Park tips-not doing ROTR

[PRomano]

I am taking my mother for her first and probably only trip in a few weeks. She has been to WDW many times and I have be to DL a few times. She doesn't like any of the big rides, I might do single rider or use maxpass. I am looking for hints to avoid the ROTR crowds. We arrive on a Wednesday and plan to go to DL for a bit. The next day I plan to go to DCA and then pack to DL for our last day. We do have park hoppers so we can go back and forth if we want. I have WOC dessert party booked and a few meals booked for Friday. I have a parade lunch booked. I know it is not enough days, but we have to be in Vegas for a wedding so I added this leg of the trip on.

 

[midnight star]

I am taking my mother for her first and probably only trip in a few weeks. She has been to WDW many times and I have be to DL a few times. She doesn't like any of the big rides, I might do single rider or use maxpass. I am looking for hints to avoid the ROTR crowds. We arrive on a Wednesday and plan to go to DL for a bit. The next day I plan to go to DCA and then pack to DL for our last day. We do have park hoppers so we can go back and forth if we want. I have WOC dessert party booked and a few meals booked for Friday. I have a parade lunch booked.

Arrive after 30-60 minutes after the park opens. So it’s still early for decent ride times but the long lines will have died down.

this is a picture of the Harbor security last Saturday around 10:55am. No line, and the esplanade was empty.

 

[Howry]

We just got back from the parks. Our first day of 5 we went for rope drop and it was a mad house. The rest of the week we went about 10-10:30 and it was so much better. 2 of the days we still got boarding groups for ROTR and got on both times in the evening.

We used to be opening people but it was soooooo much better going late.

Also of note in regards to WOC. We didnt do it while we were there but even late into the evening we could get WOC fast passes. I cant compare the viewing areas but unless crowds get much busier there is no reason to pay for the WOC package unless the seating is a lot better.

 

[PRomano]

Thank you so much! So maybe we will sleep in, or take time to enjoy breakfast and the pool! We have to deal with the time change. For WOC, I am going to keep the dessert party so my mother has a place to sit. It is worth the cost for that alone. She won't be able to sit on the ground and can't stand for that long.

I still have to decide about the parade lunch, I am not sure that is worth it. I have time to decide.

The first day, we will arrive at the parks after noon, so I won't worry. I just want her to see Disneyland and DCA. I am looking forward to this trip!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Has your mom read this thread, A DLR Guide for WDW Vets? It has a lot of helpful information!

 

[PRomano]

Has your mom read this thread, A DLR Guide for WDW Vets? It has a lot of helpful information!

Sure did awhile ago, we will brush up today.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Sure did awhile ago, we will brush up today.

Great! That thread will really help your mom find her bearings more quickly in the parks. You might want to go over the park maps with her, too -- especially DL, since MK is not identical and there are things that MK vets automatically navigate toward/around that are either missing or in totally different places at DL!
As for the parade package, how much time are you wiling to invest in waiting for a good spot? We've had reports that people have found good to very good spots with about an hour or so (maybe a little more?) of wait time. That can be a great time to enjoy snacks and people watching.

 

[PRomano]

A very kind member here mailed a set of maps, they arrived yesterday so we can plan our routes. My mother moves pretty well but slowly. She is active for her age. I need to plan direct routes rather than moving back and forth in the parks. Not having to worry about riding the huge attractions helps. We can take our time and enjoy the atmosphere, shows, food, etc. We just did WDW in November so she could enjoy the Christmas decorations.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

A very kind member here mailed a set of maps, they arrived yesterday so we can plan our routes. My mother moves pretty well but slowly. She is active for her age. I need to plan direct routes rather than moving back and forth in the parks. Not having to worry about riding the huge attractions helps. We can take our time and enjoy the atmosphere, shows, food, etc. We just did WDW in November so she could enjoy the Christmas decorations.

You might want to ask @BadPinkTink about her park touring strategies. She plans her park days land by land, rather than criss crossing her way around the parks all day. That might work well for you and your mom -- more efficient and less tiring? And you both are going to enjoy all the details at DLR -- there are so many little things all along the way!

 

[BadPinkTink]

Hi @PRomano

@theluckyrabbit is correct I don't criss cross the parks like most people. I go land by land. I start in Fantasyland at park opening, and do almost every ride, then I pick another land, Adventureland and do all the rides in that land, using the free Fastpass kiosks as I go along. Also I don't do the big thrill rides, like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Matterhorn. In the morning I'm go go go , then in the afternoon I do a table service meal, go shopping and have down time until about 5pm.

Then in the evening time I pick another land. This is my trip report from June 2019, you could you it as a touring plan and adapt to your needs https://www.disboards.com/threads/t...any-firsts-mixed-with-old-favourites.3758518/

 

[PRomano]

Thank you both so much! I am looking forward to taking her. I have been a few times and love it! I would love to get her on RSR, but she is hesitant. Small world is her speed. We are staying at paradise pier, I know it is a long walk, but we can stop for coffee along the way. I know she will love seeing everything. A few years ago we did a behind the scenes tour at magic kingdom and really enjoyed it.