Where to stand in line for MM also fireworks question.

[toni1227]

I was reading the tips and I am still unsure about where to stand and what time when we first get there for Magic Morning if the park opens at 9 and MM is at 8. Do we go to the security section and wait there at 7:15????
I think this is what I understood from the tips but want to make sure we are at front of the line to get in. Where is the security line located in relation the turnstiles also?

My second question is the first night we get there we will be there around 6 pm. No idea what we should do first that late in the evening. What would you do? My husband and kids have never been. We do want to watch the fireworks later that evening. Where should we stand and wait for a great view any specific place? My daughter wants to see tinkerbell.
On the schedule it has fireworks at 9:45 so should getting to our place to watch them at 8:45 be early enough?

Thanks!!!!

I am SO excited. We are going on March 16th and I am spending WAY too much time reading these boards...LOL.

 

[disneymom71]

Hi there,

On our first night we always go to Goofy's Kitchen....we are also arriving to DL after 6pm and make ressie for GK at 8:30pm....also u can go around and visit Downtown Disney too.!!! Good Luck!

 

[toni1227]

Also wanted to add my kids are 8 and 5 and I want to at least do 1 ride that first night before the fireworks. Something pretty tame as they have not ridden any roller coasters and I want to warm them up (which we plan to do the next day with starting in fantasy land). Would pirates be a good ride the first night? Is that one scary at all (i have been but it has been a long time and i forget)??? Is the line long at 7 pm on a monday night? or any other suggestions for a fun first ride for them that is not too scary to start and we would not have to wait in line forever?

 

[toni1227]

We have plans to go to goofy's kitchen our 3rd night there.

 

[lucky1]

you would go through security and then wait at the front gates. They only have about 10 lanes open for magic morning at the front gate. (they are clearly marked). I am not sure how busy it would be on March 16, but last week we went to MM on Thursday, Sat and Sun. On Thursday we arrived at 8.15am for a 9am MM and there was already about 10 to 20 families there, but the lines never really got that long. On Saturday and Sun, we got there about 1/2 hour before opening and ther was maybe only about 40 families there (MM opened at 7am).

 

[avalon451]

The security tents are located at both the west and east side of the Esplanade in between DL and CA. One is at the top end of Downtown Disney, the other at the end of the driveway where the shuttles drop off, off of Harbor. If you look on this aerial picture and zoom in close, you can actually see the green tent awnings: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=88663

When you get there early for MM, if the security tables aren't open yet, hang out there at security. Usually they open about 30-35 minutes before the gates open for MM. If you go onto the Esplanade before security is open, they'll herd you back to go through security. When they start getting ready to open the security tables, just be sure to have your bags on the table, unzipped and open for them to look at, and you'll be through in no time and heading briskly for the gates. There will be signs above each turnstile that will be open for MM.

Hope that helps!

 

[toni1227]

Great thanks for the replies!! I know once I get there we will figure it out but it so good to get these tips ahead of time...because I am a planner! LOL.

 

[Grim_Grinning_Girl]

Well the fireworks show is usually a huge draw so I would recommend showing up at least 40 minutes before. I haven't checked the 2009 schedule, but I'm assuming its still the "Believe in Magic" fireworks show?, which is unbelievably amazing and a must see! And why it's well worth showing up 40 minutes prior!

Stay away from trees! Try to get a good front view of both the Castle and the Matterhorn, the castle is more important. Basically angle yourself directly in front of the castle and try to find a spot as close as possible. I've noticed that the right side of the castle is better than the left side, in case those are your only two options. Again stay away from trees, they will block your view.

Not trying to be funny or mean, my mom rides a mobility scooter while at Disneyland and its usually very helpful to stand behind the scooter for the show - less likely that someone will stand right in front of you. I would try to find a spot behind a person in a scooter or who has a large stroller. Also try to stay away from families with little kids - the kids are very likely to end up on shoulders and block your view.

I don't feel this is a show that can be viewed anywhere, the Castle is the MAIN CHARACTER as well as the audio, in front of the castle is the best location. Tinker Bell's flight is very awesome and elaborate, hope you all get to see it.

 

[mechurchlady]

First day you should do a nice meal at Goofy's Kitchen as the kids will love it. if the kids are up to doing parks then do Fantasyland rides like Dumbo. I would not start off with Pirates unless your kids can handle the PG violence like cannons going off, women being sold, dunking of Carlos, the burning town, trapped prisoners, etc. The ride is tame but one drop at the beginning is in the dark.

to see Tink fly you have to have a view of the Matterhorn and the castle. You can camp out and save spots while family does other things. You are going midweek, right? so not so crowded. I know someone did a full study of viewing places.

the train has dark areas and the dinosaur scene. Tea cups, Alice, and Nemo are kid friendly. At night some rides are dark and scarier. the next day try the roller coaster at ToonTown as a starter if you are not sure if the kids will like coasters. Read the ride reviews as some kids do not do the dark rides well.

