Tips from my recent trip

[Jairy]

I did the Fantasmic! dessert package with my DD and my DGD in May and I completely agree that the seats should be assigned when you make your reservation. After all, you have to pay when you register - so they should just assign your seats then. I originally was going to go to that podium to try to get a front row seat to make sure my DGD had an unobstructed view, but I ended up spending the time having fun with my girls instead, so we showed up 10 minutes before the start of the show and took the seats that were left. We ended up in the back row of course, which worked out fine because no one was behind us so my DGD sat up on her knees and we all had a perfect view. I wouldn't pay $60 each for those seats again but I don't regret doing it one time.

Yes! About the dessert. We had no wait at city hall in the morning. We showed up close to 8, but for my 10 and 12 year old, the back row was just fine (although I agree, you pay so much, your darn seat should be reserved!!), and we did it early in the trip. We brought zip lock bags (advice from here), to carry extra goodies home in and enjoyed them at a leisurely pace throughout the rest of our trip (warning...with 4 boxes, there is an absurd amount of Baby Bell cheese!). For us it was worth it, but I can definitely see how it would not be for some.

 

[Jairy]

Thanks for posting this. We leave for DLR in 2 days! I am curious how close to the rope you were when you tried to ride PP? It's definitely a must do for us so I am trying my best to minimize my wait here at RD. Also, can I ask how close you were to the rope when you got your first FP for RSR? Did they let you line up before RD for the FP or were you at the Rope and then led to the FP machines? Thanks for your help!

In March, we were about 10 people deep at the rope drop on Main Street. It was an EE morning. We went straight to PP and waited about 30 minutes. It was nice, but for my older children, it was not worth the half an hour wait first thing in the morning. It was one of our longer waits in our 5 days we were there. That, and the Storybook Canal.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Being a registered stroller dad for 5 trips to WDW and 2 trips to DL, this was the greatest line ever! I know that exact feeling. Either after a long day or on about the 3rd day in the parks, you have that one dude who keeps stopping in front of you. Sometimes, an "accidental" lesson has to be taught

I can understand the frustration, but sometimes (OK, many times) I stop short because the people in front of me (oftentimes people with a stroller!) have stopped short. Clipping me doesn't teach me any lesson except that there are impatient people who are willing to hurt me to get ahead of me. PLEASE (and this is addressed to all stroller parents) be careful, especially in times of frustration! I have too many bruises and cuts which could have been avoided, so the joke (and I understand the comment was meant as a joke) isn't funny to me.

I like the advice you have given. Won't do the Dessert package again. My one problem is the stroller remarks. My DH and I never just stop unless we are caught in a group who did. But, we also call the strollers assault vehicles. I can't say how many times some uses them to ram through the crowds, please use them for your children, not as a weapon.

Amen to this! Stroller rage (or any kind of pedestrian rage at DLR) is unacceptable. DH almost got run down by a woman ramming her stroller down Main Street while cursing out anyone who was in front of her. She was deliberately aiming for people while cursing a blue streak. Wish I could have found a security CM to stop her.

Lastly, the zip loc bags for the F! dessert box leftovers are a real help! We kept all the leftovers in our hotel refrigerator, then munched on our snacks all the way home. (And the cat had enough Baby Bel cheese to keep her happy for quite a while!)

 

[Disney Dreams]

I should say that I don't intentionally try to hit people with my stroller but it did happen twice, to people who abruptly cut us off. It wasn't on purpose but I didn't really feel that badly either.

But in your OP you made it clear that it is.. twice.

Stroller...

Finally, they’re great for accidentally clipping people’s ankles who cut you off then come to an abrupt stop for no reason whatsoever with no regard or consideration for anyone around them (see previous advice)....

Final advice
Have fun but don't stop in front of me!!!

That's just wrong. People need to stop sometimes. Maybe they dropped something. Maybe they realize they lost someone. Maybe someone cut them off and they are politely stopping so as not to injure anyone. Maybe try are having an asthma attack and need to get out an inhaler.

A stroller on the achilles is extremely painful and can do real injury to someone.

All credibility is lost in my eyes when someone clearly uses their stroller as a weapon against someone who cannot protect themselves, short of wearing steel boots just in case someone on a mission to get to Jedi Training Academy so their kid to get picked a fourth time decides to "accidentally" run in to their ankles.

It's supposed to be a fun place for all...
Dreams

 

[bumbershoot]

But in your OP you made it clear that it is.. twice. That's just wrong. People need to stop sometimes. Maybe they dropped something. Maybe they realize they lost someone. Maybe someone cut them off and they are politely stopping so as not to injure anyone. Maybe try are having an asthma attack and need to get out an inhaler. A stroller on the achilles is extremely painful and can do real injury to someone. All credibility is lost in my eyes when someone clearly uses their stroller as a weapon against someone who cannot protect themselves, short of wearing steel boots just in case someone on a mission to get to Jedi Training Academy so their kid to get picked a fourth time decides to "accidentally" run in to their ankles. It's supposed to be a fun place for all... Dreams

Agreed. I remember being at a crowded festival on city streets and being hit repeatedly by a large stroller. It was awful.

