Preferred Seating Perks through Tour or other packages?

[Alinasan]

Anyone have suggestions on what add-on package options for preferred seating might be worth the extra cost? I'm travelling in a group with 2 toddlers and 2 seniors, and am doubtful that we will be able to camp out spots for shows or parades, or even be able to maximize getting fast passes. I'm not even sure we'd be able to get up early for morning admissions. Our usual pace at parks like this is slow enough, without having to add lining up extra early just to be able to see something.

Still I want us to see something besides the lines outside the restrooms and rides, so I'm thinking about a few options:

1) WOC dining packages (especially trying to see the Pixar Parade from the WCT)

and

2) Welcome to Disneyland Tour. Anyone know which shows that tour can get you a seating advantage to see?

3)A AAA type package. I may just get passport plus tickets as their hotel packages seem either $25 a day more or booked out. Unless the perks of MMTT are really nice for a 2.5 year old ? I thought that package only gave you Turtle Talk with Crush, so would that be redundant with the WtD tour ?

Many people want to maximize ride time, but I'm more concerned about just having a good time with avoiding lines, standing and waiting (whether that's to eat, use the restroom or see a show). I appreciate any tips that anyone wants to share!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Welcome to the DISBoards!

When are you going?

There is a "Holiday Time at Disneyland" tour.

Per Disneyland.com: "Take a holiday tour of Disneyland Park during the most wonderful time of the year. Examine the magical yuletide makeover of Disneyland Park up close and learn about holiday traditions from around the world. Available seasonally."

Per DISBoards - I'm guessing based on last year

"Tour Highlights:
Priority boarding on two holiday themed attractions
Sweet treat and beverage
Collectible trading pin
Collectible Tour Tag Ornament
Reserved seating for 'A Christmas Fantasy Parade'
Price: 2010 Pricing to be Announced!

20% discount for Deluxe/Premium Annual Passholders, AAA Members and Disney Visa Cardholders"

I thought this might be great for your group because you get priority boarding on 2 popular (aka otherwise long wait) attractions AND reserved seating at a great parade.

- Dreams

 

[Alinasan]

Thanks for the welcome!

We're going the day after Thanksgiving for that weekend, though DH, DD (2.5 years) and I will be staying until Tuesday morning.

Is the Holiday parade going then?

 

[skiingfast]

Parades are harder, but you idea for sitting at WCT may work, however people don't camp out for the pixar parade like they do in DL. I've walked up to good spots more than once.

For WoC eaither a meal or picnic works, but you still have to get there semi early and make an effort to get a good spot.

For Fantasmic they have dessert boxes that give you an actual chair to sit in.

For the DL parade and fireworks it's a little tougher, it would take major strategy or having someone hold a spot while the rest of the party enjoys another few rides.

 

[Ariel224]

Thanks for the welcome!

We're going the day after Thanksgiving for that weekend, though DH, DD (2.5 years) and I will be staying until Tuesday morning.

Is the Holiday parade going then?

Yes! To do the Holiday Tour, you will want to book 30 days ahead by calling 714-781-4400.

 

[Alinasan]

The Holiday tour does sound nice, but looks like it is twice as expensive as the generic "welcome to Disneyland" one. I'm wondering if the main difference is that you get seats for the Holiday Parade rather than some other show like the Pixar Parade which isn't crowded anyway ?

I'm not sure I could convince everyone that the $40 a person HT was worth our time as the history and tour itself may not appeal to our group. I'm not even sure how keen they are to see the Parade, versus something with more of a storyline. I know there's going to be some tension between me wanting to see things you can't do anywhere else, and everyone else just being content to be together, sitting down out of a crowd! Except for the 2.5 year old...who knows what she will want (usually to take off running somewhere!).

Thank you for the suggestion and information. More to puzzle over and drive DH nuts over

 

[fhtpdw20]

Hate to be a killjoy, but most tours have age limits. You might have a hard time to find one for toddlers.