Please critique my June plan

[mickey61607]

We are going to DL traveling on June 21 and June 29. We are thinking of doing 4 day park hoppers. I am thinking of alternating Disney Days with non Disney days. If it helps, we are travelling with 4 children ages 1 -8.

Tentative schedule is below so please give input! I have a couple of questions -
1. When would you use your Magic Morning (not staying onsite)
2. We are thinking of doing one early morning breakfast to get onsite early - any suggestions about this process?
3. Are our park days poorly chosen with going every other day with the way they offer their extra magic hour for onsite guests?
4. I feel so much less prepared for this trip than our first WDW in 2012 so I appreciate any and all advice!

Sat, June 21 - travel
Sun, June 22 - Disney (concerned about crowds because last weekend day for APs, but our first day there too!)
Mon, June 23 - non Disney - beach
Tues, June 24 - Disney
Wed June 25- non Disney (not sure what yet)
Thur June 26- Disney
Friday June 27 - non disney - beach
Sat, June 28 - Disney (APs blocked out so I have read different things about how busy it might be.)
Sun, June 29 -- travel home - later flight so any suggestions for what to do near SNA?

 

[figment_jii]

2. We are thinking of doing one early morning breakfast to get onsite early - any suggestions about this process?

I think the in-park TS locations that serve breakfast only start about 30 minutes before park opening. So, it's unlikely that you'd be able to eat breakfast and be done before the park opens. I think the choices are Plaza Inn and Ariel's Grotto. Plaza has Minnie and friends, while Ariel's has princesses (I think). There are also TS breakfasts at the hotels (I don't know when they start).

Sat, June 28 - Disney (APs blocked out so I have read different things about how busy it might be.)

In general, when Disneyland blocks out the APs it means they expect there to be sufficiently high day guest crowds. So, while 3 out of the 4 APs are blocked that day, there will still be high crowds in the parks on those days.

 

[Nezumi Fan]

We are going to DL traveling on June 21 and June 29. We are thinking of doing 4 day park hoppers. I am thinking of alternating Disney Days with non Disney days. If it helps, we are travelling with 4 children ages 1 -8.

Tentative schedule is below so please give input! I have a couple of questions -
1. When would you use your Magic Morning (not staying onsite)
2. We are thinking of doing one early morning breakfast to get onsite early - any suggestions about this process?
3. Are our park days poorly chosen with going every other day with the way they offer their extra magic hour for onsite guests?
4. I feel so much less prepared for this trip than our first WDW in 2012 so I appreciate any and all advice!

Sat, June 21 - travel
Sun, June 22 - Disney (concerned about crowds because last weekend day for APs, but our first day there too!)
Mon, June 23 - non Disney - beach
Tues, June 24 - Disney
Wed June 25- non Disney (not sure what yet)
Thur June 26- Disney
Friday June 27 - non disney - beach
Sat, June 28 - Disney (APs blocked out so I have read different things about how busy it might be.)
Sun, June 29 -- travel home - later flight so any suggestions for what to do near SNA?

Hi there!

Even though we're currently exiled in Seattle, we have not given up on our APs for Disneyland -- it would be like letting Seattle win.

As far as I know, there ARE no "magic hours" outside of staying on-property. I say this with six, maybe seven years now of consecutive AP experience; we go probably half a dozen times a year, and never for fewer than four days. If magic hours are important to you, you MUST double-check on this ahead of time. You don't want to get an unpleasant surprise.

A great place to have breakfast is Goofy's Kitchen, which is at the Disneyland Hotel. It's not "in the park" per se, but is very close to the Downtown Disney gates into the plaza between DLR and California Adventures. You probably wouldn't want to go more than once per trip, but it's fun in that you get pictures with roving characters -- lots of them, including princesses -- and it's a nice buffet.

Another breakfast option, this time within DLR, is the "Plaza Inn," which is at the foot of Main Street (Tomorrowland is immediately to the right, with the "Partners" statue to the left). It's a character breakfast and, although you won't get the range of characters as Goofy's Kitchen, you will get Minnie.