If DH were hit, it would be worse as he already has an injured Achilles. Which is funny since he was terrible with the stroller. He just didn't realize where the stroller ended. He was fired from the stroller pushing job. Of course we didn't get much practice since Disney was the only place we used a stroller.

 

[SplashMtn40inches]

Lighten up people. It was a tongue in cheek remark, made in jest to keep the thread light.

I don't purposely hit people with my stroller. And when I have hit people with my stroller, regardless of if they cut me off or not, I do apologize.

And the comment about how I took my son 4 times to Jedi Training. I do not feel bad about it one bit. He had as much chance as everyone else who showed up (and no, I did not barrel my way through the crowd to get there...I showed up 45 minutes beforehand, sat with breakfast and waited). Furthermore, there are 6 sessions per day.

And the whole "give others a chance" thing, I don't agree with either. No one opts out of RSR or other rides so that others can have a chance. I don't see why this particular situation would yield a different approach.

 

[SplashMtn40inches]

Thank you very much for this advice. When you then went to get FPs for RSR, how long was your wait to get those?

Not long at all. The RSR FP is a really efficient system. You queue just outside of "A Bugs Land". The *many* CM's around holler out things like "make sure one person in your party has ALL the tickets" just to keep things fluid.

Then when you approach the FP machines, you give your tickets to the CM there (I believe there are 6 FP machines, usually with a dedicated CM to each).

I never had to wait more than 6-7 minutes.

 

[SplashMtn40inches]

Thanks for posting this. We leave for DLR in 2 days! I am curious how close to the rope you were when you tried to ride PP? It's definitely a must do for us so I am trying my best to minimize my wait here at RD.

How close was I to the rope when I tried for Peter Pan? I was probably 15-20 people deep. I was probably in the front third to the middle of the pack. So not the best spot. I'm sure if you're closer to the rope, your wait will be less. Good luck!

Also, can I ask how close you were to the rope when you got your first FP for RSR? Did they let you line up before RD for the FP or were you at the Rope and then led to the FP machines?

I never stood by the rope drop on Buena Vista St for a RSR FP. In fact, I don't recommend you do at all (depending on your priorities of course). My priority was TSMM, so I did rope drop at Condor Flats (which is far quieter) then made my way to TSMM before heading to the RSR FP.

By then the crowds die down a bit and I can grab my RSR FP with little wait. I usually got a time anywhere from 1pm to 3pm.

 

[SplashMtn40inches]

Rather than hijack someone else's thread, I'll post here:

I took home a few extra maps (DL and DCA) for those who want them. I think I have 3 extra sets.

PM me if interested. I'll toss them in the mail today if possible. I'll update this thread once they're spoken form.

UPDATE: ALL THE MAPS ARE SPOKEN FOR. THANK YOU.

 

[all4fun]

Thank you so much for the advice! Haven't been in a couple of years. This trip will be mom and son, so we're both really looking forward to it.

 

[bakerudall]

How close was I to the rope when I tried for Peter Pan? I was probably 15-20 people deep. I was probably in the front third to the middle of the pack. So not the best spot. I'm sure if you're closer to the rope, your wait will be less. Good luck!

I never stood by the rope drop on Buena Vista St for a RSR FP. In fact, I don't recommend you do at all (depending on your priorities of course). My priority was TSMM, so I did rope drop at Condor Flats (which is far quieter) then made my way to TSMM before heading to the RSR FP.

By then the crowds die down a bit and I can grab my RSR FP with little wait. I usually got a time anywhere from 1pm to 3pm.

This was my experience this week as well. Unless you are a runner or power-walker and first in line at the gates, you won't beat the line to Peter Pan. We got in line for that ride at 11:45 PM and waited 35 minutes, but we were on 'bonus' park time, so we didn't care.

I have a love/hate relationship with PPF. The boats fly so fast, you can't take in all the artistry of the dark ride, and it ends quickly. On the other hand, if they made the vehicles fly more slowly, the lines would be unbearable, especially in the daytime with full sun.

We also got our RSR FP's between 30-45 min after park opening and never waited in line.

 

[Cinderpamela]

Stroller debates aside.... and they can go on, and on, and on....

OP you totally cracked me up with this line about the Fantasmic! Dessert on the first post!!

Was I given delicious box of diabetes? Yes.

High-Larious!!

That is totally what it is!

 

[Pesky]

Totally agree with your advice. We did PP and honestly feel like we missed out on so much more in Fantasyland for PP. Kids liked it but didn't love it. And agree on F! dessert. Glad I did it, don't feel like I need to do it again. And I'd also say it is LOUD. I'd forgotten how loud it is.

