WDW vet doing DL...Help

[brockash]

Hi,
We go to WDW every year, and have been to Disneyland, but we don't know it very well and haven't been in a few years. We are spending 3 days at the parks 12/17-12/19. Any tips? Specifically, how are the parks compared to WDW? I know it'll be crowded, but any ideas on how crowded or ways to make the most of our time. I believe there will be early morning hours each day we're there for both parks, however we're staying at a good neighbor hotel so we won't be eligible. Any touring strategies that you'd recommend or a place to start our day in those circumstances?

Does baby swap work the same as WDW?

I don't think we'll bother with Fantastic! as we see it at WDW and everything I've read says it's crazy in that area when Fantasmic is going on. We would like to see World of Color... what's the best way to see this, fastpass? How far in advance should we get in line? We don't need to be front and center, but would like decent view and we'll have a larger party.

Is there any other night time entertainment? I think DL has fireworks, are they generally every night?

We'll probably buy the maxpass fastpass thing, though I'm not really familiar with it. It's my understanding that once you enter the park, you can book one fastpass at a time from your phone, but that you'll need to scan your phone or ticket for each person when you redeem??

We'll be there for rope drop all days and plan on doing all attractions, what order would you suggest we get fastpasses for each park? Are there any that generally run out? Also, to make it in time for rope drop what time should we leave the Harbor Blvd. area? How's security... last time we were there, there was 1 day that it was absolutely insane and so backed up and disorganized, it took us over 30 mins. just to get through BAG check... what is it like now on that side?

Also, we'll be getting military tix for 6 of us, but will need to purchase 3.... where's the cheapest place to get 3 kid 3day hopper tix? Disney, AAA, Costco, any 3rd party sellers?


Thanks so much, I know it's a lot of questions, but I just feel so out of it in terms of Disneyland, as I just don't have nearly the familiarity as WDW. Thanks again and any thoughts/info. is appreciated.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Here's a start http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[figment_jii]

I second the recommendation to take a look at HydroGuy's A DLR Guide for WDW Vets. It'll help you get orientated and answer a lot of questions.

We are spending 3 days at the parks 12/17-12/19. Any tips? Specifically, how are the parks compared to WDW? I know it'll be crowded, but any ideas on how crowded or ways to make the most of our time.

I suspect Sunday (12/17) will be busy because that's the last day before the Signature AP Holiday Blockout begins.

I don't think we'll bother with Fantastic! as we see it at WDW and everything I've read says it's crazy in that area when Fantasmic is going on.

While I concur that the area around F! is quite busy before and during the show, it's worth noting that DL debut a new show this summer. While it still has the same basic elements as DHS' version (e.g., mist screens, princesses, Mickey, etc.), the storyline and sequences have changed a lot. If you're on a limited schedule, I would probably consider doing a dining package for the second showing to minimize the wait time. It's well worth it to see this version of F!, which I liked much better than the DHS version. I suppose to me, it's a little like saying I've seen a parade in WDW so I don't need to see a parade in DL or I've seen a fireworks show in MK, so I don't need to see fireworks in DL. They have the same name, but they're very different shows.

We would like to see World of Color... what's the best way to see this, fastpass? How far in advance should we get in line? We don't need to be front and center, but would like decent view and we'll have a larger party.

I would plan on getting FPs in the morning (although, they usually last fairly long into the day now) and then get back to the waiting area at least 30-60 minutes before the FP says to. WoC's viewing area is very poorly designed, so unless you're in the front row or are as tall as a professional basketball player, you're going to miss out on part of the show if you cannot see the water surface. Basically, I would plan on giving up a good chunk of time (several hours) if you really wanted to see WoC. Otherwise, you might consider one of the dining packages, but those do not guarantee an unobstructed view either. Basically, regardless of whether you get a FP or a dining package, you need to plan to get in line early enough to be one of the first people into the viewing area if you want a good/decent view.

Is there any other night time entertainment? I think DL has fireworks, are they generally every night?

Fireworks are likely to be nightly when you are there (during the Holiday season). During a non-peak season, fireworks are generally only presented on weekends (Fri-Sun). That being said, they can be cancelled due to weather (usually winds at higher elevations). It's not uncommon for that to happen. There is also usually the Christmas Parade (that can be both the daytime and nighttime parade).

We'll probably buy the maxpass fastpass thing, though I'm not really familiar with it. It's my understanding that once you enter the park, you can book one fastpass at a time from your phone, but that you'll need to scan your phone or ticket for each person when you redeem??

For the most part, that sounds correct. You cannot make a Maxpass FP selection until the ticket has been scanned into the park for that day. From there, you can see which attractions have FPs available and the current return time. You select it and then when you go to redeem your FP, you have to scan either your physical ticket or the barcode presented in the official Disneyland App (tied to your ticket).

We'll be there for rope drop all days and plan on doing all attractions, what order would you suggest we get fastpasses for each park? Are there any that generally run out?

Yes, I'd say the most common to run out are RSR, TSMM, Space, Indy, and (depending) GotG: MB (or if they're doing an overlay, that one).

Also, to make it in time for rope drop what time should we leave the Harbor Blvd. area? How's security... last time we were there, there was 1 day that it was absolutely insane and so backed up and disorganized, it took us over 30 mins. just to get through BAG check... what is it like now on that side?

