Parking plans and where to RD

[DizneyMommy]

I appreciate all of these posts.
While our local, family-owned theme park is no DLR, we’ve done the annual pass things more years than not. I get having a system and it’s a beautiful thing.

Not having a system for DLR bugs me and is why I’m asking so many questions. I love the help available here!!!

The only piece that isn’t clicking for me as though mobile-Starbucks order. When you get in the tram line and you order coffee, are you saying it sometimes takes 10 minutes to get the tram to the pick up and wait in line for the coffee?

No, I order my coffee as soon as I get in the tram line (or as soon as I sit down on the tram if there is no wait and the tram is already there). We ride the tram, get off, walk over to Starbucks and my drink is sitting on the counter waiting for me. Occasionally I get there a beat before they finish it, if the tram is like literally sitting there waiting for people and I can walk right on it. It takes that Starbucks a good 10+ minutes to make a mobile order usually. It is jam packed in there! I was just saying sometimes in the early morning the tram is so efficient I get to Starbucks before my coffee is ready

 

[DizneyMommy]

I will give you one caveat... if you go on the most crowded day ever, this may not go as planned. Still arriving first puts you ahead of everyone so really first is first no matter how busy the day is. BUT if you pick like a crowd level 10 day, when you get to the gate there will likely be a LOT of other people waiting at the turnstiles. That you will be behind. You will really never get ahead of the people who can walk across Harbor Blvd or right over from an on-proprty hotel, if you are driving. It just isn't possible. I wouldn't worry too terribly much about it though, it is what it is and you will have a fabulous time that first hour no matter what!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

...It does sound like i am at a significant disadvantage for rope drop as an off-off-site first.

This is exactly why veterans around here highly, highly recommend staying at a hotel within walking distance of the parks (aka "staying on Harbor"). While a hotel can be more expensive, it saves you all of this worry and hassle involved with driving, parking, trams, etc. You simply exit your hotel, walk to bag check and go through, walk to the gates of whichever park you choose, and go in. When you want to go back to the hotel, 5 minutes later, you're there. That kind of convenience and peace of mind can be worth the extra expense (and you can make up the money with savings in other ways). Keep this in mind for your next DLR trip!

...It is not like WDW. Promise! Hop on that tram and enjoy the ride.

Amen!

... Not having a system for DLR bugs me and is why I’m asking so many questions. I love the help available here!!! ...

Totally get it. That's a major reason I suggested the dry run to M&F the day before if time allows. You'll be able to see exactly where you'll be going the next morning, spot visual cues and landmarks along the way, time your route, etc.
I agree that taking the tram in the morning would be better than walking. Bag check yesterday took us all of 2-3 minutes (and we had a full purse and a full backpack). Walked right on to a waiting tram and off we went. There is no way the entire time from entering the structure, stopping at the parking booths, getting a parking space, taking the escalators, stopping at the restrooms (remember: ground floor, behind the escalators!), going through bag check, getting on the trams, walking to and through the turnstile came anywhere close to 45 minutes -- all in all, it probably took us closer to 25 minutes, tops. We walked back to the structure from DTD at night, so, yes, there is a way to walk back and forth (the same one detailed in the posts above). It's not a long walk at all and it's easy to follow, but the tram is so easy for your first day. DLR is truly not as high pressure as WDW -- you're putting the pressure on yourself and your family by choice. After your first morning/day, you'll be breathing so much easier. Everything is going to be fine and you're going to have such a good time!

ETA: Regarding the walking route to/from M&F and DTD, keep an eye on posts in this forum after the end of this month. Disney has given the retail locations, the AMC, and restaurants on the west end of DTD until June 30th to close for the impending construction of the new hotel. But some locations will be closing as early as June 2nd. I don't think construction will start until the end of June or later, but Disney might alter the location of bag check for DTD before then. If that happens, you'll see it posted in this forum. If you don't see anything before your trip, assume that nothing has moved. Or you can drive by on your dry run and ask at the parking booths for DTD.

 

[momof2n2]

This is exactly why veterans around here highly, highly recommend staying at a hotel within walking distance of the parks (aka "staying on Harbor"). While a hotel can be more expensive, it saves you all of this worry and hassle involved with driving, parking, trams, etc. You simply exit your hotel, walk to bag check and go through, walk to the gates of whichever park you choose, and go in. When you want to go back to the hotel, 5 minutes later, you're there. That kind of convenience and peace of mind can be worth the extra expense (and you can make up the money with savings in other ways). Keep this in mind for your next DLR trip!



