OMG family does not want to get any Fastpass tickets the first day

[NavyDad01]

So were going with a group of about 8 which includes a baby. Theres only 3 of us that have been to Disney. Were going a total of 3 days the first day the baby will be with us the second and third we will be baby less. So I emailed everyone the touring plan basically with what you guys have showed me. I have us riding all the big rides but splitting up the group into 2 because someone has to stay with the baby.

So I got responses from people saying they don't want to experience any rides with out the other person basically there first time wants to be everyone together. That took it on themselves to tell me that instead the first day we should do all the little kid rides in fantasy land and enjoy the shows and parades and we will do all the big rides the following two days .

How much sense does that make to you guys skipping potential rides not getting no Fast passes on the first day at all .

 

[mama2dutchies]

I actually think it makes perfect sense, because if you have a day without the baby, that's the day to hit the big rides.

 

[NavyDad01]

I actually think it makes perfect sense, because if you have a day without the baby, that's the day to hit the big rides.

I just feel like its a potential time loss as far as we could have rode this and that more times

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

If you have several days there, then I think it'll be fine. The only rides that you'd "miss out" on FP wise are Space, Splash, Big Thunder, Indiana Jones, Star Tours, and a line wait for the Matterhorn. There's plenty to do without needing to split up, and two more days to do the rest. Take the first day as a relaxing welcome to the park and vacation, and then go a bit commando the next day.

Breathe and enjoy a non-stressful, "pack everything in" day. It'll be fine.

 

[ArchOwl]

So were going with a group of about 8 which includes a baby. Theres only 3 of us that have been to Disney. Were going a total of 3 days the first day the baby will be with us the second and third we will be baby less. So I emailed everyone the touring plan basically with what you guys have showed me. I have us riding all the big rides but splitting up the group into 2 because someone has to stay with the baby.

So I got responses from people saying they don't want to experience any rides with out the other person basically there first time wants to be everyone together. That took it on themselves to tell me that instead the first day we should do all the little kid rides in fantasy land and enjoy the shows and parades and we will do all the big rides the following two days .

How much sense does that make to you guys skipping potential rides not getting no Fast passes on the first day at all .

Well, frankly, this is part of traveling with a large group. You have to get a "buy in" from those you are traveling with. The advice given on this board might have been different if we knew you were going with a baby. I can understand why folks don't want to be separated. Your best bet is to make the plan work within the limitations. You will have fun even if you miss that third ride on Indy. Part of Disney is the enjoyment of the park itself. And with this first day dedicated to a slower pace, you will get a real feeling of the layout and be ready to navigate on the second and third days. I think this could be a real workable plan and small sacrifice for your family's happiness.

 

[skiingfast]

I would use a runner. Somone, maybe you, holds all of the tickets and gets FPs, maybe not first thing, but here and there. When the group is staking out a parade or fireworks spot, a few stay in the spot a few go ride a couple rides.

Also don't limit the baby to Fantasyland. He/she can ride the Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear, Autopia, Railroad.....ect....

 

[PinkTink63]

I would use a runner. Somone, maybe you, holds all of the tickets and gets FPs, maybe not first thing, but here and there. When the group is staking out a parade or fireworks spot, a few stay in the spot a few go ride a couple rides.

Also don't limit the baby to Fantasyland. He/she can ride the Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear, Autopia, Railroad.....ect....

Totally agree! We do this all the time!

 

[Kittyskyfish]

I think you will really enjoy your first day at Disneyland. It's a wonderful experience to see it small-child style. There's a lot of Disney magic in enjoying the lighter attractions and the parades and shows are excellent. Besides, you get to ride the big-kid attractions for the following two days.

I almost forgot to add: enjoy the time spent with your family. I have a feeling you build some great memories on this slow baby day.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

It's hard to get a big party all on the same page. Everyone has different ideas of how it should be done. I'm sure it will all work out for you.

