Obsessive planner Maingate questions

[Alby]

Hi, I am a newbie here: I’m Italian and I’m coming to California next year in April, for the trip of a lifetime!
I’m planning to visit DL for one day, unfortunately there’s too much to see around and we can’t stay longer. I’ve read a lot on DIS about crowds and planning tips and I’ve decided that THE DAY will be Wednesday, April the 30th, as we (DH and I) are more interested in rides than in shows.
To make the most of our day, of course we’ll be at the gates 30 minutes before opening (hopefully at 9, not 10 am) and at rope drop we’ll “walk purposefully” towards Peter Pan’s flight!

And here come my obsessive planner questions: it would be important for me to know as soon as possible which rides have fastpass on that day (it’s low season, so probably some machines will be switched off) and if any are closed for the day or close early for some reason. It would be sad to waste time running to a ride to collect Fastpasses, finding the ride/ the Fastpass machine closed!
Is this kind of info posted at Maingate and where?

Besides, I know that Main Street will open 30 minutes before rope drop. I’d love to have breakfast at Carnation Café, but I’m not sure: are they open before park opening times? Do they accept PS then?
And above all, would it be possible/ reasonable to order and eat breakfast there before rope drop?

Where would it be better to have breakfast otherwise, Blue Ribbon Bakery or outside the park, before queuing up at the entrance? We are planning a late lunch, so we need something big.

 

[DangerMouse]

it would be important for me to know as soon as possible which rides have fastpass on that day (it’s low season, so probably some machines will be switched off) and if any are closed for the day or close early for some reason. It would be sad to waste time running to a ride to collect Fastpasses, finding the ride/ the Fastpass machine closed!
Is this kind of info posted at Maingate and where? :

You won't find the information on which FP machines are closed mid-week anywhere in the park other than at the indivdual FP machines. However, I can tell you which machines are sometimes closed mid-week during off-season:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Autopia
Grizzly River Run (in DCA - are you parkhopping?)
Tower of Terror (also in DCA)

Besides, I know that Main Street will open 30 minutes before rope drop. I’d love to have breakfast at Carnation Café, but I’m not sure: are they open before park opening times? Do they accept PS then?
And above all, would it be possible/ reasonable to order and eat breakfast there before rope drop?

I have seen Carnation Cafe open during Main Street rope drop, however I know that they DO NOT take PS reservations for this time. I think you can walk up during that first half-hour. I'd say you'd be pushing it to order and have eaten breakfast in 30 minutes.

Where would it be better to have breakfast otherwise, Blue Ribbon Bakery or outside the park, before queuing up at the entrance? We are planning a late lunch, so we need something big.:banana

You didn't indicate where you are staying. Are you at a hotel close by? Are you driving and parking? These are important in helping you decide where to have breakfast.

 

[stacielee]

Get Ridemax! It will totally plan your day, rides, breaks... And you can make up several different plans until you have one that feels comfortable to you. As it gets closer to your trip, it gets updated with park hours, rides and FP information. Definitely worth the money!!

Wednesday is not usually an Early Entry day either, but that could change between now and then.

 

[Alby]

Thanks to you both!
I will be staying at Park Vue Inn... steps away from action!

 

[bouncy54]

You won't find the information on which FP machines are closed mid-week anywhere in the park other than at the indivdual FP machines. However, I can tell you which machines are sometimes closed mid-week during off-season:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Autopia
Grizzly River Run (in DCA - are you parkhopping?)
Tower of Terror (also in DCA)




I have seen Carnation Cafe open during Main Street rope drop, however I know that they DO NOT take PS reservations for this time. I think you can walk up during that first half-hour. I'd say you'd be pushing it to order and have eaten breakfast in 30 minutes.



You didn't indicate where you are staying. Are you at a hotel close by? Are you driving and parking? These are important in helping you decide where to have breakfast.

DangerMouse...Just wanted to let you know...When we were in the parks last week, I noticed that the entertainment guide you get along with the map of the park now tells you what rides will, and will not, have FPs for a certain range of days for both parks. For instance, the entertainment guide we picked up on Wed. at DCA was for Tuesday - Thursday and it told us that there would be no FP for Tower of Terror or Grizzly Rapids on Tuesday - Thursday and no FP for BTMR at DL. The guide we picked up at DL on Friday told us that there would be FP for TOT, Grizzly, Soarin', etc...

