What would you do?

[javamoma]

We are arriving in DL on a wed. mid day in March. We will head to the parks that afternoon, maybe around 2 or 3. What would you do 1st that late in the day? I'm sure everything will have a long line by then. We will be in the park 4 days after that so we are in no hurry to see anything. Still, I do not want to wait in a ridiculously long line with a 5 year old and a 12 week old baby.

Ant recommendations? What are a few attractions that are good to see late in the day? Would you just wander around and shop since we have so many days to spend in the park?

TIA

 

[splash5]

You could probably still some rides like Pirates, Jungle Cruise and the train. Those lines move pretty well. Also the Tarzan treehouse. Just look around and familiarize yourself. Check out Downtown Disney and enjoy.

 

[Mom2Joce]

Whenever we arrive this late, or even later, AND we've usually been traveling all day, we take a nice walk to downtown disney. And if the timing is right we eat at Goofy's Kitchen. If not a whole meal there are treats along the way through as well...and dancing too...there was a street band set up and playing and all the kids joined in the fun.

On the way back, and again given the timing and day, we'll watch the fireworks from the center of the two parks. We had the most fun doing this one year, we just layed/sat down and watched the fireworks outside the parks, our little one got to run around without disturbing anyone and the baby slept...PERFECT for everyone!!

I like to walk through the huge gift store and scope out things I like and the kids like...find what's new...etc.

All this can be done without setting foot in the parks/using a day pass.

BUT if we have AP's then Soarin' is where we go, dinner, an ice cream, and a parade or fireworks!!

Either way I make every minute count...hehehehehe!! I LOVE the experience!

 

[bumbershoot]

We would go to DCA.

 

[sasywtch]

Usually we roam around DTD, do dinner at RFC or ESPN. Usually it seems, in the evening Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Winnie the Pooh might be good. (unless it's Fantasmic time and it's packed over there. We've also had good luck in the evening with BTM. IASW, tea cups, Star Tours Sometimes Buzz can be a shorter line. Ride a few rides, grab a treat and head towards IASW area to watch fireworks.

 

[Amy and kids]

I am interested to hear what others have to say, we are arriving around the same time on a Tues in late April. I was planning to do DCA that day but I think we will get a FP right away for a ride in DL before heading over to DCA.

 

[kkmcan]

We usually arrive around 3pm when we go and we check in and hit DCA. We like to save our DL day until the next day when we can get there with no lines/crowds.

We hit Monsters, maybe one other ride, get a corndog and see the Pixar Parade. Then back to the hotel early to be rested and ready for the next day. Do not overdo it on your first day if you are planning several days there. It will make it so hard to stay awake and make it thru that first day.

Sometimes we just do DTD for dinner, shopping and pin trading if we don't have AP's.

 

[joeysmommy]

I would head to DL and get FP's if any are left.
Get FP (if possible) for Splash or do baby Swap. If not too hot head over to Pirates Lair/Tom Sawyer's Island, ride Hm, Pirates then Splash if FP time is open.
Head over to Tomorrowland and get FP for Space Mountain if 5 yr old is tall enough, ride Buzz, Star Tours. Time for dinner..eat at Carnation Cafe (make ressie) your 5 yr old will love the PB & H masterpiece. You will love the loaded baked potato soup.

In the afternoon I would avoid Fantasyland unless you like Snow White, Carousel, Pinocchio. Save Fantasyland for and EE day.

Like the other poster mentioned DCA is always an option.

 

[wannagoback]

We would go to DCA.

Me too. Especially with a DD4. We did Bug's Land the day we arrived and there were NO LINES at all. It was a great way to get everybody warmed up. We first walked into DL and the xmas parade was going on... turned right around and left for DCA.

 

[Quilter007]

There should be fastpasses and you can get the babysitter passes.

With a 5 year old, I would get a fastpass for Big Thunder w/ baby while everyone else rides Star Tours, then do Tomorrowland except for Space Mountain (assuming that it's too late to get decent fastpasses for it that day).

Should be able to ride Big Thunder, Pirates & Jungle Cruise depending on park closing and crowds. --- and how much time you spend eating dinner.

It's not a bad plan to go to DCA -- however -- our kids are always dying to get to Star Tours/Big Thunder/Buzz/Pirates/Splash Mountain/Space Mountain....so that idea never works. One likes Screamin -- one doesn't...sigh! They both like the Rapids, so we might get the DCA half day plan to work in the summer -- or when CarLand opens up!

 

[tanyaewa]

I love the DCA suggestion! We will arrive mid afternoon as well and will do exactly that!! I was really wondering.

Also - the OP who said go to Goofy's Kitchen... don't you have to have reservations??

 

[javamoma]

Yeah, I don't think our 5 yo will go for DCA that first afternoon. It's like she has to see the castle first thing or we are not really there! She too is dying to ride star tours now that she is tall enough.

When does toon town start clearing out? Around 5 maybe? We spend so much time there (getting autographs) that I would like to get that out of the way. We are eating a late brunch before we head to the parks so we shouldn;t have to break from touring to sit down and eat dinner. We will just grab a snack.

Thank for all the input.