Newbie finalizing trip- still needs info

[kappygolucky]

Thanks to all who have responded to my 1st post- it really helped.
Just a few more questions please...

WHAT YOU MIGHT LIKE TO KNOW
1.G.ma, mom, Gdaughter June 8,9,10
2.Room- at the Carousel Inn
3.Have booked Ariel breakfast
4. Will book Fantasmic in 2 days -for the 10th(only day available)
5. 2 of these days are grad nights
6. Will use MM on Tues. (again only day available)
7. Have bought tickets online and have paper ones to exchange for real ones

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW
1. What time on June 9 for MM- to arrive at security?
2. After I pass through the tickets booth on the first day and recevie my 3 day park hopper ticket do I need to go back through the ticket booth every other day?
3. On the additional day for 9:00 am opening what time do we need to be
at the entrance/ticket booth
4. First day will entail most of the castle and beyond
Grapping FP for Autopia
5. Can we fit in the following Redwood Trail, Treehouses, Tom Sawyer Island,and Puddle Dot Park?
6. On the second day we will probably arrive a little later due to the breakfast What time should we show up at security (breakfast 9:45)?
7. If DCA doesn't open until 10:00 -is there a special entrance for those who go to the grotto?
8. If we have to choose between the Canal boats and the Jungle Cruise -
which one?
9. G.daughter loves to draw so the Animation Academy is a must
10. Ditto the Aladdin show?
11. A new parade will be up and running soon- any idea of a good viewing spot
12. If all goes well we might try to wait out the lines at PFF
13 Did I read here that Pixie Hollow opens 1 hr. after reg. opening time?
14. Anyone have a 6yr. old who loved Soarin?
15- Last but in no way least- the new Ariel ride will be up- and we spend all of one day there if it's what the promos show

Thanks in advance- feel free to add anything else you think might helpWOW THIS LIST IS SCARY- SPARE ME NOTHING.

 

[skiingfast]

WHAT YOU MIGHT LIKE TO KNOW
G.ma, mom, Gdaughter June 8,9,10

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW
1. What time on June 9 for MM- to arrive at security?
2. After I pass through the tickets booth on the first day and recevie my 3 day park hopper ticket do I need to go back through the ticket booth every other day?
3. On the additional day for 9:00 am opening what time do we need to be
at the entrance/ticket booth
4. First day will entail most of the castle and beyond
Grapping FP for Autopia
5. Can we fit in the following Redwood Trail, Treehouses, Tom Sawyer Island,and Puddle Dot Park?
6. On the second day we will probably arrive a little later due to the breakfast What time should we show up at security (breakfast 9:45)?
7. If DCA doesn't open until 10:00 -is there a special entrance for those who go to the grotto?
8. If we have to choose between the Canal boats and the Jungle Cruise -
which one?
9. G.daughter loves to draw so the Animation Academy is a must
10. Ditto the Aladdin show?
11. A new parade will be up and running soon- any idea of a good viewing spot
12. If all goes well we might try to wait out the lines at PFF
13 Did I read here that Pixie Hollow opens 1 hr. after reg. opening time?
14. Anyone have a 6yr. old who loved Soarin?
15- Last but in no way least- the new Ariel ride will be up- and we spend all of one day there if it's what the promos show

1. I believe June 9th a Thursday won't have a MM because the 8th is a Grad Night. I might be misinformed. As a rule MM or not I would give 15 minutes for secruity and 30 to wait at the gate. This should put you toward the front of the line. But if you don't mind being toward the back of the line 30 minutes will work.
2. Nope, once you get the PH you can go to the gate first thing.
3. I would still aim for the 30-45 minutes early window. But on non MM days they will probably have a rope drop in DL. So the gates open early, and you can just get into Main Street with the rope at the Hub end. I like to go through the shops on the left look around and come into the crowd all the way at the end of the street.
4. I'd look for more FPs. One at least every two hours. Even considering letting DD and DGrandma do one attraction while you walk across the park to get another set of FPs.
5. This is tough. Treehouse(Tarzan's) is a walk through attraction and moves along. Chip and Dales will take 5 minutes. Tom Sawyer Island at least 30 minutes plus more. Goofy's Playhouse, TSI, Do't Puddle Play and Redwood Creek will last until you pull your kid away or they pass out and need a nap. Since these don't have lines, do them in the middle of the days when lines are long for regular attractions.
6. 30 minutes early should work. Security should be flowing along.
7. Yes look for the entrance in the regular gates that says Character Dining above it. Since the DCA gates are in transition you might ask a CM where to go when you reach the line area. Since you are entering DCA before opening try getting there 15 extra minutes early and take some pictures in DCA as it won't be filled with crowds.
8. Jungle Cruise. Hands down. Awesome attraction you could ride a few times. Try it night and day.
9. Go in there, poke around, see Turtle Talk, do it while crowds are big elsewhere or when it's hot and enjoy the AC.
10. Great Show. Show up 30 minutes early.
11. I like viewing from the curb around Town Square.
12. Do PFF early, or right after the first parade.
13. PH does not have full hours. So look at the Daily Character Schedule on the days you are there.
14. Soarin is a great attraction for anyone that can meet the height minimum.
15. I would plan to ride Ariels first thing. Be in line for DCA at 9:20, enter at 9:30 go right past Soarin to the Rope Drop area next to the Little Mermaid. Expect huge lines otherwise.