 

[prncssmel]

My recommendation for your first night is to go into the park as planned. POTC is a good idea for a first ride, especially if they have seen the movies and like them. It is more tame than the movies. It also loads quickly, so it will not be a huge line at that time of day. It does have a drop, but it is not a roller coaster type ride at all. If POTC won't work for you, Pinocchio and Snow White in Fantasyland don't tend to get as backed up as the other rides there.

I also think that first night is a good time just to look at everything. There is a lot to look at, especially if the kids haven't been been before. It will give you a good chance to get acclimated to the park.

For the fireworks, I recommend in the hub in front of the castle. it will give you a good view of all the projections on the castle, as well as a good view of the all important Tinkerbell. I suggest getting there about an hour early. My favorite thing to do is get some special Disneyland treats at the bakery or candy store and eat those while waiting for the fireworks. let them each pick out something special - there are so many fun DL treats. It will give the kids something to focus on while waiting for the fireworks.

 

[wannagoback]

For a 5 and 8 year old, I think that Buzz Lightyear would be a fun first ride!

 

[disneyfan4ever54]

Well the fireworks show is usually a huge draw so I would recommend showing up at least 40 minutes before. I haven't checked the 2009 schedule, but I'm assuming its still the "Believe in Magic" fireworks show?, which is unbelievably amazing and a must see! And why it's well worth showing up 40 minutes prior!

Stay away from trees! Try to get a good front view of both the Castle and the Matterhorn, the castle is more important. Basically angle yourself directly in front of the castle and try to find a spot as close as possible. I've noticed that the right side of the castle is better than the left side, in case those are your only two options. Again stay away from trees, they will block your view.

Not trying to be funny or mean, my mom rides a mobility scooter while at Disneyland and its usually very helpful to stand behind the scooter for the show - less likely that someone will stand right in front of you. I would try to find a spot behind a person in a scooter or who has a large stroller. Also try to stay away from families with little kids - the kids are very likely to end up on shoulders and block your view.

I don't feel this is a show that can be viewed anywhere, the Castle is the MAIN CHARACTER as well as the audio, in front of the castle is the best location. Tinker Bell's flight is very awesome and elaborate, hope you all get to see it.

The regular (and current) fireworks are "Remember Dreams Come True". "Believe in Holiday Magic" is the one shown during the Christmas holiday season.

 

[toni1227]

Thank you SO much for the ideas! I will be sure to get them a treat before the fireworks show.

 

[TinkSassy]

Another tip for fireworks and fantasmic, they will see all sorts of light up toys while they wait. Those can get expensive and if you are doing nighttime activities a few times the begging can get annoying.

I go to the dollar store here and stock up before leaving - light up wands, swords, necklaces, etc. - I can fill a bag for what one will cost there. At WDW at Christmas - we even had people asking where they could get those cool wands

 

[Brady's Mom]

My 4 and 6 yr old DS's love Buzz. It is a great interactive game! I would second the recommendation for Buzz. My boys even loved it when we first took them at 2 and 4 and they were a little hesitant on Pirates - a little too realistic for them - although they love it now.

 

[charmama4]

Another tip for fireworks and fantasmic, they will see all sorts of light up toys while they wait. Those can get expensive and if you are doing nighttime activities a few times the begging can get annoying.

I go to the dollar store here and stock up before leaving - light up wands, swords, necklaces, etc. - I can fill a bag for what one will cost there. At WDW at Christmas - we even had people asking where they could get those cool wands

This tip is a keeper, thanks!!

 

[Hound 109]

Lots of great ideas above!

I love your idea of going into the park the first evening....& I agree that Buzz would be a winner. If it was me (given that this is your kid's first DL experience), I would do the following:

- Take a pic in front of the flowers/train station after walking thru the turnstiles.
- Have each read Walt's words prior to walking thru the tunnel.
- Enjoy the magical bustle of activity as you walk onto the plaza of Main St. (after walking thru the tunnel) Maybe take a pic or two.
- Walk slowly down Main St. as you take it all in.
- Pause at the HUB & enjoy the partner statue & other statues. Have DH run over to Buzz & get a FP for later. (that way he gets to practice it prior to tomorrow)....if the line at Buzz is under 20 min., have him call you or come get you & that can be your first ride.