Amen!



Totally get it. That's a major reason I suggested the dry run to M&F the day before if time allows. You'll be able to see exactly where you'll be going the next morning, spot visual cues and landmarks along the way, time your route, etc.
I agree that taking the tram in the morning would be better than walking. Bag check yesterday took us all of 2-3 minutes (and we had a full purse and a full backpack). Walked right on to a waiting tram and off we went. There is no way the entire time from entering the structure, stopping at the parking booths, getting a parking space, taking the escalators, stopping at the restrooms (remember: ground floor, behind the escalators!), going through bag check, getting on the trams, walking to and through the turnstile came anywhere close to 45 minutes -- all in all, it probably took us closer to 25 minutes, tops. We walked back to the structure from DTD at night, so, yes, there is a way to walk back and forth (the same one detailed in the posts above). It's not a long walk at all and it's easy to follow, but the tram is so easy for your first day. DLR is truly not as high pressure as WDW -- you're putting the pressure on yourself and your family by choice. After your first morning/day, you'll be breathing so much easier. Everything is going to be fine and you're going to have such a good time!

“Driving” it with google earth yesterday helped me a ton yesterday, and actually refined some questions. I hope to have a dry run before our park day.

If we were a small family hotels might be an option (though we’ve been the house rental type since 2003), but I prefer vacation to be at least as comfy as home, if not more. Multiple people in hotels is squishy and miserable. I hate poking around a room with a flashlight and trying to do my morning routine without waking kids. And slipping out of the room always wakes people up. This piece is quite different than WDW. Staying 10 miles away in a luxurious rental home, we can still be the first in line anywhere, because even “on-site” people have a significant distance to bridge.

I’m sure we’ll have a fabulous time, but it will be enhanced greatly by me having done this research. I’m the “leader of the pack” and will have eight people awaiting my every signal. It’s not so much that I feel pressure to get it right, it’s that turning around and retracing steps to get back on track is a time waster and thinking-on-your-feet is harder to do with 8 sets of eyes. I’m harder on myself than they are. But I feel like every minute has a dollar sign attached to it and a solid game plan improves the ROI.

I’ve recieved so much useful information and feel so much better prepared.

We leave for this epic road trip in 16 days and between now and then we have three days of state testing (I’m an administrator), DD’s 8th birthday, four medical appointments, a CSE meeting, six shifts at work and the “little” business of DS’s high school graduation and subsequent celebration. I treat myself on vacation by trying hard to plan ahead of time and then just “ride out” the plans. This board has been so amazingly helpful. It reminds me of how TPAS (in WDW forum) used to be. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all the help.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... If we were a small family hotels might be an option (though we’ve been the house rental type since 2003), but I prefer vacation to be at least as comfy as home, if not more. Multiple people in hotels is squishy and miserable. I hate poking around a room with a flashlight and trying to do my morning routine without waking kids. And slipping out of the room always wakes people up...

Just keep in mind that more and more families are in your same situation, and Disney and other companies in Anaheim get that (finally). There are more all suite hotels opening in the DLR area, as well as timeshares close by. Not sure how the city of Anaheim is going to resolve the STR situation -- don't think there has been a final decision on that yet. But it is possible to be within walking distance (or on a shuttle route) in a hotel/timeshare with a full suite or a condo-type setting, with several rooms, a full kitchen, several bathrooms, etc. With all the changes going on in the DLR area, who knows what all the options will be by the time you're ready for your next trip!

 

[Disnsyncey]

Thanks for all the replies and discussion about parking, I'm not the OP, but I will be driving from an hour away next week (UGH, but free hotel as part of a 8 day LA trip) and also a WDW on site vet, so all of these parking woes are new to me.......I'm hoping to leave at 6am (can't do it earlier or my parents will mutiny!) for an 8am open (unfortunately with a 7am EMH at DL) and we will hope to get in easy!

 

[DizneyMommy]

Thanks for all the replies and discussion about parking, I'm not the OP, but I will be driving from an hour away next week (UGH, but free hotel as part of a 8 day LA trip) and also a WDW on site vet, so all of these parking woes are new to me.......I'm hoping to leave at 6am (can't do it earlier or my parents will mutiny!) for an 8am open (unfortunately with a 7am EMH at DL) and we will hope to get in easy!

