Need help creating a touring plan for Oct. 31.

[Violet Parr]

We have opted to skip the party based on reviews here. We are staying in Paris, so we will arrive before regular opening time and enjoy the park until around 5:00 or 5:30.

We visit WDW quite regularly, so we felt, based on DLP reviews, that it might be best for us to focus on things that have shorter queues, or things we could not do in the US. (So Snow White, DLP Space Mountain, etc.)

We have told ourselves that if we get on 3 rides and DS5 can enjoy the pirate play areas, we will consider it a success. (We're mostly going to give our kids an alternative to the Halloween they are used to back home in the US, as we're current expats in Scotland.)

I so wish there was a DLP equivalent of easywdw or tour.plans. Apart from that, does anyone have suggestions for how we should proceed on arrival?

Are the play areas (pirate/alice/swiss family) so mobbed that we will have a stressful time keeping track of our child amongst throngs of people pushing children? (I've never seen children getting shoved and pushed in WDW, but I have read it in several reviews, mostly regarding character meets at DLP.)

Are ANY of the characters do-able without an excessive wait? DS5 also wants to see Mickey. We've told him we probably won't be able to see any characters, just in case it is impossible.

Where would you head first? Are there any strategy websites I don't know about?

Thanks!

VP

 

[Violet Parr]

Also, how are FP entry queues? I know sometimes at WDW, even with a FP, Soarin can be a 30 min wait. Are FP entry queues generally under 30 min?

And can regular park tickets get fastpasses? I read something that suggested that FP was tied to staying onsite.

Thanks!

VP

 

[noodlesmum]

Hi there,

Hopefully some of this will be of help...

All park tickets can get fast passes so there's no issue there, in my experience I've never waited anywhere near 30 mins in a fastpass line and that's even in very high season. Having been to both wdw and dlp you might be surprised at difference in wait times - I know we were shocked that wait times were so long at wdw in comparison.

Alice and Swiss family can get reasonably busy but shouldn't be too busy to enjoy them. There's also a little play/walk through attraction at the entrance to frontier land (look for steps on your left as you walk under the sign) that is never very busy as I don't think many people know about it!

Seeing Micky would be possible too if you ate at cafe Mickey - he will visit your table there you should book this however - I'd ring today if that something you plan on doing there are no deposits to pay unlike wdw so even if you were on the fence about it I'd still ring and get a reservation as you can always cancel it on the day at city hall

If you let us know which rides you would like to do everyone here will be able to advise on a touring plan for you

 

[Violet Parr]

Thanks, that's a huge help!

Okay, here are our must-do items:

For dd:
Space Mountain (if the rest of us don't get to ride it, that's fine. she's willing to wait in a line of up to 30-45 min. She can get a fastpass, yes?)

For ds5:

Adventure Isle
Swiss Family
Pirate Galleon
Pirate's Beach
Star Tours

For ds10
Big Thunder Mountain

For all of us:
the castle and dragon
Nautilus
Phantom Manor
Pirates of the Caribbean

Are we attempting too much? Should we try to hit rides first and then do the walk through/play area stuff?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

VP

 

[Cruzinmaniac]

I would say yes, try to do rides first because the lines will get long and then hit things you can go to anytime like walk throughs and play areas.

I would say that's not too much, granted I've never been on Halloween but idk. Are you planing to go to the Studios during the party then?

I would suggest this:

1. When you get into the park, send someone for FPs for Star Tours/Space Mountain/some of the one and some of the other, and then head over to Big Thunder Mountain. This has perpetually the longest line in the park in my experience. (as for the FPs, you could choose to have DD skip Star tours and therefore get a FP for Space for her and for Star Tours for the rest of you, or get FPs for Star tours for everyone and have DD ride space later via standby...or you could get them for Star Tours first and come back and try to get them for Space later.)
2. At this point you might as well ride Phantom Manor since you're in the area.
3. Now you can head up into Adventureland for Pirates.
4. Now you can go into Fantasyland for Snow White (you mentioned this at the beginning but not in your list...)
5. Whenever your FPs become available, do those obviously, and then you can get more FPs!
6. In the middle of the day, hit the walkthrough/play area attractions that never have lines, those being:
-Swiss Family
-Adventure Isle
-Pirate play area
-Aladdin walkthrough
-nautilus
-castle gallery
-dragon cave
-Alice maze (I would recommend this; it's one of those unique things you're looking for. There are some cute things to find along the way and although there can be a small wait at the turnstiles it's not terrible.)