 

[tstidm1]

I think there are situations where the Fantasmic Desert package would be a good value. Someone who can't sit on concrete for many hours like a senior citizen or a disability is a good value because they get a comfortable seat. The real solution is to have Fastpass and a WOC style setup of zones. Hopefully, the new head of DL will try that by next year.

 

[vakamalua]

Someone PM'd me about the view from the right side of the viewing area for Jedi Training. It's just as good as the left.

Here's a video of my son fighting Vader. I'm shooting this on my phone, sitting in the middle of the right side.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bANo_eKPmA&feature=youtu.be

That video is adorable! Thanks for the tips on the Jedi Academy; taking my 10 yr old nephew (big SW fan) to Disney for the first time and want to try it.

Do you have to get there 45 minutes before? Are some of the times throughout the day less crowded? How many kids do they pick each time?

 

[DisneytheKid]

Great tips! Thanks for your insight

 

[SplashMtn40inches]

I think there are situations where the Fantasmic Desert package would be a good value. Someone who can't sit on concrete for many hours like a senior citizen or a disability is a good value because they get a comfortable seat. The real solution is to have Fastpass and a WOC style setup of zones. Hopefully, the new head of DL will try that by next year.

Agree 100%. Everyone's situation is different so the F! dessert package will be more appealing to some over others. It's a wonderful show and if you can afford the splurge and are okay with a wait, then go for it!

That video is adorable! Thanks for the tips on the Jedi Academy; taking my 10 yr old nephew (big SW fan) to Disney for the first time and want to try it.

Do you have to get there 45 minutes before? Are some of the times throughout the day less crowded? How many kids do they pick each time?

I will take a look back at my pics to see how many kids they picked, but it must have been like 30. The group is split between older and younger kids. Older kids fight Darth Maul on the floor (the guy who plays him is awesome) and the younger fight Darth Vader on stage.

I didn't always show up 45 minutes before. It varied between 45min-30min wait. I'd usually ensure I was seated in the viewing area within 20min of showtime. Usually, I'd just grab a fruit platter at the counter service by the training area, relax a bit in the shade before making my way to the viewing area. Easy morning.

Mind you, I always went for the 10:30am show (I figure it's less kids and less heat). I can't tell you how good or bad the wait or crowd is for other shows.

I wish your nephew all the luck getting picked. It was certainly a highlight for my son. The actors and Jedi Master are all top notch and they really make it a fun experience for the kids and adults watching. I have nothing but great things to say about Jedi Training.

 

[DaisyDuck88]

We also stood at the Condor Flats rope to get to TSMM at a 9 am open and by 9:37 we had ridden twice. It is a longer walk than Buena Vista, but no crazy crowd.

As for Peter Pan, I do think you must have to be first at the rope to get on quickly. On Sunday morning we were at the right hand rope as you face the castle. We stood to the far left of it and were the at the very front by the rope. We walked quickly (did not run...in fact CM said "please walk...if you don't run, people behind you wont") and still there were some people before us, but we were able to walk right on. When we got off the ride it was a 40 minute posted wait! We had three mornings in DL and chose one of the rides with heavy lines to ride first. First morning was Matterhorn..which we all hated. None of us remember it being so rough and no one wanted to ride it again. Second morning was Peter Pan. And third morning we started with Dumbo and then Storyland Canal Boats. I was surprised my 11 and 12 year old chose Dumbo "for old time's sake" and the Storyland boats. I think those were actually their favorite rides in Fantasyland!

 

[MamaLou]

This made me laugh. My DH and I refer to them as "stroller people" and have had our ankles rammed countless times. And, like you, we don't stop without looking unless a group ahead does. Ah well, it's Disneyland, and we learn to make our way, zigging & zagging through. But there are those frustrating times... We are getting ready to become stroller people ourselves in an upcoming Sept. trip with our 4 yr old granddaughter (her first time, exciting!). We plan on renting a stroller (not from Disney) because I know that even tho she's full of energy, the long days of walking and all the excitement will wear her out. I promise not to intentionally run into anyone!

 

[vakamalua]

I will take a look back at my pics to see how many kids they picked, but it must have been like 30. The group is split between older and younger kids. Older kids fight Darth Maul on the floor (the guy who plays him is awesome) and the younger fight Darth Vader on stage.

I didn't always show up 45 minutes before. It varied between 45min-30min wait. I'd usually ensure I was seated in the viewing area within 20min of showtime. Usually, I'd just grab a fruit platter at the counter service by the training area, relax a bit in the shade before making my way to the viewing area. Easy morning.

Mind you, I always went for the 10:30am show (I figure it's less kids and less heat). I can't tell you how good or bad the wait or crowd is for other shows.

I wish your nephew all the luck getting picked. It was certainly a highlight for my son. The actors and Jedi Master are all top notch and they really make it a fun experience for the kids and adults watching. I have nothing but great things to say about Jedi Training.

Again, thanks for your info; you're kind to take the time to share. I'm assuming a 10 yr old would be placed with the 'big' kids and fight Darth Maul. Would it be hard to take pictures since it takes place on the floor?