Q. about driving in for MM and AP's

[Belle Ella]

OK, so this is the closest I have cut a "DLR" trip and it's not entirely that to begin with. So I apologize for making a new thread about stuff that can come up in a search but it makes things easier for me if I can have that back and forth to clarify if need be! And sorry, I don't know how to ask short questions, haha!



So I'm going to be a first time AP holder by the end of the month and one thing I am a little sad about is that I will lose my MM except for anytime I stay on site. I am going to be in SoCal early next week (this was just talked about last night and settled on this morning) to visit my BF and there will definitely be time spent at Disneyland!! I was planning on spending time at DLR while he works during the day and since one of my days will be Tuesday I'm thinking that instead of just buying an AP I may go ahead and pre-purchase a 3-day PH so I can get one last MM and then upgrade after that. I've got the money set aside for it regardless.

But since I'm driving in, I'm concerned about parking! I've never tried to get there for a MM when I had to worry about parking before. Can someone verify for me what time the garage opens for MM at 8a?

Does this sound like a good idea, or should I just get the AP?

 

[sonnyjane]

I believe the garage opens an hour before park opening, so if MM is at 8, it will open at 7:00 AM. And to answer your other question, yes, if you want an MM, just buy a 3-day PH and upgrade at the parks after you've used the MM.

 

[Funball]

the parking garage opens one hour before the park opens..

 

[skiingfast]

But since I'm driving in, I'm concerned about parking! I've never tried to get there for a MM when I had to worry about parking before. Can someone verify for me what time the garage opens for MM at 8a?

Does this sound like a good idea, or should I just get the AP?

If you are getting an AP that would include parking. Which is the premium, premier or a $99 parking add on for the delux and socals. You can use the cost of parking that day against the price to pay for your AP. Just bring in the parking receipt with you when you go to get your pass.

 

[Nala83]

Bumping this up for you...

I have zero experience with this, but I remember reading something on here about the need to have a driver drop off the group to get in line for MM, park in the garage, and walk to the park entrance. Something about the garage not being open early enough for the whole group to park and take the tram in???

I didn't really pay attention (never driven in the state of California!) so I could be totally wrong, but it stuck in my brain for some odd reason. Maybe someone else can chime in?

 

[Elrasiel]

Parking opens at 7am so just drop off the group close to the entrance first. Then they can stand in line while you park and take the tram back which can take 20-30min.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Bumping this up for you...

I have zero experience with this, but I remember reading something on here about the need to have a driver drop off the group to get in line for MM, park in the garage, and walk to the park entrance. Something about the garage not being open early enough for the whole group to park and take the tram in???

I didn't really pay attention (never driven in the state of California!) so I could be totally wrong, but it stuck in my brain for some odd reason. Maybe someone else can chime in?

Parking opens at 7am so just drop off the group close to the entrance first. Then they can stand in line while you park and take the tram back which can take 20-30min.

It sounds to me as though she'll be by herself for her MM visit.

 

[merrrydeath]

Just did a quick search and in one thread( http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1972749&highlight=parking) one person said that the lot opens an hour before MM, but another says that no one is available to take money until 30 minutes before. So it sounds like you can get in to park 30 min- an hour before. That would probably get you to the gates right as the park opens right? Unfortunately no getting a good spot in line.

 

[Belle Ella]

It sounds to me as though she'll be by herself for her MM visit.

That I will be So the drop off thing isn't really an option, unfortunately.

Just did a quick search and in one thread( http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1972749&highlight=parking) one person said that the lot opens an hour before MM, but another says that no one is available to take money until 30 minutes before. So it sounds like you can get in to park 30 min- an hour before. That would probably get you to the gates right as the park opens right? Unfortunately no getting a good spot in line.

Thanks Meredith. By the sounds of it it probably wont be much of a MM since I am driving solo. I'll miss just being able to walk from the HoJo at whatever time I pleased for MM, but I suppose if I'm not doing MM than it wont really be an issue in the future.

I think I'm probably just going to skip trying MM at this point. I suppose at the very least I can get the PH to upgrade just in case, even if it's only 5 minutes before the regular entry guests are let in. That would be better than nothing right? Man, driving for MM seems like such a hassle if you only have 30 minutes to park your car, take the tram to the gate, and get in line. Hopefully that isn't the case, that nobody is there to take your money until 30 minutes before.

 

[pixiewings71]

What about parking at one of the hotels? Or at DTD? Then after your MM you can go repark at the structure....just a thought. I don't know well either would work for you but you do have those options.
Have fun, whether you do the MM or not!

 

[Funball]

What about parking at one of the hotels? Or at DTD? Then after your MM you can go repark at the structure....just a thought. I don't know well either would work for you but you do have those options.
Have fun, whether you do the MM or not!

oh pwings yeah that is a good idea.. i mean how will they know you park for like a bit to do MM, an then get back to your car and go park in the garage?? they won't know. you get 3 FREE hours to park in DTD parking lot, and if you are back to your car by the 3 free hours then your good to go! unless. p-wings, that parking lot is not open that early...

 

[pixiewings71]

that's why I asked about it, I wasn't sure if the lot is open that early.

I hope you get your parking worked out!

 

[Belle Ella]

What about parking at one of the hotels? Or at DTD? Then after your MM you can go repark at the structure....just a thought. I don't know well either would work for you but you do have those options.
Have fun, whether you do the MM or not!

Thanks for the suggestions Keri.

Decisions, decisions

I think I'm going to chance to parking structure. This is going to be my first trip where I'm not going to stress myself out about timing and being first to everything because I'll only have limited time. I know I'll get plenty of use out of my AP so even if my MM is limited I'll take whatever I can get. Even if it's 10 minutes, lol.

 

[pixiewings71]

Thanks for the suggestions Keri.

Decisions, decisions

I think I'm going to chance to parking structure. This is going to be my first trip where I'm not going to stress myself out about timing and being first to everything because I'll only have limited time. I know I'll get plenty of use out of my AP so even if my MM is limited I'll take whatever I can get. Even if it's 10 minutes, lol.

Happy to help, wish I could go with you!

 

[Belle Ella]

Ah, the fun that would be.

I definitely am going to give something a shot, evn if my MM ends up being 5 minutes. I picked up a PH this afternoon since I had about $100 towards my AP saved in cash and I wanted to use that at my Credit Union. Kind of excited to have a new Disney PH in my wallet.

 

[pixiewings71]

Ah, the fun that would be.

I definitely am going to give something a shot, evn if my MM ends up being 5 minutes. I picked up a PH this afternoon since I had about $100 towards my AP saved in cash and I wanted to use that at my Credit Union. Kind of excited to have a new Disney PH in my wallet.

Jazz we would tear up those parks. OMG we'd have too much fun.
I'm excited for you!!