That's harder to say...I've found that on mornings when the parks opened later, security lines on Harbor Blvd side were long (15-45 minutes). If it's an early opening and you go early, the lines didn't seem as bad. However, it really depends on how many security lines are open, which CM you get, how many other guest there are, etc. I'd go with the assumption that security will take at least 30 minutes just to be safe.

 

[millie0312]

Cheapest place for tickets is always LMT- go online and find a code for free membership.

As far as busy- yes it will be VERY busy. Maybe it won’t feel as bad for you as WDW but everything is crammed together not spread out like there so while the lines are typical slightly to much less then WDW on an equally busy day, you feel packed in especially in certain parts of the park. If you come in with a good touring plan strategy, make the most of MP or FP, maximize RD hours and end of the night hours I’m sure you’ll be fine. Just have realistic expectations that you may not (although you may it’s hard to say) get everything done or everything done on your list. I would recommend getting to RD early and being at the opposite park as EE. We usually get to security at Harbor around 1:15 before RD because security is long, but now with the new security I’ve heard it’s even slower so we may go earlier- it’s slooowww. MP will help, you scan your tickets whenever you get them into the app, then purchase MP for the day it includes PP. it’s hard to say a great order but usually in DCA GotG, RSR and Soarin run out and in DL Indy, HMH, SM, ST are hot ticket items. I’d also recommend eating at off times so you don’t waste time on food lines. If you hit anything early like FL which most rides don’t have FP for, you’re likely to pretty much ride it all in the first hour, FP whenever possible and enjoy!

Rider swap now is you have to show your FP/MP to the CM and your child and they will issue you a specific time (usually almost immediately) to come back very similar to a FP with the hour window. You cannot cancel these if you have MP only a CM can. Some say you need to all have FP to get one, most wont so only the initial riders need one. There is a thread going on this.

F! Is a good show and I’ve heard better then the WDW version, but it is a crammed area. WOC is less cramped, but it’s still busy. I would pull a FP as soon as the park opens and wait about an hour before the show starts with snacks and drinks to get a decent spot but depending on the night you could probably get away with less time- we like to stand in a specific spot so my Little’s can see.

We’re not sure about night entertainment yet- maybe fireworks nightly, maybe weekends only depending on when they determine high season is- likely by then it’ll be nightly. Maybe the Christmas parade will do a night run, the entertainment hasn’t really been released this year to give us a great idea yet.

Ok I think that’s it- if you have more questions or you need clarification let me know. Enjoy! You might also search there’s threads for WDW regulars coming to DLR, MP, rider swap, F! Seating and more

 

[brockash]

Thanks so much for the info. I didn't realize Fantasmic was different at Disneyland... I'll have to look more into that now. I'll def. checkout the link too. Everything just seems so foreign to me lol. Thanks!

 

[brockash]

Just got done reading the WDW v DL thread, but have one more question. If hours are like they were last year (when do Dec. hrs. usually released?), it looks like extra magic hours are going to be scheduled at both parks all 3 of our days (we won't be eligible for them, so we'll already be behind an hour when we do rope drop)...how/when is the best time to do Fantasyland?

Given that most the DL Fantasyland rides don't have fastpasses, would the lines be lower right at regular rope drop (even though those with EMHs will already be there), or should we head to Adventureland first and then find a time to do Fantasyland later in the day?

 

[figment_jii]

when do Dec. hrs. usually released?

Operating hours are usually posted 45-days in advance, with entertainment and other details trickling out after that.

Given that most the DL Fantasyland rides don't have fastpasses, would the lines be lower right at regular rope drop (even though those with EMHs will already be there), or should we head to Adventureland first and then find a time to do Fantasyland later in the day?

It's hard to say...it really depends on what you want to do. My instinctive answer is that by the time you're allowed into FL, Peter Pan and Alice will already have fairly lengthy lines (>30 minutes), but the other FL attractions might not be as bad (and some, like Casey Jr and Storybookland Canal Boats might not open during EMH/MM). You will most likely find shorter lines in Adventureland/Frontierland/NOS/Critter Country at opening just because those areas weren't open previously. I guess, yes, I would go to Adventureland/Frontierland/NOS/Critter Country at opening and try to knock off as many attractions as possible. Then return to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland later in the day accepting that there will be lines.

Regarding MM, some three-day or longer tickets are eligible for one Magic Morning. I know if your pre-purchase your tickets (on line) via Disneyland.com, they include one Magic Morning.

 

[brockash]

Operating hours are usually posted 45-days in advance, with entertainment and other details trickling out after that.


It's hard to say...it really depends on what you want to do. My instinctive answer is that by the time you're allowed into FL, Peter Pan and Alice will already have fairly lengthy lines (>30 minutes), but the other FL attractions might not be as bad (and some, like Casey Jr and Storybookland Canal Boats might not open during EMH/MM). You will most likely find shorter lines in Adventureland/Frontierland/NOS/Critter Country at opening just because those areas weren't open previously. I guess, yes, I would go to Adventureland/Frontierland/NOS/Critter Country at opening and try to knock off as many attractions as possible. Then return to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland later in the day accepting that there will be lines.

Regarding MM, some three-day or longer tickets are eligible for one Magic Morning. I know if your pre-purchase your tickets (on line) via Disneyland.com, they include one Magic Morning.

Thanks, I think that'll be our plan, so we can at least knock some things out without too much of a wait and then just deal with Fantasyland when we get there. We're military and will be using military tickets, which from everything I've seen does not make us eligible for any kind of EMHs etc ...but def. can't pass up the price.