One Day with Teens

[buckler]

I'm helping someone from Australia plan one day in DL/DCA with a group of teenage boys. They are taking a once in a life time trip to the U.S.

They will also be traveling to WDW and spending several days there. Unfortunately their WDW week will be Easter week, and they are doing YES classes on most of their days, so they probably won't be able to experience as many rides as they might during another time of year. So, I'd like to get them to ride as many rides at DL/DCA as possible.

I've been to DL twice and spent 2-3 days each time, so I realize 1 day is really packing it in! I was thinking of suggesting they subscribe to RideMax to help them plan their touring plan. Is RideMax still the best option for DL/DCA touring plans or are their others they should consider?

They will be purchasing Park Hoppers tickets because they want to be able to visit both parks. They especially want to see the Aladdin show at DCA.

They will be at the parks on a Friday night with Fantasmic showings at 9PM and 10:30PM and WOC showings at 9:00PM and 10:15PM. Given they only have one day, should they invest the time in seeing one of these shows? I have not seen either, so I'm not sure what to recommend. From what I've read so far, it wouldn't be possible to do both. They would have the option of seeing Fantasmic at WDW, so unless it is dramatically superior in DL, I'm thinking WOC would be a priority over Fanstasmic. But, should they even take the time for WOC?

I wish I was going to go with them. I'll just have to get my enjoyment by helping them make the most of their trip.

 

[PinkBudgie]

If Aladdin is a must see, then I would skip the other shows. My own teen boys like the shows but I know rides would be a priority with them. They liked WOC over F! Be sure to tell them to get there at opening and collect FPs at every chance. POTC is a classic must see but is a fast loader even with a long line, so I would do it later in the day. I imagine they would all like Space, Splash, IJ, Screamin, and TOT so they should try for FPs for those rides. They could probably do one or two of those first thing in the morning without a FP and then get FPs for the rest. But most important, they should get a FP somewhere first thing in the morning. They won't get to see everything but they should get a good sample.

 

[skiingfast]

A lot of the rides in DLR are in WDW too. I would make it a priority to see the ones in DLR that are only there, better than the WDW counterpart, or very different.

DCA:
All of the Paradise Pier attractions except for TSMM, although the DCA wait is usually half as long as the DHS version. So I'd make TSMM a "if there is time attraction. TSM is the most popular attraction in DHS.

In Golden state Grizzly River Rapids for sure. Soarin is another good "if there is time" because it usually has half the wait. Soarin is the most popular attraction in Epcot.

Bugs land has kid rides so they will probably want to skip that and just walk through it. A bugs life is the same and in AK.

Hollywood Backlot. Monsters Inc and Animation studio. See the Aladdin stage show. Wait on ToT because the DHS version is better. Muppets is the same as in DHS.

In DL:
Indy, probably ride it and get a FP to do it later. Jungle Cruise maybe, because it's different than in the MK. POTC do it in DL not the MK. HM probably want to do both but if need be the MK version. Splash if you have time. Winnie the Pooh skip for the MK version or ride if the line is short, of course the boys may not care about it either way.

BTMRR probably ride both since they are fairly different. Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, if they are interested same with the sailing ship Columbia.

Fantasyland is tough for teenage boys. Maybe ride Mr. Toad, the matterhorn.

Toontown ride Roger Rabbit.

Tomorrowland. Space, Find Nemo, and Autpia if they want. Astrorbiter if they want.Skip buzz, and Star Tours.

The DL railroad is anther maybe for them but better in DL than MK.




I would see WoC, and either F! or RDCT. F! is better in DL but similiar. RDCT is much better, but MK will have Wishes is they have to wait for fireworks.


Use FP like crazy. Let one kid take all the tickets and get FPs as fast as possible for the group.

 

[Piglet99645]

Definitely spend the $15 on Ridemax.

You can print out a bunch of itineraries for them and they can decide. Also, if they all have the same schedule, it will be easier for them to keep track of each other at the park.

I would skip Fantasyland altogether with a bunch of Teen Boys. Except maybe the Matterhorn if it works in a schedule.

They would like Buzz, if they didn't already do it at WDW.

My two cents.

p.

 

[fliplover101]

I'm now in college, but here's what my friends and I like to do (teenage focused) when we hit DL/DCA:
Adventureland:
1) Indiana Jones Adventure
2) Jungle Cruise only if there's long lines everywhere and/or we're bored
NOS:
both Haunted Mansion and POTC are classics and must-dos. Also, the Pieces of Eight shop is really fun to look around.
Frontierland:
1) Big Thunder
2) Shooting Arcade is fun but not really distinctly Disney.
3) Tom Sawyer Island can actually be really fun to mess around on if you're with other teens.
Critter Country:
1) Splash Mountain
Hungry Bear Restaurant is also great place to get something to eat.
Fantasyland:
1) Matterhorn
2) Mad Tea Party if you like spinning rides
Toontown is skippable
Tomorrowland:
1) SPACE MOUNTAIN!!!!!!
2) Buzz Lightyear
3) Star Tours if open
Innoventions and the Starcade are both fun places but skippable on tight schedule

DCA:
1) CALIFORNIA SCREAMIN'
2) TOY STORY MANIA
3) Tower of Terror
4) Aladdin show
5) Soarin'
6) Grizzly River Run
7) WORLD OF COLOR - I would definitely choose this over Fantasmic!, as you can get FP's for it, it's totally unique to Disneyland, and it's awesome!

Of course there are tons of other fun things to do, but if you're interested in teen-oriented day at Disneyland, this is what I'd hit up. Take advantage of FP, personally I wouldn't print out detailed itinerary, just know what you want to hit and come up with general plan of action. Hope you guys have fun!!!

 

[CrazyDuck]

I'm helping someone from Australia plan one day in DL/DCA with a group of teenage boys. They are taking a once in a life time trip to the U.S.

Are you sure it is a "once in a life time trip"? They are only teens! How can you be so sure?

 

[buckler]

Are you sure it is a "once in a life time trip"? They are only teens! How can you be so sure?

True, it might not be a once in a life time thing. But with everything they have planned for their month long trip, it will definitely be a very memorable trip.

Thanks for all of the tips. I emailed the person planning the trip the link to order Ridemax and a link to this thread. This should give them a good start on planning.