So lost, advice from the experts?

[kuhltiffany]

I've spent hours pouring over this, then decided to ask for help from the experts. It's been years since we've been to WDW, and this is our first trip to DL so I'm pretty rusty at planning! (We got bitten by the DCL cruise bug so switched and did 5 of those instead). Anyway, we're planning on going to the parks (we have hoppers) Feb, 14, 15, 16. We're coming from Ontario, Canada so will be up early, 3 hours ahead due to the time change, but I see the parks don't open until 10. Staying offsite at the Hyatt, so no Extra Magic Hours for us Kids are 11 and 12.

So many questions, which parks to start at which days? Should I book breakfasts to get into the park early? (I know we're never going to make it all the way to evening so we won't be doing any fireworks packages.) Any advice appreciated!

 

[az4boys]

Do you have one magic morning with your tickets? I think it is on most 3 day tickets. That would be good for one day at Disneyland, but only on certain days. If you don't have a MM, starting at the park opposite of the one with early entry is generally a good plan. (If CA has early entry, start at DL. If DL has early entry and you don't, start at CA.)

If you are going to be up early, I highly recommend getting there quite a bit before the park opens to get in line. I personally think it is exciting to just be there. Walking into a nearly empty park is magical to me. Once we were chosen to open the park. (We went in a few minutes early and did a countdown.) That was a lot of fun. If rides are important, eat before so you don't waste park time on breakfast. You'll get so much more done the first 3-4 hours than you will later on.

 

[chickapin parterre]

Wednesday will be your best day, so that is the day to open Disneyland. Wednesday is great for Fantasyland and tomorrowland, as you can organize the two lands with fastpass. Mornings are empty in the area west of the park, so that would be a great start if you don't have one MM. You could also use the day with "T" to open DCA

And with short hours, why not make the fireworks?

 

[coaches24]

Take advantage of fast passes early! In DL always get space first. If you get there right after park opening you shouldn't have to wait more than 45-55 minutes before you can pull another and then make that one Indy. I did this last week when crowds were insane and I still only had to wait an hour before my Indy time came allowing me to get Star tours before riding Indy. BTMRR last quite a bit longer than the others. We were able to ride that while waiting for our time and then get a FP for it when we were able time wise.

In DCA of course get RSR first and or use single rider! Since no more TOT Soaring is the obvious 2nd (and it did go much faster last week then I was used to with Soaring over Ca). FP for WOC if you plan to see it should be grabbed right after soaring since it isn't connected to other FP so you don't have to worry about it being able to get another FP. The only other FP is for Grizzly river rapids and those will last all day unless it's hot.

 

[kuhltiffany]

Hmmm, I think I need to make a list! I just checked our tickets, thanks @az4boys, and we DO have 1 magic morning included, thanks for pointing that out!

 

[agamble]

Hmmm, I think I need to make a list! I just checked our tickets, thanks @az4boys, and we DO have 1 magic morning included, thanks for pointing that out!

Just so you know that MM is only good for Disneyland on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. You won't be able to use it at DCA as that is only for hotel guests. If you have park hopping you can do the MM at Disneyland on the 14 at 9AM and then hop over to DCA for general opening around 10AM to still have the best chance at Carsland and FP.

 

[cmpeter]

We like to arrive one hour before park opening. A couple of us walk over to LaBrea Bakery for breakfast (egg sandwiches, pastries, etc). They bring them back and we all eat in line. 30 minutes before park opening they open the gates and let you half way or so into the parks until the actual opening time. Then we go-go-go until lunch and the crowds get too big. Then we head back to the hotel for a nap or rest. We return for dinner, a couple rides and then do a reserved spot for a show or parade.