Please tear apart my itinerary! Any improvements would be great!

[bayareadisneyland]

Please let me know if this looks good. Want to minimize lines (even entering park), and go at a slower pace for the grandmas in our group. We have 5 day maxpass park hoppers. We also will go back to DLH every day in afternoon for naps or swimming (kids are 5 and 2). Coming sat 4/21- thurs 4/26.

Sat- will arrive at DLH at 1pm. Swim until we get our room and then naps. Head to dl around 5pm. Hopefully do around 4 attractions that have low lines or max pass- thinking tiki, Winnie the Pooh, splash and pirates (since will close for refurb that Monday).

Sunday morning- wake up early and do ee to DCA. Cars land and soarin.

Sunday night- DL using max passes reserved earlier in day (Matterhorn, btmrr, hm, maybe jungle cruise)

Monday morning- ee to DCA again. Gog, Anna and Elsa, monsters, Disney jr show, lmm.

Monday night- fantasyland in dl

Tuesday morning- sleep in until 9:40 reservation for plaza inn. Toon town, and tomorrowland.

Tues night- rest. Swim.

Weds- open- would love to do PTN parade but don't want to buy a pkg.

What do you all think?

 

[DizneyMommy]

Saturday evening you can do a lot more than those 4 if you wanted to! Tiki Room you are basically just waiting for the next show, 10 min max. I would be surprised if you had to wait more than 5 minutes on Pooh, 10 max. Pirates maaaaybe 30 minutes, but I would guess more like 20 or less if you do it after the other 2. Splash is sort of a wild card, it depends on how many times, if any, it went down that day. That causes a back up in the evening when people come back with their FP's that they could not use. I think you could easily add in Haunted Mansion unless there is a random freakishly large crowd. I would even add a tour around on the Railroad, that should be a great short wait and sounds like your pace ;-)

That time of year local schools, and most bordering states too, are doing their state testing, thats not a popular time to pull kiddos out for a vacation so hopefully you'll have delightfully short(ish) lines all around!

 

[smartlabelprint]

Why are you doing fantasyland at night? It’s lowest ride times are the first hour of opening.

 

[bayareadisneyland]

I'm trying to take advantage of DCA ee- I think the magic morning at dl is so slammed it is barely worth it.

 

[bayareadisneyland]

Saturday evening you can do a lot more than those 4 if you wanted to! Tiki Room you are basically just waiting for the next show, 10 min max. I would be surprised if you had to wait more than 5 minutes on Pooh, 10 max. Pirates maaaaybe 30 minutes, but I would guess more like 20 or less if you do it after the other 2. Splash is sort of a wild card, it depends on how many times, if any, it went down that day. That causes a back up in the evening when people come back with their FP's that they could not use. I think you could easily add in Haunted Mansion unless there is a random freakishly large crowd. I would even add a tour around on the Railroad, that should be a great short wait and sounds like your pace ;-)

That time of year local schools, and most bordering states too, are doing their state testing, thats not a popular time to pull kiddos out for a vacation so hopefully you'll have delightfully short(ish) lines all around!

Thank you- so appreciate this feedback! Just trying not to open plan that night as my kids will be tired from travel g and I'd like to wake up early for the DCA ee the next morning.

 

[smartlabelprint]

I'm trying to take advantage of DCA ee- I think the magic morning at dl is so slammed it is barely worth it.

I’d do fantasy land first on a non-magic morning.

 

[Geemo]

Please let me know if this looks good. Want to minimize lines (even entering park), and go at a slower pace for the grandmas in our group. We have 5 day maxpass park hoppers. We also will go back to DLH every day in afternoon for naps or swimming (kids are 5 and 2). Coming sat 4/21- thurs 4/26.

Sat- will arrive at DLH at 1pm. Swim until we get our room and then naps. Head to dl around 5pm. Hopefully do around 4 attractions that have low lines or max pass- thinking tiki, Winnie the Pooh, splash and pirates (since will close for refurb that Monday).

Sunday morning- wake up early and do ee to DCA. Cars land and soarin.

Sunday night- DL using max passes reserved earlier in day (Matterhorn, btmrr, hm, maybe jungle cruise)

Monday morning- ee to DCA again. Gog, Anna and Elsa, monsters, Disney jr show, lmm.

Monday night- fantasyland in dl

Tuesday morning- sleep in until 9:40 reservation for plaza inn. Toon town, and tomorrowland.

