Trip Observation 7/14/12. A very successful day. UPDATE: FP collection order pg. 2

[fctiger]

Wow, this was an AMAZING TR! 33 attractions in a day! On a Saturday in the middle of a summer season. That has to be a record lol.

And I was there yesterday as well, but was only at DL and wasnt there until the late evening around 8! Even then, I managed to do 10 rides no problem WITHOUT any game plan and only got one FP for Indy! The rest just walked on basically all night. I think the longest line I stood in was 15 mins for BTM and ST. So I imagine if you were there at rope drop as you were and really plotted out your FP as you clearly did, its possible to do over 30 attractions with a game plan like yours!

And I think if people do HALF that, they still feel like they got their money worth, so to get so much done in a single day between two parks is a huge bonus!

 

[DLR29]

Thanks for the great post DLR 29! I have been waiting to hear how this was going to work since you posted a few weeks back that you were going to try this.

Do you mind to share your FP collection plan once you hopped over to Disneyland? Order and collection times if you remember?

I am also interested to know when you had to claim your spot behind the fire hydrant for world of colour?

Thanks in advance

For FP...here was the game plan: (some of these are exact, some are estimates)

8AM- Get Soarin FP (8:40am-9:40)
8:05- Get WoC FP (Blue section)
8:15- Get Screamin FP (8:55-9:55)
8:50- Get RSR FP (3:00pm-4:00, also got the 3 surprise FP)
9:00- Get Space FP (9:40-10:40)
9:05- Get Roger Rabbit FP (9:55-10:55)
9:45- Get Splash FP (10:20-11:20)
10:25- Get ST FP (11:40-12:40)
11:20- Get Screamin FP (can't remember)
11:30- Get ToT FP (can't remember)
12:40- Get Space FP (3:10-4:10)
2:50- Get Indy FP (can't remember)
5:00- Get ST FP (8:30-9:30)

We also waited in our WoC spot for about 45 min but we would have been fine showing up 30 min before probably. We just decided to take a longer break and make sure we got that spot at the rail. I went and got snacks from the Cozy Cone too for while we waited.

Wow, the energy of youth!

On the extra rope after WoC fastpasses...my theory is that that's a way to slow people down around that direction and deter anyone from going around the side and getting ahead of the main Carsland rope drop.

I really have no idea why that mini rope was there. I don't think it was to prevent someone to run all the way around that Grizzly mountain because that would be quite the effort. It would be much faster to go down to that Bug's Land/ToT rope drop!

Because he got his WoC tickets right away he was able to get them for the Blue viewing zone where the green fire hydrant is located.

This spot is at the very top, near what is called the Light Tower. From the light tower the group going into the Blue Zone is divided. Some go to the bridge toward Ariel's Grotto, some down into Paradise Park. People will pass this spot because it's in the very top and they want to get close. Because this spot is overlooked you can often find it open 30 minutes before the show. It's best to find the hydrant during the day so you can get back to it with crowds around.

The spots is far back but provides a pretty good view. It looks over the back of the VIP viewing which sometimes means a few heads are in your view.

What was cool about standing right behind the VIP viewing is that they gave them all the new Glow with the Show ears, so we could definitely see them in action! There were a few other people wearing the special ears but not enough to make a cool effect.

We were there yesterday too, who knows we might have walked right by you!

Sounds like one heck of a day, glad it worked out and you got so much done with your friend.

Our paths must have crossed at some point during the day! Hope you had a great time too!

 

[skiingfast]

What was cool about standing right behind the VIP viewing is that they gave them all the new Glow with the Show ears, so we could definitely see them in action! There were a few other people wearing the special ears but not enough to make a cool effect.

Were you wearing them too?

 

[DLR29]

Were you wearing them too?

No, I missed the AP WoC shows where they gave them out for free.

 

[obias]

WOW that is just amazing how much u were able to get done!! Thanks for the trip report, updates, and pics!

 

[smiles33]

I agree--that is impressive and I'm awed by the pace of your speedwalking (based on FP pick-up times!). I can't wait until we can go to DLR without a stroller and really make the most of a FP collection strategy.

 

[DLR29]

I agree--that is impressive and I'm awed by the pace of your speedwalking (based on FP pick-up times!). I can't wait until we can go to DLR without a stroller and really make the most of a FP collection strategy.

