Some help please on this first trip in decades :)

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Hello all!

So I haven't been to Disneyland since I was a few years old (I may have been as old as 4 or 5 but I have no memories of it). I'm 30 at this point soooooo yeah lol. I have however been to WDW several times over the years mostly recently in September 2017 during Irma.

We'll be in the area from late at night Thursday February 28th to evening Tuesday March 5th. Right now we'll be going to Disneyland for sure Saturday March 2nd and more than likely Sunday March 3rd. We may be able to go Monday March 4th if we finish the business we have to attend to.

We settled on Homewood Suites-Main Gate area (12005 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove,California, 92840).

We are not shifting where we are staying at for several reasons so any advice given please give it with this in mind If anyone has stayed at the Main Gate location and have information regarding it def. let me know.

We will be purchasing MaxPass at least for Saturday. I have already downloaded the Disneyland app and logged into my account. I've also linked our park tickets purchased through Undercover Tourist. We did the promo for 3-day Park hopper and we do plan on park hopping. I do know that I will need to purchase MaxPass right after I enter the gates for Saturday. I know it's $15.

I have perused some of the helpful threads but I figure some of the information is more time of the year specific. I also couldn't find the answer to my Uber location question (though I honestly could have missed it).

So onto my questions:

Saturday March 2nd is MM @ 7am. I would like to make it to that if possible. I did ask a few questions on that prior thread but now that I have the hotel part figured out I'd like to have more specific advice.

1) Which security entrance should we use or which one is generally recommended for 7am MM?

2) We are more than likely taking an Uber there (as recommended previously) so what is the address to use for each security entrance (Dowtown Disney & Harbor Blvd)?

• I have recently heard about long lines at Harbor Blvd but don't know if that was just a fluke or specific to certain times in the morning.
• Any advice on either of the security entrances would be greatly appreciated.
• We will have a rental car but it was recommended to just Uber there at least for MM because of the time the parking structures open and the amount of people who will be going to the parking structures in the morning.

3) What time should we actually be at the tapstiles to Disneyland Park for MM?

• To give some information we are NOT going to be heading towards Peter Pan first thing in the morning as I understand it many people head straight there and having done the ride at WDW we're not dying to do it first thing in the morning.

4) I'm not normally one to take too much stock in early-ish weather forecast but Saturday is presently forecasted to be cool and rainy . I already own a rain jacket and was going to bring that with me for a jacket.

• What rides tend to close down for rain? At the present moment thunderstorms aren't in the forecast just rain.
• Does rain cancel the fireworks for Mickey's Mix Magic like wind can?
• Does it cancel parades?
• Does the rain cancel World of Color?
• Any advice for touring in the rain? I'd like to be prepared even if the weather forecast ends up changing. We've done WDW in the rain too just for some information.

The good news is we will have a DISer from my area with us on Saturday as he will be there in the area at the same time as us. He grew up right by Disneyland so that will be very helpful for some knowledge but I thought I would ask from you guys as well. Touring styles def. can be different. but I love getting information.

At this point we don't have any ADRs and we're totally fine with that. My husband and I aren't big on TS places and are totally fine with QS. We've done research on what QS places we'd be more likely to want to eat at too (and we've done this for TS places too just in case we end up finding an ADR that day for one of those places). We also plan to partake in some Food & Wine Festival options (my husband really enjoyed that at Epcot though I know it's slightly different for California Adventure's one).

Presently this is not the only trip we have planned. My husband will be doing a field assignment in the Huntington/Long Beach area from April to at least end of October (coming home every 2 weeks) so we're hoping to do at least 1 more trip and I'm hoping when Star Wars is opened up though I know the crowds...lol

Sorry for the very long post--lots of information to cover

 

[theluckyrabbit]

