Questions for you experts

[pumpkin5156]

First of all I'm so thankful for all the great info and people on these boards. What a wonderful resource. I haven't been to DL in four years, despite being an AP holder for the three years before that. I know a lot has changed and that's why I'm here

We are taking a day trip to DL and DCA on Monday December 1st. Here are some questions and I'd also love any other advice you all have.

1. We will need to use rider swap due to me having a 2.5 year old. Is this still a thing?
2. What is the RSR strategy if you are going to DL first, then hopping to DCA?
3. Quickservice places to eat in DCA? We have some vegans, dairy free, and health nuts in our party. I'd love to hear from those of you who also eat this way.
4. Everyone wants to see the fireworks, but what is the best strategy/place to do this for a party of 8? How long before the show should we save a spot? We've always watched from Main Street but is IASW good too?
5. Am I correct in reading that you have to use your FP by the end time? The good old days of 4 in your back pocket are over?
6. We will be arriving early, driving from Sand Diego, and I honor the rule of getting there before it opens. Where will we park? Mickey and friends?

Again, thank you in advance, can't wait to hear all your feedback, and enjoy the holidays at DLR!

 

[Girimama33]

First of all I'm so thankful for all the great info and people on these boards. What a wonderful resource. I haven't been to DL in four years, despite being an AP holder for the three years before that. I know a lot has changed and that's why I'm here

We are taking a day trip to DL and DCA on Monday December 1st. Here are some questions and I'd also love any other advice you all have.

1. We will need to use rider swap due to me having a 2.5 year old. Is this still a thing? Yes

2. What is the RSR strategy if you are going to DL first, then hopping to DCA? Either get there a few hours after the park opens for a FP or use the Single Rider line if the party is 7 and older.

3. Quickservice places to eat in DCA? We have some vegans, dairy free, and health nuts in our party. I'd love to hear from those of you who also eat this way. Paradise Garden Grill may work for all.

4. Everyone wants to see the fireworks, but what is the best strategy/place to do this for a party of 8? How long before the show should we save a spot? We've always watched from Main Street but is IASW good too? IASW is a great spot, you just cannot see what is going on in front of the castle. You wouldn't have to wait too long if you opt to watch from here. If you want to watch in the hub, you may want to secure a spot an hour or two before.

5. Am I correct in reading that you have to use your FP by the end time? The good old days of 4 in your back pocket are over? Yes. The FP return window is enforced now.

6. We will be arriving early, driving from Sand Diego, and I honor the rule of getting there before it opens. Where will we park? Mickey and friends? I prefer M&F at rope drop, but I know others like Toy Story.

Again, thank you in advance, can't wait to hear all your feedback, and enjoy the holidays at DLR!

Hope that helps. Enjoy your day at the parks!

 

[ehrawn]

My additions:

1. Yes, but also look into single-rider lines for situations when one parent isn't intersted like my DW and Indy
2. I would advise against this plan unless you are prepared to pass on RSR, which, in all honesty, wouldn't ruin a trip. It's fun and the queue is well themed, but there are better uses for your time.
3. Sorry. I do not understand these words "vegan," "dairy free," "heath nut." Did you want to know about ice cream?
4. I wanted to try this on our last visit http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3303428
Unfortunately, timing didn't work out. We watched the fireworks from ROA after F! one night and then from BTMRR...well the rest of our party did while I sat with a 2 and 3 y/o who were both deathly afraid of the fireworks. We sat by BTMR, away from the speakers and it was much more tolerable for them.
6. Toy Story is more accessible from the 5. I would park there. Plus it's a smaller lot with less people to share bus space with.

 

[jina]

2. About an hour after CA opens I take my family's tickets and hop over to get FP's - then come back to DL until our FP window opens.
3. The Mexican place at Pacific Wharf may be your best bet in CA. I can't eat gluten and most of the food is safe for me. They also have beans, rice and tortillas for veggie tacos - however I do not know if there are animal products any of that stuff. Most of the other places are big on meat and fried stuff and not too much in terms of veggies, beans and whatnot. DL also has a Mexican place near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad which I'd also think is your best bet although the Jolly Holiday Bakery may have some dairy and/or vegan salads.

Have fun!