Rethinking Itinerary – Input Appreciated!

[snowy76]

In a week and a half, DS and I will be visiting DLR for the first time. We’ll have four park days, Thursday through Sunday, July 5-8.

The traditionalist in me wants to start at DL on Thursday. I can’t wait to be where Walt walked, to see the charm of DL. It’s also an EE day and we have park hoppers (staying offsite) with one EE that we can use Thursday or Saturday. We could knock out a lot of attractions in those first few hours Thursday.

With that in mind, we’d visit DCA Friday. HOWEVER, with all that I’m reading about people’s early experiences with CL, I’m wondering if we should hit DCA Thursday instead. DCA has APEE that day, which I’m reading seems to be less crowded than onsite EMH (and I think two of four APs will be blocked out that day). If we were at DCA for park opening, we could hit CL and not have RSR hanging over us the rest of the trip.

Being a long holiday weekend, I know crowds will factor in, too.

For those who may ask whether this is a “once in a lifetime” trip – due to distance and finances, it might be. WDW is usually much more of a value for our dollars but some stars aligned to make this DL trip possible.

 

[brenda1966]

For me, there is nothing more magical than an empty Fantasyland on an early entry morning. I'd probably do DL that Thursday with my early entry and really soak up the magic of Walt's park.

Let's face it, Carsland is going to be a mess when we arrive. I'm not sure that's how I want to start my trip, especially a first trip! You'll have 3 other days to hit Carsland early and stand in long non-moving lines.

I also like using my early entry at the beginning of my trip, when I'm less tired. We arrive late Saturday and we'll probably walk through Carsland, maybe try single rider line, but we're not going to try a morning there until Monday because Sunday morning we use our EE for DL and enjoy Fantasyland in a mostly empty park. It's my absolute favorite time of the entire trip.

 

[tanyaewa]

Unless you go regularly... A trip to Disneyland starts with Disneyland.
Your first plan is great. Do what feels right and don't second guess. You have lots of time to explore and gauge your family energy and wait tolerance to take on CarsLand.

Have an awesome time!

 

[tigerlilly]

We will be there the same exact time!! I agree with the others... nothing beats Fantasyland in Disneyland on an Early Entry morning. I am hoping we get lucky and all those there on fourth of July will be sleeping in

My approach to Cars Land is to do one ride on RSR and I will be the one standing in line for the fastpass I am sure.

We do have EE because we are staying onsite but it sounds like it will be crazy no matter what.

Maybe think about doing DCA on Saturday am since there is EE at Disneyland and it is a block out day for three of the AP's (deluxe is also blocked that day). You will have done your EE at Disneyland and if you have had the two days before Saturday you will have seen a good portion of DCA already.

Your original plan is very similar to ours Either way you will have a wonderful time!!!!

 

[DLR29]

We will be there the same exact time!! I agree with the others... nothing beats Fantasyland in Disneyland on an Early Entry morning. I am hoping we get lucky and all those there on fourth of July will be sleeping in

My approach to Cars Land is to do one ride on RSR and I will be the one standing in line for the fastpass I am sure.

We do have EE because we are staying onsite but it sounds like it will be crazy no matter what.

Maybe think about doing DCA on Saturday am since there is EE at Disneyland and it is a block out day for three of the AP's (deluxe is also blocked that day). You will have done your EE at Disneyland and if you have had the two days before Saturday you will have seen a good portion of DCA already.

Your original plan is very similar to ours Either way you will have a wonderful time!!!!

This. I agree with this very much. Thursday, go ahead and use your MM at DL, Friday you can decide which park to go to, and Saturday would be the day that I would really go to Carsland early.

 

[DisDancerina]

All I have to say is to definitely start off your trip in Disneyland! It's always awkward starting it off in DCA and when you have a decently long trip, starting off in Disneyland is a privilege you can afford.
Starting off with the craziness of Carsland might be a bit overwhelming and not very magical... It'd probably be best to work yourself up to it!

Either way, I hope you enjoy your trip! That's awesome that you get to go!

 

[SplashMo]

Start at DL and stay all day. At some point if you send a Fast Pass runner over to DCA you can collect an extra set of FP. It is very easy to run for FP.

 

[snowy76]

I appreciate the input and reassurances! Planning for DLR is such a different animal from our WDW planning, which is almost second nature to us now. Excited and nervous for DL... But mostly excited!!! I guess I'll stick to the original plan... You guys are right, I want to have fun, not a ton of stress! Thanks again!