 

[jacs1234]

There is soooooooo much you can do with the baby that first day. Make sure you see Aladdin. I think it will work doing it their way. It will be easier to do the fastpass runaround without the baby anyway.

 

[HydroGuy]

I would use a runner. Somone, maybe you, holds all of the tickets and gets FPs, maybe not first thing, but here and there. When the group is staking out a parade or fireworks spot, a few stay in the spot a few go ride a couple rides.

Also don't limit the baby to Fantasyland. He/she can ride the Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear, Autopia, Railroad.....ect....

Totally agree! We do this all the time!

Me three! I was thinking exactly this and then saw Ski's post. I would not stockpile a ton of FPs, but a few. Then maybe at the end of the day when baby and family heads out of the park (7PM?) go hit the FP rides! If it does not work out, no big loss. Just go with the flow as others have suggested and be all the more ready on day 2.

 

[kjd469]

Sounds like you are setting your expectations too high! When travelling with a group, some of which have never been to DL, be prepared for some of them to not "get it" like you do - expecting everyone to want a plan or want to do every ride is unrealistic, and speaking from personal experience, can lead to a feeling of "never again" or "why did I agree to this?". Take this trip for what it is, and the next time you are at DL you can go back to having a plan and do all the things you like to do. Just have fun and go with the flow

 

[cyclenut]

A few summers ago we had a group come down for their first visit. We're passholders so we have various "plans" for how to best see the parks. Our visitors had 3-day park hoppers. I asked them what experience they wanted. Did they want to try to get on every ride and see every show (a fast paced and planned approach) or did they want to take in the rides and attractions "as they felt like it"?

It is all about what the group wants.

Personally, I don't see any point in splitting the group up if you have first timers. Visiting Disneyland is all about sharing the experience with family and friends, not getting on as many rides as you can possibly fit in one day. People will remember the experience and fun they had together, not what rides they missed out on.

 

[iheartdisney]

Instead of thinking about how much time you are wasting skipping the "big" rides, think about how much time you are saving sticking together! Believe me, the splitting up and baby swapping DOES eat some time!
On the first days of your visit, grab some fastpasses if you are in the neighborhood. Grab a Fastpass for Splash while the baby is meeting Pooh Bear, etc. Since they don't expire, you can always use them for your party once the baby goes back to the hotel for naptime or in for the night.

 

[Hound 109]

I remember when you posted your itinerary.....it was down to the minute. YOU knew that it was flexible & impossible to follow but THEY didn't. It probably scared them to see a "Commando" plan.

Since they've veto'd your initial "plan", You'll need to either wander aimlessly with them (aka going with the flow )..... or do what i would do.....go double secret STEALTH commando on them.



So.....imo, you should follow the advice of others who say that YOU should insist on holding all the tickets. It's NOT an option....you hold them. Then stealthly pick up FPs while the big group attempts to navigate the park. You'll be like a sheep dog with a flock of sheep.

They said they want to ride all of FantasyLand.....COOL. YOU know that this should be done EARLY, so here's what i would do (stealthly).

- all ride PP (at rope drop).
- you (who holds all the tickets) tell them that you need to use the can....but instead run to get FPs at SM while the rest ride/watch/enjoy Dumbo.
- You rejoin at Alice & all ride.
- Teacups
- Toady
- Storybookland.
- you tell them you need to get some batteries or sun screen (or something) & head to Indy & pick up FPs..... while they all enjoy the Carousel or Casey Jr.
- Meet back up with them at Buzz or Toon Town & enjoy these & possibly Nemo & IASW etc.
- THEY need to take a break (or get some food or something) while you need to use the can again & go nab some tickets at BTMRR.

You've picked up 3 sets of FPs & they've done many of the desired FL rides.....a win/win.

Later....when everyone rides Pooh, insist that THEY ride it again (or take pictures in Critter Country or whatever).....while you (& anyone else interested) ride Splash (single rider) a few steps away (or pick up a FP). Then ALL of you all enjoy ALL the pics or hang with a character. (or munch on snacks picked up at Pooh Corner)

If you hop to DCA, you walk them over to Flick's Bugland area & when they get on the first ride (the mind numbing animal cookie box & raisin box ride) you scoot over to pick up FPs at Soarin. Meet back up with them & definitely ride Heimlich.