Maybe this is something new, but it sure came in handy while we were there. We didn't waste our time sending runners to collect FPs for those rides.

 

[DangerMouse]

DangerMouse...Just wanted to let you know...When we were in the parks last week, I noticed that the entertainment guide you get along with the map of the park now tells you what rides will, and will not, have FPs for a certain range of days for both parks. For instance, the entertainment guide we picked up on Wed. at DCA was for Tuesday - Thursday and it told us that there would be no FP for Tower of Terror or Grizzly Rapids on Tuesday - Thursday and no FP for BTMR at DL. The guide we picked up at DL on Friday told us that there would be FP for TOT, Grizzly, Soarin', etc...

Maybe this is something new, but it sure came in handy while we were there. We didn't waste our time sending runners to collect FPs for those rides.

A map, huh? Hmmmmm, I haven't used one of those in years. . . .

Thanks for that information, Bouncy!

 

[Alby]

DangerMouse...Just wanted to let you know...When we were in the parks last week, I noticed that the entertainment guide you get along with the map of the park now tells you what rides will, and will not, have FPs for a certain range of days for both parks. For instance, the entertainment guide we picked up on Wed. at DCA was for Tuesday - Thursday and it told us that there would be no FP for Tower of Terror or Grizzly Rapids on Tuesday - Thursday and no FP for BTMR at DL. The guide we picked up at DL on Friday told us that there would be FP for TOT, Grizzly, Soarin', etc....

Thank you Bouncy! That's exactly what I hoped for!
What else is the entertainment guide about?

 

[Hound 109]

Hi, I am a newbie here: I’m Italian and I’m coming to California next year in April, for the trip of a lifetime!
I’m planning to visit DL for one day, unfortunately there’s too much to see around and we can’t stay longer. I’ve read a lot on DIS about crowds and planning tips and I’ve decided that THE DAY will be Wednesday, April the 30th, as we (DH and I) are more interested in rides than in shows.
To make the most of our day, of course we’ll be at the gates 30 minutes before opening (hopefully at 9, not 10 am) and at rope drop we’ll “walk purposefully” towards Peter Pan’s flight!

And here come my obsessive planner questions: it would be important for me to know as soon as possible which rides have fastpass on that day (it’s low season, so probably some machines will be switched off) and if any are closed for the day or close early for some reason. It would be sad to waste time running to a ride to collect Fastpasses, finding the ride/ the Fastpass machine closed!
Is this kind of info posted at Maingate and where?

Besides, I know that Main Street will open 30 minutes before rope drop. I’d love to have breakfast at Carnation Café, but I’m not sure: are they open before park opening times? Do they accept PS then?
And above all, would it be possible/ reasonable to order and eat breakfast there before rope drop?

Where would it be better to have breakfast otherwise, Blue Ribbon Bakery or outside the park, before queuing up at the entrance? We are planning a late lunch, so we need something big.

You've obviously done some reading & know enough to be dangerous.

Since you've done research & will only be there one day (& there are folks here who can offer good opinions), let us know what rides are (for you) do not miss & which rides you would skip. (for example, w/o a kid....i'd skip Dumbo & Autopia....but maybe you need/want to ride them).

A couple of basic thoughts:

- With only one day, I wouldn't complicate the critical first 2 hours with a meal. Eat before you get to the park.
- Yes PP first (always first ), but FP collections early & often is important too. If it was me & a SO, I send a runner to Indy (or SM) either before or just after PP, to start the FP collecting.
- Wed. is a great day if you only have one day.

General thought for a young couple's first two hours (w/o a kid):

- PP
- Alice (if there is a line, send DH to SM for FP)
- Matterhorn (or get FP for SM)
- Storybookland (or get FP for SM)
- Toady/Teacups
- Pinicchio/Carousel/SnowWhite
- Buzz
- Indy FP & enjoy the left side of park.

or just get ridemax.

Welcome to America & Walt's Park.

 

[Alby]

Welcome to America & Walt's Park.

Thank you Hound! I'm having a great time planning all this!

About rides... both DH and I are basically chicken… we hate roller coasters! This should make things easier because it cuts out Splash, SM and Matterhorn and their queues/ FPs, as we really don’t like drops.
I’d like to give BTMRR a try, though… and I’m not so sure about Indy and Star Tours. I can’t make out how scary they are. Any help here?

