Solo at the park Dec 2-6. Haven't been in a long time.... Questions

[StephPlum]

As the title says, I haven't been to DLR in a long time, since 2015 - back when there were paper FPs to use anytime! I think I have Lightning Lanes down but a few other questions I hope someone can help with.

1. First time flying in to SNA. Thinking of taking an Uber on arrival. For departure, my flight is at 7:30am. What is best to get to the airport early in the morning?

2. Photo pass that comes with Lightning Lane Multi-Pass - how do I make sure I get the ride photos? Do I need to snap a pic at the end of the ride to get a code or does it automatically line up with my Magic Band +? Also I think this comes with all the PhotoPass (not sure if that is the same name now) pictures. So I can get some solo pics this way?

3. Does anyone use Lines /Touring Plans to set a plan for the day? I don't know if I should just wing it or have a pretty detailed plan for ride order.

4. It will be my first time at DLR at Christmas. Any must dos that might not be obvious?

Thanks for any help. I retired this year and set up this trip to celebrate. Getting very excited!!

 

[disneychrista]

I can only answer the ride photo question. Yes you should snap a quick pic of the ride photo at the end for the code. It does NOT automatically link to your account with a MB+. Also yes it includes all the photos you take with a photo pass photographer.

 

[JerrodDragon89]

2) Yes, snap a photo or type in the code into the Disneyland app in the link photo section but Id snap a photo to make sure to have the photo code
3) I go with the flow...I have plans like food and shows but besides that you can't predict rides going down...so just go with the flow outside of shows/food.
4) Disney ¡Viva Navidad! on weekends and The Encanto/CoCo shows on weekdays at DCA are worth it. Along with Storytime with deadpool at DCA. I'd check the app and look at all the limited time entertainment, I'd hit as many rides as you can in the morning and later watch shows to fill the time when you are waiting for your next Lightening lane.
Also slow down and just walk around at nighttime the area's they cover in lights are magic on their own.

Lastly here is the website highlighting some more things to do at the resort now

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/holidays-at-the-disneyland-resort/

 

[StephPlum]

I can only answer the ride photo question. Yes you should snap a quick pic of the ride photo at the end for the code. It does NOT automatically link to your account with a MB+. Also yes it includes all the photos you take with a photo pass photographer.

2) Yes, snap a photo or type in the code into the Disneyland app in the link photo section but Id snap a photo to make sure to have the photo code
3) I go with the flow...I have plans like food and shows but besides that you can't predict rides going down...so just go with the flow outside of shows/food.
4) Disney ¡Viva Navidad! on weekends and The Encanto/CoCo shows on weekdays at DCA are worth it. Along with Storytime with deadpool at DCA. I'd check the app and look at all the limited time entertainment, I'd hit as many rides as you can in the morning and later watch shows to fill the time when you are waiting for your next Lightening lane.
Also slow down and just walk around at nighttime the area's they cover in lights are magic on their own.

Lastly here is the website highlighting some more things to do at the resort now

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/holidays-at-the-disneyland-resort/

Just what I wanted to know. I won't be there for a weekend but I'll try to see the Encanto/CoCo shows. I love Christmas lights so that will be magical!

 

[LKing]

Any must dos that might not be obvious?

Congratulations on your retirement!

Not sure what is obvious to you and what isn't. Both Small World and Haunted Mansion have holiday overlays which are great. Haunted Mansion Holiday and Tiana's Bayou Adventure are both VQ for the time being.

If you are a WDW vet, @BrianL shared a great list comparing the CA parks to the FL parks. Ride differences between Disneyland and WDW.

 

[Geemo]

As the title says, I haven't been to DLR in a long time, since 2015 - back when there were paper FPs to use anytime! I think I have Lightning Lanes down but a few other questions I hope someone can help with.

1. First time flying in to SNA. Thinking of taking an Uber on arrival. For departure, my flight is at 7:30am. What is best to get to the airport early in the morning?