 

[wbl2745]

I don't have answers to all of your questions, but I'll answer what I can.

1. What time on June 9 for MM- to arrive at security?

In general, Magic Morning is one hour before the regular opening time. So arrive at security perhaps 15 minutes before then. Looking at the calendar for Disneyland on June 9, however, there is no MM. The only MM during the days you are planning is June 8.

2. After I pass through the tickets booth on the first day and recevie my 3 day park hopper ticket do I need to go back through the ticket booth every other day?

No, once you have your 3-day park hopper you're good to go. You just go directly to the entrance to the park.

3. On the additional day for 9:00 am opening what time do we need to be at the entrance/ticket booth

In general, Main Street at Disneyland opens one hour before the official park opening time. That give you time to spend more money! Actually, it can be nice to grab a pastry at the Blue Ribbon Bakery. Those who have MM entrance show their tickets at the end of Main Street and continue on into the park. Note that not everything is open during MM.

4. First day will entail most of the castle and beyond
Grapping FP for Autopia
5. Can we fit in the following Redwood Trail, Treehouses, Tom Sawyer Island,and Puddle Dot Park?

Easily. I'd make a list of some "must do" attractions and focus on them. Try to minimize jumping back and forth between parks since that can kill a lot of time. Use your mornings wisely. You'll likely get more done in the first two hours and the last hour of the day, than the rest of the day.

6. On the second day we will probably arrive a little later due to the breakfast What time should we show up at security (breakfast 9:45)?
7. If DCA doesn't open until 10:00 -is there a special entrance for those who go to the grotto?

I'd show up perhaps 9:30, maybe a little earlier. The only people being admitted to DCA will be those with reservations, so that line shouldn't be too long. I don't know where the line would be. Ask.

8. If we have to choose between the Canal boats and the Jungle Cruise -
which one?

I don't think that you have to choose between the two, but I think that a 6-year old would love the Storybook Land Canal Boats. At night it is particularly nice.

9. G.daughter loves to draw so the Animation Academy is a must
10. Ditto the Aladdin show?

The Aladdin show is fantastic. Get there at least 30 minutes early. There's an ongoing debate, at least in my family, about whether the ground floor is best or the balcony. Both have their advantages.

By the way, there are a lot of shows that you could see. Laughing Stock in Frontierland is a lot of fun for kids and adults. They have multiple showings during the day and each is a different story.

11. A new parade will be up and running soon- any idea of a good viewing spot

I'd think that anywhere you can get your daughter in the front row. I haven't waited for parades in ages.

12. If all goes well we might try to wait out the lines at PFF

Do it EARLY. The lines for that can be crazy! Over an hour! Is it really worth it?

13 Did I read here that Pixie Hollow opens 1 hr. after reg. opening time?

No idea.

14. Anyone have a 6yr. old who loved Soarin?

I can't really speak to a 6-year old, but it isn't a rough ride at all, although you will be physically up in the air, and virtually, well, let's just say an acrophobic wouldn't like it. Seriously, it is one of the great attractions.

15- Last but in no way least- the new Ariel ride will be up- and we spend all of one day there if it's what the promos show

You may want to plan on doing that as early as possible.

Thanks in advance- feel free to add anything else you think might helpWOW THIS LIST IS SCARY- SPARE ME NOTHING.

Don't stress. Just enjoy yourself. I believe that early June won't be as bad as mid-summer. When the crowds pick-up, treat yourself to a Pineapple Whip (Dole pineapple stand near the entrance to Adventureland) and watch people. Go back to your hotel for a nap or a swim. I think that one of the biggest mistakes people make at Disney parks is the "I have to EVERYTHING or I will die" mentality. Seriously, going back to the room to take a nap, means that you'll be fresh in the evening and can realistically stay there after the crowds start thinning out.

