually EMH at DCA for resort hotel guests only (Sun/Mon/Wed/Fri is DCA, Tue/Thur/Sat for DL). But yes, it is still scheduled. Just not for Disneyland park. If you're looking for MM, Saturday (if you're there) or Tuesday are your options.

Lol, that's what I get for thinking about this when tired. I had myself convinced it is DL on Sundays.

 

[Girimama33]

I am not a big fan of MM myself (especially since I have an AP), mainly since there is a limited amount open so I find it can be busier. You have a 5 day hopper, and will have plenty of time to do everything. Make sure you get there at rope drop to the park that is not having EMH. You can get a lot done in the first hour or two.
I would upgrade right away.

 

[SMD]

Unless there's a reason why you want your AP to expire on the 15th, you could go in the parks on your arrival day and the extra time would make up for not having MM.

 

[egritz]

Unless there's a reason why you want your AP to expire on the 15th, you could go in the parks on your arrival day and the extra time would make up for not having MM.

We will have been in the car all day and i don't think we'd mentally be able to handle the Saturday marathon crowds. Plus my kids are little and go to bed early so I'd rather just get settled in the hotel to start fresh on the 15th. Plus we aren't staying super close so it would be a long walk for just and hour or two of park time.

 

[bumbershoot]

We will have been in the car all day and i don't think we'd mentally be able to handle the Saturday marathon crowds.

From a runner's point of view, those doing the Half (there's no full marathon event) are not going to be at the parks very late on Saturday. Those that did the 10K that day are likely tired by that point.

I'm just not sure what huge crowds you're anticipating, personally. I don't remember crowds for the Disneyland Half, and that's over Labor Day weekend. And the runner crowds are slow moving and limpy, so you can pass them LOL.


Remember that whether it's an early entrance day to DL or not, the key for Peter Pan is to make sure you're among the first in the park. Then walk with purpose back there. Do NOT be swayed by Mickey and Donald and everyone before Main street! They are a trap, a time-trap, keeping people from their intended rides. Put blinders on the little one and yourselves and just keep moving to PP.

 

[egritz]

I'm just not sure what huge crowds you're anticipating, personally. I don't remember crowds for the Disneyland Half, and that's over Labor Day weekend. And the runner crowds are slow moving and limpy, so you can pass them LOL.

It's more the "Saturday+first official weekend of the Holiday+marathon" crowd I'm expecting. Sunday last year by 1pm was pretty packed.