Ride Planning

[piinksharpiie]

Hello! This may be something that has been asked, or might be obvious or something, but we are heading to Disney next weekend and I have read places that you should have some type of "plan" for the rides and when to ride them or get fast passes for them. Is this super necessary? I just don't know where to start with the planning and feel kind of lost. We are doing two days at disney and two days at california adventure.

Thank you!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Having a plan depends largely on what you want to do. So, what do you want to do with your park days? What are the top priorities? And the B list? That includes rides, shows, eats, etc. -- make a list of the top 3 things in all categories for everyone in your group. (Top 3 includes: 3 Must Do's, 3 Would Like To Do's, and 3 Could Take It or Leave It's.) Will you be staying on site or off? Will you have MP or not? The answers to these questions are the start of your "plan." Come back with the answers and experienced people here will be glad to help you get started on putting together some kind of plan that will help you get the most out of your trip.

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

At the very least, don't be the family that stops immediately inside the entrance, throws the map open and says "What do you want to do first?" That bunch just gets in everyone's way.

Know which FP you want to get first, and also know which ride you want to do first even if they are the same. Get the FP before getting in a line. That way you're waiting in both a virtual queue and a physical queue at the same time. We do this for the first couple of rides then just wing it for the rest of the day.

Some guests prefer the laminated spreadsheet approach. That just seems too stressful for me.

 

[avalon451]

A really great and free resource is Casey over at Disneyland Daily. Check her website for some solid plans that she has made. She has good tips and advice, and she tests her own plans every month or so and updates them as necessary.
Some people like to “go with the flow,” and not plan at all ... if that’s your style, cool, but know that if you have even a rough plan and a pretty good idea of where things are, you can ride pretty much anything you want to with usually not more than 20 minutes wait. People who don’t plan will stand in the walkway huddled around a map arguing about what they should do next... and fret at waiting an hour for a 3 minute ride... and ride maybe 5-6 things in a day. With a plan, and getting there at opening, you can stroll around at a comfortable pace and get on everything with very little wait. And you will have the ability roll with the changes if everything doesn’t go according to your plan. Have fun and good luck!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... People who don’t plan will stand in the walkway huddled around a map arguing about what they should do next... and fret at waiting an hour for a 3 minute ride... and ride maybe 5-6 things in a day...

At least those people have a map. lol. Worse are the people who huddle (or spread out all across the walkway), and argue without a map. Like the family we saw on July 4th spread out across the bridge over POTC blocking anyone else from getting into NOS that way (and causing a SIG alert back to IJA!) so that they could argue -- without a map -- whether RSR was anywhere near there. Sigh.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

OP: Start by downloading the free DLR app now. Make sure you have the latest version and that it works on your smartphone. (Some older phones have issues with the app.) Get used to using the app for maps, finding wait times, seeing if FPs are available and what the return times are, making dining reservations, Mobile Ordering, etc. Your park days will go more smoothly if you are already familiar with the app and aren't staring at your phone all the time.
This thread has great, very helpful information: "Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy" by @Skyegirl1999 - www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/.

 

[piinksharpiie]

Having a plan depends largely on what you want to do. So, what do you want to do with your park days? What are the top priorities? And the B list? That includes rides, shows, eats, etc. -- make a list of the top 3 things in all categories for everyone in your group. (Top 3 includes: 3 Must Do's, 3 Would Like To Do's, and 3 Could Take It or Leave It's.) Will you be staying on site or off? Will you have MP or not? The answers to these questions are the start of your "plan." Come back with the answers and experienced people here will be glad to help you get started on putting together some kind of plan that will help you get the most out of your trip.

Thank you for your reply! I think that we mostly want to do rides, and since we have 2 days at each park, I believe that that will be doable so i'm not too concerned if we don't get all the rides done on day one and two. We will be at the parks on a (september) sunday (8), monday (9), wednesday (11) and saturday (14). It's just hubbie and I and so we're both pretty easy going when it comes to what rides and what not we want to do since we've never been so have no idea what we want to get to, I know... that's a terrible answer. We are staying off site, but will plan to be there when rope drops till closing if need be, don't mind walking as we're both fairly active people and walk lots. We will have MP and park hoppers! I have already looked at the park times, so I know that info. We do want to go to world of color atleast once as well as fantasmic atleast once. I know fantasmic is only on weekends so I will have to hit that one either the Sunday or Saturday night. We have reservations for the lamplight lounge for the wednesday for my birthday at 5:15.

