Suggestions for our itinerary...

[Bebella]

Hi all! I think we've started narrowing down our overall plans for the days we'll be visiting...but as this is our first trip to DLR, I could use some suggestions!

A little background...we're a family of 4 (kids are almost 3 & 1) ...and we're traveling with my cousin, his wife and their 2 kids (6 and 4 months). We'll be at DLR May 22-24th, and staying at the Disneyland Hotel, and have 3 day parkhoppers. We're driving up from San Diego on the morning of the 22nd...

Sunday, May 22nd - Arrive before noon, try to check in...if we can't check in, we're still going to ask to use the pool area for awhile, maybe visit DTD, check in at 3 (if we haven't before then), freshen up and then head into the parks...trying to decide if we should focus our energy on DCA, and trying to make it to the 5:15pm Pixar parade...OR going to DL, trying to see the Soundsational Parade at 4:30 (which they won't have the next two days we're there) and spending the evening at DL...really want to do the Paint the Night parade & fireworks at DL.

Monday, May 23rd - EMH at DCA, but we also have a 9:30am reservation at Plaza Inn, so will try to get a few rides in at DCA before heading into DL (any suggestions on what attractions to do??) ...we'll do breakfast at Plaza Inn, then head into Tomorrowland and spend the rest of the morning at DL, take a lunch and nap break back at the hotel...then we'll either go to DCA, do the Pixar parade, and spend the evening here (however, this is a grad night so wondering if that is a good idea?)

Tuesday, May 24th - Check out, and store our bags with bell services...EMH at DL...focus will be on Fantasyland since we can get a lot done in that hour, then head to DCA where we'll spend the rest of the morning doing whatever we weren't able to do the prior day (this could change if we decide to spend the afternoon at DCA the day before, since we'll want to get more done at DL), have lunch and then leave early afternoon to drive back to San Diego...

Sooo if that isn't confusing, that's my general idea for now. I'm not sure how to work around grad night at DCA on Monday...or what parks might be best in the evenings.

Suggestions welcome! Thank you!

 

[Agent 86]

Re: Grad Nights

Based on information provided by posters on these boards, the best strategy for a grad night is:

- if you have a park hopper - spend the morning in DL, then move to DCA in the early afternoon (as the grads will start to occupy DL from around midday since they have free reign of DCA later in the evening)
- if you don't have a park hopper - either DCA or if you must go to DL, prepare for it to be crowded with grads in the afternoon and throughout the evening and for all of the "thrill" rides to be impossible to ride without Fast Passes (although FPs will normally be unavailable from some point during the afternoon)

 

[Nonsuch]

...Sunday, May 22nd - Arrive before noon, try to check in...if we can't check in...

You will be able to check in when you arrive, but will not be told your room number. You will receive room keys to access the pool. When your room is ready, the hotel will call or text the room number.

 

[Bebella]

Re: Grad Nights

Based on information provided by posters on these boards, the best strategy for a grad night is:

- if you have a park hopper - spend the morning in DL, then move to DCA in the early afternoon (as the grads will start to occupy DL from around midday since they have free reign of DCA later in the evening)
- if you don't have a park hopper - either DCA or if you must go to DL, prepare for it to be crowded with grads in the afternoon and throughout the evening and for all of the "thrill" rides to be impossible to ride without Fast Passes (although FPs will normally be unavailable from some point during the afternoon)

Thank you! That helps...we'll plan on DL in the morning, then do DCA after naps in the afternoon.