One day with the parents

[DLKiwi]

G'day,
I've been to DL a few times, but always in low season. I'm looking forward to taking my parents for just one day, but it will be sometime during the week before July 4; the worst possible time? Probably, but this is the only time they are in LA. I have a few plans in my mind and thought I'd share them.

We'll be driving in. Maybe we will get there for rope drop, not really sure. My plan for the morning is:
Get Indy FP,
Ride Pirates,
Ride HM,
Probably use FP,
Get Splash FP,
Look around the park, take our time, maybe eat, and use Splash FP when time opens.

First questions; if we do manage to get to the park at rope drop, and we decide to walk casually to Peter Pan (their first time going up Main St after all) will the line for PP already be crazy long by the time we get there? Will my plan above get thrown out of whack by long lines developing while we are on PP?

Just before or after lunch I'd like to swing over to CA and hope to grab FP for RSR (I haven't been on it before) and hope to ride it while leaving time for maybe Bugs Life, Soarin' or whatever else takes our fancy. Don't think parents will be particularly interested in doing ToT or Screamin...

Is this a reasonable expectation? Perhaps we can aim for just RSR but will FP still be available early afternoon?

If the parents get a little tired I wouldn't mind having a hotel to go for a rest/nap at. Are there any good recommendations for an early check in hotel for one night? Just hoping to save some time by not having to google/call lots of hotels myself

Final plan of the evening is either F! Or WoC with dining package to make sure we get seats. It will be F! Unless the current WoC closure/renovation results in better certainty on dining package seating.

So is BB as great as they say? I know everyone has their own tastes in food but when I read the menu it just sounds like stuff I could cook at home (but don't necessarily haha)... Perhaps the chefs just do a great job on simple-sounding dishes!?

And final question (for now) seems to have mixed answers depending on who you ask. Can you stay in the seating at the end of F! and get a decent view of the fireworks/Tink? We would prefer a pretty good (not necessarily amazing) view rather than fight the crowds.

Well I think that's it, thanks in advance for any tips!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I can't answer all your questions, but just have a few observations/suggestions.

At that time of year, I would aim to get your RSR FPs earlier -- better to be earlier than you need to be than to be too late and have to do stand-by. If your parents are fine with doing single rider, that can be another option.

We like the Candy Cane Inn as a nearby hotel/motel. The rooms are clean, parking is free, there is a private shuttle that runs on time (very convenient!), and customer service is great. It should be easier to make rope drop if you stay near the parks the night before your visit.

To clarify, there are no seats for WOC -- with the exception of handicap seating and VIP benches (e.g. for Club 33 members), all viewing is standing. Make sure this will not be a problem for your parents. We asked CMs about allowing my parents to sit nearby the viewing area while we stood to save spots. The CMs were fine with this and then allowed me to escort my parents to our spots when the show was about to start. F! now involves sitting on the ground (are your parents fine with this?) or standing in sometimes crowded conditions. Again, in July, the standing areas might be rather crowded. Check the WOC and F! superthreads for the most up to date info.

Dining at BB is not about the food. The food is fine, not spectacular (although some people think it really is spectacular!). The fun at BB is the atmosphere, especially at waterside tables. Being able to dine "in the bayou" as the POC boats go by is a uniquely DL experience which I would recommend if you can fit it into your schedule.

As far as I know, if you see the early show of F! you are allowed to stay for the fireworks. Someone mentioned being able to view the fireworks from the dessert buffet at Hungry Bear, so that might be another option for you.

 

[nannyz]

The first thought that comes to mind for me is, Have you asked your parents how they would like to spend the day? Are they into rides, or would they enjoy the shows more? Do they like the fancier food or would they prefer a corn dog? Would they rather sit and wait to see Fantasmic or WOC or would they like to spend that time riding more rides? If I were you, I would let my parents guide the day. Have a wonderful time and treasure the moments.

 

[Canuck16]

At that time of year if you don't get your RSR FP first thing in the morning they will all be gone by the time you hop over after your time at DL.
We always go during slower times as well and are going in March during Spring Break when the crowd levels will be 8-9 so it will be interesting to see how that affects the way that we tour the parks

 

[DLKiwi]

Thanks for the answers everyone. I hope it's ok if I click quote/reply to everyone individually.

I can't answer all your questions, but just have a few observations/suggestions.

At that time of year, I would aim to get your RSR FPs earlier -- better to be earlier than you need to be than to be too late and have to do stand-by. If your parents are fine with doing single rider, that can be another option.

We like the Candy Cane Inn as a nearby hotel/motel. The rooms are clean, parking is free, there is a private shuttle that runs on time (very convenient!), and customer service is great. It should be easier to make rope drop if you stay near the parks the night before your visit.

To clarify, there are no seats for WOC -- with the exception of handicap seating and VIP benches (e.g. for Club 33 members), all viewing is standing. Make sure this will not be a problem for your parents. We asked CMs about allowing my parents to sit nearby the viewing area while we stood to save spots. The CMs were fine with this and then allowed me to escort my parents to our spots when the show was about to start. F! now involves sitting on the ground (are your parents fine with this?) or standing in sometimes crowded conditions. Again, in July, the standing areas might be rather crowded. Check the WOC and F! superthreads for the most up to date info.