Yeah...we'll just say that some CMs interpreted my "speedwalking" as a little too quick...I'm not sure what they were looking at. I clearly was not running!

Worth it.

 

[buyerbrad]

Im gonna give that FP plan a go when I am there in 2 weeks as we only have 1 day for both parks!

 

[Armadillo4]

DLR29, thanks for posting this most helpful report! I have a commando-style day coming up soon. But I'm taking a family on their very first visit and they have two kids ages 9 and 6--so we'll have to go at a slower pace. Since it's their first visit, they'll want to stop and look at stuff from time to time, take pictures at various locations, etc. I'm hoping we can get between 18-20 rides done.

Regarding getting from WOC to Fantasmic, do you have any tips for navigating the crowds? Since Magical (fireworks) will be going on during our transit time, would you suggest trying to go through the stores on Main St or just go with the 1-way traffic flow as the CMs direct us? We're going to try to do those 2 shows just like you did.

Im gonna give that FP plan a go when I am there in 2 weeks as we only have 1 day for both parks!

Me too. 1 day, 2 parks. Gonna see how many attractions we can get done!

 

[lake queen]

So I love this FP game plan, but it looks like you just ran around getting FP's. When did you actually USE the FP you had collected?

 

[HydroGuy]

So I love this FP game plan, but it looks like you just ran around getting FP's. When did you actually USE the FP you had collected?

DLR29 can speak for himself, but in general there is very little "run around getting FPs". It is more picking up FPs at opportune times and slanting touring in the direction of desired FPs. RSR is a different beast now and does require going out of your way to get FPs. Everything else does not.

For example this Sunday we will be at DL and will have EMH. We will do FantasyLand first then pick up Star Tours FPs and tour Tomorrowland. For the next FP pickup we will get Indy and then tour Advetureland/NOS/Critter Country - picking up Splash FPs while there. You just move towards the desired FP and then tour that area as you pass by.

 

[guynhawaii]

Aloha Sir,

Greatly looking forward to your touring recommendations of DCA. My thoughts about touring DL are same as yours. However, with RSR and CL, my touring plan for DCA is in limbo until I read your recommendations. Have fun and enjoy the happiest place on the planet with your family.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Fantastic! Good for you, we'll adopt your strategy for our weekdays visit in late Oct *but I'm hoping for lowish crowds....

 

[lake queen]

Thanks for the plans and tips. We will be in DL in one week!

We are used to WDW, so I am still trying to wrap my head around how small in area DL and DCA are.

We want to have as many FP as we can, but it is a little overwhelming when planning, because you now have 2 parks instead as one. I have appreciated all the tips I have learned on this board.

I would really like to try the plan of riding TSM and getting FP before we get in line for RSR FP, but I think I am too chicken! We only have 2 mornings in DCA, and I would hate to miss out on the RSR FP.

How would it work if I got in RSR FP line, then sent the 2 teens to get some other FP. Could they get somewhere for FP and the tickets back to me in time to get the RSR FP by the time I make it to the machines?

Would you compare the closeness of the 2 parks to Universal and IOA in FL?
Thanks!

 

[quantumottle]

From the WDW vet point of view, I would suggest you not think of DL as a smaller park, instead, just think of DL and DCA as one very large park. They are so close (approx 100 steps), it really doesn't feel like you're park hopping - especially to someone who has park-hopped at WDW.

Think of this very large park as being so much more conveniently designed (as in, MUCH less walking) than anything you've ever experienced at WDW, and you'll be fine.

As for a good FP to grab while you're in line at RSR, I would think TOT is the closest.

Have a great trip!

Thanks for the plans and tips. We will be in DL in one week!

We are used to WDW, so I am still trying to wrap my head around how small in area DL and DCA are.

We want to have as many FP as we can, but it is a little overwhelming when planning, because you now have 2 parks instead as one. I have appreciated all the tips I have learned on this board.

I would really like to try the plan of riding TSM and getting FP before we get in line for RSR FP, but I think I am too chicken! We only have 2 mornings in DCA, and I would hate to miss out on the RSR FP.

How would it work if I got in RSR FP line, then sent the 2 teens to get some other FP. Could they get somewhere for FP and the tickets back to me in time to get the RSR FP by the time I make it to the machines?

Would you compare the closeness of the 2 parks to Universal and IOA in FL?
Thanks!

