Saturday night strategy

[noryglory]

Strategies please. Going to be there Nov 5-9. Getting there early evening on the 5th--SATURDAY! Ugh. The only reason we're doing it is for the "fourth night free" as well as during our stay this is the only night with the fireworks. We figured we can get in Saturday night and get settled in for three full days in the park. I KNOW that Saturday will be the busiest of our four days in the park. We knew going into it that we would be likely not getting much accomplished but for the fireworks, and wouldn't have even gone into the park, but it's only costing us $60 total to go in that night, so we decided what the heck, even if we just do a couple of rides that night and get in the mood, and that way we can see the fireworks from the front of the castle as all have suggested is the only way to get the full effect of this particular show.

Here's the deal. The park is open until midnight, and/but we have our five-year-old with us. He's a trouper and can stay up late, but I don't know how late. So I need to know if we arrive at the park, say 6 p.m. that night, what CAN we accomplish in the time before the fireworks? Probably nothing!! But I'd love to hear from some folks what might be manageable. I plan to camp out in the front of the castle fairly early to save a spot for us three, say an hour before the show (9:25 p.m. showtime, so if I got there between 8 and 8:30 would that be enough time?). What can DH and DS do that won't take hours and hours of a wait during that time? Finally, what food service somewhat nearby the castle can they go and get some food to bring back and eat as a late dinner as we all settle in and wait for the show?

 

[CalGal]

If I got in around 6 on a Sat., I'd first check out some of the FP rides and see which one(s) still have FP times for later. Then I'd head over to the Information board near the Adventureland entrance to see check out posted queue times. Wait times for many rides won't be posted, but many will. You can usually do Pirates without too much of a wait. Or you could head over to DCA for an hour or so.

 

[5infam]

Fear not, you will get on some rides before the fireworks show. I have a 5 year old as well, so here is what I would do. First off, you may want to stay out of Adventureland and Frontierland. These two areas will be packed in soon after you arrive because of Fantasmic and getting in and out is ugly. Also, at some point, they will close part of tomorrowland (Peter Pan and Snow White). I would head right to Tomorrowland and check fastpasses for Buzz and/or Space Mountain - probably getting Space Mountain. The que for Buzz is not too bad, and this way you could kill some time waiting on your fastpass for Space Mountain. You could also ride the rockets and maybe even catch Star Tours. You are still close to Main Street and the Castle, so no worries about being too far away. You have 2 hours there (between 6:00 and when you said you want to get a space at 8:00), so you can get at least 2 to 3 of these rides in.

Now for food. It all depends on what you want to eat. One of my favorites would be the Turkey Legs. They are huge and are a meal all by themselves. There should be a stand in the hub there, plus other stands that offer coffee, drinks, popcorn, churros, etc. There is also the Pizza Port in Tomorrowland and Club Buzz. Club Buzz is counter service food and the Pizza Port is walk in, but easy to take out (not a restaurant sit down place) with good pizza, salads and spaghetti.

I would leave after the fireworks, and put your little one to bed. Don't get any delusions of light crowds, Sunday will be crowded as well (a favorite day for us locals to go to DL). Therefore, I would get up early and be at DL when the park opens. I woudl hit Fantasyland (Peter Pan - then Dumbo, then the rest of the rides there), then off to the Matterhorn and what was missed in Tomorrowland from the night before. Getting there right at opening is always the best way to get a lot done before the crowds come. Have fun!!!

 

[noryglory]

Hey 5infam, thanks a lot for all that great advice!! It really gives me confidence esp since you have a little one too.

We will be there until Wednesday so we should be able to get in more on Mon and Tuesday, even if they are crowded by tradtional standards they won't be nearly as busy as Sat night and Sunday for sure. (Right?!?!) When we planned this trip it was all about the off-season, now all that great advice is getting turned on its nose with the 50th.

We will have EE on Monday and Tuesday so of course we'll hit the Fantasyland rides hard then, but would a good plan on Sunday be to do as much as possible at DL until it gets crowded and then head over to DCA and check that out? It WILL be less crowded than DL, is that true? On a Sunday, will DL quiet down in the early evening or will it stay busy until closing? (closes at 10 p.m.)

We have plans to watch Fantasmic that night (sunday), as it's the only other night other than Saturday while we are there that it will be on. (And Sat is the only night we are there with the fireworks so we're doing that then.) I considered the dessert plan but with prepaying it, I balked at the cost as I am not sure if DS will get scared of it, or if he will be too pooped to even go after a long day, etc. So, how crazy will THAT be on Sunday night? Totally??? How soon should I camp out there for a good spot? I'd like somewhere we have a good view but not right in front again as to the fear of DS being scared of the fire.

THANKS!!

 

[5infam]

I like your plan for EE on Monday and Tuesday, provided your little one gets enough rest the night before. You should be better off Monday and Tuesday - and don't get me wrong, Sunday may be really crowded, or just a little crowded - it depends on the weather. I would start in CA early as well, and would pull a FP for Soarin, then TofT. There are a lot of fun stuff for kids in the front of the park, and the back has more of a carnival feel. Even when it is packed, you can get around pretty easily. The problem with CA is all the shows, and making sure you are in the right spot at the right time. This all depends on what ones you want to see. Don't worry though, you're family will ahve tons of fun.

I can't speak about Fantasmic seating times cause I never go (that sounds sad huh), because we have seen it before and I don't feel like killing a few hours. I would say, to check it out 1 1/2 to 2 hours in advance and see what it looks like (how many people there already). If you want a spot away from the flames with good views, you may want to try the bridge that goes over the entrance to Pirates. There are some trees in the way, but there are a few spots that have great views. Also, as soon as Fantasmic is over, everyone has to cross that bridge and exit through Adventure land (one-way traffic), so you will have a head start, or will at least be towards the front of the crowds. If you have a stroller, keep it with you instead of parking it somewhere if possible (plus if your child falls asleep while waiting, he will have a place to sleep). Maybe someone else can give you more input on Fantasmic.