Tues night- rest. Swim.

Weds- open- would love to do PTN parade but don't want to buy a pkg.

What do you all think?

Did you know you're arriving while it's DapperDays Spring event at the DLH?
You might want to at least go into the parks once you check in, so your tickets are scanned in.
Then while you're lounging by the pool you can book MaxPasses for your return to the parks at 5pm.
Going into the parks on a Saturday around 5pm, I'd expect most FP/MP's to be gone for the night.
Sunday is their main event in the park. So expect it to be crowded and to get crowded early.
Going to EE at DCA on Sunday morning will be great for you.
Don't forget to fit Mickey and the Magical Map into your plan. It usually does not show on Tues, Wed or Thur.

 

[bayareadisneyland]

Did you know you're arriving while it's DapperDays Spring event at the DLH?
You might want to at least go into the parks once you check in, so your tickets are scanned in.
Then while you're lounging by the pool you can book MaxPasses for your return to the parks at 5pm.
Going into the parks on a Saturday around 5pm, I'd expect most FP/MP's to be gone for the night.
Sunday is their main event in the park. So expect it to be crowded and to get crowded early. Going to EE at DCA on Sunday morning will be great for you.
View attachment 304864
View attachment 304865

Thanks! Yes was going to do to the monorail entrance and activate our tickets at 1!

 

[Kender]

Sat- will arrive at DLH at 1pm. Swim until we get our room and then naps. Head to dl around 5pm. Hopefully do around 4 attractions that have low lines or max pass- thinking tiki, Winnie the Pooh, splash and pirates (since will close for refurb that Monday).

Since only one of those is a FP ride (Splash), it might not matter. But if it were me, I'd be taking my whole family through (you all must be there) to activate the tickets to be able to book any MPs one might want that show up for one's desired time.

Sunday morning- wake up early and do ee to DCA. Cars land and soarin.

Sunday night- DL using max passes reserved earlier in day (Matterhorn, btmrr, hm, maybe jungle cruise)

Most of those are not likely to be evening ones if you're booking them earlier in the day while in DCA. Those do not run out fast like SM and Indy especially and will likely be earlier return times than evening.

Jungle Cruise does not have FP, but the line isn't always terrible.

Monday morning- ee to DCA again. Gog, Anna and Elsa, monsters, Disney jr show, lmm.

Monday night- fantasyland in dl

Agree with above poster. This will be worse at night. But your choice on priorities.

Tuesday morning- sleep in until 9:40 reservation for plaza inn. Toon town, and tomorrowland.

Tues night- rest. Swim.

Weds- open- would love to do PTN parade but don't want to buy a pkg.

What do you all think?

If something's important, focus on that. Such as PTN. I would not save it for the end of the trip. I watched it get cancelled nearly every night of a trip I took in July 2015 because of rain (and surprise rain at that, lol). If it's important to see this parade, I wouldn't hold it off until the final night. Doesn't have to be the first night, but just give yourself additional opportunities to see it. Seating for it should hopefully be easier to find than it was at DL.

 

[DizneyMommy]

Thanks! Yes was going to do to the monorail entrance and activate our tickets at 1!

Ohhh I didn’t realize it was DD, that explains the odd CL on TP. We’ve been during Dapper Days many times over the years (usually by accident), and personally I don’t find a huge impact on ride lines that a family with small kids would want to go on. I know a lot of people who attend every year and most of them go to socialize, eat, and enjoy the atmosphere, not so much ride. YMMV, but I’ve never regretted going on a Dapper day, and it’s never impacted my visit to the point I wanted to leave (which as an AP we can just do!)

I would definitely do EE and use Maxpass to its fullest, but things like Pooh and Bugs Land rides aren’t generally going to be a huge draw for the extra DD crowd.

 

[DLgal]

I'm just going to throw this out there.

You are way over thinking/over planning this. You will have FIVE DAYS during a very slow time of year. You will be able to do everything you want, more than once. Beyond planning roughly which parks to head to first each morning, I'd say you can wing it, especially since you will have Max Pass. Honestly, I went a couple weeks ago solo and arrived at like 10am on an EMH weekday. In 3 hours I rode 10 rides, mainly headliners at DL, AND had lunch. You will be fine.

 

[DizneyMommy]

The exception being FL, the carousel is a huge attraction for DD crowd, they love taking photos on it.

