One day strategy if you can't be there at opening?

[momtotwolittleones]

I always drag everyone out of bed to get to the gates at least 30 minutes before opening, but this Sunday we won't be able to get into the park until about 9am. (DL opens at 8 - I believe EE is at the DCA that day.) Our usual plan is to head straight for Peter Pan, but I know an hour after opening the line will already be long, so maybe start in Tomorrowland? I'm not really sure - I can't remember the last time I got there after opening! We will be getting MaxPass - my first time using it.

My kids are teens, and rides (not shows or characters) are our priority. We have parkhoppers, but only one day. What FPs are going most quickly in DL these days? I know in DCA it is GG and then Cars, but not sure about DL. The park is open until midnight but my kids usually poop out around 10. Thanks!

 

[az4boys]

I can't give you advice on a touring strategy, but Maxpass is a good choice. Get a FP as soon as you get into the parks, then do some non-FP rides while the lines are shorter in the morning. Keep getting FP as soon as you are able. RSR runs out quickly. We would get that one late morning for an evening return time then after the 90 minute wait time was up, get Toy Story, Soarin, etc. for evening too.

 

[taaren]

The classics still go quickly in DLR: Indy and Space would be my first priorities on that side. MaxPass will help you a ton! You'll have a great day with it! We don't get it because our priorities have shifted to food in years of late, if there was a FP for beignets, churros, corndogs, and Jolly Holiday we'd probably get it.

 

[tnzzz]

I always keep an eye on the DLR app off and on for a couple weeks prior to our trip to see what wait times are like, and what FP tickets run out first. That way i can get an idea of what our strategy will be.

 

[RADOPT]

if there was a FP for beignets, churros, corndogs, and Jolly Holiday we'd probably get it

me too!

 

[DLRExpert]

Getting to the park at the opening is usually mandatory if you want to get through Fantasyland. 9am isn't too bad. You just want to make sure that you are nowhere near Fantasyland at 9am.

You want to focus on the west side of Disneyland first.
As soon as you get through the turnstiles setup MaxPass.

Ride Big Thunder first via Standby, while in line use MP to get FP for Indiana Jones.
Then ride Haunted Mansion Holiday via Standby, Pirates, Jungle Cruise.
Use MP to get FP for Radiator Springs Racers, use FP for Indy.
Ride Splash Mountain via Standby, Winnie the Pooh, use MP to get FP for Guardians.
Take the train from New Orleans Square to Main Street.

You can now head over to DCA, next most popular FP at DCA will be Soarin or Midway Mania. Screamin and Grizzly FP are pretty easy to get.

You may have to choose one or the other because you want to get that FP for Space Mountain for later in the day. Matterhorn FP after that then Star Tours FP, It's a Small World Holiday FP, then Buzz FP but you shouldn't need it by then.

You are basically finishing the west side of Disneyland until Lunch.
Heading over to DCA until it gets dark, then back to Disneyland to finish up Tomorrowland and the Fantasyland rides you missed earlier.

ME

 

[WonkaKid]

Here's how I'd approach this--

The moment you're through the gate, use the app to grab your first MaxPass. Whatever that ride is is up to you. I would go with Space Mountain or Indiana. Then I'd head straight to Fantasyland and ride Mr. Toad. Forget Peter Pan unless it's important to you. Within about three minutes of the rope drop, the line is 25 minutes or even longer. Then hit perhaps Dumbo and Snow White. Then Buzz. The lines for that don't get long for at least 50 minutes after park open. Then head over to Pirates. After that, it may be time to use your first FP. The moment you've scanned your ticket, immediately book your next FP. I'd suggest Haunted Mansion, since lines for that with the Halloween/Christmas layover will be long all day. Don't forget that rides including Indiana Jones and Matterhorn have single-rider lines. If you don't mind splitting up your party, those can come in exceptionally handy.

After that, play it by ear. You the app regularly to check wait times, of course.

Best of luck and have a great time!

 

[momtotwolittleones]

Thanks everyone. This is extremely helpful. I consider myself pretty well versed in navigating the parks, but it seems like there's always some scenario that comes up that is different and I have to figure it out all over again!