Dining at BB is not about the food. The food is fine, not spectacular (although some people think it really is spectacular!). The fun at BB is the atmosphere, especially at waterside tables. Being able to dine "in the bayou" as the POC boats go by is a uniquely DL experience which I would recommend if you can fit it into your schedule.

As far as I know, if you see the early show of F! you are allowed to stay for the fireworks. Someone mentioned being able to view the fireworks from the dessert buffet at Hungry Bear, so that might be another option for you.

Re: RSR... understood. I will try find time to get RSR passes earlier, otherwise we could do single rider. Most of the other rides we will do together so I'm sure doing one single rider will be fine.

I should have been clearer regarding my hotel question. I was hoping to know if any in particular do early check in, so that if we get to the park early and need a rest say 1pm, then we have the time to do that. Or does your recommended Candy Cane do an early check in?

I have done WoC before, and I think I was one of the luck ones where the dining package worked well. I wasn't sure if perhaps after the current renovations (which I don't know anything about) are adjusting the seating areas. My parents will be ok with either standing or sitting, they are quite active. It will be more about their preference of shows (I will describe to them) and our most likely chance for a good view since we are 1-night-only. That leads me to think F! will be our best choice. The F! superthread (and one other newer one) have been helpful; I will also check WoC superthread to see what the latest news is.

Thanks for the explanation regarding BB. I understand much better now I also saw that post regarding the dessert bar, but the parents aren't really dessert people (unfortunately, because I certainly am) so BB or RBT might be best options.

 

[DLKiwi]

The first thought that comes to mind for me is, Have you asked your parents how they would like to spend the day? Are they into rides, or would they enjoy the shows more? Do they like the fancier food or would they prefer a corn dog? Would they rather sit and wait to see Fantasmic or WOC or would they like to spend that time riding more rides? If I were you, I would let my parents guide the day. Have a wonderful time and treasure the moments.

I have definitely asked them about what they would like to do, plus I already know what their preferences are. That's my earlier comment about no ToT or Screamn'... well not for mum at least. Dad might be interested. But that's why my ride plan only involves a few rides, mostly with FP. More time to walking around enjoying the atmosphere, and more time for sit down to eat.

I'll describe F! and WoC to them, as well as check what has a more-certain view, before we make a final decision on that.

 

[DLKiwi]

At that time of year if you don't get your RSR FP first thing in the morning they will all be gone by the time you hop over after your time at DL.
We always go during slower times as well and are going in March during Spring Break when the crowd levels will be 8-9 so it will be interesting to see how that affects the way that we tour the parks

Hopefully you have a good time even though it's going to be busier than normal for you. I'm hoping for the same thing for me and my family. I think having modest goals on rides per day, and just going with the flow might help a little more.

 

[DLKiwi]

You know what.... after hearing your replies I am 90% sure that BB is the best option to make sure we get a good viewing of a show on the night that we are there. And now that it is almost certain, I'm getting excited about it

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Most, if not all, of the local hotels/motels by the parks do early check-in if a room is available. You will need to specify that you will need early check-in at the time you make your reservation. If you do this online, I would contact the hotel directly (call or email) to make sure that they understand your needs. If a room is not ready in the morning upon your arrival, the hotel will most likely store your luggage until a room is ready. You can ask them to text/call you to let you know when your room is ready.
Try showing your parents YouTube videos of the shows and rides. That will give them a very good idea of what they will want to do. There are some very good quality videos out there now.
BB should be lots of fun. Make sure to request a waterside table (CMs will tell you that this cannot be guaranteed) and check-in about 20-30 minutes early (repeat your request). This usually works fine for us.
Have a great time!

 

[DLKiwi]

Most, if not all, of the local hotels/motels by the parks do early check-in if a room is available. You will need to specify that you will need early check-in at the time you make your reservation. If you do this online, I would contact the hotel directly (call or email) to make sure that they understand your needs. If a room is not ready in the morning upon your arrival, the hotel will most likely store your luggage until a room is ready. You can ask them to text/call you to let you know when your room is ready.
Try showing your parents YouTube videos of the shows and rides. That will give them a very good idea of what they will want to do. There are some very good quality videos out there now.
BB should be lots of fun. Make sure to request a waterside table (CMs will tell you that this cannot be guaranteed) and check-in about 20-30 minutes early (repeat your request). This usually works fine for us.
Have a great time!

Cheers Lucky,
I guess the hotels are like anywhere in the world when it comes to early check-ins; most will accommodate it if the room is available. Somehow I thought that near to DL they might be either less, or more, flexible just because of the unique location.... but probably all comes down to availability.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you decide not to go the hotel route, your parents might enjoy some down time in the GCH lobby (lovely!). Get a beverage at the DtD Starbucks, sit in the lobby (ah, a/c!), and enjoy the ambience. Scheduling a ride on the DL Railroad can be a good rest break, too (also riding the Mark Twain). If the weather is extra warm, shows with a/c (e.g. Mr. Lincoln, Aladdin, Frozen Sing-a-Long, etc.) can be helpful. Oh, and during the week before July 4th, DL shows a shortened version of the July 4th fireworks (longer show on the 4th itself) starting on July 1st. Your parents might enjoy seeing those since July 4th is such an all American holiday.

 

[DLKiwi]

I definitely have those options in the back of my mind for an impromptu rest, but I think that the option of a nap will be good for all of us, we like naps