At the very least, don't be the family that stops immediately inside the entrance, throws the map open and says "What do you want to do first?" That bunch just gets in everyone's way.

Know which FP you want to get first, and also know which ride you want to do first even if they are the same. Get the FP before getting in a line. That way you're waiting in both a virtual queue and a physical queue at the same time. We do this for the first couple of rides then just wing it for the rest of the day.

Some guests prefer the laminated spreadsheet approach. That just seems too stressful for me.

I promise I won't be the ones to stop as soon as we get in. Nothing aggravates me more than people who just stop in the middle of a crowd! Move to the side people!!

I think i'd be happy just to have some kind of plan on my phone and then go from there, I don't need to carry more stuff! Since we're going in September i'm hoping the lines won't be too bad and that we could just maybe get a couple FP for the ones we know we want and then just wing it. Problem is, i'm a planner (shocker since I haven't done this planning yet - it stresses me out!) and my hubbie is a fly by the seat of his pants!

A really great and free resource is Casey over at Disneyland Daily. Check her website for some solid plans that she has made. She has good tips and advice, and she tests her own plans every month or so and updates them as necessary.
Some people like to “go with the flow,” and not plan at all ... if that’s your style, cool, but know that if you have even a rough plan and a pretty good idea of where things are, you can ride pretty much anything you want to with usually not more than 20 minutes wait. People who don’t plan will stand in the walkway huddled around a map arguing about what they should do next... and fret at waiting an hour for a 3 minute ride... and ride maybe 5-6 things in a day. With a plan, and getting there at opening, you can stroll around at a comfortable pace and get on everything with very little wait. And you will have the ability roll with the changes if everything doesn’t go according to your plan. Have fun and good luck!

I'll go check her out, thank you!

 

[piinksharpiie]

OP: Start by downloading the free DLR app now. Make sure you have the latest version and that it works on your smartphone. (Some older phones have issues with the app.) Get used to using the app for maps, finding wait times, seeing if FPs are available and what the return times are, making dining reservations, Mobile Ordering, etc. Your park days will go more smoothly if you are already familiar with the app and aren't staring at your phone all the time.
This thread has great, very helpful information: "Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview and some strategy" by @Skyegirl1999 - www.disboards.com/threads/maxpass-fastpass-an-overview-and-some-strategy.3726246/.

I did download the app already and installed it and it works! I also already linked my disney tickets to the app as I ordered them through undercover tourist!

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

At least those people have a map. lol. Worse are the people who huddle (or spread out all across the walkway), and argue without a map. Like the family we saw on July 4th spread out across the bridge over POTC blocking anyone else from getting into NOS that way (and causing a SIG alert back to IJA!) so that they could argue -- without a map -- whether RSR was anywhere near there. Sigh.

Do you have a cross reference for some of those acronyms? NOS-SIG-IJA

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... We do want to go to world of color atleast once as well as fantasmic atleast once. I know fantasmic is only on weekends so I will have to hit that one either the Sunday or Saturday night...

Since you'll be visiting at the start of Halloween Time, be prepared for some crowds. Halloween Time starts on Sept. 6th and is a very popular season at DLR. You'll enjoy the decorations, special food offerings, and HMH (great holiday overlay!). Since this season tends to be busy, consider doing a dining package for F! (HB is the most economical -- viewing area is great and you can order off the dining package or regular menu -- you'll still pay the dining package price). Also look into the WOC Dessert Package as a birthday treat (Happy Birthday!) -- great view with the least wait in an actual chair! Make sure to note your birthday on the reservation!
Here is a thread with lots of great information about Halloween Time at DLR: Halloween Time Superthread 2019: "Oogie Boogie Bash" Party to Be Held in DCA ONLY!

