Times/Logistics Advice Needed!

[sbnjlovedisney]

Hey everybody! I need some logistics help from the Disneyland veterans! I'm actually a California native and have been to Disneyland several times, the last one being 12 years ago, so I'm sure much has changed. On my last trip they were just finishing up CA! I'm actually more of a WDW veteran now as we lived there from Jan. 2005 to Jun. 2010 and spent a lot of time there, so I know how much planning can make or break or day. Most everything is already figured out, but I need some times advice from those who have recent firsthand knowledge!

We will be staying at GCV in a 2BR Villa from April 28th-May 5th for everyone's first trip to Disneyland! (Except for me.) Our party will consist of me, DH, DS6, DD3, and DMIL and DFIL (flying in from Florida to spend the week with us). We have 4 days in the parks, which I'm 99% sure are going to be Sun. April 29th, and Tues.-Thurs. May 1st-3rd. We try to avoid crowds at all costs, not because we hate people, but because they slow us down too much! Hahaha! So please feel free to give me some info on the following scenarios so that we can maximize our precious time!

1) What would be a better night for viewing fireworks and Fantasmic? I have Sunday night currently scheduled for all of that, since they don't show them on weekdays during off season, unlike WDW. I figured Sunday would be our best bet at having the least number of locals hanging around. Is that a correct assumption, or should I think about switching it to Friday? I'm also planning on attending the 2nd showing of Fantasmic, since we're not the type of people to stake out a spot 3 hours in advance. I can't believe people do that! I loved Fantasmic when I was a kid and would love to share it with the rest of my family, but there's not a single one of us who's going to sit there and save a spot for all that time. I heard there's less people at the 2nd showing and I'm fine with being there as soon as the 1st show clears out, but any longer than that and we might as well forget about it. So, is that going to work or should I write it off now?

2)World of Color...along the same lines. I will be the one to sit and wait for a spot while everyone else takes the kids on rides to keep them occupied. Chances are this will be happening on a Wednesday. Touring Plans has the crowd level at a 2 for that day. Is it still recommended to get there 90+ minutes in advance? I'd like to be towards the front of the line, but don't want to wait any longer that necessary to accomplish that. Any recommendations on when to line up?

3)Minnie's Breakfast times...On the weekdays that we'll be there, the park will most likely be opening at 10am. I know Minnie's closes down at 11am. What is the earliest times they'll be seating anybody on these days? We're looking at doing this Tuesday or Thursday which will both be Magic Mornings, so I'm assuming at least 9am for the earliest seating. I'm also debating on whether or not I should set this up for Sunday morning, since the park will open for MM at 7am. I figure if we were to do a 9:30am ressie, that would still give us 2.5 hours to do rides in the crucial morning hours that day, and still free us up for Tuesday and Thursday MMs. So what do you think? 9:30am Sunday, or waste a MM on Tues. or Thurs. at 9am?

4) Tangled Meet and Greet...I've been hearing 11am as the starting time, but recommendations for lining up 45 minute prior to that. Is that 11am starting time consistent for weekends and weekdays, or does it vary? That's definitely one we want to hit up as early as possible in the morning. Of course, by then, it sounds like she might be in Carnation Plaza Gardens with the rest of the princesses? Assuming that that hasn't taken place yet, what time should I line up on a weekday to be towards the front of the line? And is Flynn still around as of late? The kids love him just as much as they love Rapunzel and would be thrilled to see him.

 

[sonnyjane]

How exciting! My notes are in bold

1) What would be a better night for viewing fireworks and Fantasmic? I have Sunday night currently scheduled for all of that, since they don't show them on weekdays during off season, unlike WDW. I figured Sunday would be our best bet at having the least number of locals hanging around. Is that a correct assumption, or should I think about switching it to Friday? I'm also planning on attending the 2nd showing of Fantasmic, since we're not the type of people to stake out a spot 3 hours in advance. I can't believe people do that! I loved Fantasmic when I was a kid and would love to share it with the rest of my family, but there's not a single one of us who's going to sit there and save a spot for all that time. I heard there's less people at the 2nd showing and I'm fine with being there as soon as the 1st show clears out, but any longer than that and we might as well forget about it. So, is that going to work or should I write it off now?

I would try to see fireworks, etc. EARLY in your trip. That way if something were to happen, like a cancellation due to winds or other inclement weather, you will have other opportunities to see them. Make sense? Also, you might want to split up the nights of fireworks and F! so you're not rushed to get from one to the other, so I'd try for fireworks Friday, F! Sunday maybe?

2)World of Color...along the same lines. I will be the one to sit and wait for a spot while everyone else takes the kids on rides to keep them occupied. Chances are this will be happening on a Wednesday. Touring Plans has the crowd level at a 2 for that day. Is it still recommended to get there 90+ minutes in advance? I'd like to be towards the front of the line, but don't want to wait any longer that necessary to accomplish that. Any recommendations on when to line up?
WOC doesn't work like F!. You can't just stake out a spot. You'll need a pass to get into the viewing area. A free FP will do just fine. You pick those up earlier in the day at the Grizzly River Rapids in DCA. You'll need to line up at least 60 minutes prior to the show with that pass, and it's really not advised that you hold a spot for your whole family, as people will be crowding you out, since it's a standing-room only show. Read this thread for details: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2542717

Sorry I can't help with the other two .

