We leave tomorrow!!! Can you guys look over "The Plan"

[croconile]

So tomorrow is the big day! Just in time too, because Chicago is starting to get chilly!

This board has been so much fun to read over the last couple of months...just a wealth of incredible information! I was hoping that someone could look over my plans. We'll be in Cal from Oct 25th to Nov 4th. I have 8 day hoppers and I've been trying to figure out the best days to go. I also have Ridemax on our laptop that will be going with us on our trip. My DH will be unable to join us from the 26th to the 30th - at least not during the day so that has factored into my plans since I'll be alone with the kiddos those days (no big rides that my 2 yo can't ride).

So here it is:

Sat Oct 25 - fly to Cal, eat lunch, get checked inn by 3 PM - head to DL with DH and the kids and ride some family rides (train, etc) so DH can see the kids initial reaction to the "land". Back to hotel by 7:00, eat dinner and get kids to bed early.

Sun Oct 26 - The kids and I (no DH during the day) head to DL/DCA. Collect FP, rides, etc until about 2 pm. Head back to hotel for naps and dinner then return with DH around 5 to ride the FP rides and stay for fireworks.

Mon Oct 27 - Hang out at hotel, swim, recover from yesterdays late night.

Tues Oct 28 - Kids and I (no DH) use our first MM day to do the FL rides then Tomorrowland and Toontown. Rest/eat at hotel in afternoon then come back for the parade and a few more rides in the evening.

Wed Oct 29th - Kids and I (No DH) head to the parks at opening and start with Nemo then check out Frontierland, Adventureland, NOS and Critter Country - I want to let the kids really explore Tom Sawyer Island...I know they'll love that. There is a possibility that DH will be back from LA early this day so we may return in the evening.

Thur Oct 30th - Kids and I (no DH) head to DCA to check it out. I haven't been to DL since DCA was added so I'm pretty excited to check it out. We're planning on getting back to the hotel by 4 PM for short naps and dinner.

After the 30th, DH is done with the conference so he'll be joining us for the rest of the days we visit the parks. We have 3 more days on our tickets and 4 possible days for the parks. I think we'll go on Fri (31st), Sun (2nd) and Mon (3rd) using our 2nd MM on Sunday. It seems to me that Saturday would be the most crowded so we're thinking of skipping the parks that day. We'll decide on an attack plan for these days after the kids and I explore and decide what we want to do with DH. I imagine we'll be getting there early and staying until afternoon then calling it a day on Friday (to avoid the heavy evening crowds) and I'm not sure what we're going to do on Sunday and Monday.

So what do you think??

 

[trodrigue]

So tomorrow is the big day! Just in time too, because Chicago is starting to get chilly!

This board has been so much fun to read over the last couple of months...just a wealth of incredible information! I was hoping that someone could look over my plans. We'll be in Cal from Oct 25th to Nov 4th. I have 8 day hoppers and I've been trying to figure out the best days to go. I also have Ridemax on our laptop that will be going with us on our trip. My DH will be unable to join us from the 26th to the 30th - at least not during the day so that has factored into my plans since I'll be alone with the kiddos those days (no big rides that my 2 yo can't ride).

So here it is:

Sat Oct 25 - fly to Cal, eat lunch, get checked inn by 3 PM - head to DL with DH and the kids and ride some family rides (train, etc) so DH can see the kids initial reaction to the "land". Back to hotel by 7:00, eat dinner and get kids to bed early.

Sun Oct 26 - The kids and I (no DH during the day) head to DL/DCA. Collect FP, rides, etc until about 2 pm. Head back to hotel for naps and dinner then return with DH around 5 to ride the FP rides and stay for fireworks.

Mon Oct 27 - Hang out at hotel, swim, recover from yesterdays late night.

Tues Oct 28 - Kids and I (no DH) use our first MM day to do the FL rides then Tomorrowland and Toontown. Rest/eat at hotel in afternoon then come back for the parade and a few more rides in the evening.

Wed Oct 29th - Kids and I (No DH) head to the parks at opening and start with Nemo then check out Frontierland, Adventureland, NOS and Critter Country - I want to let the kids really explore Tom Sawyer Island...I know they'll love that. There is a possibility that DH will be back from LA early this day so we may return in the evening.

Thur Oct 30th - Kids and I (no DH) head to DCA to check it out. I haven't been to DL since DCA was added so I'm pretty excited to check it out. We're planning on getting back to the hotel by 4 PM for short naps and dinner.

