Those who have been in August - any tips on how best to work it?

[RoseBug]

As we will be going at one of the busiest, and possibly hottest, times we want to be prepared!

Our plans so far is to make sure we get to the gates a little before EMH start on the 4 mornings we are there. Spend 2 hours in the parks doing as much as we can that will be too busy to do once park opens. What rides etc. are open during summer EMH and how would you work it?

We then intend to head to Salon Mickey for a late morning snack around 10:30am.

Then lunch at 12-1pm ish - and we intend to do character meals, to increase character interaction for DD without having to queue and so that we are away from the hottest point of the day in the restaurant. So Auberge again, Café Mickey, Cowboy Cookout and one day maybe Toad Hall, with a dinner at Inventions or Café Mickey.

Then head back to the NPB after lunch - around 2pm ish for a nap or swim, again to avoid the mid-afternoon sun. Then back to the parks around 4pm.

Any tips on how to avoid the crowds and how to get a good spot for parades etc?

Sorry, I know this is massively early - but a girl needs to be organised!

 

[jothp]

We had a flying visit last August but we arrived in the park about 5ish on day one and stayed until 11. We then did 8am until 11pm day two and 8am just EMH day 3 before leaving for home.

Summer EMH were the same as other times of year: PP, Dumbo, Carousel, Tea Cups, Buzz, Space mountain, Orbitron. Our general rule is to do PP, Dumbo, Buzz, Orbitron during EMH as these get the biggest queues later in the day. I think it is a great idea to go back to the hotel to nap after lunch as all day in the parks is too much.

Both days we were there we skipped OUAD parade but we watched fantilusion near pizzeria belle notte and didn't need to be there too early to get a good view.

By about 9pm rides like small world, POTC, teacups had very little queue.

Remember if you do want a break from the sun then you also have the shows in the studios which are all inside and the 4pm meet and greet at DLH.

 

[DLPdaft]

Videopolis in Discoveryland is also a great place to go to relax and get out of the sun, it has a counter service restaurant inside it, plus a big screen which shows classic cartoons all day .

 

[Ms Poppins]

I agree with all of the above

Opposite Bella Note - fantastic spot for parades/fantillusion. We could not believe how empty it was during high season.

Swim/nap a must do in afternoons in the heat - or Studios for shows

I think you'll manage to get round everything at EMH if you're there for 8 - you'll be done by 9.

Also, if you see something you want to do, just do it there and then instead of saying you'll make your way back later - we never did.

Happy planning

 

[SleepingX3Beauty]

Another great spot for the parades (especially with kids!) is above in the main street railroad station. Perfect view and if you get there in time, there'll be nothing or no one blocking your little ones view upon the show!
We usually go there if I want to get some pictures taken, I'm very small and even if there's no one in front of me people next to me seem to find it necessary to hold there camera in front of mine for THEIR pictures.

 

[RoseBug]

Thanks everyone. I just want to make sure we get the most out of this trip, as it is really a huge treat (as was the Feb one) and lots of sacrifices are to be made to go and I don't want to miss anything if possible. Plus, it may well be the last holiday until 2014, as we will be saving like mad for California!

So, so pleased we booked, DD asks everyday if we are going back to Disneyland, in such a sweet way (she is too young to understand that it costs money etc.) and it is just lovely, you can see the twinkle in her eye when she talks about it!