You might also want to try and catch the Halloween cavalcade and/or the normal parade.

There is a dedicated building for Meet Mickey; the lines can get long but the building is very nice and they also play fun cartoons while you wait. I would recommend going when it opens or during a parade for the shortest wait.

Hope this helps!

 

[Violet Parr]

Thank you so much! This is immensely helpful! I feel much better now, going with a plan!

VP

I would say yes, try to do rides first because the lines will get long and then hit things you can go to anytime like walk throughs and play areas.

I would say that's not too much, granted I've never been on Halloween but idk. Are you planing to go to the Studios during the party then?

I would suggest this:

1. When you get into the park, send someone for FPs for Star Tours/Space Mountain/some of the one and some of the other, and then head over to Big Thunder Mountain. This has perpetually the longest line in the park in my experience. (as for the FPs, you could choose to have DD skip Star tours and therefore get a FP for Space for her and for Star Tours for the rest of you, or get FPs for Star tours for everyone and have DD ride space later via standby...or you could get them for Star Tours first and come back and try to get them for Space later.)
2. At this point you might as well ride Phantom Manor since you're in the area.
3. Now you can head up into Adventureland for Pirates.
4. Now you can go into Fantasyland for Snow White (you mentioned this at the beginning but not in your list...)
5. Whenever your FPs become available, do those obviously, and then you can get more FPs!
6. In the middle of the day, hit the walkthrough/play area attractions that never have lines, those being:
-Swiss Family
-Adventure Isle
-Pirate play area
-Aladdin walkthrough
-nautilus
-castle gallery
-dragon cave
-Alice maze (I would recommend this; it's one of those unique things you're looking for. There are some cute things to find along the way and although there can be a small wait at the turnstiles it's not terrible.)

You might also want to try and catch the Halloween cavalcade and/or the normal parade.

There is a dedicated building for Meet Mickey; the lines can get long but the building is very nice and they also play fun cartoons while you wait. I would recommend going when it opens or during a parade for the shortest wait.

Hope this helps!

 

[markpsych]

There's also a little play/walk through attraction at the entrance to frontier land (look for steps on your left as you walk under the sign) that is never very busy as I don't think many people know about it!

Yes, it's called the Pocahontas Indian Village, and my children always preferred this one to the pirate play area. It's in a lovely secluded spot next to the 'river' and BTM, and it's a great place to take a break and relax....weather permitting.

http://www.disneylandparis.co.uk/attractions/disneyland-park/pocahontas-indian-village/

 

[DLPDreams]

That plan sounds great - I think I am going to bumble around all the day with the two children (on my own as DH doesn't arrive until dinner time! ). Not really sure what we are doing. My only confidence is, I know the parks like the back of my hand - haven't used a map in years, so hopefully that will help.

I agree about doing the rides asap in the morning and leaving the play type stuff until later in the afternoon when queues will get silly.

To this point, I am still unsure how busy 31st will be during the day - I wonder how many people (locals in particular) will only come in once their party ticket permits at 5pm? I know it will be a busier day than a normal Friday as the French schools are off too.

One thing you haven't mentioned and it may not be an issue at all, is meeting characters. Imo it would be a shame to head there for Halloween and not try and do the Villains/Maleficent M&G at the Castle as the setting looks great. Likewise Jack Skellington's Graveyard looks amazing too. But as WDW vets I am guessing you get to see many characters (way more than DLP have out), so it may not be an issue for you. But if it were me, I think I'd at least try and fit in those ones just because of the novelty of the settings they are in!