After the 30th, DH is done with the conference so he'll be joining us for the rest of the days we visit the parks. We have 3 more days on our tickets and 4 possible days for the parks. I think we'll go on Fri (31st), Sun (2nd) and Mon (3rd) using our 2nd MM on Sunday. It seems to me that Saturday would be the most crowded so we're thinking of skipping the parks that day. We'll decide on an attack plan for these days after the kids and I explore and decide what we want to do with DH. I imagine we'll be getting there early and staying until afternoon then calling it a day on Friday (to avoid the heavy evening crowds) and I'm not sure what we're going to do on Sunday and Monday.

So what do you think??

It sounds like you have done a great job thinking through what might work best. Just be flexible. If your 9 year old is an up an coming cowboy(or just a boy), don't forget to stop off at the shooting gallery. Bring quarters! Also, penny presses are fun for all ages. You didn't mention priority seating plans, but if you haven't made any, I would probably try to set up a few, like maybe carnation cafe, or new orleans square, even if you are not doing character meals (but they are really fun, with kiddos).

Hope you have an absolutely wonderful time.

 

[Hound 109]

So tomorrow is the big day! Just in time too, because Chicago is starting to get chilly!

This board has been so much fun to read over the last couple of months...just a wealth of incredible information! I was hoping that someone could look over my plans. We'll be in Cal from Oct 25th to Nov 4th. I have 8 day hoppers and I've been trying to figure out the best days to go.

VERY COOL

I also have Ridemax on our laptop that will be going with us on our trip. My DH will be unable to join us from the 26th to the 30th - at least not during the day so that has factored into my plans since I'll be alone with the kiddos those days (no big rides that my 2 yo can't ride).

So here it is:

Sat Oct 25 - fly to Cal, eat lunch, get checked inn by 3 PM

WHAT HOTEL???? IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.



- head to DL with DH and the kids and ride some family rides (train, etc) so DH can see the kids initial reaction to the "land".

SATURDAY WILL BE VERY CROWDED. (& YOU WON'T HAVE FPs) PLAN ON DOING THINGS THAT CROWDS WON'T HAVE AS MUCH OF AN AFFECT....& SPEND THE FEW HOURS GETTING YOUR BEARINGS ON THE PARKS.


Back to hotel by 7:00, eat dinner and get kids to bed early.

Sun Oct 26 - The kids and I (no DH during the day) head to DL/DCA.

SUNDAY EARLY MORNING IS A GREAT TIME TO TOUR & COLLECT FPs (at DL). SINCE YOU'RE COLLECTING FOR DH & FOR THE EVENING, START COLLECTING WHEN YOU GET THERE & YOU'LL HAVE 3-5 BY 11AM.

Collect FP, rides, etc until about 2 pm. Head back to hotel for naps and dinner then return with DH around 5 to ride the FP rides and stay for fireworks.

Mon Oct 27 - Hang out at hotel, swim, recover from yesterdays late night.

Tues Oct 28 - Kids and I (no DH) use our first MM day to do the FL rides then Tomorrowland and Toontown. Rest/eat at hotel in afternoon then come back for the parade and a few more rides in the evening.

EVEN W/O DH, COLLECT A FEW FPs FOR "RIDES IN THE EVENING" WHEN IT WILL BE PACKED. (BUZZ, HM, BTMRR ETC.)


Wed Oct 29th - Kids and I (No DH) head to the parks at opening and start with Nemo then check out Frontierland, Adventureland, NOS and Critter Country - I want to let the kids really explore Tom Sawyer Island...I know they'll love that.

CHECK OUT THE SCHEDULES....WHEN WE WERE THERE ON A WEEKDAY, THERE WASN'T ANY PIRATE SHOWS GOING ON PIRATE'S LAIR/TOM SAWYER'S ISLAND. YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO SCHEDULE PIRATES LAIR/TS ISLAND (again) ON A WEEKEND DAY. ALSO, CHECK OUT THE CANOES (normally only open on weekends) THE KIDS WOULD LOVE THEM.


There is a possibility that DH will be back from LA early this day so we may return in the evening.

HAVE FPs COLLECTED FOR DH TO ENJOY IN THE EVENING. SEE ABOVE.


Thur Oct 30th - Kids and I (no DH) head to DCA to check it out. I haven't been to DL since DCA was added so I'm pretty excited to check it out. We're planning on getting back to the hotel by 4 PM for short naps and dinner.