I would recommend that you definitely DO get the park hoppers, as you may find yourself hopping from DLR to CA more than once a day (it's just across the plaza -- no buses like at WDW!). As for which days where, be fluid! Again, you can easily do Soarin' at CA, grab your Starbucks as you go back up Buena Vista Street, then stroll across the plaza to DLR.

Between my child and I, we know way, WAY too much about DLR -- please don't hesitate to let me use that long-acquired knowledge!

 

[figment_jii]

As far as I know, there ARE no "magic hours" outside of staying on-property.

My guess is the OP is talking about taking advantage of Magic Mornings. Those are typically on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday at Disneyland (only). Guests with valid 3+ tickets (AP holders are not eligible) can go to one MM. Early Magic Hour (EMH) is only for on-site guests and (typically) alternates between DL and DCA.

To the OP, I would probably take advantage of MM even if it is only for one hour. Over at DL, much of Fantasyland and parts of Tomorrowland are open. It's a good chance to ride things like Space without a long(ish) line. It's also a good chance to ride some of the smaller Fantasyland rides with shorter waits (Peter Pan will still be busy). If you're interested in meeting Anna & Elsa, then just note that they do not start meeting guests until the park opens to everyone (but the line will start forming during MM).

 

[Girimama33]

I am going to address the schedule first...

Sat, June 21 - travel
Sun, June 22 - Disney (concerned about crowds because last weekend day for APs, but our first day there too!) I would not...I repeat... NOT go on this day. It will be very crowded. Go to the beach on this day, and start with DLR on Monday.
Mon, June 23 - non Disney - beach Instead...start at DL this day.
Tues, June 24 - Disney Use MM this day
Wed June 25- non Disney (not sure what yet)
Thur June 26- Disney
Friday June 27 - non disney - beach
Sat, June 28 - Disney (APs blocked out so I have read different things about how busy it might be.)
Sun, June 29 -- travel home - later flight so any suggestions for what to do near SNA? You can shop at South Coast Plaza. I would probably avoid going on Saturday as well. I would have my park days be Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri. That way on Thursday you can start at DCA without EMH crowds already in the park.

1. When would you use your Magic Morning (not staying onsite) Tuesday...the earlier in the trip you use this, the better.

2. We are thinking of doing one early morning breakfast to get onsite early - any suggestions about this process? Contact Disney Dining and request the earliest seating. I also think the Plaza Inn is the best choice for in the park. Keep in mind that they do not let you in as early as they used to, so you likely will not get to enjoy any MM time.

3. Are our park days poorly chosen with going every other day with the way they offer their extra magic hour for onsite guests? My comments regarding your park days are above.

4. I feel so much less prepared for this trip than our first WDW in 2012 so I appreciate any and all advice! You will be fine. DLR is a lot easier to plan...you should be pleasantly surprised. Have a great trip!

 

[grnflash]

With 4 young kids, not knowing the flow of the park and how extremely busy it will be as the very last weekend day before the socal blackout - I really agree about starting on Monday instead of Sunday. Sunday will be crazy and you may not get much done which could be a disappointing way to start your Disney days.

**Your kids would probably enjoy a character breakfast so maybe think of doing that on Sunday to get in the spirit. Plus spend time in DTD and visit the Disney store. It's also fun to watch the fireworks from the esplanade on a night you're not entering the park. You could plan a "Disney" day without even entering the park!

Keeping the Saturday in the plan wouldn't be as much a concern to me. It'll be your 4th day and by then you'll have a better sense of the parks and will be hitting those last must-do's on your list or re-riding favorites. I also think it's nice to end the last full vacation day in the park.

 

[lk2500]

If I recall correctly, last time I looked the 3 lower tier AP's are blacked out starting Friday 6/27. So, I would definitely go to DL/CA Monday instead of Sunday (as recommended above) AND then go again Friday and Saturday when the AP's are blacked out (not Thursday). I was there on the first Saturday in June that the AP's were blacked out 2 years ago and the crowds were quite manageable.