Then do one of the following:

- As a family walk thru Frontierland enjoying the sights as you start to get your bearings. Wind to the left when you get to the Rivers of America & ride Pirates (the line moves fast).
- Climb Tarzan's tree (& then head back to the hub via Adventureland...again allowing you to get your bearings).
- If the Jungle Cruise is under 20 min., ride it.
- Back at the HUB....if time permits, ride Buzz using your FPs (or save them for later).
- Nab a treat (or a Corny Dog from the lil red Wagon) at the HUB.

or instead of the Frontierland/Adventureland circle, after nabbing your Buzz FP:

- Walk thru the Castle into Fantasyland.
- Eyeball your touring plan for the morning (PP first - always first then Dumbo, then Alice etc.)
- Have the kids try to yank the sword out of the stone.
- look up to the window above Snowy & look for the witch.
- no line at the Carousel...hop on.
- Maybe give Casey's train or Storybookland a try since they aren't open for MM.
- Get your bearings by eyeballing the Matterhorn, IASW, ToonTown etc.
- Maybe go into Toontown if you have time & if it's not too crowded
- Then back thru the castle (or by the Matterhorn) to the HUB & a ride on Buzz prior to the fireworks.


Are the kids going to do Jedi Training.


Have a great time at Walt's Park.

 

[toni1227]

Awesome tips! I wrote down on my list to make a trip to the dollar store this week for the glow toys! Okay I will plan for buzz!

Our flight lands at 3pm so I am not sure at what time we will get to park probably 6-7pm? We are at the GCH hotel so it should not take long to get there once we get situated in our hotel.

Will fast passes still be available for buzz that late? is the wait usually long at that time?

I gotta get to fireworks by 8:45 also by the castle. So I would say we have about 2 hours prior to the fireworks to do stuff.

HOUND: I will take your suggestion FP for buzz, then then the fantasy land suggestion and take it in and maybe ride a ride if we can there too before buzz and fireworks.

My kids do want to try the jedi training academy but I was thinking we would do that the next day.
I got the ridemax software and planned our second and 3rd days all out...
and we are doing Goofy's dinner that 3rd night.

This board is GREAT! Thanks so much for the suggestions!

 

[Hound 109]

Awesome tips! I wrote down on my list to make a trip to the dollar store this week for the glow toys! Okay I will plan for buzz!

Our flight lands at 3pm so I am not sure at what time we will get to park probably 6-7pm? We are at the GCH hotel so it should not take long to get there once we get situated in our hotel.

Will fast passes still be available for buzz that late? is the wait usually long at that time?

I gotta get to fireworks by 8:45 also by the castle. So I would say we have about 2 hours prior to the fireworks to do stuff.

HOUND: I will take your suggestion FP for buzz, then then the fantasy land suggestion and take it in and maybe ride a ride if we can there too before buzz and fireworks.

My kids do want to try the jedi training academy but I was thinking we would do that the next day.
I got the ridemax software and planned our second and 3rd days all out...
and we are doing Goofy's dinner that 3rd night.

This board is GREAT! Thanks so much for the suggestions!

My experience even on semi-crowded days is that BTMRR & Buzz will still have FPs available even after SM, Indy & Splash FPs are gone. My recommendation to get a FP was as much to give DH a trial run on the FP routine as it was to get the FPs....& given your kid's ages, I figured Buzz would be the logical one to get.

& if it IS crowded, the Buzz line in the early evening could be 30-45 min...but if it's 10-15 min. go ahead & do it....& it never hurts to have FPs for later (maybe before the fireworks or after).

You've probably already seen this link, but with your kid's ages, Jedi Training is a blast. & late morning or early afternoon is a great time to try it.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1478699

.

 

[firefly87]

I agree on Buzz.....given your kids ages, that will be one ride that they will beg to ride again! That would be a great ride to kick off your DL trip. Although I do like the other ideas from prev. posters about walking around a little and soaking in the sights.

We always hit the Dollar Tree for light up necklaces, etc before we go. On our first trip with young kids, we did cave and bought one of those light-up spinner toys (you'll know exactly what I'm talking about when you get there!). We have brought those same toys back to DL on later trips with new sets of batteries. The kids never asked to buy one since they already had one!

Another thing I did with my kids was give them $5.00 per day in Disney Dollars to spend on whatever they wanted. They could spend $5.00 per day or save up their money and wait til later in the trip to buy something a little more expensive. It made them think about if they really wanted something or was it just an impulse buy. I think the first day they had the $5.00 burning a hole in their pocket, they each bought a treat from Pooh Corner.

Have a great trip!!