You might already have seen this, but it's good information to have handy: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets.
We like the DTD drop off/pick up for Uber/Lyft. Bag check at DTD is usually easy and quick (between Rainforest Cafe and ESPN Zone buildings). You have a second option of the DLH bag check (between EOS and ESPN Zone buildings) around the corner if the DTD check point is backed up. There are 2 Starbucks in DTD -- you can place a mobile order and pick up after going through bag check on your way to the gates. That alone makes this check point more attractive to us than the Harbor side. LOL. DTD bag check is about a 5-10 minute walk/stroll to the gates.
Rain: First-time visit in extreme rain?, Can we chat rain?
The forecast is for mild rain -- nothing like the cold storms we've had recently. Check the local weather forecast (ABC7.com is one option) starting Wed. for more accurate forecasts. Rain at DLR is not like rain at WDW -- this is not tropical, it can get cold. But this storm appears to be pretty mild.
Rain can cancel fireworks, but the projections should show anyway. WOC doesn't always get cancelled -- it depends on how much rain, how hard, etc. It can cancel parades. There may be a mini- cavalcade with characters in automobiles -- ask the parade CMs.
Mini-Gay Days is Mar. 2nd, so be aware that there might be some crowds for that. This isn't a huge event.
Food & Wine Festival -- this will be the first weekend, so that will be lots of fun for your food choices. Menus are out (DCA Food & Wine Booths!!!) -- there will be local crowds for this, but the rain might even things out in your favor.
Have a great trip! Feel free to keep asking questions.

 

[HydroGuy]

1. You need 3 day tickets to have MM. It was not clear from your OP that you are buying 3-day tickets.

2. To get the most out of MM, plan to arrive ta security at 6:15AM. That should get you to the tapstiles by 6:25AM.

3. I have only Ubered to the DTD side so do not know for sure, but I suspect your would be fine putting in the address of the Best Western Park Place Inn as your Uber destination. I would just do the Harbor entrance as that will be faster from Homewood Suites.

4. Rain does not cancel WOC. DLR has lots of outdoor rides and those will be affected by rain. LOL I have never been to DLR on a rainy day so I am not the best person to answer you.

 

[figment_jii]

If you enter Disneyland Resort as your destination, I think it'll put the address as Harbor Blvd, so you'll end up on that side. I know that the last time I used Uber and specified Disneyland Resort as the drop-off location, they went to the Harbor Side. You can also use the Best Western Park Place Inn or Park Vue as alternative options. It'll just put you on the other side of the street, but it's easy enough to cross at the walkway.

In terms of Harbor side security, it seems really hit-or-miss, but mornings can be quite bad. This seems especially true for later morning openings (e.g., 9:00 am opposed to 8:00 am). I would allow at least 30 to 60 minutes to get through Harbor side security, but my guess is that for a 7:00 am MM, it won't be that bad.

The main difference between WDW rain and DLR rain (to me), is that when it's raining at DLR, it's often cold as well. I don't like being wet, but being cold and wet is miserable! Still, if you've got the gear to handle WDW in the rain, you'll probably do fine at DLR. Just note that there isn't as much cover at DLR and more queues seem outdoors (or at least it feels that way ).

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

1. You need 3 day tickets to have MM. It was not clear from your OP that you are buying 3-day tickets.

We have the 3-day Park Hopper promo purchased. I mentioned in the OP but with all the information stuck in there it likely go lost lol

2. To get the most out of MM, plan to arrive ta security at 6:15AM. That should get you to the tapstiles by 6:25AM.

Awesome thanks for this information. I'll mention it to my husband and the other person we'll be meeting.

3. I have only Ubered to the DTD side so do not know for sure, but I suspect your would be fine putting in the address of the Best Western Park Place Inn as your Uber destination. I would just do the Harbor entrance as that will be faster from Homewood Suites.

Ok I was thinking Harbor was easier but wanted to get opinions on both.

4. Rain does not cancel WOC. DLR has lots of outdoor rides and those will be affected by rain. LOL I have never been to DLR on a rainy day so I am not the best person to answer you.

Yeah that's why I thought to ask lol.

Thanks for the information!!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

You might already have seen this, but it's good information to have handy: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets.

I perused that thread but I'll def. go read it a bit more

We like the DTD drop off/pick up for Uber/Lyft. Bag check at DTD is usually easy and quick (between Rainforest Cafe and ESPN Zone buildings). You have a second option of the DLH bag check (between EOS and ESPN Zone buildings) around the corner if the DTD check point is backed up. There are 2 Starbucks in DTD -- you can place a mobile order and pick up after going through bag check on your way to the gates. That alone makes this check point more attractive to us than the Harbor side. LOL. DTD bag check is about a 5-10 minute walk/stroll to the gates.

All good information to know.

Rain: First-time visit in extreme rain?, Can we chat rain?

Ohhh thanks so much for those threads. I'm def. going to go check those out.

The forecast is for mild rain -- nothing like the cold storms we've had recently. Check the local weather forecast (ABC7.com is one option) starting Wed. for more accurate forecasts. Rain at DLR is not like rain at WDW -- this is not tropical, it can get cold. But this storm appears to be pretty mild.