If you are an hour away, it could easily be 2 hours on a weekday. Just FYI. If you roll up to the garage at 7-7:15, you might be spending a lot of time in line at the turnstiles. You won’t be first in, and maybe not even in before opening, just set your expectations in line and you’ll be fine!

 

[Disnsyncey]

If you are an hour away, it could easily be 2 hours on a weekday. Just FYI. If you roll up to the garage at 7-7:15, you might be spending a lot of time in line at the turnstiles. You won’t be first in, and maybe not even in before opening, just set your expectations in line and you’ll be fine!

oh, I know it will be a problem, but getting up in time to leave by 6am to last until the 2nd show of fantasmic ends, that won't be possible to get up earlier.....why is it so busy on a weekday when I thought Cali schools are still in session? HAHA

I have checked google maps for Tuesdays and Thursdays (we are going those days) over the past few weeks, and to arrive by 7:15 or so, it is saying it could take from 55 min to 1 hour and 25 minutes. I have NEVER been the first in a park (cuz who wants to get to MK at 7am for an 8am opening? not me!), but I know that being at any Disney park at RD is good to beat the other slowpokes arriving later in the day, so as long as I am at the turnstiles by then (in line) then I am fine (especially cuz of EMH will have lines already built up anyway).....especially cuz of Maxpass takes affect as soon as you walk in!

 

[SoCalDisneygal❤️]

Mickey and Friends lot. Be there bright and early, 90 minutes before the park opens for regular guests.

Yes, the walking path is still open. It takes a long time (I did it on the way out from DCA when there were super long lines for the tram).

You can try the drop off the kids/other parent option if you want to drop them off at DTD and then double-back to the structure. They can wait for you in the lines in front of DLR and you can join them after you park.

We did this recently. Never occurred to us before but was fantastic. We tinkered in DTD for a few minutes with our stroller and bags (security line short) while husband parked in structure. A little LEGO fun and Dad met us fairly quickly. Up the monorail we went into the park.

 

[dina444444]

We did this recently. Never occurred to us before but was fantastic. We tinkered in DTD for a few minutes with our stroller and bags (security line short) while husband parked in structure. A little LEGO fun and Dad met us fairly quickly. Up the monorail we went into the park.

I wouldn’t recommend entering via the monorail if it’s before park opening since the monorail opens when the park opens. This is a great alternative if you arrive once the park opens though.

 

[SoCalDisneygal❤️]

I wouldn’t recommend entering via the monorail if it’s before park opening since the monorail opens when the park opens. This is a great alternative if you arrive once the park opens though.

We never arrive at opening, always a few hours later - I live in Riverside so we bypass the horrendous traffic coming in. Our drive would be one and a half hours to try to make drop or 30 minutes later. Luckily were AP’s so ropecdrop is never a priority for us.... I *despise* our 91 fwy traffic.

 

[momof2n2]

es. I have NEVER been the first in a park (cuz who wants to get to MK at 7am for an 8am opening? not me!),

LOL - me! Me! (OP.)

We leave our rental property in Champions Gate by 6:30 so that we can be at the tapstiles by 7AM.

Without APs I see every minute that the park is open as cash flying away.

 

[Disnsyncey]

LOL - me! Me! (OP.)

We leave our rental property in Champions Gate by 6:30 so that we can be at the tapstiles by 7AM.

Without APs I see every minute that the park is open as cash flying away.

I mean, I have an AP for WDW, so I can do whatever....

For DL, having to get up at 4:30am, to leave Beverly Hills by 6am, that's the EARLIEST I am gonna make my parents get up to leave, earlier than that isn't fun anymore.....but I mean, getting in in the first 5-10 min, totally fine with me.....

getting to AK at 7am for FoP for an EMH that actually lets you in at 7:30.....that's not an hour wait haha

 

[momof2n2]

I mean, I have an AP for WDW, so I can do whatever....