BE PREPARED TO PARK HOP. TRY IT YOUR FIRST OR SECOND DAY (MAYBE TRY THE NEW TOY STORY RIDE...& LOTS OF OTHER STUFF). DCA IS MERELY "CALIFORNIALAND". PARK HOPPING TO AVOID THE DL CROWDS IS SMART TOURING. SEE THE BELOW LINK:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1491961


After the 30th, DH is done with the conference so he'll be joining us for the rest of the days we visit the parks. We have 3 more days on our tickets and 4 possible days for the parks. I think we'll go on Fri (31st), Sun (2nd) and Mon (3rd) using our 2nd MM on Sunday. It seems to me that Saturday would be the most crowded so we're thinking of skipping the parks that day. We'll decide on an attack plan for these days after the kids and I explore and decide what we want to do with DH. I imagine we'll be getting there early and staying until afternoon then calling it a day on Friday (to avoid the heavy evening crowds) and I'm not sure what we're going to do on Sunday and Monday.


I AGREE WITH EVERY WORD OF THIS PARAGRAPH.


So what do you think??

Remember that Park Hopping is your friend & even with the kids, DL is best enjoyed the first two hours of each day.....then relax & take pics etc.

& what hotel are you staying at??

Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[jlparedes]

Looks like a great plan! We'll be arriving at Hojo's on Sunday, and will be ther euntil thursday so keep a look out for my lime green mickey head! Have fun!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Excited for you and your family. There's no Chicago chill here in So Cal. It's gorgeous out!

Your plan looked great, general idea but not locking yourself in to too specific of a plan. Perfect, imo!

I have one concern and will pose it as a question for someone else to verify as I don't know the answer re: park-hoppers.

Sun Oct 26 - The kids and I (no DH during the day) head to DL/DCA. Collect FP, rides, etc until about 2 pm. Head back to hotel for naps and dinner then return with DH around 5 to ride the FP rides and stay for fireworks.

DH will not have entered the park yet that day. I don't know if you can use his park hopper to get FPs. Therefore, when you all ride in the evening, he won't have any. However, he will have used it the day before. Park-hopper experts: Can she use DH's ticket on Sunday BEFORE he enters the park that day?

The only other thought I want to offer you is to remember that you are there during Halloween. Therefore, there are lots of great things to see and do (especially at DCA which you say you have not been to, how fun!).

The 31st will be very busy. I know it's a Friday, but it Halloween. It will be crowded. Just know that, and plan for it. And, since it's a Friday, it's an ideal time for people to decide to take a 3-day weekend. You say your plan for that day is to get there early and leave mid-day. You may not get a lot done in a half day with it being Halloween Just leave your mindset to flexibility on that day. People LOVE Halloween at DL.

Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your visit to DLR!

- Dreams

 

[croconile]

It sounds like you have done a great job thinking through what might work best. Just be flexible. If your 9 year old is an up an coming cowboy(or just a boy), don't forget to stop off at the shooting gallery. Bring quarters! Also, penny presses are fun for all ages. You didn't mention priority seating plans, but if you haven't made any, I would probably try to set up a few, like maybe carnation cafe, or new orleans square, even if you are not doing character meals (but they are really fun, with kiddos).

Hope you have an absolutely wonderful time.

Thanks for the reminder of the penny presses. He still needs to go through his piggy bank to collect quarters/pennies - he would also love the shooting gallery!

Thanks for the reminder for the PS's too. I think we're doing Blue Bayou and possibly Goofy's Kitchen. Carnation Cafe would be nice as well. I've got the Unofficial Guide which has all the phone numbers and was planning on making the PSs as soon as we arrive and decide. Maybe I should just do it today!

 

[croconile]

Remember that Park Hopping is your friend & even with the kids, DL is best enjoyed the first two hours of each day.....then relax & take pics etc.

& what hotel are you staying at??

Have a great time at Walt's Park.

We're staying at the Residence Inn Garden Grove so we'll be using the ART for transportation. Thanks for the tip of enjoying DL during the first 2 hrs then slowing down for photos, snacks, etc.

 

[croconile]

I have one concern and will pose it as a question for someone else to verify as I don't know the answer re: park-hoppers.


DH will not have entered the park yet that day. I don't know if you can use his park hopper to get FPs. Therefore, when you all ride in the evening, he won't have any. However, he will have used it the day before. Park-hopper experts: Can she use DH's ticket on Sunday BEFORE he enters the park that day?

The only other thought I want to offer you is to remember that you are there during Halloween. Therefore, there are lots of great things to see and do (especially at DCA which you say you have not been to, how fun!).

The 31st will be very busy. I know it's a Friday, but it Halloween. It will be crowded. Just know that, and plan for it. And, since it's a Friday, it's an ideal time for people to decide to take a 3-day weekend. You say your plan for that day is to get there early and leave mid-day. You may not get a lot done in a half day with it being Halloween Just leave your mindset to flexibility on that day. People LOVE Halloween at DL.

Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your visit to DLR!

- Dreams

Thanks for the response. I thought of the issue with tickets on the day he won't be there and he is going to stop by on his way to LA on Sunday and enter the park. Will that work?

On the other days (Wed/Thur) I will probably just get the FPs with our 3 tickets. My older dd is pretty short and wouldn't be able to ride some of the bigger FP rides anyway (and she'll be too scared for some of the ones she is tall enough for!).

As for Halloween, we're definitely planning for flexibility. If it's packed, we have no problem leaving and trying again on Sunday. I was kind of thinking that it might not start getting crazy busy until later in the day???

 

[croconile]

Looks like a great plan! We'll be arriving at Hojo's on Sunday, and will be ther euntil thursday so keep a look out for my lime green mickey head! Have fun!

We'll keep our eyes on the lookout!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Thanks for the response. I thought of the issue with tickets on the day he won't be there and he is going to stop by on his way to LA on Sunday and enter the park. Will that work?

On the other days (Wed/Thur) I will probably just get the FPs with our 3 tickets. My older dd is pretty short and wouldn't be able to ride some of the bigger FP rides anyway (and she'll be too scared for some of the ones she is tall enough for!).

Perfect and perfect!

Halloween - just plan for crazy crowded and you will be fine. If it's not, pleasantly surprised is always better than crowd shock. hehe

Have a WONDERFUL vacation and be sure to get some pumpkin muffins. They are the best!

- Dreams

 

[Hound 109]

Thanks for the response. I thought of the issue with tickets on the day he won't be there and he is going to stop by on his way to LA on Sunday and enter the park. Will that work?

On the other days (Wed/Thur) I will probably just get the FPs with our 3 tickets. My older dd is pretty short and wouldn't be able to ride some of the bigger FP rides anyway (and she'll be too scared for some of the ones she is tall enough for!).

As for Halloween, we're definitely planning for flexibility. If it's packed, we have no problem leaving and trying again on Sunday. I was kind of thinking that it might not start getting crazy busy until later in the day???

You are correct...you can use the 4 y/o's ticket to nab FPs for DH to use in the evenings (assuming she doesn't need it.)

You must be using Getaway tickets (2 MMs on an 8 day pass). Good for you!

 

[cheshiregirl]

Just as an FYI, Halloween is a day off for all Nevada school systems. The last Friday of October is Nevada Day and what seems like a majority of the state (myself included) celebrate the founding of our state by heading to Anaheim. Like many other people, we will drive over Thursday evening so that we have all day in the parks on Friday.

So, it will likely be very, very crowded Friday-Sunday. Factor in the people that will head in for general weekend visits, Halloween fun, and the massive crowds from DCA that will head to DL starting around 5 pm when they clear the park to get ready for MTOTP, and it could spell chaos.

But, it will be Disney chaos, so it should be fun! Enjoy your trip and maybe we will see you there. We will be checking into the Hojo on Thursday night.

 

[croconile]

Just as an FYI, Halloween is a day off for all Nevada school systems. The last Friday of October is Nevada Day and what seems like a majority of the state (myself included) celebrate the founding of our state by heading to Anaheim. Like many other people, we will drive over Thursday evening so that we have all day in the parks on Friday.

So, it will likely be very, very crowded Friday-Sunday. Factor in the people that will head in for general weekend visits, Halloween fun, and the massive crowds from DCA that will head to DL starting around 5 pm when they clear the park to get ready for MTOTP, and it could spell chaos.

But, it will be Disney chaos, so it should be fun! Enjoy your trip and maybe we will see you there. We will be checking into the Hojo on Thursday night.

Yeah, I've been reading about the insane Fri night crowds and I can guarantee that we will be long and gone by 5 PM!! With a 2 yr old (who is quite ornery) there is no way I would attempt it.

I'm hoping (please please) that the parks will be much better by Sunday afternoon with all the Nevada folks needing to drive home and get to work on Monday... and we'll probably stay all day Monday since it shouldn't be too bad then.

 

[croconile]

You are correct...you can use the 4 y/o's ticket to nab FPs for DH to use in the evenings (assuming she doesn't need it.)

You must be using Getaway tickets (2 MMs on an 8 day pass). Good for you!

We had 5 day hoppers through DL but when we decided to upgrade to 8-days, we found that we couldn't get them at DL online. They offered us a full refund and I bought from GAT instead...with the nice bonus of an extra MM!!

 

[fairykin]

Travel Safe and Make Happy Memories.

 

[croconile]

Travel Safe and Make Happy Memories.

Thanks! We leave in 45 minutes!!