Just got back from 5 day trip in DLR (Monday-Friday) and thought I would share a few highlights/observations. Our party consisted of myself, wife, DD (8), DD (6), Twins DS (2). This was our 2nd trip to DLR with our first being in February 2012.
Feb 2012 vs Nov 2015-
I really try to avoid crowds at all costs whether it be family vacations, shopping, traffic, etc. As result, we choose to visit DLR during non-peak times even if it means missing out on attractions (space mountain, soarin, jungle cruise, etc.) In Feb 2012 we went during the first part of Feb (2 weeks before Presidents week) and found the crowds then a lot smaller than this year. I'm sure the Diamond Celebration, Halloween spillover, and better weather had a huge influence on the difference. Thankfully with ride tips from this board and since it was my 2nd time we were able to maximize our time in the park.
Ride Tips-
Feb 2012 vs Nov 2015-
I really try to avoid crowds at all costs whether it be family vacations, shopping, traffic, etc. As result, we choose to visit DLR during non-peak times even if it means missing out on attractions (space mountain, soarin, jungle cruise, etc.) In Feb 2012 we went during the first part of Feb (2 weeks before Presidents week) and found the crowds then a lot smaller than this year. I'm sure the Diamond Celebration, Halloween spillover, and better weather had a huge influence on the difference. Thankfully with ride tips from this board and since it was my 2nd time we were able to maximize our time in the park.
Ride Tips-
- It can't be emphasized enough on this board to utilize Fast Pass, Rider Swap, and Single Rider. I'm always shocked how long people are willing to wait in the standby line for an attraction. The only standby line I waited in was a 5 min. wait for GRR in DCA.
- With the help of Fast Pass and Rider Swap my girls were able to ride RSR 10 times during our stay while my wife and I rode 5 time each. Every day I would run over to DCA and pull 3 FP for RSR between 1100-1230pm. Our return window was typically somewhere in the 5-7pm range when I pulled these FPs. On Monday, I had pulled the FP around 1230 for the last return window (7-8pm) and they ran out around 1240. When we returned to FP window of RSR my wife would ask CM for Rider Swap and ride with the girls (while I stayed behind with boys). I would then use the Rider Swap ticket to ride with girls while my wife stayed behind with boys. As result, 4/5 times I experienced one variation of the ride and 1/5 times I experienced the other variation (don't want to spoil for those who haven't rode yet).
- Another tip on RSR (if you have little ones) is asking the CM who loads the car if you can have a front seat. I personally think the front seat provides a better view for children while the back seat provides a better view for adults.
- Peter Pan not always first. IMO it is important to be flexible on whether you choose to ride this first or skip it. On Monday when there was no EE for anyone we arrived at rope drop 30-45 min. ahead of time. We were at security at least 1 hr ahead of time and thankfully our gate into DL was moving pretty fast. We were at rope drop in front of the castle entry and were only about 8 rows deep of people. However, once the rope dropped the crowd was moving very slow though the main entrance of castle. We noticed it would have been a lot quicker to go through one of the side entrances into castle (by wishing well). By the time we made it into the castle entrance the line to PP was already inside the castle. At this point we skipped PP and virtually had walk on to Dumbo, Alice, Matterhorn, Teacups. I think people have become more informed with the internet to always do PP first. The recommendation has been to do in order PP, Dumbo, Alice/Matterhorn. If the line looks long for PP I suggest skip it and you could stay ahead of the crowd who follows the above order. I noticed after we completed Dumbo, Alice, Matterhorn the lines for these attractions started to fill up.
- Ride Pirates of the Carribean at rope drop. On Tuesday, we used our MM and arrived to DL gates about 45 min before rope drop. However, for whatever reason our line into DL was moving real slow. Once we got into the park it was about 5-10 minutes before rope drop. We were quite a few people back on Main Street but bolted for PP once rope dropped and used side entrance into castle. It was definitely faster than going through main entrance but PP line was still already backed into castle. We decided to wait in line where we waited at least 40+ minutes to get into PP. Essentially we spent a majority of our MM waiting in the queue line for PP. In hindsight, it may have been better to skip PP and done it later in the day when the line was shorter. However, after PP we went over to entrance of Frontierland and waited for rope drop (5-10mins). At rope drop we bolted for Pirates of Carribean and were able to get on it pretty quickly (5-10 mins). Since POC doesn't have fastpasses this seemed like a great strategy where the wait was very minimal compared to how long the queue line was the rest of the day. It even appeared significantly longer after we finished the ride.
- I know some have mentioned the "Ask Otto" phone number to find out return windows on Fast Passes. There are also many information booths throughout DL and DCA. I would often stop by these info booths and ask CM about current return windows on FP rides. This was very helpful as I could decide if it was worth the trek of running over and grabbing a FP. Furthermore the CMs in DL can inform you of current FP return windows in DCA and vise versa.
- Shows and FP rides on Friday. The crowds were definitely larger on Friday than the other days. Knowing this ahead of time we planned on collecting FPs for main attractions and doing things like Junior Disney and Olaf Meet and Greet (5min wait) on Friday afternoon.
- At least starting this week they stopped issuing FPs for the Anna and Elsa meet and greets. However, I talked to a CM and the line to Anna and Elsa is definitely shorter in the afternoon when kids are worn out and taking naps. I personally found this to be the case as well as the Olaf meet and greet. I also found this to be a great time where I can run around collecting FPs to ride in the evening.
- Characters that we saw and received autographs from included: Tigger, Pooh, Eeyore, Daisy Duck, Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Minnie Mouse, Mary Poppins/Bert, Thor, Captain America, Donald Duck, Anna and Elsa, Belle, Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel, Doc McStuffins, Olaf and Peter Pan (never saw PP before). We also got a picture with Buzz Lightyear, Mater, Lighting McQueen but they weren't signing. We also saw Goofy many times but failed to get picture and autograph. We saw all these characters without a character meal.
- IMO the Paint the Night Parade and Disneyland Forever Fireworks is something that everyone must see. The PTN Parade was spectacular and should not be missed. Many of the curb spots on Main Street were filling up 2hrs ahead of parade with people and blankets. We were fortunate to grab one about 1-1.5 hrs ahead of time on Thursday night. I was surprised how early people were "reserving" their seats for the parade but understood once I saw the parade.
- RSR of course. Try and grab FPs before noon, there may be some available still noon-1.
- Dole whips in Tiki room. Thank you for tip on purchasing Dole Whips inside of Tiki entrance. There were about 50 people in line outside of entrance. I walked through entrance and purchased a couple dole whips right away. I almost felt guilty like when I use back-to-back FPs and pass by people in standby line.
- Mint Juleps 2for1. Purchased a Mint Julep one day at the Mint Julep bar. It was very tasty but incredibly sweet. The next day I purchased another Mint Julep, asked for another plastic cup, and split the Mint Julep between my wife and I. We diluted both Mint Juleps with water and it was still tasty and sweet.
- Breakfast at Hotel. We stayed at the Residence Inn Anaheim Maingate that included full kitchen and full continental breakfast. They had quite the variety of breakfast selection at the Residence Inn and it changes daily. We also packed lunches, dinner, and snacks into the park which worked great for $$ savings on our budget. We had Von's delivery groceries but the hotel also offered free grocery pick up from Albertsons.
- I'm sure I'm leaving out many things but another tip is to have allowance for kids (if old enough). One thing that made our vacation more enjoyable was giving each of our girls an amount they can spend in the park. We told them that they could use this $ for treats, souvenirs, etc. and it was their choice. It really helped eliminate the constant asking for treats/souvenirs and gave them some responsibility.