For DL, having to get up at 4:30am, to leave Beverly Hills by 6am, that's the EARLIEST I am gonna make my parents get up to leave, earlier than that isn't fun anymore.....but I mean, getting in in the first 5-10 min, totally fine with me.....

getting to AK at 7am for FoP for an EMH that actually lets you in at 7:30.....that's not an hour wait haha

I know. My family was wide-eyed silent when I told them how early we had to be at DLR our first touring day. They were waiting for the punchline. They can do it no problem; we are early risers. But DH said, “I thought DL was supposed to be lower stress then WDW.” LOL

 

[PHXscuba]

I know. My family was wide-eyed silent when I told them how early we had to be at DLR our first touring day. They were waiting for the punchline. They can do it no problem; we are early risers. But DH said, “I thought DL was supposed to be lower stress then WDW.” LOL

DLR is definitely much lower stress than WDW, especially if you need to change things on the fly -- a given with many children in tow. FPs can be decided day of, only 2 parks to choose from (and you have made a good call doing the opposite-EMH park most days). Much more compact both in the parks and the whole resort area. DLR is made for day guests and offsite visitors.

The Mickey garage trams are very convenient and drop you off much closer to the entrance than the WDW buses. They also pretty much run continuously at that early hour, so if one is leaving full another in line pulls up right away afterward.

I'm not sure if someone answered your question that YES if you go through security at the garage you are then inside the security bubble for both parks and the DTD area. Only if you leave to a hotel or the parking do you have to repeat the process.

PHXscuba

 

[momof2n2]

DLR is definitely much lower stress than WDW, especially if you need to change things on the fly -- a given with many children in tow. FPs can be decided day of, only 2 parks to choose from (and you have made a good call doing the opposite-EMH park most days). Much more compact both in the parks and the whole resort area. DLR is made for day guests and offsite visitors.

The Mickey garage trams are very convenient and drop you off much closer to the entrance than the WDW buses. They also pretty much run continuously at that early hour, so if one is leaving full another in line pulls up right away afterward.

I'm not sure if someone answered your question that YES if you go through security at the garage you are then inside the security bubble for both parks and the DTD area. Only if you leave to a hotel or the parking do you have to repeat the process.

PHXscuba

Awesome. Thanks for the specifics.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

When you board the M&F tram, tell your crew to watch the landscaping on the left side of the tram (left side facing the front) as you leave the structure and head toward DTD. The CMs put a Hidden Mickey here and there in the rocks and Moana rocks (that's what we call them) throughout the landscaping -- look quick because they go by in a flash! And they move from day to day as the CMs change things up overnight. Also, look for the famous DLR cats! There are usually a few hidden in the bushes or next to rocks during the day or even sometimes at night. It's good luck to spot a DLR kitty!

ETA: if you can see through the tarps and fencing, you'll be able to see some of SWGE being built, too, right after you leave the structure on the tram route!

 

[momof2n2]

When you board the M&F tram, tell your crew to watch the landscaping on the left side of the tram (left side facing the front) as you leave the structure and head toward DTD. The CMs put a Hidden Mickey here and there in the rocks and Moana rocks (that's what we call them) throughout the landscaping -- look quick because they go by in a flash! And they move from day to day as the CMs change things up overnight. Also, look for the famous DLR cats! There are usually a few hidden in the bushes or next to rocks during the day or even sometimes at night. It's good luck to spot a DLR kitty!

ETA: if you can see through the tarps and fencing, you'll be able to see some of SWGE being built, too, right after you leave the structure on the tram route!

We will be all over this. My kids are cat-fanatics!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

We will be all over this. My kids are cat-fanatics!

When in DCA, make sure that they look closely when they go round the bend from Grizzly Peak (by Soarin' and the airplane) toward GRR -- on the left side in the wooded area. There are almost always two kitties there, Francisco (the tortie -- yes, it's a female, but the CMs named her Francisco!) and Snickers (a dilute calico), both long haired. They are so pretty! And Francisco can be quite friendly and will greet her adoring public when she's in the mood. Snickers is more shy and retiring.

http://disneylandcats.com

 

[Skyegirl1999]

But DH said, “I thought DL was supposed to be lower stress then WDW.” LOL

Dude, it really IS. (Just maybe not the way you're approaching it...)

Anyway, for your final day where you're planning for the 9:00 DCA instead of 8:00 DL, I can't remember if you're doing Maxpass or not, but if you are, you can go and get into DL at 8 so you can start booking FPs, then just leave and get in line over at DCA. I suggest this since I feel like you're going to have your family there by 8 either way, although I also think you'll have done every ride with FP several times by then if you want to, so I'm not sure how appealing or necessary that will be...

Also, you probably know this, but on Wednesday, when you go into DL and it's already been open for an hour, veer left and do Adventureland/Frontierland, which won't have been open yet.