HTH - I may actually see you around that day - I'll be the Mummy running ragged after two girls - one in a Minnie Mouse witch dress and the other dressed as Sally .

 

[Violet Parr]

That plan sounds great - I think I am going to bumble around all the day with the two children (on my own as DH doesn't arrive until dinner time! ). Not really sure what we are doing. My only confidence is, I know the parks like the back of my hand - haven't used a map in years, so hopefully that will help.

I agree about doing the rides asap in the morning and leaving the play type stuff until later in the afternoon when queues will get silly.

To this point, I am still unsure how busy 31st will be during the day - I wonder how many people (locals in particular) will only come in once their party ticket permits at 5pm? I know it will be a busier day than a normal Friday as the French schools are off too.

One thing you haven't mentioned and it may not be an issue at all, is meeting characters. Imo it would be a shame to head there for Halloween and not try and do the Villains/Maleficent M&G at the Castle as the setting looks great. Likewise Jack Skellington's Graveyard looks amazing too. But as WDW vets I am guessing you get to see many characters (way more than DLP have out), so it may not be an issue for you. But if it were me, I think I'd at least try and fit in those ones just because of the novelty of the settings they are in!

HTH - I may actually see you around that day - I'll be the Mummy running ragged after two girls - one in a Minnie Mouse witch dress and the other dressed as Sally .

It's funny you mention it, I was just thinking about characters. Yes, as for characters, Jack and Sally and Maleficent are the two we'd really like to see. Our kids are going to be so spoiled. We spent the last two Halloween nights at MNSSHP at WDW. The first year was supposed to be just a one time treat, the second was just because we were stationed in Florida, and now this year we happen to be in the UK for my husband's job and Paris is our holiday.

But as for characters, I have been browsing the offerings, and it seems that DLP has so many more rare characters than WDW. I don't want to get my kids' hopes up by telling them we will def. see certain characters, but if we see a line that looks reasonable for Maleficent and co, we will definitely jump in.

I think I'm just going to wear cat ears and a cat tail and all black clothes. Or maybe I will finally buy myself that adorable Minnie Mouse witch hat. DD is going to go as the 11th Doctor (Who) after all. Youngest DS will be Darth Vader.

Do DLP Disboarders do the Disboards thing where you attach a lime green Mickey head to your bag/stroller/etc. to identify you as disboarders? I will put a few lime green Mickey heads on our red stroller and bags just in case. If you see a bearded guy, short haired cat (maybe) and a small Darth Vader with the lime green Mickeys, feel free to say hello!

VP

 

[Violet Parr]

I just bought our tickets!

VP

 

[DLPDreams]

I don't think I'll be able to miss you all ! Your outfits sound fab!

I am not getting dressed up - normally do at Halloween as we often go to parties and all 4 of us make a huge effort, but we won't be able to this year as I just won't have the room in our one suitcase! I am still eyeing up the Maleficent Minnie ears headband though .

I have never done a badge thing but did once agree to a meet in the Parks and then forgot about it - it was a Board meet so thankfully there wasn't a single person waiting for me if you see what I mean! I am terrible when I get there - the bubble takes over!

I am sure there are lots that would disagree with you about characters at DLP, i the past sometimes offerings can be slim, but actually it seems like they are having a huge push on them now - possibly due to the fact they won't be in the hotels anymore from November and the new Photopass + is finally hitting there!

 

[cdsmiler81]

Yes, it's called the Pocahontas Indian Village, and my children always preferred this one to the pirate play area. It's in a lovely secluded spot next to the 'river' and BTM, and it's a great place to take a break and relax....weather permitting.

http://www.disneylandparis.co.uk/attractions/disneyland-park/pocahontas-indian-village/

Unfortunately, according to InsideDLParis on twitter, the Indian Village is closed for the season now!

C x

 

[HFJohnson]

If you're planning on leaving the parks at 5ish you could always book an evening meal in the village or one of the hotels. There's Cafe Mickey if you wanted to meet characters, various hotel buffets (Inventions also has characters), Annette's. Rainforest Cafe etc.