Also at DCA.....everyone will want to ride Toy Story. Afterwards let the toddler crowd enjoy Triton's carousel next door.... (& they'll need to do it twice for pics etc.) while YOU & any others interested ride Screamin' a few steps away using Single rider.

& finally at DCA, when the toddler crowd is romping on the Wilderness Trail area (or relaxing for 20 min. in the GCH lobby)....you can walk a few steps & enjoy Griz Rapids single rider.

In the afternoon when the toddler crowd wants to bail or take a rest....you whip out your 3-5 sets of FP tickets & surprise those who might enjoy an E Ticket ride or two.

As others have said, use the day to familiarize yourself with both parks. Use the day to figure out the park rythems & how FP works. But since you're doing so much research NOW, you'll be able to do most of this (& also stealthly pick up a few FPs & ride a couple of Single rider rides) without them knowing how you're working it (& them)....they'll be meandering around like sheep, (aka "going with the flow) let them. You just strategically disappear to use the restroom.... or pick up a mickey bar (& gather a set of FPs) & they'll be none the wiser.

If i show Mrs. Hound a "plan".....she always digs her heels in the ground. But everytime i guide her like a sheep dog to rides with little or no lines....or whip out a FP when there is a 65 min. line at BTMRR....she expresses what a great day it is....& how we "sure are lucky" this day.

 

[charmama4]

We are going to be a party of 12 come this June. My BIL and family are in transit from one base to another, my IL's are in San Diego and we are up here at Travis AFB so we are making it a family reunion!! That being said...GEESH!!! 12!!!

We are opting to split up and meet a few times during the day and maybe do a kid swap here and there, the 4 older boys can venture on their own but we will have 2 giggling 7 yo girls in tow!

We have already decided that meeting for Indy is a must since the jeep can accomodate all of us at once. We are meeting for Aladin Show on another day. It just made sense for us. There is NO way we can all agree ALL the time on what to do and when to do and where!

Flexibilty is the key here.

 

[Mama Who]

I just feel like its a potential time loss as far as we could have rode this and that more times

The flip side of that is that it seems their view is that your plan looks like a potential time loss as far as "we could have spent that time all together enjoying things for everyone."

Rides are not the only important part of a trip to Disneyland. With a baby, the big rides are not the most important thing. I just spent a week in DL and the number of rides we went on was not nearly as high as usual- because we spent a lot of time just enjoying our kids and showing the baby the lights and colors and soaking in the atmosphere. We do not consider it a loss.

 

[HydroGuy]

I would also add to all the excellent advice so far...

Many newbies just cannot get themselves to the parks early. You can explaintil you are blue in the face how important it is and only get a blank stare.

So, if you are staying at a nearby hotel (can't remember) you can also stealthily (Hound's word and a good one) go to DLR 30 minutes before opening and power out on rides until the rest of the crew shows up. Then meet them on Main Street as they enter.

Something about bigger groups - I agree that staying together is important. But if they are not in the parks there is no reason you should not be too. Go to the parks and meet them when they wake up from their sleepy slow morning. Most people seem to be Ok with that.

 

[GrandBob]

..... or do what i would do.....go double secret STEALTH commando on them.

Hound, you are one canny canine!

 

[JH87]

That is a total reversal of what I typically do at DLR. The first day is usually getting tons of FP and riding as many of the big rides as possible! We barely even stop for food! Then towards the end of the trip is when we take it slow, usually (if traveling with my family) we have a PS at some restaurant, watch fireworks, any shows, repeat any favorite rides, do shopping etc.

But in your situation, since your first day will be with a baby, I guess it makes sense to take it easy and slow the first day, and once baby is gone you can really focus on running around grabbing FP and riding all the rides.

Have fun!