Do you have a cross reference for some of those acronyms? NOS-SIG-IJA

DLR Abbreviations List (from the sticky threads at the top of the first page)
NOS = New Orleans Square
Sig Alert = a traffic term in CA = a MASSIVE traffic jam that can stop a freeway for hours (From Google: Sig Alert - Wikipedia - Los Angeleshttps://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Sig_Alert)
IJA = Indiana Jones Adventure

 

[piinksharpiie]

Since you'll be visiting at the start of Halloween Time, be prepared for some crowds. Halloween Time starts on Sept. 6th and is a very popular season at DLR. You'll enjoy the decorations, special food offerings, and HMH (great holiday overlay!). Since this season tends to be busy, consider doing a dining package for F! (HB is the most economical -- viewing area is great and you can order off the dining package or regular menu -- you'll still pay the dining package price). Also look into the WOC Dessert Package as a birthday treat (Happy Birthday!) -- great view with the least wait in an actual chair! Make sure to note your birthday on the reservation!
Here is a thread with lots of great information about Halloween Time at DLR: Halloween Time Superthread 2019: "Oogie Boogie Bash" Party to Be Held in DCA ONLY!

What is HB? I only see BB and RBT as options for F!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

What is HB? I only see BB and RBT as options for F!

Hungry Bear -- you should see an option for Hungry Bear On the Go meals -- fantasmic-on-the-go-show

 

[piinksharpiie]

Hungry Bear -- you should see an option for Hungry Bear On the Go meals -- fantasmic-on-the-go-show

I will take a look, thank you!

 

[smartlabelprint]

If you can switch things Monday tends to be really busy.

 

[mouschievous]

We went as a group of 10, 9 of whom had never been, 8 who had no idea what they wanted to do. I read all the plans and decided I didn't want to be THAT planned out, but we did take some tips away, such as
*Get a FP for Radiator Springs first thing when you get in DCA and again as soon as you can if you want to ride twice
*Pick a land and go for it. We picked Adventureland and went straight for POTC - I love that my husband's very first DLR ride was my favorite ride as a kid.
*Make reservations for any table service things you want to do, such as Blue Bayou or Carthay Circle.
*Have a general idea of the things you want to see/do/eat - I knew I wanted a Dole Whip, so we made sure to get one. Things as simple as that.

...and that was about it. We were able to do and see everything we wanted to, most multiple times, with that minor plan. Honestly, the app was HUGE for us. We would check it while waiting in line to see what the wait times were at other rides and decide where to go from there. It helped the line time pass and meant we were never those people in the middle of the walkway

 

[WonkaKid]

At least those people have a map. lol. Worse are the people who huddle (or spread out all across the walkway), and argue without a map. Like the family we saw on July 4th spread out across the bridge over POTC blocking anyone else from getting into NOS that way (and causing a SIG alert back to IJA!) so that they could argue -- without a map -- whether RSR was anywhere near there. Sigh.

Ha! I hate these types of situations. Sometimes I’m not sure if I’m being impatient with newbies and have become an entitled AP jerk (commonly known as... well, I think everyone is familiar with the term. It rhymes with... well, you know ;-)). But in cases like the one above, yes: these people were being rude and either don’t realize it *or* didn’t care. I get super annoyed as people saunter out of a ride side-by-side ahead of me, reach the exit... and then stop. They’ve effectively blocked everyone else from leaving. Then they’ll pull out a map and begin the arduous process of deciding what to do next. Usually they settle on “The haunted house,” “Space Mountains” or “Pirates of the Carabiners.” ;-). In most cases, I try to remember that these folks are likely on vacation and are more or less in “chill mode.” In my case, I rarely am. Certainly not at DL . Usually as I move to pass them, they realize their mistake and move aside quickly. Again, I try not to get annoyed and/or judge them but as something of a DL expert, it’s not always easy. Familiarity (with the park) breeds contempt . Certainly the people ahead of me at the Buzz Lightyear photo kiosk who take three times longer than anyone else to find their photos and then to remember their email address find little sympathy with me .

Not long ago I posted a (mostly tongue-in-cheek) list of DL annoyances. Certainly blockers were towards the top. But often that’s innocent and not born of malice. Rope runners (folks that *sprint* at rope drop), however, are flat-out cheaters. Especially full-grown adults. Twice in the past year or so I’ve seen grown men take off from rope drop at a full-blown Olympic sprint bound for PP. In the first case, it was a father with a family of six and of course they all joined him at the front of the PP line, which is like they *all* ran. In the second case, it was a guy in his early/mid 20s. As he entered Fantasyland at full gallop, a security CM stepped in front of him, held out his hand and called “Stop!” The dude simply weaved around him. He was pulled out of line almost immediately and they scanned his AP. I believe a record was then made in what is known as “The magic file.” I’m told this is where notes about difficult or problematic guests are maintained. Some guests have records that are pages long. But that was one time - I believe the *only* time - I’ve seen a runner dealt with appropriately.

