Walk from PPH to entrances....and other misc Q&A :)

[GrandBob]

Question #7....during the Halloween Party, are the characters in set locations or "wandering the park" as I have seen it described in a couple of Halloween Party write-ups? This is important as I MUST MEET JACK SKELLINGTON! I missed him at MNSSHP at WDW last year AND on the Disney Cruise we were on right after that. Halloween RUINED! This year....yes, I will stalk him if necessary.

Re: Jack and Sally. Note my avatar - that's me, DW, and DGD with Sally at Halloween time. Jack and/or Sally generally hang around the small park that's between the Haunted Mansion and the NO Square train station. It's called Magnolia Park on Wikimapia:
http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=33.811441&lon=-117.921848&z=20&m=b

Frequently, it's just one or the other, either Jack or Sally. Sometimes they're both out together, and that's a real treat. When it's both, there's usually a pretty good line to get to see them. When it's one, sometimes there's still a long line, sometimes it's nearly walk-up. It's hit or miss. For my avatar, it was just Sally, but I think we just waited for one other set of guests before we could meet her.

Good luck, and enjoy your Disney vacation.
Bob

 

[Sherry E]

Cassie reported back to us in the Halloween Time Superthread last night, and she saw Jack and Sally - http://www.disboards.com/threads/ha...s-now-sold-out.3270919/page-248#post-54405204.

 

[MinMou]

I don't see anyone yelling and I don't know why they would.

When I posted that I would skip Peter Pan on our first day at the park, because my child is 2 and it's indoors, so he won't notice he missed it, I was ROASTED! It's a legacy ride! How could you deny your child a trip over London? I reiterated that my child was 2 and wouldn't appreciate it being an original ride.

Thank you Sherry. I appreciate your response better!

 

[Sherry E]

When I posted that I would skip Peter Pan on our first day at the park, because my child is 2 and it's indoors, so he won't notice he missed it, I was ROASTED! It's a legacy ride! How could you deny your child a trip over London? I reiterated that my child was 2 and wouldn't appreciate it being an original ride.

Thank you Sherry. I appreciate your response better!

Oh my goodness -- I missed seeing that thread, thankfully! I think that different set-ups and plans work for different families and groups. Some things work for everyone, and some people have to do things a bit differently. You should be able to decide when your child rides Peter Pan!

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

Peter Pan is the same at both parks, right? We often skip it at WDW because of the lines. I was already kind of thinking we would focus on everything else in our first DL EMH day and head straight for it on iur second DL EMH day. Good to know someone else thinks that's a good plan!

 

[grnflash]

Peter Pan is the same at both parks, right? We often skip it at WDW because of the lines. I was already kind of thinking we would focus on everything else in our first DL EMH day and head straight for it on iur second DL EMH day. Good to know someone else thinks that's a good plan!

It is similar but different enough that you will notice the differences. Very good plan imo to use your MM for the rest of FL and try it the next day. It is worth doing to see for yourself

 

[MinMou]

I just read that there is an Observation Room for the Nemo ride for people who have trouble getting in and out of the submarine. Has anyone done this? I am wondering if you have to wait in line for this as well, and if they will allow people who aren't physically challenged.

 

[DisneyWillow1975]

Love this thread! We are staying at PPH from December 1 to December 5 but will going with friends who are staying offsite, so can't take advantage of any EMH. Our plan is to hit Peter Pan and FL first on our first DL day and hope our three year olds will ride the FL rides (PP caused a major meltdown at WDW in June so we are prepared to skip FL if necessary) and do a character breakfast our second DL day and head towards non-EMH lands at our park entry. All of the elevator and walking tips make me feel much more comfortable!

 

[bellazachmom]

I am about to suggest something that many Disneyland aficianados would consider terrible. I know that many would think this is WRONG, but I think that it is something that first time visitors should really consider.

=>If you are planning to be in the Disneyland park more than one day, consider skipping Peter Pan and Finding Nemo the first day. OK, everyone yell, and I'll explain next.

Your first day in the park is a chance to look at EVERYTHING, and to get a feel for how the park is laid out, to decide what looks good, etc. If you are spending your first 30-50 in line for one ride, and another 30-50 minutes for another ride, you could end up feeling cheated. Your kids will get bored and antsy, and you haven't even seen half the park. That's why I think seeing as much of the park on the first day is a better use of time, and then when you are at dinner or at your hotel, you can decide what rides to go back to and strategize how to get to these rides that you missed on purpose.

Now everyone can go ahead and yell at me again.

I think that this makes a lot of sense!! Great plan!!

