Nov 20 or 21 @DL?

[blueskymom]

We have an opportunity to come to DL about a month and a half before our previously scheduled family trip with our toddler and extended family. I can't believe this, but it's because we have an opportunity to dine at Club 33. We're using miles to fly from Nor Cal and can only be gone that day, either Mon Nov 20 or Tue Nov 21. So we won't be able to be there for rope drop (flight gets into SNA around 8 am) and we'll need to catch an 8 pm flight back home.

My gut tells me Monday will be the better day because there likely will be no EMH/MM, but does it end up making that big of a difference? Our goal, however, is 99% focused on C33, and then riding some rides together that we likely won't get to in January (SM, Indy, Matterhorn... so the big, busy ones).

The big reason I'm holding out for Nov 21 is because it's dh's bday so it would be nice to celebrate on his actual birthday. But otherwise, Monday is just fine.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Yes EMH does make a difference in general park crowd levels. But what will the most difference: that's Thanksgiving week! Monday for sure, crowds will just get bigger as the week goes on!

 

[blueskymom]

Yes EMH does make a difference in general park crowd levels. But what will the most difference: that's Thanksgiving week! Monday for sure, crowds will just get bigger as the week goes on!

Good point. I think that's what we'll aim for.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

Either one of those days will be immensely crowded due to Thanksgiving. If you want to ride "big" rides, I'd check FP times when you actually enter the park and consider buying Maxpass for the day - if you can book one right as you enter the park and then another 90 minutes later, you've got a much better chance of knocking out a few of the big-hitters. (Also, if you're doing Club 33 for lunch, you can book from there). Keep in mind that SM and Indy usually run out first on the DL side.

It may not be worth it if you get there too late, but it's something to consider. Enjoy Club 33!

 

[smartlabelprint]

I'd go Tuesday. It's the day you really want to go. And I don't think crowds will be much different between the 2 days.

 

[blueskymom]

Thanks for all the replies! We got our date and reservation set!

Question: Arriving from SNA via Uber or Lyft, should we be dropped off at Downtown Disney and take the monorail into the parks or get dropped off at Harbor? I think we'll be there around 9:15 am for an 8:00 am opening day.

And, is taking the monorail back to DD an ok idea? I think I want to stop at Trader Sam's for a fun drink before our flight which leaves around 8:00 pm.

I usually stay at one of the Harbor Blvd hotels, so this whirlwind trip is a bit out of my comfort zone