In short, I strive to be patient with newcomers. I was once one myself ;-).

 

[DarthGallifrey]

Ha! I hate these types of situations. Sometimes I’m not sure if I’m being impatient with newbies and have become an entitled AP jerk (commonly known as... well, I think everyone is familiar with the term. It rhymes with... well, you know ;-)). But in cases like the one above, yes: these people were being rude and either don’t realize it *or* didn’t care. I get super annoyed as people saunter out of a ride side-by-side ahead of me, reach the exit... and then stop. They’ve effectively blocked everyone else from leaving. Then they’ll pull out a map and begin the arduous process of deciding what to do next. Usually they settle on “The haunted house,” “Space Mountains” or “Pirates of the Carabiners.” ;-). In most cases, I try to remember that these folks are likely on vacation and are more or less in “chill mode.” In my case, I rarely am. Certainly not at DL . Usually as I move to pass them, they realize their mistake and move aside quickly. Again, I try not to get annoyed and/or judge them but as something of a DL expert, it’s not always easy. Familiarity (with the park) breeds contempt . Certainly the people ahead of me at the Buzz Lightyear photo kiosk who take three times longer than anyone else to find their photos and then to remember their email address find little sympathy with me .

Not long ago I posted a (mostly tongue-in-cheek) list of DL annoyances. Certainly blockers were towards the top. But often that’s innocent and not born of malice. Rope runners (folks that *sprint* at rope drop), however, are flat-out cheaters. Especially full-grown adults. Twice in the past year or so I’ve seen grown men take off from rope drop at a full-blown Olympic sprint bound for PP. In the first case, it was a father with a family of six and of course they all joined him at the front of the PP line, which is like they *all* ran. In the second case, it was a guy in his early/mid 20s. As he entered Fantasyland at full gallop, a security CM stepped in front of him, held out his hand and called “Stop!” The dude simply weaved around him. He was pulled out of line almost immediately and they scanned his AP. I believe a record was then made in what is known as “The magic file.” I’m told this is where notes about difficult or problematic guests are maintained. Some guests have records that are pages long. But that was one time - I believe the *only* time - I’ve seen a runner dealt with appropriately.

In short, I strive to be patient with newcomers. I was once one myself ;-).

Im from MA and an AP holder at WDW so I am very familiar with two versions of that aforementioned term

 

[DarthGallifrey]

Having a plan depends largely on what you want to do. So, what do you want to do with your park days? What are the top priorities? And the B list? That includes rides, shows, eats, etc. -- make a list of the top 3 things in all categories for everyone in your group. (Top 3 includes: 3 Must Do's, 3 Would Like To Do's, and 3 Could Take It or Leave It's.) Will you be staying on site or off? Will you have MP or not? The answers to these questions are the start of your "plan." Come back with the answers and experienced people here will be glad to help you get started on putting together some kind of plan that will help you get the most out of your trip.

I just saw that Winnie the Pooh is closed all but my first day. Should we freak out and get to it right away or is that ride fairly easy to work in throughout the day?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I just saw that Winnie the Pooh is closed all but my first day. Should we freak out and get to it right away or is that ride fairly easy to work in throughout the day?

Nothing at DLR is worth freaking out about -- remember HItchhiker's Guide? In the wise words of Douglas Adams, "Don't Panic!" (Having a towel doesn't hurt, either.) Winnie the Pooh is usually mellow, line-wise. Not always short, but rarely chaotic. If the line is longer than you'd like, grab a Tigger Tail first to enjoy while you wait!

 

[DarthGallifrey]

Nothing at DLR is worth freaking out about -- remember HItchhiker's Guide? In the wise words of Douglas Adams, "Don't Panic!" (Having a towel doesn't hurt, either.) Winnie the Pooh is usually mellow, line-wise. Not always short, but rarely chaotic. If the line is longer than you'd like, grab a Tigger Tail first to enjoy while you wait!

Douglas Adams is one my favorite authors! And good to know about Winnie the Pooh! Im sad it will only be open for one day but I will make the most of it.

I have a ceramic whale I found at a second hand store years ago that I named Petunia haha