Yeah I was more or less saying I've done WDW in the rain so that it wouldn't seem like I'm put off by it. It does become a downer but it's not like we would just opt to not go. For sure though cold rain is very different than being in warmer rain. I've already decided to change my shirts. I'm not wanting to buy pants for this as I already have good dries fairly easily capris but instead of t-shirts I'm now thinking of wearing longer sleeves or a pull over sweater that will still work with my rain jacket. Thanks for the weather forecast website link. Weather in my area is not predictable at all so I'm used to waiting but I wanted to be armed with information should rain happen while we're at DLR.

Rain can cancel fireworks, but the projections should show anyway. WOC doesn't always get cancelled -- it depends on how much rain, how hard, etc. It can cancel parades. There may be a mini- cavalcade with characters in automobiles -- ask the parade CMs.

Good information to know!

Mini-Gay Days is Mar. 2nd, so be aware that there might be some crowds for that. This isn't a huge event.

Ohhh I did not know about this thanks for telling me. I knew about Gay Days but not about Mini-Gay Days.

Food & Wine Festival -- this will be the first weekend, so that will be lots of fun for your food choices. Menus are out (DCA Food & Wine Booths!!!) -- there will be local crowds for this, but the rain might even things out in your favor.

Thanks for the link. We're pretty excited to check it out.

Have a great trip! Feel free to keep asking questions.

Much appreciated!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

If you enter Disneyland Resort as your destination, I think it'll put the address as Harbor Blvd, so you'll end up on that side. I know that the last time I used Uber and specified Disneyland Resort as the drop-off location, they went to the Harbor Side. You can also use the Best Western Park Place Inn or Park Vue as alternative options. It'll just put you on the other side of the street, but it's easy enough to cross at the walkway.

Thank you very much for this information

In terms of Harbor side security, it seems really hit-or-miss, but mornings can be quite bad. This seems especially true for later morning openings (e.g., 9:00 am opposed to 8:00 am). I would allow at least 30 to 60 minutes to get through Harbor side security, but my guess is that for a 7:00 am MM, it won't be that bad.

Yeah I was thinking 7am MM would be better than park opening but lordy hearing about the security at Harbor had me thinking I should doublecheck with y'all on your thoughts on which entrance to use.

The main difference between WDW rain and DLR rain (to me), is that when it's raining at DLR, it's often cold as well. I don't like being wet, but being cold and wet is miserable! Still, if you've got the gear to handle WDW in the rain, you'll probably do fine at DLR. Just note that there isn't as much cover at DLR and more queues seem outdoors (or at least it feels that way ).

For sure cold rain different than warmer rain and being cold and wet isn't very fun that's for sure.

Good to know about the cover aspect as I hadn't thought about that. That was something nice about WDW is there are places to go to wait it out or queues that have cover mostly so you aren't so miserable..except for walking to get to the queue that is (or the show) lol.

 

[HydroGuy]

IThe main difference between WDW rain and DLR rain (to me), is that when it's raining at DLR, it's often cold as well. I don't like being wet, but being cold and wet is miserable! Still, if you've got the gear to handle WDW in the rain, you'll probably do fine at DLR. Just note that there isn't as much cover at DLR and more queues seem outdoors (or at least it feels that way ).

I agree and would add that DLR's cold rain tends to last all day while WDW's warm rain tends to come and go. By which I mean that while it may not actually rain all day at DLR, it does not often clear out like WDW does. WDW can be sunny, then rainy for 30 minutes, then sunny again for the rest of the day. DLR does not typically work that way.

 

[dolewhipdreams]

I don't have anything helpful to add. I'm just so excited that you get to go and I hope you have an amazing time!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I don't have anything helpful to add. I'm just so excited that you get to go and I hope you have an amazing time!

Aww thanks Ann!!! I can't wait to get back home and tell y'all how it went. I so wished that the stars had aligned and all of us KC DISers could have gone at the same time .

 

[VandVsmama]

DL won’t have any parades in the rain and fireworks are likely cancelled as well. Any ride that is outside will be shut down during the rain. So that will include stuff like:

All of the rides in Carsland
Incredicoaster
Silly symphony swings
Mad Tea Party
Autopia
Storybook Land Canal Boats
BTMRR

That’s not al all inclusive list but something to give you an idea.

All of the character meet and greets move indoors. On Main Street, they’ll probably be in the opera house and/or the Great Moments with Mr Lincoln building.