 

[DLR29]

DLR29, thanks for posting this most helpful report! I have a commando-style day coming up soon. But I'm taking a family on their very first visit and they have two kids ages 9 and 6--so we'll have to go at a slower pace. Since it's their first visit, they'll want to stop and look at stuff from time to time, take pictures at various locations, etc. I'm hoping we can get between 18-20 rides done.

Regarding getting from WOC to Fantasmic, do you have any tips for navigating the crowds? Since Magical (fireworks) will be going on during our transit time, would you suggest trying to go through the stores on Main St or just go with the 1-way traffic flow as the CMs direct us? We're going to try to do those 2 shows just like you did.

Me too. 1 day, 2 parks. Gonna see how many attractions we can get done!

If you really don't care about seeing Magical, just enter down Main Street and it shouldn't be that bad. When we entered DL I thought that I would have to cut through shops but the main sidewalk was wide open. Walk down Main Street and cut right in front of the castle and head on over to Frontierland. Once they clear the area from the first Fantasmic show, book it and snag a good spot on the ground for the second show.

So I love this FP game plan, but it looks like you just ran around getting FP's. When did you actually USE the FP you had collected?

We also rode Toy Story in the early morning. Before 10:30 we had also ridden Alice, Mr. Toad, Snow White, Big Thunder, Indy, and Matterhorn twice...so it wasn't like we were only running around getting FPs. I remember using 1 of our FPs in the actual return window (the second Space FP). The rest were used much later than the printed return time window.

Screamin- A little after noon
Space- Around 1:00
Splash- Around 2:00
Roger Rabbit- Around 3:30
Space again- 4:00
Star Tours- Right after our Space ride around 4:20, I guess
Soarin- A little after 5:00
Screamin- Right after our Soarin ride
RSR- Right after dinner around 7:00
ToT- Right after RSR
Indy- Right after Fantasmic
Star Tours again- Right after Indy

Thanks for the plans and tips. We will be in DL in one week!

We are used to WDW, so I am still trying to wrap my head around how small in area DL and DCA are.

We want to have as many FP as we can, but it is a little overwhelming when planning, because you now have 2 parks instead as one. I have appreciated all the tips I have learned on this board.

I would really like to try the plan of riding TSM and getting FP before we get in line for RSR FP, but I think I am too chicken! We only have 2 mornings in DCA, and I would hate to miss out on the RSR FP.

How would it work if I got in RSR FP line, then sent the 2 teens to get some other FP. Could they get somewhere for FP and the tickets back to me in time to get the RSR FP by the time I make it to the machines?

Would you compare the closeness of the 2 parks to Universal and IOA in FL?
Thanks!

You could do that RSR FP plan only if you sent them to Screamin and WoC. The line moves too quickly to get a FP for any other ride. You wouldn't be able to get another FP by the time you got up to the front of the line. It works with Screamin because Screamin is disconnected from the park's system.

Also DL to DCA is closer than IOA to CITYWALK. Yes, it's that close.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Yeah...we'll just say that some CMs interpreted my "speedwalking" as a little too quick...I'm not sure what they were looking at. I clearly was not running!

Worth it.

oh ive been pulled over by the DL police...and lets say it has led to many many laughs at my expense

For example this Sunday we will be at DL

hey HG, You're going to CCT for lunch right? What time are you going? I know you arent doing first show but can you please ask if you have the option of getting FP for the first showing of WOC and let me know? I would really appreciate it...

 

[HydroGuy]

hey HG, You're going to CCT for lunch right? What time are you going? I know you arent doing first show but can you please ask if you have the option of getting FP for the first showing of WOC and let me know? I would really appreciate it...

LOL, we are doing first show and dining at lunch. What should I ask?

 

[rtfelt]

When we went to Carthay for dinner (it was one of the latest reservations you can get) the CM asked if we wanted first or second show WOC, so you can choose. We asked for 2nd because our reservation was for 7:50 and we didn't want to rush to get to the first show. BTW we were still there when the fireworks started, and we were able to go on the balcony and have a fabulous view of the fireworks. I would recommend it. We could even see Tinkerbell and Dumbo.

 

[rtfelt]

I just noticed your date. My children were all there that day--without me --they're old enough and were with my DD20. As locals, we rarely have a plan. They sure didn't--other than getting FP for RSR. Other than Space (and the FP and FP return for RSR that was 45 minutes), they didn't stand in line for anything more than 15 minutes. It was a slow day.