Need help deciding on park days for trip next month

[MermaidMommy]

Our first trip to DLR is coming up August 2, and we'll have 4.5 days in the parks. Our travel plans have suddenly changed a bit, and now our half day can either be on Saturday or Thursday. Normally, I would avoid the weekend, but on Saturday, we can be there from late morning (10am or 11am) to midnight, whereas Thursday the parks open at 8 (7 if we do EMH), and we have a 5:15pm flight out of LAX, so I'm figuring leaving around 2 from the hotel. So, that's 13-14 hours on Saturday vs. 5-6 hours on Thursday. Either day, we'd end up spending most of our time at DL.

Saturday seems like it would be the best plan, since it gives us more hours in the park, but it will be crowded by the time we get there, plus the crowds will be heavier than on Thursday. If we do the half day on Thursday, we could have EHM at 7, giving us lower crowds for the morning hours, but it's a much shorter day.

We're looking to maximize ride time (DD isn't big on "ambiance" -- success for her is measured in the number of rides she gets to go on ), so, bearing that in mind, would a longer, late-start day on Saturday or a shorter, EMH morning on Thursday be better?

 

[MouseEXP]

Saturday will be better so you avoid the stress of having to get to the airport in time. Plus Saturdays can be a bit slower than the other days of the week. AKA majority of the AP's will be blocked out.

However, try your best to be in Disneyland by 10am. That time is exactly when the park will start to feel crowded. 11am will be even more crowded.

There will be more walking back and forth to get Fastpasses, but you should be able to get plenty of rides in, if you skip parades and shows like Fantasmic.

Some advice
First thing you do is get a FP for Indiana Jones, Second FP should be for Space Mountain, third Fastpass for Star Tours. Remember to get the next FP before you use the FP you currently have. You do not need a FP for Big Thunder or Splash Mountain if you are willing to wait until the night time. Especially during Fantasmic

Be aware of the fast loading rides. Even if the line is long it will move fast. Pirates, Mansion, Its a Small World (right side lane) and Buzz Lightyear are good examples of these type of rides.

DO NOT even try to do Fantasyland until the sun starts to go.

When you get tired, see a show like the Enchanted Tiki Room

Use the single rider line for the Matterhorn when you can.

and have fun.

 

[PaintsWindColors]

Saturday is definitely the better option - and it may not be as busy as you think because Saturdays are blacked out for AP holders. You can never be too sure when planning a commute to LAX so try to keep your Thursday as open as possible!