Questions for Visit Next Week

[da1012]

Hi,

We will be at Disneyland for two days (one night) next week. We've been a number of times before, but our last trip was in 2016 and we usually go for 3 days. I had a few questions before our trip.

1. I'm planning to just buy our tickets directly from Disney today. Can I buy MaxPass at the same time and not have to do anything when I enter the park? Or do I still need to do something to get MaxPass when I enter the park? They didn't have this on our last visit!

2. What are the wait times like at different times of the day for the princesses at the Fantasy Faire Royal Hall? They don't post the wait times on the App. Also, wait times for Pixie Hollow? Two years ago, I think they posted this on the app!

3. For the Princess shows, is Tangled first or Beauty and the Beast? Do the characters still meet afterward?

4. Which way does the Pixar Parade go for each parade? We've seen it a few times before, so we don't want to waste time getting a spot too early

5. How long does it take to get out after Fantasmic and Fireworks? We are seeing the early show, but we have young kids and will want to get out and back to the hotel as quickly as possible afterward. Any tricks?

6. Does anyone have a more detailed entertainment list? Does the Disneyland band still come out with characters or Mary Poppins? When does that happen? What about Musical Chairs? Any other "secret" entertainment or character things to know about? My kids are not into the really big rides, but love the characters and shows.

7. As of now, I think we're planning to just do Disneyland and skip California Adventure. But in the case we change our minds, can we change our second day ticket to a Park Hopper? A lot depends on how early we can get there day 1 and how much we accomplish at Disneyland the 1st day. We've already been to California Adventure a few times, and our kids only like a few rides there. (We've also already seen the Frozen show and Paint the Night twice, so no need to go over just for those). We are staying at the Grand Californian, so I'm debating whether it makes sense to have the Park Hopper just because it's so easy to go in and out from there, but it also seems silly just to ride a few rides.

Thank you!!!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

1. If you purchase the tickets directly from Disney (via website, app, GN desk, or ticket booth) you can prepurchase MP, and it will activate as soon as you go through the turnstiles. We just did this on Sunday, and it worked fine.

3. First parade goes from IASW to TS; second parade goes the opposite direction.

5. The trick here is to wait and take your time leaving the F! viewing area. Let the mad horde stampede out first. We usually head toward HM or Critter Country. You can take the kids to the restrooms at Hungry Bear, then ride Pooh or HM. By the time you exit, the crowds will have dispersed, and you'll be able to walk out to Main Street safely and quickly.

6. Musical chairs usually happens in the early afternoon, around 1 or 2 pm. Ask the piano player for the time that day -- he'll know because he has to play for the game. Most M&Gs should be listed on the app. You can also ask the CMs/handlers if they have any other info.

7. Yes, if you do this before the end of your second day. But you will pay the same as a 2 day park hopper, so you would be better off upgrading on day one and making full use of the hoppers on both days. You asked about "secret" entertainment: have you seen the neon lighting on Rte. 66 in Cars Land? That happens in DCA.

 

[figment_jii]

2. They list wait times for Pixie Hollow on the Disneyland App under Entertainment (Princess Fantasy Faire doesn't seem to have wait times listed).

3. The last time I stopped by (April) the characters did not come out after the show (sorry, I can't remember which show we were watching). There were a fair number of guests hanging around, but not long after the show (within 5 minutes,
I think), the CMs announced that the characters would not be able to visit. I think Tangled was performed in the morning and then BatB in the afternoon, but things may have changed.

7. You mentioned already seeing PtN, but they did add a new float (Incredibles) this time around.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Cheaper to buy tickets at last minute travel.com and add maxpass when you get there.

 

[Angrose]

When I was there a few months ago, the castle show with the Disneyland Band and the characters started at 12:30pm. You can check with the CMs near the ride time board for the schedule for that day. It's a super cute show, the Disneyland Band comes out to play a few songs then the characters come out through the castle: Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, Goofy, Chip and Dale. They dance around a bit then Mickey and Minnie lead the band from the castle up Main St to the train station. The other characters follow the band and they encourage guests to follow behind them. I like to walk along side them though and then grab a spot facing the train station. The Dapper Dans join them and they dance a bit more. Here are some pics:

 

[ExcitedMama]

Pixie Hollow & the Royal Hall vary. If you are walking by and it looks too long just come back later. If you are there in the morning and happen to be walking by check out the Royal Hall, our best time was about an hour after opening with no one on sight.

You might want to consider DCA if you have any interest in Paint the Night.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

In June, Alice and the Madhatter held an impromptu tea party at the little tables by the Casey Junior Train mid-morning. They just walked over and asked if anyone wanted to join them for a tea party. I will say this though, I saw far fewer characters out last Sunday when I was there, I assume because it’s been so hot.

 

[B3rlingirl]

When I was there a few months ago, the castle show with the Disneyland Band and the characters started at 12:30pm. You can check with the CMs near the ride time board for the schedule for that day. It's a super cute show, the Disneyland Band comes out to play a few songs then the characters come out through the castle: Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, Goofy, Chip and Dale. They dance around a bit then Mickey and Minnie lead the band from the castle up Main St to the train station. The other characters follow the band and they encourage guests to follow behind them. I like to walk along side them though and then grab a spot facing the train station. The Dapper Dans join them and they dance a bit more.

Oh wow, I didn’t know that one! Sounds like fun!
I definitely wann try to catch that one...!
but how is this called/ how do I find it? Is this the Disneyland on Main Street “event”?...Or is it something “special” and I’ll have to ask a CM because it won’t be listed?

 

[ExcitedMama]

When we were there last week I think it was just listed as the Disneyland Band.

 

[da1012]

Thanks for all this info! We're hoping to catch the band this year. We go tomorrow, so if anyone has any more last minute info, we'd really appreciate it!

Thanks!

 

[Becca1007]

In June, Alice and the Madhatter held an impromptu tea party at the little tables by the Casey Junior Train mid-morning. They just walked over and asked if anyone wanted to join them for a tea party. I will say this though, I saw far fewer characters out last Sunday when I was there, I assume because it’s been so hot.

View attachment 342715

Last time we were there, Peter Pan and Hook played a game of Lost Boy, Lost Boy, Pirate (aka Duck Duck Goose) in that spot. It was fairly early in the morning.