Anyhow, PP first, and then I’d do Mr. Toad, Teacups and Alice… I’ve never tried a dark ride, so I don’t know if I should allow time for all the others or not…I’ll try Alice and then decide.
After Fantasyland/ Toontown (Roger Rabbit) I’d like to take the Railroad and go to NOS, as must dos for us are Pirates and Haunted Mansion.
I don’t know how much time we should spend in Toontown: I’m not interested in autographs, but Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses look so cute… is it possible to tour them without queuing for meeting characters?

 

[Hound 109]

Thank you Hound! I'm having a great time planning all this!

About rides... both DH and I are basically chicken… we hate roller coasters! This should make things easier because it cuts out Splash, SM and Matterhorn and their queues/ FPs, as we really don’t like drops.
I’d like to give BTMRR a try, though… and I’m not so sure about Indy and Star Tours. I can’t make out how scary they are. Any help here?

Anyhow, PP first, and then I’d do Mr. Toad, Teacups and Alice… I’ve never tried a dark ride, so I don’t know if I should allow time for all the others or not…I’ll try Alice and then decide.
After Fantasyland/ Toontown (Roger Rabbit) I’d like to take the Railroad and go to NOS, as must dos for us are Pirates and Haunted Mansion.
I don’t know how much time we should spend in Toontown: I’m not interested in autographs, but Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses look so cute… is it possible to tour them without queuing for meeting characters?

Wow....good to know about coasters. Given your comments:

- PP (first....always first
- Alice (before Toadie....trust me.)
- Matterhorn (not really a coaster...kind of one, but old school).
I think you should try it. IMO, BTMRR, Splash & Indy are doable if you can handle the Matterhorn. & all are relatively tame.
- Toadie/Tea Cups
- Storybookland

But pick up FPs as you can. You should have 3-4 in your pocket for the evening (Buzz, BTMRR, Splash).

Toon Town takes 30-45 min. tops (w/o kids). I would:

Look at the RR wait line. If 15 min. or under, ride it (very cool que). If 20 or more min., grab a FP & enjoy the rest of ToonTown first then ride it.

Definitely "hop" to DCA (maybe for lunch).

- first pick up a FP for Soarin' & Griz rapids as soon as you walk in.

Must do's in DCA:

- Aladdin Show.
- maybe ToT (you decide)
- Crush show.
- Monsters.
- Soarin'
- Griz Rapids.
- Bugs Life & Muppets shows.

If you're not into Coasters you'll want to skip SM in DL & Screamin' in DCA, but i bet you'd enjoy the rest of the rides.

What do other folks think about our non-coaster loving Italian friends riding Matterhorn, Splash, Indy & BTMRR?

 

[AZ Mom]

I'd say definitely "yes" on BTMRR (mild rollercoaster) and Indy (bumpy ride, but great theming). Matterhorn is also probably okay (doesn't really have drops -- more like fast turns). Splash has just one big drop, but the ride itself is worth experiencing. I'd have to question ToT at DCA. It's really not for everyone and is more intense than it looks -- even for people like me who love SM.

Have a great time, Alby! We're heading out your way in July!

 

[kiwitravel]

About rides... both DH and I are basically chicken… we hate roller coasters! This should make things easier because it cuts out Splash, SM and Matterhorn and their queues/ FPs, as we really don’t like drops.
I’d like to give BTMRR a try, though… and I’m not so sure about Indy and Star Tours. I can’t make out how scary they are. Any help here?

We travelled with young kids who also didnt like rollercoasters, at first..... Best to work up to them, heres what we did and by the end of our second trip our kids were riding cal scream. Start with gadgets go-coaster first, if thats OK try Mattahorn (the right queue has less harsh drops) sit in the back sled, if thats OK try BTMRR at the front, if still OK then try SM at the back if still OK you are ready for the big one, splash at the back. These are all the mildest ways to ride these rides, you will have limited time, like someone else said I wouldn't a blow a precious hour of DL on any meal there if you have only one day. As for Indy, there aren't any drops its throws you around a little though, POTC has one dark drop at the start, I would perhaps slot it in between BTMRR and SM, our kids were freaked by that drop first time, but if you are ok with it you will be fine for the dark drops in SM.

In the end all these rides became our favourites and we couldn't get the kids off them. If you are considering DCA, then with the limited time you have I would only do Soaring and GRR. The other good rides (ToT, Cal Scream) have BIG drops.