 

[bellazachmom]

It is similar but different enough that you will notice the differences. Very good plan imo to use your MM for the rest of FL and try it the next day. It is worth doing to see for yourself

It actually seems very different to me, especailly with the new effects that were just added. It loads a lot differently, however and it is much slower than the way it loads at WDW. Add that to the fact that there are no FPs and the line is very tight and constricted (picture the old WDW line area before the update and shrink it) and the wait can be a bit another huge time suck for a very short ride. A good ride, a classic ride, but still a very short ride

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I would count on 10 minutes. It might be just 5 minutes from the hotel to the DCA/Grand Cali gate, but it's further to the main gates. PLUS, don't forget you have to get from your room to the elevator, wait for the slowest elevator on property, then make your way outside. I'd go with 10-15 mintues walk, but that's just me playing it safe.

I agree with this estimate. If you have a big group, then I'd go with the 10-15 minutes estimate.

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

So, here's another EMH strategy question....

I read somewhere (God only knows where at this point in my research) that we should consider NOT going straight to RSR on our DCA EMH day, but rather go to TSMM, ToT, Screamin', etc and return to RSR toward the end of EMH. The reasoning is that everyone goes to RSR, creating an instantaneous 30-45 min wait and that if you go later in the hour, most of those people will have cycled through and the line will be shorter than it would be if you went right at the beginning of EMH. Does that theory hold water or does the line just constantly re-fill throughout EMH? I guess we could certainly try it and, if it didn't work, we'd be there to pull FPs right at regular opening.

Thoughts from you DCA EMH veterans?

 

[Xenorye]

So, here's another EMH strategy question....

I read somewhere (God only knows where at this point in my research) that we should consider NOT going straight to RSR on our DCA EMH day, but rather go to TSMM, ToT, Screamin', etc and return to RSR toward the end of EMH. The reasoning is that everyone goes to RSR, creating an instantaneous 30-45 min wait and that if you go later in the hour, most of those people will have cycled through and the line will be shorter than it would be if you went right at the beginning of EMH. Does that theory hold water or does the line just constantly re-fill throughout EMH? I guess we could certainly try it and, if it didn't work, we'd be there to pull FPs right at regular opening.

Thoughts from you DCA EMH veterans?

Hmm. I'm not sure that the wait will be shorter later in the hour, but I can tell you that you can really get a lot more out of the hour by skipping RSR. We rode TSMM 3 times in a row, without even getting out of our vehicle last week (Labor Day, to be exact). Rode Ariel, Soarin', and hit up A&E before the hour was over. If you're not trying to ride RSR multiple times in a day, I'd suggest hitting up other areas first, give the fastpass line about an hour to die down, then grab one for the afternoon. It's the easiest way IMO.

 

[Tyggress]

Jack (and Sally) are usually out during the day during HalloweenTime (I've seen one photo from this year on Instagram, so it seems that is still true). So you can probably meet him during the day over by Haunted Mansion. In terms of the other characters at MHP, they're usually at fixed locations. I posted a scan of the MHP Guide from last year, which indicated where the characters will be:

I was there over the weekend, and Jack & Sally are out all day long near the Haunted Mansion...they've taken to switching them out every 1/2 hour or so, but they come right back out (maybe 5 minutes), so they have multiple people playing the characters. Even with that, we had a 1-hour wait to see them...so if this is high on someone's priority list, I'd go earlier in the morning and hope the line isn't too long yet.

ETA: They actually aren't right next to the mansion any longer...they are down closer to the water/Fantamic! viewing area.

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

I was there over the weekend, and Jack & Sally are out all day long near the Haunted Mansion...they've taken to switching them out every 1/2 hour or so, but they come right back out (maybe 5 minutes), so they have multiple people playing the characters. Even with that, we had a 1-hour wait to see them...so if this is high on someone's priority list, I'd go earlier in the morning and hope the line isn't too long yet.

ETA: They actually aren't right next to the mansion any longer...they are down closer to the water/Fantamic! viewing area.

It's definitely a priority for me! It will be a bust of a trip if I don't get to meet Jack on this trip!! I will take your advice and plan for an early morning visit to see them. I might stalk, I mean check out, the way things look on our first day at DL and plan for it on our second day there.

 

[Tyggress]

It's definitely a priority for me! It will be a bust of a trip if I don't get to meet Jack on this trip!! I will take your advice and plan for an early morning visit to see them. I might stalk, I mean check out, the way things look on our first day at DL and plan for it on our second day there.

It is definitely worth the wait. My 4 YO son ran up and hugged Jack so hard! He loves Jack and Sally....the line can be long, but as a PP said, it's because they spend a good deal of time with each kid/family/group. There is no rush at all, and they visit, chat, sign autographs, take tons of pictures. It was a great experience.

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

It is definitely worth the wait. My 4 YO son ran up and hugged Jack so hard! He loves Jack and Sally....the line can be long, but as a PP said, it's because they spend a good deal of time with each kid/family/group. There is no rush at all, and they visit, chat, sign autographs, take tons of pictures. It was a great experience.

We absolutely cannot wait to see them. My DS8 broke his arm last year and had to have surgery to insert and remove pins so he's excited to share his scars with Sally. My brother loves them so much that one of his dearly departed dogs was named Zero. OK, and I have a little crush on Jack.