I would actually get FL off the weekend if it were me, if you can move it to Monday or Tuesday I think you’d be better off. It could be jam packed and plus it will close early if there are FW that night.

 

[Nonsuch]

...Coming sat 4/21- thurs 4/26...

Did you know you're arriving while it's DapperDays Spring event at the DLH?

I hope you are taking advantage of the excellent Dapper Day rates for onsite hotels and tickets

 

[chickapin parterre]

I'm just going to throw this out there.

You are way over thinking/over planning this. You will have FIVE DAYS during a very slow time of year. You will be able to do everything you want, more than once. Beyond planning roughly which parks to head to first each morning, I'd say you can wing it, especially since you will have Max Pass. Honestly, I went a couple weeks ago solo and arrived at like 10am on an EMH weekday. In 3 hours I rode 10 rides, mainly headliners at DL, AND had lunch. You will be fine.

Hmmm......Solo vs grandparent and toddlers.......memorize the locations of the bathrooms..toddlers and grandparents have that as a high priority at Disneyland.

 

[Nonsuch]

You might want to make some TS reservations.
I usually have one TS meal (lunch or dinner) every day.

...Weds- open- would love to do PTN parade but don't want to buy a pkg...

While it's only speculation until PTN returns, there will likely be many good viewing spots (without long waits or a package).

 

[DLgal]

Hmmm......Solo vs grandparent and toddlers.......memorize the locations of the bathrooms..toddlers and grandparents have that as a high priority at Disneyland.

LOL. So true! I'm usually with my kids and husband but I'm the one with a tiny bladder and literally need to use every bathroom.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I don't see fireworks listed anywhere on the itinerary, but if the OP wishes to see them, I would try to fit them in early in the trip. Fireworks can get cancelled at DL, so seeing them early on gives everyone the chance either to see the show again later on or to try again if the show doesn't go on the first time.

 

[sherilaine]

How old are the grandparents? Do you think renting them an ECV would help? We took my MIL when she was in her late 60s and she managed fine but my older parents would be a whole other story.

I also agree that it's great to plan but I have found it's great to have some basic things you want to get done and then be open to whatever is thrown at you as rides can go down from time to time and of course people can have different ideas of what they want to do than what you have planned. If you go into it all knowing it has to be flexible then you have a great experience. I have often found the one person in charge is often stressed more as they are tasked with planning only to have others throw them curve balls.

I am sure you'll have a great trip.

 

[VandVsmama]

Sunday morning- wake up early and do ee to DCA. Cars land and soarin.

Sunday night- DL using max passes reserved earlier in day (Matterhorn, btmrr, hm, maybe jungle cruise)

Sunday morning your plan is a good one. You can do Bugsland right after that and it will be relaxing and not crowded. Sunday mornings are usually slower at DL Resort until about 11-11:30 am.

For Sunday night, Jungle Cruise never has FP. I think you seriously should consider a Sunday itinerary like this:

• Be in line at DCA main gate 15-20 min before EMH opening.
• Walk to Carsland. Go on RSR.
• Then go on Luigi's and Mater's. Do Luigi's before Mater's because it loads more slowly than Mater's. Or at least it seems that way to me.
• When regular park opening starts, if you don't have Max Pass, then send a FP runner to DL to get a FP for Matterhorn or another FP ride. OR get FPs for RSR.
• If you have Max Pass, then use that to get your FP.
• Go on other rides while you wait for your Sunday morning FP return time. Go on RSR again using the FPs you just got. Or if you've got a FP for Toy Story, then go on that.
• Then get another FP for another ride. matterhorn at DL, especially if you have max Pass. You'll be able to get on Matterhorn in the morning.
• You'll also probably be able to get on HM Sunday morning. BTMRR, too maybe.

If you don't have MP, you'll have to watch return times on the Disneyland app and then somebody back into the park to get everybody's FP if you want to go on any FP rides in the evening.

Monday morning- ee to DCA again. Gog, Anna and Elsa, monsters, Disney jr show, lmm.

Monday night- fantasyland in dl
Tuesday morning- sleep in until 9:40 reservation for plaza inn. Toon town, and tomorrowland.
Tues night- rest. Swim.