 

[figment_jii]

If I recall correctly, last time I looked the 3 lower tier AP's are blacked out starting Friday 6/27.

It's actually a sliding start date. SoCal Select (the lowest AP) is blocked from Jun 6 to Aug 17 (continuously). Socal (the second lowest AP) is blocked from Jun 27 to Aug 17 (continuously). The Deluxe AP is blocked on Saturdays from now (actually a while ago) through Aug 16, but they can come in on Sun to Fri (except holidays).

 

[lk2500]

It's actually a sliding start date. SoCal Select (the lowest AP) is blocked from Jun 6 to Aug 17 (continuously). Socal (the second lowest AP) is blocked from Jun 27 to Aug 17 (continuously). The Deluxe AP is blocked on Saturdays from now (actually a while ago) through Aug 16, but they can come in on Sun to Fri (except holidays).

Ah, correct. Thursday 6/26 will be the last week day for SoCal AP's so Friday might be a better bet than Thursday.

 

[Nezumi Fan]

With 4 young kids, not knowing the flow of the park and how extremely busy it will be as the very last weekend day before the socal blackout - I really agree about starting on Monday instead of Sunday. Sunday will be crazy and you may not get much done which could be a disappointing way to start your Disney days.

**Your kids would probably enjoy a character breakfast so maybe think of doing that on Sunday to get in the spirit. Plus spend time in DTD and visit the Disney store. It's also fun to watch the fireworks from the esplanade on a night you're not entering the park. You could plan a "Disney" day without even entering the park!

Keeping the Saturday in the plan wouldn't be as much a concern to me. It'll be your 4th day and by then you'll have a better sense of the parks and will be hitting those last must-do's on your list or re-riding favorites. I also think it's nice to end the last full vacation day in the park.

Sundays are crazy through the afternoon, absolutely, but in our experience, it lightens up once you get close to the evening -- lots of people going home to get kids ready for school on Monday! Of course, this only applies during the school year.

Your dates are already planned, so this comes too late, but one thing we do is check the local school calendars. Our dates in Seattle often differ from Orange County or LAUSD calendars, for example; if you can manage a trip once "the locals" are back in school, you will see remarkably lighter crowds. During our (first) trip to WDW since my child was a baby, apparently we missed Florida kids going back to school by ONE day...! Even though there were torrential rains every day, it was a wonderful trip.

 

[superlarz]

Sundays are dead until about 11 am, then very manageable after 7.

 

[mickey61607]

Thanks for feedback!
Ok - so we will avoid that first Sunday.
We would definitely go on Monday then.
So if some APs can come thru thursday, are we better with Friday and Saturday or are we better to avoid the weekend day on Saturday?

On the Sunday comments - we would get to the park early, but we would never make it late. Our kids are used to going to bed early on Central time!

I was referring to our Magic Morning with the 3+ day tickets. Why is it better early in the trip? Just to get a grasp on the park sooner with less people present???

 

[mickey61607]

Ah, correct. Thursday 6/26 will be the last week day for SoCal AP's so Friday might be a better bet than Thursday.

Good point! Thanks!

 

[Girimama33]

Thanks for feedback!
Ok - so we will avoid that first Sunday.
We would definitely go on Monday then.
So if some APs can come thru thursday, are we better with Friday and Saturday or are we better to avoid the weekend day on Saturday?

On the Sunday comments - we would get to the park early, but we would never make it late. Our kids are used to going to bed early on Central time!

I was referring to our Magic Morning with the 3+ day tickets. Why is it better early in the trip? Just to get a grasp on the park sooner with less people present???

The reason to get the MM done early is because you aren't going to be as tired in the beginning of the trip, and will be willing to get up at the MM time. As your trip goes on, you will get tired, and may want to sleep in. There will not be less people present. With MM you share the park with the onsite hotel guests and any one with a 3+ day ticket. You can get a lot done during MM, or it can be extremely crowded...results vary.