 

[noodlesmum]

Yes, it's called the Pocahontas Indian Village, and my children always preferred this one to the pirate play area. It's in a lovely secluded spot next to the 'river' and BTM, and it's a great place to take a break and relax....weather permitting.

Ohh I didn't even know about the Pocahontas village! I was talking about "Legends of the Wild West" - theres a link here http://www.dlp.info/Disneyland-Parc/Lands/Frontierland/Attractions/Legends-of-the-Wild-West.asp

If you look at the 4th photo down on the right hand side you can see how you can climb up and walk over the top of the entrance - it's actually really good for photos! Isn't it funny how even now there are tucked away parks of the park that it seems aren't very well known!

 

[Violet Parr]

Ohh I didn't even know about the Pocahontas village! I was talking about "Legends of the Wild West" - theres a link here http://www.dlp.info/Disneyland-Parc/Lands/Frontierland/Attractions/Legends-of-the-Wild-West.asp

If you look at the 4th photo down on the right hand side you can see how you can climb up and walk over the top of the entrance - it's actually really good for photos! Isn't it funny how even now there are tucked away parks of the park that it seems aren't very well known!

Oh, my boys will love that! It reminds me of the fort Tom Sawyer's Island at WDW. Thanks for the tip!

VP

 

[dougyfresh97]

I was at DLP for the first time this summer (end of July) and on part of a weekend. That being said I thought it would be super busy like WDW in summer, but surprisingly it was very manageable.

Just a note on a few rides what you mentioned:

BTMRR: the best of the 3 we've been on(WDW and DL the others). We went on this a bunch of times, and fast passed it. We loved that you start on the main land and go through a tunnel at the beginning and end and the whole ride is on the island.

Star Tours: It's old school! Non 3D and brings back memories of the old WDW version. The ride holds a lot of people like WDW so I didnt' even FP it and waited 15 minutes.

Space Mountain: I heard it goes upside down so only my wife went and she got on in 25 minutes.

We did these concurrently and about mid morning.

Pirates: Good and a little different from WDW. Reminds me of DL with the restaurant inside the ride.

The castle dragon is definitely worth a walk through.

Alice's maze is unique, but takes some time, I'd personally skip it unless you have time.

Pinocchio ride is not at WDW, but at DL so might be worth going on.

Hope that helps!

Doug

Thanks, that's a huge help!

Okay, here are our must-do items:

For dd:
Space Mountain (if the rest of us don't get to ride it, that's fine. she's willing to wait in a line of up to 30-45 min. She can get a fastpass, yes?)

For ds5:

Adventure Isle
Swiss Family
Pirate Galleon
Pirate's Beach
Star Tours

For ds10
Big Thunder Mountain

For all of us:
the castle and dragon
Nautilus
Phantom Manor
Pirates of the Caribbean

Are we attempting too much? Should we try to hit rides first and then do the walk through/play area stuff?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

VP

 

[Violet Parr]

I was at DLP for the first time this summer (end of July) and on part of a weekend. That being said I thought it would be super busy like WDW in summer, but surprisingly it was very manageable.

Just a note on a few rides what you mentioned:

BTMRR: the best of the 3 we've been on(WDW and DL the others). We went on this a bunch of times, and fast passed it. We loved that you start on the main land and go through a tunnel at the beginning and end and the whole ride is on the island.

Star Tours: It's old school! Non 3D and brings back memories of the old WDW version. The ride holds a lot of people like WDW so I didnt' even FP it and waited 15 minutes.

Space Mountain: I heard it goes upside down so only my wife went and she got on in 25 minutes.

We did these concurrently and about mid morning.

Pirates: Good and a little different from WDW. Reminds me of DL with the restaurant inside the ride.

The castle dragon is definitely worth a walk through.

Alice's maze is unique, but takes some time, I'd personally skip it unless you have time.

Pinocchio ride is not at WDW, but at DL so might be worth going on.

Hope that helps!

Doug

This is so immensely helpful. Thank you!

VP