Must-see attractions when time is limited?

[marcyinPA]

I am headed to Anaheim with three of my colleagues on Tuesday for the NAEYC conference. We will be able to purchase a night-time pass to DL, and will only have a few hours to visit the park. (I'd say from 5pm until closing). What are the MUSTs for four adult women?

Thanks!!

 

[DLtorgo]

Your signature looks like you have been to WDW alot so I would focus on the rides that are a bit different/unique at DL.

If you enjoy the thrills I would go try to get a fastpass for Space Mountain then ride on that side of the park- Small World, Alice, Mr Toad. Then I would head over to the other side and get a fastpass for Indiana Jones, if they are out then I would ride Single rider. Then I would hit Pirates, Haunted Mansion and use single rider for Splash Mountain. Don't forget to grab some treats from the Pooh Corner candy shop near the exit of Splash. I hear the line can get shorter for Nemo near the end of the evening, but IMO I would only ride if the line were super short.

 

[raftislander]

You dont say if you have ever been to Disneyland before or how you are with thrill rides so I might adjust this depending on those answers. Here is my essential not to be missed list for an evening:

1. Pirates of the Carribean*
2. Indiana Jones*
3. Space Mountain*
4. Haunted Mansion Holiday*
5. Peter Pan (see caveat below)
6. BTRR*
7. Its a Small World* may be closed for holiday overlay
8. Jungle Cruise or Tiki Room
9. Fireworks or Fantasmic! or both!

Asterisks are the bare minimum. I think that Peter Pan is the best of the classic Fantasyland dark rides (it is also one of my all-time favorite rides -so is on my must do list), but with your limited time, you may not want to spend it in line for this - the line is always long and the ride is very quick. If you don't mind the possibility of getting wet, I would add Splash Mt. I also love to prowl around New Orleans Square and listen to live music.

 

[figment_jii]

I would also add, that if you are a thrill ride fan, to consider Matterhorn. It's much tamer than Everest, but some of the views of DLR from it are fun and I've always liked the ride.

Also, DLR's version of Buzz Lightyear is a little different and lots of fun (plus you can email the in-ride photo to yourself for free)!

 

[DLtorgo]

I can't believe I forgot to put Tiki Room in my list- that is a don't miss for me!

 

[marcemc]

You dont say if you have ever been to Disneyland before or how you are with thrill rides so I might adjust this depending on those answers. Here is my essential not to be missed list for an evening:

1. Pirates of the Carribean*
2. Indiana Jones*
3. Space Mountain*
4. Haunted Mansion Holiday*
5. Peter Pan (see caveat below)
6. BTRR*
7. Its a Small World* may be closed for holiday overlay
8. Jungle Cruise or Tiki Room
9. Fireworks or Fantasmic! or both!

Asterisks are the bare minimum. I think that Peter Pan is the best of the classic Fantasyland dark rides (it is also one of my all-time favorite rides -so is on my must do list), but with your limited time, you may not want to spend it in line for this - the line is always long and the ride is very quick. If you don't mind the possibility of getting wet, I would add Splash Mt. I also love to prowl around New Orleans Square and listen to live music.

I would also add, that if you are a thrill ride fan, to consider Matterhorn. It's much tamer than Everest, but some of the views of DLR from it are fun and I've always liked the ride.

Also, DLR's version of Buzz Lightyear is a little different and lots of fun (plus you can email the in-ride photo to yourself for free)!

The matterhorn doesn't have FP and the lines can get long, make sure you ride it after the sunset, it's a lot of fun, a great experience.

For everything else get FP and don't forget that as long as you use them on the same day, you can use them even after your window of time has expired.
Have tons of fun!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

WORLD OF COLOR!!!!!! This is a MUST see! It is absolutely my favorite show that ANY Disney park has ever produced. You will love it! But if you are only getting a pass for the Disneyland Park, then I suggest the Matterhorn and the submarine adventure ride. They are Disney classics.

 

[MAH4546]

You are going in the off season, which means 8pm closing, so you will only have three hours. The good news is that the lines will be short to non-existent.

Given you are familiar with Magic Kingdom, I would do:

1) Haunted Mansion Holiday
2) Indiana Jones
3) Matterhorn
4) Mr. Toad
5) Pirates of the Caribbean
6) Alice in Wonderland
7) Pinocchio

You should have time for all seven. Use Fastpass for either Indiana Jones or Haunted Mansion. The other one of those two, get in line at 7.59PM.

Pirates and Pinocchio should be a walk-on all day. Mr. Toad, no more than 5-10 minutes; Alice probably 10-20 minutes. Matterhorn, on a Tuesday, probably only 15-20 minutes. I recommend the Tomorrowland side (the left side of the queue).

ETA: Pirates will be closed on Tuesday. Try Space Mountain instead. Significantly better ride than the one in Florida; line shouldn't be more than 15-20 minutes; often its even less during an off-season weekday.