WDW Vet at DLR 6/19-6/21--Need advice!

[tessieg]

Hello! We have been to WDW many many times and will coming for our first DLR trip in June.
Well, we just read about the Cars opening of June 15th and have mixed feelings. Have 3 dd's so no huge interest in Cars but we have enjoyed the movies and will look forward to seeing the new area.
However, we are very worried now about the huge crowds! We cant change our dates so we are stuck. Park days will be Tues 6/19, W 6/20, and R 6/21. The 19th is not blocked out for so cal passes so I expect this day will be insane.
Trying to figure out a game plan. If we stay in Disneyland the 19th and avoid DCA, will it be more tolerable?
SHould we head to DCA first thing the 20th to try to see Cars?
At WDW we usually can still figure out how to navigate around new attractions since we know the parks so well but I am worried that this DL trip will be a disaster since we will be figuring it all out for the first time.
I have previously read the awesome threads by hydroguy and will reread them soon.

 

[HydroGuy]

When Cars Land opens it will be a game changer and everything we have learned about how to tour DCA and how to balance DCA vs DL will be history.

By the time you go there will be zero or very little solid info on the best strategy. And that info will not really be available until June 15. So not much time for you to absorb it.

So what to do? Just relax and understand it will be crazy and fun and high energy. Of course CL will pull lots of interest which will pull some crowds away from DL and the rest of DCA. Just go with the flow and make up your mind beforehand to have fun. Also, get an early start each morning. And make sure you know how to maximize FP.

If the rumors are correct that DCA hours will change from 10AM-10PM to 8AM-11PM, that means DL will be even better to tour early at 8AM each morning this summer because a huge chunk of people will be pulled to DCA each morning. Not too hard to predict there will be long lines backed up at the turnstiles of DCA (imagine that!) 45 minutes before the park opens.

 

[tessieg]

Thanks so much for the reply! I guess we will just have to play it by ear. I will reread all your threads and then read the Unoffocial 2012 guide I got and at least familiarize myself with fastpass procedures and maps!
I think we will plan on mistly counter service on park days so as not to eat up time. We may do Goofy's Kitchen on arrival night since that won't be a park date.
Thanks for your endless help on this board!!!
Tessie

 

[helenb]

I would say that you have the right idea. If the 19th is predicted too be the busiest day, spend it at DL, because many of the locals will be wanting to see CL for themselves, but they'll clog up the other park. However keep in mind that the Matterhorn is scheduled to reopen (after a major months-long refurb) on the 15th as well, IIRC. That *might* mean some extra crowds there.

I agree with the suggestion that if the 2 parks open at the same time, the early-morning hours at DL will be even more deserted, and therefore prime ride time! *If* they start having MM at DCA (just a supposition on my part, I have no knowledge) then you might want to use that to experience CL, then get the heck out of Dodge before the masses show up.

 

[cindyland]

Go early! Locals are not known for being there at opening. Knock out as much as you can, then leave the park for a big lunch and come back and hit some rides at dinnertime (hopefully using your fastpasses from earlier in the day). Everything will be open and beautiful so enjoy!