 

[Astylla]

I just wanted to add about the PPH walk... Having stayed there many times, the first time I attempted the "short cut" -- which is the route taking you out the front of the PPH, across the street and through the GCH lobby -- I took a wrong turn and didn't end up where I needed to be. I was overthinking where I was supposed to go, when really it was quite simple. I figured out that it is literally as easy as walking out the front of the PPH, veering to the left, crossing the street (Disneyland Drive) at the light at the corner, and marching up the foot path to the GCH lobby. From the GCH lobby you follow the signs to wherever you want to go -- Downtown Disney, DCA, the restaurants at the GCH, etc.

After I knew where I was going, then the walk became faster and more pleasant each time. I grew to look forward to that walk, especially in the crisp morning air and at night, as I enjoy going through Downtown Disney when it is bustling with activity. Sometimes I walk at a more leisurely pace and it takes a bit longer (especially if I get distracted by the gorgeous GCH lobby), but other times I can get to the parks' entrance in well under 10 minutes if I walk fast and don't stop, and if I don't hit a long line at the bag check area.

Over the years I have often read complaints about the elevators at the PPH. People always say they are slow (meaning slow to arrive, not slow when you're in them). I suppose there has been a time or two when the elevator was slower to arrive than usual, but it did not leave a lasting impression on me. In other words, it has not happened often enough to keep me away from the PPH. On a couple of occasions I have gotten in the elevator going up when I was trying to get down to the lobby, but usually I don't have to do that. It probably has a lot to do with the time of day or night.

I'm considering a split stay at PPH Theme Park View for 2 nights then moving to DLH for 5 nights ( already confirmed) - having never stayed at PPH but hearing great things on the boards - why do you like it ?
How is it at holiday time ?
We've done the walk from Frontier Tower to GCH many times which is similar to the PPH-GCH walkway and I too love that walk !

Sorry to hijack this is just our last Disney trip probably for a year or two and now I have questions lol.

 

[stardusty21]

We stayed at PPH last week (when the park was at capacity). First of all, I wanted to comment that we never waited over a minute or two for an elevator. In the morning, we did the GCH short cut into DT Disney and went through the main gate. Took us about 7-8 minutes. If we were going back into DCA after our mid day break, we would use the GCH entrance. If we were going back into DL, we would take the monorail. As for our RSR plan, the first early entry into DCA, we went to Toy Story first. We were the first ones on the ride. After we got off, there still was no line. We did Screamin, TOT, Soaring also in the first hour. Then, they had the fast pass line open for early entry BEFORE the park opened, so we were able to get a FP for Radiator Springs for about 15 minutes later. SCORE! The next early entry day, we went to RSR first, we were about 10th in line and still were able to get all of the good rides in the first hour. Over at DL, it was a different story. We always left our hotel at least 45 minutes prior to opening. Tried to get right up to the rope for rope drop. Walked very fast to our destination. The problem at DL is when we would get to our destination (Space) or Matterhorn) it would be down, so by the time we would head over to FL, lines would be very long already. We thought that Disney should do MM in one park and EE in the other and switch off. Way too many people trying to get into DL early to be able to enjoy the rides without long waits.
We LOVED PPH, we had a theme park view and it was awesome. Other than the view, I didn't see any reason to spend the extra money on staying there. We generally stay on Harbor (HoJo) and the rooms inside are comparable. We were celebrating a special occasion and decided to splurge. Yes, we had a wonderful time but next time we go I will probably opt to stay on Harbor again and save $1000.

 

[Aladora]

I'm considering a split stay at PPH Theme Park View for 2 nights then moving to DLH for 5 nights ( already confirmed) - having never stayed at PPH but hearing great things on the boards - why do you like it ?
How is it at holiday time ?
We've done the walk from Frontier Tower to GCH many times which is similar to the PPH-GCH walkway and I too love that walk !

Sorry to hijack this is just our last Disney trip probably for a year or two and now I have questions lol.

We've stayed at all three of the DLR hotels and our most recent trip in August was at the PPH. Out of the 3, we actually prefer PPH. The rooms are big and bright, the elevators did not pose any issue for us and we found the general vibe of the hotel was just a bit calmer and more relaxed. The walk, when you take the GCH shortcut, was easy and quick and I really loved being able to watch the fireworks from the pool deck area. Since our room at GCH was SO far away from the elevators, I don't think the walk from the PPH was much longer than GCH, if that makes sense. The one benefit of our GCH room was that we were only on thr 4th floor, so we could walk down the staircase to get to the DTD entrance. We were on the 10th floor at PPH, so stairs would have been a bit more of a walk!

We pre-ordered breakfast every morning and two orders of the continental breakfast (pastries, fruit salad and 2 drinks per order) was more than enough for the 3 of us, I think we even had leftovers.

We had a problem with the safe not locking when we arrived and they had someone up in our room fixing it within a few minutes.

I love the look of all three onsite hotels but even if they all cost the same, I think we would likely pick PPH over the other two.