 

[DizNee Luver]

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW
1. What time on June 9 for MM- to arrive at security?
2. After I pass through the tickets booth on the first day and recevie my 3 day park hopper ticket do I need to go back through the ticket booth every other day?
3. On the additional day for 9:00 am opening what time do we need to be
at the entrance/ticket booth
4. First day will entail most of the castle and beyond
Grapping FP for Autopia
5. Can we fit in the following Redwood Trail, Treehouses, Tom Sawyer Island,and Puddle Dot Park?
6. On the second day we will probably arrive a little later due to the breakfast What time should we show up at security (breakfast 9:45)?
7. If DCA doesn't open until 10:00 -is there a special entrance for those who go to the grotto?
8. If we have to choose between the Canal boats and the Jungle Cruise -
which one?
9. G.daughter loves to draw so the Animation Academy is a must
10. Ditto the Aladdin show?
11. A new parade will be up and running soon- any idea of a good viewing spot
12. If all goes well we might try to wait out the lines at PFF
13 Did I read here that Pixie Hollow opens 1 hr. after reg. opening time?
14. Anyone have a 6yr. old who loved Soarin?
15- Last but in no way least- the new Ariel ride will be up- and we spend all of one day there if it's what the promos show

Thanks in advance- feel free to add anything else you think might helpWOW THIS LIST IS SCARY- SPARE ME NOTHING.

1. We like to arrive 15-30 mins prior to opening.
2. I believe you just take your paper printed ticket right thru the entry gates & they'll exchange it for the park hopper tickets. You always have to go thru the gates & they scan your ticket. As far as I know you don't have to go to one of the ticket booths to exchange them.
3. Again, we like to shoot for the 30 minute prior to opening to get into line.

5. The Redwood Creek & Dot's Puddle Park are in DCA & the Treehouse & Tom Sawyer Island is in Disneyland.
6. We like to make sure that we're early when it comes to ressies, so no later than 30 mins prior to allow yourself time to get to the restaurant.
7. Usually the park will start allowing people in 30 mins prior to opening. They will have ropes up at different areas in the park. When you go thru the gates, ask them to direct you the the rope that will allow your thru for your ressie.
8. The Canal Boats is a slow gentle ride thru storybook miniatures.....cute & kids like it. The Jungle Boats go a little quicker & go by scenes of animals as the boat pilot cracks really bad jokes (they're supposed to do that)

12. PFF lines can be very long, but if you can get up there prior to it opening, the lines are too bad. I would not wait until late in the day.
13. Pixie Hollow....the hours I've seen (when we've been there) has been 9am to 6pm. You'll want to check the schedule for the time you're there.
14. My 4 yr old loved Soarin' as well as Big Thunder Mt RR & Space Mtn. It just depends on each kid. Some are more adventurous, while others prefer slow moving.

I answered the ones I could.

 

[kappygolucky]

Thanks so much to all who replies thus far-
Really am not scared or stressed
Just a real focused planner
Especially since you folks have a plethora of answers
Again thanks-and I'll be thinking of you

 

[skiingfast]

Thanks so much to all who replies thus far-
Really am not scared or stressed
Just a real focused planner
Especially since you folks have a plethora of answers
Again thanks-and I'll be thinking of you

That's good to hear. It seems you are looking at a lot of details.

I would just map out-
When to arrive.
What to do first or at open. PFF, PH and Little Mermaid.
Let the other things fall into place.

This can help you stay out of commando mode, but let you take advantage of being a planner.

 

[kappygolucky]

Before Disney- we will be in the desert to visit relatives for a few days
By the time we get to DL- as long as the princess gets enough princesses all will be well.

 

[rebecca1176]

Hiya!
One thing we did, not sure if this is an option for you, is exchanged the online voucher for our hoppers at the ticket booth the night we arrived so we were ready to run into the park the following morn. Not sure how much time this saved as my dh did this. ha!

My 7 & 9 yo daughters loved Soarin' but not my 12 yo!

They all enjoyed Treehouse (DL) & Redwood (CA) so I'd highly recommend those..actually, my girls could have played in both of those all day!!!!

50-50 on the Story Book Canal boats vs. Jungle Cruise. Mine are pass the princessy age so Jungle was more entertaining for us!

3 days should be plenty of time to fit in everything you listed. We were there on Easter Weekend & the following Monday (slept in all three days & missed MM!) and were able to do all we had dreamed!

Have fun & hoping everything flows accordingly for you guys!

 

[kappygolucky]

Many thanks for your idea about picking up the PH the night before
had orginally thought about that as an option- good to know it can be done.

Really appreciate your other suggestions also

Maybe we will do the RWT or similar on the MM day and then sleep in on the
next morning since breakfast (Ariel) is not until 10:00

Because our time zones are so different here in the East, I am hoping to maintain our sleep times while we are in the desert, so we are really more
with the program at DL

Thanks again