2. Photo pass that comes with Lightning Lane Multi-Pass - how do I make sure I get the ride photos? Do I need to snap a pic at the end of the ride to get a code or does it automatically line up with my Magic Band +? Also I think this comes with all the PhotoPass (not sure if that is the same name now) pictures. So I can get some solo pics this way?

3. Does anyone use Lines /Touring Plans to set a plan for the day? I don't know if I should just wing it or have a pretty detailed plan for ride order.

4. It will be my first time at DLR at Christmas. Any must dos that might not be obvious?

Thanks for any help. I retired this year and set up this trip to celebrate. Getting very excited!!

I tried UBER but it took forever for the driver to arrive. I prefer to just grab a taxi and go with the flat rate to the hotel. I also take a taxi back to the airport.

One thing I do for each trip is print out a page with the hotel name and it's address to hand to the driver. I do the same thing for the return trip to the airport. Name of the departure airport and airline I'm flying. It helps me avoid communication issues with the driver.

Have fun on your SOLO trip!!

 

[StephPlum]

Congratulations on your retirement!

Not sure what is obvious to you and what isn't. Both Small World and Haunted Mansion have holiday overlays which are great. Haunted Mansion Holiday and Tiana's Bayou Adventure are both VQ for the time being.

If you are a WDW vet, @BrianL shared a great list comparing the CA parks to the FL parks. Ride differences between Disneyland and WDW.

Not a vet of WDW. One and only trip there was in 2011. I’ve been reading about the VQs. Haven’t done that before. Not sure if I want to get wet or not so debating Tiana’s. Definately want to do haunted Mansion and see Small World.

I tried UBER but it took forever for the driver to arrive. I prefer to just grab a taxi and go with the flat rate to the hotel. I also take a taxi back to the airport.

One thing I do for each trip is print out a page with the hotel name and it's address to hand to the driver. I do the same thing for the return trip to the airport. Name of the departure airport and airline I'm flying. It helps me avoid communication issues with the driver.

Have fun on your SOLO trip!!

I’ve been traveling since long before UBER was around so normally I go for a taxi. Good to know. I guess I can ask the hotel to request a taxi for my last day to get back to the airport.

 

[jimmymc]

1. You should have no problem getting an Uber for a 7:30 am flight.
2. Snap a picture of the code at the end. I'm not sure what rides have MB+ integrated, but it's not many of them and it doesn't always work right.
3. I don't. With multi-ride LL, you won't need to be too specific with your plan. Single rider is great for Radiator Springs Racers, Matterhorn, and Smuggler's Run if you don't care about the pre-show. Start towards the back of the park and hit rides at the front later in the day. Just basic theme park strategy.
4. Not really for me. Carsland is really fun during holidays.

 

[mel2014]

Not a vet of WDW. One and only trip there was in 2011. I’ve been reading about the VQs. Haven’t done that before. Not sure if I want to get wet or not so debating Tiana’s. Definately want to do haunted Mansion and see Small World.

I’ve been traveling since long before UBER was around so normally I go for a taxi. Good to know. I guess I can ask the hotel to request a taxi for my last day to get back to the airport.

You can download the Ride Yellow app and book a taxi in advance for your hotel pick up to return to the airport.

You can also use the app to book a ride for a fixed price from the airport and get a "trip code" that allows you to go to any of the taxis at the stand -- they scan the code and it brings up your trip information in their interface. You pay by credit card in the app, just like Lyft and Uber.

https://rideyellow.com/airports/sna/

 

[ktlm]

1. We typically just take a taxi from SNA to DLR. For return, you can book an Uber in advance. I usually book the day before.

 

[twodogs]

Single rider will save you lots of time!​

Disney California Adventure Park​

Single Rider at Goofy's Sky School
Single Rider at Incredicoaster
Single Rider at Radiator Springs Racers
Single Rider at Grizzly River Run
Single Rider at WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
Single Rider at Soarin' Over California

​

Disneyland Park​

Single Rider at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Single Rider at Matterhorn Bobsleds
Single Rider at Space Mountain