Our Disneyland trip

[Sorata]

So, our trip came and went. Three long days with 3 kids (4, 9 and 12) and myself. Max Pass is for sure the thing to have as it will save you the most time. We managed to ride everything easily the little one rode everything once including Guardians of the Galaxy, Granted she didn't enjoy them too much so the rest of the time was ride swap which allows you to get up 3 extra FPs for you party.

This worked great as the older kids got to ride everything twice in a row basically and the one extra was for me or the oldest kid if I rode with one before. Max pass came in handy for all the pictures that are taken on rides and other picture locations.

Getting there early is key especially for the more popular rides. Radiator Spring Racers is by far the most popular ride. as FP would go quickly and wait times would easily reach 90+ mins.

Now, the most important thing I can suggest. If you there on a weekday for example Thursday and are staying longer don't watch the fireworks those days or even consider paint the night parade. One reason is they end basically at the same time and then parks are closing right after that. It was a disaster trying to leave as trams slow and then the parking lot was really a parking lot and cars were barley moving, it took about 1 hour and half to leave from the park and get out of the parking lot. That's not how you want to end your day.

Other than that we all had a great time and kids will always remember it for sure. We will plan another trip in our future for sure.

 

[JasonMak2000]

So weekends are better for shows/fireworks?

 

[Sorata]

So weekends are better for shows/fireworks?

The Pixar Fest Parade is easier to watch on the weekdays, but Friday-Sunday there are two paint the night parades, 2 fantasmic shows and the fireworks which follows directly after the first fantasmic show. Since the parks stay open to midnight you don’t have that one big massive crowd leaving the park.

Just my opinion from what I witness, now summer time would be a different story due to extended park hours.

 

[agamble]

We watched the PTN parade last Thursday at closing. Viewing areas were ample. After the parade we took the kids to the bathroom and then walked out the mostly deserted park. We walked back to the parking garage and had no trouble getting out. I imagine the trams would be crowded. In the summer the trams are pretty busy all evening from the time the first evening parade ends until closing. It's best to walk if you can.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

With fireworks at DL, it's best not to put them off to another day. They can get cancelled due to safety reasons (usually unsafe wind speed/direction at higher elevations), so try to see them early in your trip. Then if they do get cancelled, you can try again on a different night. We never leave right after fireworks, a parade, WOC, or F!. As the pp said, we take our sweet time leaving the area, head for the restrooms, maybe shop in the area or grab a snack, perhaps try a ride or two in the area or on our way out. Then we stroll out of the park and enjoy DTD on our way back to the structure. Much more enjoyable than fighting our way to the tram.

 

[jbh275]

It's definitly worth taking 1 more ride after the fireworks. Better in a short line while the crowds clear out.