 

[Alby]

Mmmmm, no, I've seen a video of Matterhorn and it is out of the question. And Splash even more (I couldn't take that last drop!), not to mention ToT.
Does this cut out BTMRR and Indy as well? or are they less roller-coaster-like? You define BTMRR as mild, AZ Mom, so maybe...

Thanks for all the other tips, Hound and AZ Mom!
I've read great things about Aladdin and Crush Turtle shows, but I'm not sure... shows in a foreign language are always tricky. DH in particular doesn't practice his English so often.
We'll do A Bug's Life, on the other hand, but mainly for the 3D part!

 

[Alby]

POTC has one dark drop at the start.

I'll pretend not to have read this one! I REALLY want to try Pirates!
About the rest, I don't want to risk spending my day at Disney being sick, so I don't think I want to try all these SCARY SCARY rides... but maybe we could give Gadget's go Coaster a chance

 

[Albort]

You won't find the information on which FP machines are closed mid-week anywhere in the park other than at the indivdual FP machines. However, I can tell you which machines are sometimes closed mid-week during off-season:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Autopia
Grizzly River Run (in DCA - are you parkhopping?)
Tower of Terror (also in DCA)

add Muholland madness to the list too

 

[DangerMouse]

I'll pretend not to have read this one! I REALLY want to try Pirates!
About the rest, I don't want to risk spending my day at Disney being sick, so I don't think I want to try all these SCARY SCARY rides... but maybe we could give Gadget's go Coaster a chance

IMHO, there are no SCARY SCARY rides at DLR (well, ok, maybe the Sun Wheel and Maliboomer). But, in general, the most extreme rides (Space, Screamin, TOT, etc.) are pretty tame. My 5 year old loves all of these rides and she is pretty timid. If you want SCARY SCARY rides, you have to go to Six Flags or Knott's.

So I agree with Hound. Give the Matterhorn a try. to Harold the Yeti, and then work your way up to the others.

 

[bumbershoot]

Well, I don't consider Indy to be a coaster. It's a rough ride, and it's on a track, but it's not a coaster.

Also, Star Tours isn't one, either. You have the illusion of hurtling through space, but you're not at all.

On our trip in '05 I was ALL about the coasters, and then the same in '06. This last trip, though, I went on Space Mountain and it freaked me out. Tried Matterhorn and hated it this time. Big Thunder was just annoying. Then I tried Star Tours and found my favorite ride ever. Not a coaster. Just an illusion.


The drop in Pirates isn't *nothing*, but it's not really significant, either. It's not like Splash or anything. But it's good to know it's there, too! Just remember, at the end, you go UP to get out. And to go up at the end, you have to go DOWN first. It's a necessity for the ride! And the rest of the ride is so good you'll soon forget about it.

Gadget's...my son is 3, and although he raced off of the thing while holding his belly and wouldn't talk for about 20 minutes, he's now telling us that he will not go on the "Yeti ride" (Matterhorn) again, but he WILL go on the little coaster that made his tummy feel funny. It's something like 30 seconds long, so even if you hate it, it's over quickly.

 

[AZ Mom]

Okay, Alby, sounds like you're with my DH on this one. He doesn't like BTMRR or Matterhorn. Pirates is a little flume that seems like it's going to be scary, but it's not. That's DH's favorite ride, so no worries. He also enjoys Indy.

 

[kiwitravel]

I'll pretend not to have read this one! I REALLY want to try Pirates!
About the rest, I don't want to risk spending my day at Disney being sick, so I don't think I want to try all these SCARY SCARY rides... but maybe we could give Gadget's go Coaster a chance

IMO Thats where you start, if you are OK on that you will be OK on Matahorn and BTMRR, I wouldn't pre-decide anything otherwise you will talk yourself out of things before you even get there. The only ride that made me feel a little sick was Cal Scream, the beauty of DL rides are they are not scary, more exhilarating.

 

[bouncy54]

Thank you Bouncy! That's exactly what I hoped for!
What else is the entertainment guide about?

It tells you what time and days the parades and shows will be in both parks. It even tells you the routes of some of them. For instance...it told us that High School Musical 2 was going to be in the hub area of DCA at a certain time. By the way, that parade/show was really good...so was the "Surfin" group at DCA. Sorry...I can't remember the name.

I wish that I had gotten a hold of one of these guides on our first Sunday though...I missed Aladdin cause I thought it was showing all week, but they changed the schedule while we were there.