 

[sbnjlovedisney]

Thank you! Yes, I'm aware of the WOC Fastpass arrangement. I'll be going in 30 minutes prior to opening that day to grab them. Just curious as to what time to arrive to line up to stake out a spot at the railing...still 60 minutes it sounds like. Oh well, that's fine. It sounds like it will be worth it. And I'll be taking a big, long stroller and put it sideways next to me to save some more spots. I might even lie on the ground, as I've heard has been done. LOL! Regardless, 6 spots will be saved, no matter what!

We'll only have Sunday OR Friday to see Fireworks and Fantasmic. We have 4 days in the parks. Our main days will be Tues-Thurs., so the decision will need to be made in advance as to what day we pick for our night time entertainment. I'll be keeping an eye on the weather and if it looks like there's even a chance of inclement weather or cancellation, we'll probably switch to Friday. Or maybe not...it probably won't break anybody's heart to miss either fireworks or Fantasmic, but I'd like them to see it if at all possible. I'm assuming Fireworks will still be at 8:40pm and the 2nd showing of Fantasmic at 10:15. Fireworks should end by 9pm, 1st showing of Fantasmic should end at about 9:25pm, so that gives us 25 minutes to make our way from the hub to NOS to stake out a spot immediately after the 1st crowd clears out...that's the intention anyway. Which should be easily accomplished, since I'm a ducking and dodging speed demon when it comes to making my way around in Disney crowds. Even if I have to go ahead of the group and stake out a spot on my own, I WILL get down there.

 

[HydroGuy]

1) What would be a better night for viewing fireworks and Fantasmic? I have Sunday night currently scheduled for all of that, since they don't show them on weekdays during off season, unlike WDW. I figured Sunday would be our best bet at having the least number of locals hanging around. Is that a correct assumption, or should I think about switching it to Friday? I'm also planning on attending the 2nd showing of Fantasmic, since we're not the type of people to stake out a spot 3 hours in advance. I can't believe people do that! I loved Fantasmic when I was a kid and would love to share it with the rest of my family, but there's not a single one of us who's going to sit there and save a spot for all that time. I heard there's less people at the 2nd showing and I'm fine with being there as soon as the 1st show clears out, but any longer than that and we might as well forget about it. So, is that going to work or should I write it off now?

To add to what SJ said, Sunday eve F! will be busy. Don't think it will be less so because it is Sunday. And the fireworks show Remember Dreams Come True is the best Disney fireworks show I have ever seen. I agree with SJ, see it on the first night.

It would work to see the late Fantasmic but not so much with younger kids. They will be very sleepy by then unless you can get long a nap in that day. If you are the GCH that would be the way to make it work.

Another option is to get the reserved dessert seating option for the first show. For info on all of this see: "Fantasmic! Superthread" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2671983

2)World of Color...along the same lines. I will be the one to sit and wait for a spot while everyone else takes the kids on rides to keep them occupied. Chances are this will be happening on a Wednesday. Touring Plans has the crowd level at a 2 for that day. Is it still recommended to get there 90+ minutes in advance? I'd like to be towards the front of the line, but don't want to wait any longer that necessary to accomplish that. Any recommendations on when to line up?

Yes, 90 minutes in advance. And don't even try to see WOC unless you are willing to put in the time and learn where the good viewing spots are. WOC is not like other Disney shows. The good viewing spots are very limited because Disney did an imperfect job in designing the viewing area. The WOC thread SJ linked tells you all about it.

For #3 and 4, sorry, I can't help!

Have a great trip!

 

[skiingfast]

3)Minnie's Breakfast times...On the weekdays that we'll be there, the park will most likely be opening at 10am. I know Minnie's closes down at 11am. What is the earliest times they'll be seating anybody on these days? We're looking at doing this Tuesday or Thursday which will both be Magic Mornings, so I'm assuming at least 9am for the earliest seating. I'm also debating on whether or not I should set this up for Sunday morning, since the park will open for MM at 7am. I figure if we were to do a 9:30am ressie, that would still give us 2.5 hours to do rides in the crucial morning hours that day, and still free us up for Tuesday and Thursday MMs. So what do you think? 9:30am Sunday, or waste a MM on Tues. or Thurs. at 9am?

Minnie's breakfast starts at 9:50 on 10 am opening days, 9:10 when the MM starts at 9am and 7:10 am on Sunday. It's always 10 minutes early on non MM days and 50 minutes before regular opening on MM days.

If I were in your posistion I would eat at 10:30 on Sunday. Perserving most of the early hours and leaving a good bit of time to eat and visit characters.

For Tangled, Rapunzel and Flynn have a special M&G and it's unlikely they would move even if the other princesses do. The new meeting area has not started construction so I doubt anything will be different on your visit anyway.

Since the time since there movie came out is growing and you are goin during a slow time, I would just go on theweekdays and aim for 10:30-45 line up.