Bring layers. Rain in CA is a bit different than in FL.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

DL won’t have any parades in the rain and fireworks are likely cancelled as well. Any ride that is outside will be shut down during the rain. So that will include stuff like:

All of the rides in Carsland
Incredicoaster
Silly symphony swings
Mad Tea Party
Autopia
Storybook Land Canal Boats
BTMRR

That’s not al all inclusive list but something to give you an idea.

All of the character meet and greets move indoors. On Main Street, they’ll probably be in the opera house and/or the Great Moments with Mr Lincoln building.

Bring layers. Rain in CA is a bit different than in FL.

Thanks for that list! Exactly what I was looking for

Yeah I'm switching up what I'm wearing; good advice though. I live in the midwest so layers become second nature. Side note if the weather pans out on Saturday it will feel like 50 degrees warmer (talking about the high) than my home though of course add rain in and 'warmer' becomes relative lol. Sunday is panning out to be feels like 65 degrees warmer (talking about the high) and back home a couple of inches of snow. So I'm getting a slight 'escape from the cold winter' by going to LA .

 

[cmpeter]

We always enter from the Harbor side and Uber to the parks frequently from the Homewood Convention Center location. I put Captain Kidd’s as the destination, which is the restaurant right at the crosswalk between Best Western Park Place and Parkview. We like to rope drop and arrive an hour before opening (on both normal and MM entries). I’ve never had a line for those early morning entries. We get in line, send one person down to Starbucks to grab breakfast and eat that in line while waiting for opening.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

Beignets, Mint Juleps and Corn Dogs.

Wait, what were your questions?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Beignets, Mint Juleps and Corn Dogs.

Wait, what were your questions?

Yummm beignets..see now you have me wanting them

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

We always enter from the Harbor side and Uber to the parks frequently from the Homewood Convention Center location. I put Captain Kidd’s as the destination, which is the restaurant right at the crosswalk between Best Western Park Place and Parkview. We like to rope drop and arrive an hour before opening (on both normal and MM entries). I’ve never had a line for those early morning entries. We get in line, send one person down to Starbucks to grab breakfast and eat that in line while waiting for opening.

Thanks for the information; glad to hear about the lines. With you and another poster talking about Starbucks for breakfast I'll have to mention it to my husband if he thinks he'll want to do that or wait til later in the morning to get a bit of food. Unfortunately the free breakfast at the hotel doesn't start until 6:30am on Saturday anyways so that's too late I'm thinking based on other comments about what time to head to DLR.

 

[wdwfan22]

I always use the Harbor security and arrive 45-60 mins before park opening, or MM opening and I always walk right through. And have talked to the security workers and they say if you get there a bit or more before park opening, you shouldn't have an issue. It's the people that get there after opening when the lines get horrendous.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you enter Disneyland Resort as your destination, I think it'll put the address as Harbor Blvd, so you'll end up on that side. I know that the last time I used Uber and specified Disneyland Resort as the drop-off location, they went to the Harbor Side. You can also use the Best Western Park Place Inn or Park Vue as alternative options. It'll just put you on the other side of the street, but it's easy enough to cross at the walkway...

We always enter from the Harbor side and Uber to the parks frequently from the Homewood Convention Center location. I put Captain Kidd’s as the destination, which is the restaurant right at the crosswalk between Best Western Park Place and Parkview. We like to rope drop and arrive an hour before opening (on both normal and MM entries). I’ve never had a line for those early morning entries. We get in line, send one person down to Starbucks to grab breakfast and eat that in line while waiting for opening.

Some posters have noted recently that some of the Harbor hotels have put up signs saying, "No Uber Drop Offs" or something to that effect. If that is the case, then the Captain Kidd's suggestion would be a good one (possibly the ONLY good rec for that place ever! Don't EVER eat there!).

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

Yummm beignets..see now you have me wanting them

Which is ok, since you can soon have some!

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

We always enter from the Harbor side and Uber to the parks frequently from the Homewood Convention Center location. I put Captain Kidd’s as the destination, which is the restaurant right at the crosswalk between Best Western Park Place and Parkview. We like to rope drop and arrive an hour before opening (on both normal and MM entries). I’ve never had a line for those early morning entries. We get in line, send one person down to Starbucks to grab breakfast and eat that in line while waiting for opening.

Thank you for this tip. Homewood Suites Convention Center is where we are staying in May on our first trip to Anaheim.