Monday:

• If going on GotG is a priority, then use EMH to do that first, then go on Mater's & Luigi's in Carsland. At reg park opening, get FP for GotG or RSR if anybody wants a repeat ride on it.
• Then do the Anna & Elsa meet & greet. Turtle Talk should also be in the Animation building. Little kids usually love this. it's fun.
• Little Mermaid rarely gets above a 20 min wait. When it shows up as a 30 min wait, that's when you know it's a busy day.
• do the Disney Jr show in the morning when your kids are fresh.
• Fantasyland in DL on Monday evening - I don't think this is a good idea. You're apt to run into much longer lines due to lots of local AP holders who go to DL in the evenings after work. Give Fantasyland a try then, but with kids ages 5 and 2, you should be targeting to keep their wait times 20 min or less per ride or else you will see more melt downs.

Tuesday:

• Young kids are usually in better moods & better at DL/DCA in the mornigns.
• Don't sleep in since this will be your only DL EMH day.
• Trust me on this...having done this when my kids were younger, it was magical and amazing to be able to go on 5-6 Fantasyland rides in that hour. It IS worth it.
• Based on historical park hours, EMH will probably be 8-9 am at DL. http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/park-hours.cfm?month=4&year=2017
• During that EMH hour, go on Matterhorn, Dumbo, Alice, Carousel, and Pinocchio. Casey Jr Circus Train and Storybookland Canal Boats open at regular park opening. So at 9 am reg. park opening, go on those 2 with almost 0 wait. Your kids will probably see Peter Pan roaming around Fantasyland and he's wonderful with little kids.
• Or if Tomorrowland is a priority, head next to Autopia since it often does not have FP.
• Then go on Buzz Lightyear.
• Now it'll probably be time for your breakfast with Minnie, so head over there for your reservation.
• If you have Max Pass, use that starting at 9am reg park opening to get a FP for a ride. Star Tours, for example. Your 5 yr old may be big enough to ride it, but the 2 yr old might not be. If that's the case, use a child swap pass. FP return times for Roger Rabbit in Toon town are often quick.
• After breakfast, go on HM and Pirates.
• Don't miss the opportunity to let your little ones run around Tom Sawyer's Island at some point during the trip.

Weds- open- would love to do PTN parade but don't want to buy a pkg.

Wed:

• If you'd like to see the PTN parade, don't wait until the evening of your last day to do it.
• It can rain in the spring time occasionally in Anaheim. If it's rained, they will cancel the parade.
• Try for PTN starting the first evening you are there. It's a popular parade, but I don't think you'll have any problems finding a spot for everyone to sit down and watch it and you won't need to get a dining package for it.

In terms of the rest of Wed...

• Consider starting your day at DL instead of using EMH again at DCA.
• Head to either Tomorrowland or Fantasyland first.
• If the kiddos want to meet Mickey w/o a wait, be at the gates to Toon Town 1 hr after reg park opening. Then head straight to mickey's house to meet him. The other main characters will also be out on the "street" greeting people.
• Your kids can ride the kids' roller coaster with no wait. This is the only time of day I'd consider that ride because it literally is only a 90 sec or so attraction.
• Be sure to grab your first FP for something after you enter the park.
• If you have Max Pass, while the kids are enjoying Toon Town, grab your next FP. Or send a runner to that ride and get FP in person. Lather, rinse, repeat for the rest of the day.
• When the kids get a little tired, this would be a good time to have them sit and watch a show like the one in the Fantasyland theater. Or sign the 5 yr old up for Jedi Training academy...you have to sign up earlier in the day and the child has to be present when you sign him/her up.

Also, 1 more thing to consider....
After 3 days in a row at Disneyland, the grandparents in your group might get more worn out than the kids. So if you're the parent (and not the grandparent), consider letting the grandparents take their time in the a.m. and have them meet up with you in the parks later. This way, your kids will be able to to still take advantage of smaller crowds and shorter wait times first thing in the a.m. and everybody's happy.

 

[VandVsmama]

Hm...if Pirates is going down that Mon for a refurb and since you're there on Dapper Day weekend, then the lines for Pirates will be much longer, especially on Sunday (which is the actual Dapper Day). Keep an eye on the wait times on Saturday for that attraction. Plan on devoting up to 30 min to wait to ride Pirates on Saturday.

wait times for Pirates on Sunday morning probably won't be bad until 11 am. Then it will be mobbed...45 min waits probably for the rest of Sunday.

So if you want to get on Pirates, I'd say make it a priority for Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.