My suggestion with Thursday was mainly so you would have a day where you could start at DCA without the EMH crowds already there. You can also accomplish this on Saturday, so it is up to you really. Saturday may be a better option if a lot of AP holders are trying to get to the parks on Thursday.

 

[lk2500]

Thanks for feedback!
Ok - so we will avoid that first Sunday.
We would definitely go on Monday then.
So if some APs can come thru thursday, are we better with Friday and Saturday or are we better to avoid the weekend day on Saturday?

On the Sunday comments - we would get to the park early, but we would never make it late. Our kids are used to going to bed early on Central time!

I was referring to our Magic Morning with the 3+ day tickets. Why is it better early in the trip? Just to get a grasp on the park sooner with less people present???

I was there Saturday June 23rd, 2012 - which corresponds exactly to the tapering of the AP's of the week you will be there. Crowds were awesomely small.

 

[agamble]

We will be visiting during this same week; our days will be Monday-Friday. This has to do with timeshare reservations, extended family, and our use of APs, which will not allow us to visit on Saturday. If we were not blocked on the Saturday we would have taken a mid-week break (extended family will have 5-day hoppers).

When I consider which day to visit which park first I consider the following:
#1 Early Entry--This is the most important. I like to visit the park that does NOT have early entry first unless I have early entry. The mornings are the least busy time, and it is not "fun" to show up and have all of those other guests already there.

#2 I also consider how it fits into my general plans. Last year we had 4-day non-hopper tickets. We did have to visit DCA during an Early Entry day (even though we did not have EE) because we wanted to visit both parks twice, but chose not to pay for park hopping.

NOTE: I would also use your Magic Morning as early as possible. We had breakfast with Minnie during an Early Entry period when we did not have EE. So, you could use your Magic Morning on Tuesday and then have breakfast in the park on Thursday. We finished breakfast about the time the park opened to everyone. It was a nice way to start the day. Although, if you're not going to the park on Sunday, that may be a good day for a character meal as mentioned above.

 

[mickey61607]

We will be visiting during this same week; our days will be Monday-Friday. This has to do with timeshare reservations, extended family, and our use of APs, which will not allow us to visit on Saturday. If we were not blocked on the Saturday we would have taken a mid-week break (extended family will have 5-day hoppers).

When I consider which day to visit which park first I consider the following:
#1 Early Entry--This is the most important. I like to visit the park that does NOT have early entry first unless I have early entry. The mornings are the least busy time, and it is not "fun" to show up and have all of those other guests already there.

#2 I also consider how it fits into my general plans. Last year we had 4-day non-hopper tickets. We did have to visit DCA during an Early Entry day (even though we did not have EE) because we wanted to visit both parks twice, but chose not to pay for park hopping.

NOTE: I would also use your Magic Morning as early as possible. We had breakfast with Minnie during an Early Entry period when we did not have EE. So, you could use your Magic Morning on Tuesday and then have breakfast in the park on Thursday. We finished breakfast about the time the park opened to everyone. It was a nice way to start the day. Although, if you're not going to the park on Sunday, that may be a good day for a character meal as mentioned above.

Thanks! I just looked again at the early entry for resort guests to help me figure it out! If we are doing 4 days at the park, do you try to do a certain number of early mornings at each place? Right now, if we follow the rule that if we don't have early entry priveledges, go to the other park THEN I would hit DL once with my Magic Morning, 2x at opening with everyone else, and DCA 1x with everyone else. Do I need to refigure a way to get 2 entries at DCA with everyone else or should one be enough? We WILL have parkhoppers.

 

[agamble]

This depends on what you want. Consider what you want to accomplish in the mornings, and which rides you want to ride the most. I like both parks, and I find the morning is the best time to get a lot of rides done. So we wanted to spend 2 days at both parks. Many people prefer DL, and there is a LOT to do there, especially for the younger kids. So I could see that for many 3 mornings at DL and 1 at DCA would be okay, especially with park hoppers. If you want to re-ride the best rides at both parks and have minimum waits then 2 mornings at DCA may be better. If you think that you mostly want to spend time at DL and then just see everything at DCA then you may prefer 3 mornings at DL. Toontown and Fantasyland are best explored in the morning time as they have slow loading, low capacity rides. Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are the only areas of the park open during MM.

