Radiator Springs Racers Strategy with 8:40 adr

[alicat8]

I'm trying to figure out our morning at DCA-this is our first time there. We're going the last week in July, so I know it will be busy. Trying to figure out the best way to get FPs for radiator springs. We have a breakfast ADR for the Surf's Up breakfast at 8:40 (It'll be a Tuesday, if that matters). I assume the park will open at 9?? Not sure how their opening times work out there with emh or if they're earlier in summer months. So do we send out a runner around 9? Will he have to go to the front of the park and go in "the line". Anyone have any insight on this?

Thanks!

Edit-changed our ADR to 9 hoping to get in, get FP, get breakfast, get back. Any insight on travel between park and hotel or FP return times at rd would be helpful!!

 

[marsh0013]

I think the park will be opening at 8am. I know they go to 8am when I'm there in June, I'd imagine July would be the same.

I do know that you will all need to enter the park before anyone can get a FP. As long as the park opens at 8am, you should all be able to go through the turnstiles, send a runner to get all the FP if not everyone wants to make the walk, and then still have time to make it to breakfast.

It's my first time too, so this is not from experience, but from what I have read on these boards.

 

[alicat8]

Ok, so this might be a good alternative to the before park opening. Except I just checked my adr time and it's 8:20, not 8:40. I already can't keep my times straight!! Maybe I should try to bump it to 9 if the fp line will take that long?? There was a 9 am opening too...

 

[alicat8]

One last question-I stupidly assumed this was in Paradise Pier the land, not the hotel-is it an easy walk to and from the park? Or is there a shuttle we could take if not?

 

[marsh0013]

One last question-I stupidly assumed this was in Paradise Pier the land, not the hotel-is it an easy walk to and from the park? Or is there a shuttle we could take if not?

I know it's not a far walk from the hotel to the park, I'm not sure how long. However, I would definitely try to make your breakfast later. Take advantage of those precious early morning hours in the park.

 

[FryingPansWhoKnew]

changed our ADR to 9 hoping to get in, get FP, get breakfast, get back. Any insight on travel between park and hotel or FP return times at rd would be helpful!!

RSR is indeed a popular ride and you are correct to have a strategy of some sorts, but let me hopefully assuage your fears. Over the last year, we have seen FP's go for RSR several hours after park opening. I would say that even if you waited until after the breakfast, you would still be able to get some FP's.

To your second question. Travel from PPH to DCA is actually quite enjoyable and quick in my experience. If you are not staying onsite (I think you mentioned you are not), you will still go through the GCH, but you will head out to Downtown Disney and to the front gate that way. There are a number of variables that could apply at this point that could affect how long it will take to enter the park. The first is security. Typically from that side at that time, you shouldn't be waiting too long, maybe a couple minutes. The next is the line to enter DCA. I have been in long lines 10+ minutes before here, but usually it isn't that long.

*VERY IMPORTANT* The RSR FP line is NOT located at the actual ride. Do not go there. It is on the way to Cars Land by the It's Tough to be a Bug attraction. Ask a CM at the information desk if you need assistance finding it.

 

[mgd]

Things might change, but I think you should be able to pull FPs for at least 2 or 3 hours after park opening. Keep in mind if there is an early entry, they don't start FP until regular hours.

I think the walk from paradise pier, across the street, through GC lobby, through downtown disney, to gates, is a fairly long trek, and I personally wouldn't want to walk there, just to get a pass, walk all the way back to breakfast and then back again within a 2 hour period.

 

[superlarz]

When you are leaving DCA to go to surfs up, you can exit through the Grand Californian hotel. The exit is between Grizzly River Run and Soarin. This will make your walk to Paradise Pier Hotel short. On your return, you will have to enter through the main gates to DCA (unless you are staying at a Disney hotel - then you can enter the same way you left through the Grand.) You can still cut through the Grand to get to Downtown Disney which will a few minutes off of the walk back.

 

[alicat8]

Thank you so much-this is all so helpful!! I'll be copying and pasting some of your into right into my trip's google doc

 

[Jerryp49]

Are you staying at the Paradise Pier Hotel? If so, then don`t waste your Extra Magic Hour. With the early entry you should have no problem getting on RSR first thing then getting a FP for it for later in the day . Either have breakfast before or after the EMH. Paradise Pier Hotel is right across the street from the Grand Californian Hotel

Here are walking route maps to get from PP to either the Main Entrance or the GCH entrance to DCA walking thru the GCH. The Disneyland Hotel is to the left of the AMC theater.It is marked Disneyland on the map. You can see that PP is somewhat closer to the park.

 

[alicat8]

Thanks I did the google map walking route a few times. The issue is we're staying at the Hojos at the complete opposite side, so it ends up being a lot of walking (esp. because I'll be 7 months pregnant...not how I want to start a Disney day!)

I think we made the decision to do our breakfast day separate from the day we attempt rsr. We'll be doing DCA on a Tues/Thurs, and we have a lunch adr in the park (for real this time) on Thurs. We'll shoot for rope drop on Thurs and either go straight for it or get the fps.

 

[FryingPansWhoKnew]

I think the walk from paradise pier, across the street, through GC lobby, through downtown disney, to gates, is a fairly long trek

This statement is directly contradictory to what I said, but as I think about it more, is more correct. I forget that I genuinely enjoy walking and thus my opinions are colored as to what is enjoyable and what is not. Reconsider the walking distance as you will need to take your entire party with you the first time; at least to the front gate.

Edit - "I'll be 7 months pregnant". Remember when I called this walk enjoyable? Yeah, just forget I even said anything, lol. I think your new plan is a great idea. Have a good time.