 

[sbnjlovedisney]

To add to what SJ said, Sunday eve F! will be busy. Don't think it will be less so because it is Sunday. And the fireworks show Remember Dreams Come True is the best Disney fireworks show I have ever seen. I agree with SJ, see it on the first night.

It would work to see the late Fantasmic but not so much with younger kids. They will be very sleepy by then unless you can get long a nap in that day. If you are the GCH that would be the way to make it work.

Another option is to get the reserved dessert seating option for the first show. For info on all of this see: "Fantasmic! Superthread"


Yes, 90 minutes in advance. And don't even try to see WOC unless you are willing to put in the time and learn where the good viewing spots are. WOC is not like other Disney shows. The good viewing spots are very limited because Disney did an imperfect job in designing the viewing area. The WOC thread SJ linked tells you all about it.

For #3 and 4, sorry, I can't help!

Have a great trip!

Thank you! I think we'll just take our chances with the 2nd show on Sunday. The kids won't be a problem as we're ALL LATE night owls. This is about the only time there is an advantage to that. If anybody will have a problem, it will be DMIL and DFIL who will still be on Eastern Time. If we see it, great. If not, there's always next time! I definitely won't be spending $50+ for a dessert box and seating though. That's a little much for me.

As far as WOC goes, I've read the thread forwards and backwards. I feel prepared. We'll probably end up with blue since I'll get them first thing in the morning. I just have to decide whether to try to get down to the front rail, just in front of the VIP section, or on the bridge. I think the kids will enjoy it from the front, but I'd like to not have to fight my way out of there after it's over.

 

[sbnjlovedisney]

Minnie's breakfast starts at 9:50 on 10 am opening days, 9:10 when the MM starts at 9am and 7:10 am on Sunday. It's always 10 minutes early on non MM days and 50 minutes before regular opening on MM days.

If I were in your posistion I would eat at 10:30 on Sunday. Perserving most of the early hours and leaving a good bit of time to eat and visit characters.

For Tangled, Rapunzel and Flynn have a special M&G and it's unlikely they would move even if the other princesses do. The new meeting area has started construction so I doubt anything will be different on your visit anyway.

Since the time since there movie came out is growing and you are goin during a slow time, I would just go on theweekdays and aim for 10:30-45 line up.

Excellent! Thank you! I was leaning more towards Sunday for that very reason!

 

[sonnyjane]

As far as WOC goes, I've read the thread forwards and backwards. I feel prepared. We'll probably end up with blue since I'll get them first thing in the morning. I just have to decide whether to try to get down to the front rail, just in front of the VIP section, or on the bridge. I think the kids will enjoy it from the front, but I'd like to not have to fight my way out of there after it's over.

I would personally avoid the bridge at all costs. It's really a far inferior view. If you're going to go through the trouble to get a pass first thing and show up early to get a spot for the show, at least get a good spot! The bridge will only let you view portions of the show as compared to the full head-on experience.

 

[Eeee-va]

I actually think the second showing of Fantasmic! on Sunday will be somewhat less crowded than Friday's. People have to get back to work and such. You're the one who knows if your kids can handle the late show, though. If you are able to get to NoS before the first show lets out and don't have trouble with the traffic flow, you should be able to get a seat on the ground whether or not Sunday's second show is more crowded than Friday's.

As others have said, it's going to be very difficult to save spots for World of Color (and frankly people jostle and shove and it may not be pleasant if you try). I'm not sure anyone can really save a spot for 5 people with one stroller, and don't know if there will be room for those 5 people once they arrive (I'd imagine the stroller would take up a lot of room even if it collapses?). People will really crowd around right up to the stroller. I would guess someone lying on the ground would be fairly likely to be stepped on. I was standing in a not even very crowded spot in November 2011 and someone was still pressing against me and almost shoving me off the bridge through the whole show (causing me to lean at an uncomfortable forward angle because she was so close against me). And there wasn't even a soul behind her.

If you can't put in the time/brave the crowds to see it, you can get an IDEA of the show by watching it from the back side. Your kids may like it that way or may get bored, because you can't see the animation. Seeing it from the back is REALLY not the ideal way to see it, especially not for the first time, but if you can't devote at least 60 minutes (preferably 90) to waiting for it, it is a way to see the gorgeous colored fountains (which is my favorite aspect of the show anyway).

For Minnie's, Sunday sounds good to me. But realistically, you could spend one Magic Morning on Tomorrowland and another on Fantasyland and be easily able to see pretty much everything offered for both of those lands' Magic Mornings. I certainly would do all three if you can, but wouldn't consider it catastrophic if you missed one. (Unless you need to get all the combos on Star Tours, in which case that third one might be invaluable!)

At some point, the Tangled Meet and Greet was rumored to go away and for her to move to the Princess Fantasy Faire (by Small World). It sounds like she only moved in WDW. So far she still has her own spot in Disneyland. I'm almost certain it is officially Rapunzel's meet-and-greet, so Flynn may or may not be there; I'm not sure how/if you can tell for sure. (I understand if you go around the back to Pinocchio's restaurant, you can see in--that won't help you if he takes a break after you get in line, though!) I don't know any details beyond that.

Have a great trip!