 

[rtfelt]

Everyone has different opinions. I've been an AP for over 12 years. I never go on Sundays, so I can't speak to that from personal experience but my DD22, who used to be a CM always told me that in June, Sundays were by far the busiest day, and the last Sunday before a block out is the worst. That week may be busy with SCalAP getting their last day in before a long block out. I would probably go Friday and Saturday. This would be my recommended schedule:

Sunday: character breakfast outside of park then other activity
Monday: DL, RD
Tuesday: DCA, RD
Wednesday: non Disney
Thursday: non Disney (or am at Disney if 5th day hopper)
Friday: DL, RD
Saturday: DCA, RD

These are just the parks I would start with because you're avoiding EE. I probably wouldn't use my EE because a lot of people (all on site and all 3+ day tourists) have it and use it. If you do choose to use it then go just for the EE then move to the other park close to RD. I would also hop from park to park. I've noticed the APs or those without the 3+ hopper will go to the non EE park, but usually stay there, so if you go to the non EE park but then hop late morning to the EE park then you can avoid more crowds.

With 4 children that young, I would probably add a 5th day. This way you could take longer breaks during the day to let them nap and decompress. That is often the only way to have children that young make it through the evening shows. You could even go Thursday morning at RD then leave before lunch and hit the beach. We have something called June gloom that means it could be overcast and cool until 11 or 12, so after lunch would be better for the beach anyway. Return early and get to bed early for an early Disney day Friday.

These are just my opinions and others have different opinions. FYI my kids last day of school in June 25th, which is the same for other OC schools, so the 26th could be super crowded, but keep in mind most locals do not do RD and show up between 10-12.

 

[mickey61607]

Everyone has different opinions. I've been an AP for over 12 years. I never go on Sundays, so I can't speak to that from personal experience but my DD22, who used to be a CM always told me that in June, Sundays were by far the busiest day, and the last Sunday before a block out is the worst. That week may be busy with SCalAP getting their last day in before a long block out. I would probably go Friday and Saturday. This would be my recommended schedule:

Sunday: character breakfast outside of park then other activity
Monday: DL, RD
Tuesday: DCA, RD
Wednesday: non Disney
Thursday: non Disney (or am at Disney if 5th day hopper)
Friday: DL, RD
Saturday: DCA, RD

These are just the parks I would start with because you're avoiding EE. I probably wouldn't use my EE because a lot of people (all on site and all 3+ day tourists) have it and use it. If you do choose to use it then go just for the EE then move to the other park close to RD. I would also hop from park to park. I've noticed the APs or those without the 3+ hopper will go to the non EE park, but usually stay there, so if you go to the non EE park but then hop late morning to the EE park then you can avoid more crowds.

With 4 children that young, I would probably add a 5th day. This way you could take longer breaks during the day to let them nap and decompress. That is often the only way to have children that young make it through the evening shows. You could even go Thursday morning at RD then leave before lunch and hit the beach. We have something called June gloom that means it could be overcast and cool until 11 or 12, so after lunch would be better for the beach anyway. Return early and get to bed early for an early Disney day Friday.

These are just my opinions and others have different opinions. FYI my kids last day of school in June 25th, which is the same for other OC schools, so the 26th could be super crowded, but keep in mind most locals do not do RD and show up between 10-12.

Rose - thanks for all your input! I believe our new plan is similar to what you said. We do plan on leaving for naps each day. We will keep in mind adding the 5th day. We still have to plan our non-park days.

Sunday - character meal and beach
Monday - RD at DL
Tuesday - EE at DL (good point about hopping to DCA soon).
Wed - non - Disney
Thur - non- Disney
Friday - RD at Dl
Sat - RD at DCA