Where to start touring mid-day?

[Koda]

We will be arriving at DLR early afternoon on Friday 6/25 (probably ready to hit the parks between 2:00-3:00). Where is a good place to start touring at that time of day? Any advice as to which attractions aren't as crowded that time of day, fast-passes, etc. would be great!

We have never been to DLR, so will probably want to start in DL, but would be open to starting in DCA. We will have hopper tickets. We will have all day 6/26 and 6/27 (plan on taking advantage of early entry mornings to see the most popular attractions), and will depart on 6/28 (will have the morning to go back and see our favorites).

We would like to see both Fantasmic and WOC during our stay. We will be staying at DLH, if that matters. Thanks!

 

[mikayla73]

I'd say start with the line eaters .... POTC and HM for example. Even if those lines are fairly long, they are fast loaders for the most part and it goes pretty quick. You might try grabbing a FP for some of the rides that have them, but don't be surprised if they are gone or you have a very, very late return time. If you want to start at DCA, maybe try the Aladdin show or check out the Animation building.

I'd also suggest since you have never been, just wonder around and get the lay of both parks so you are more ready the next day and have a better idea of where you need to go. If you are walking by some place you want to stop in or a ride queue is surprisingly short, hop in. Just enjoy being in the parks and take it all in, especially since you will be there over a weekend when it is more crowded.

Most of all have a great time!

 

[HydroGuy]

When we arrive mid-day I try to fit in as many parades or shows as possible that day because one is on equal footing with everyone else at that point for shows. So, are you planning to see Aladdin? (If not you should be!) I would see that on Friday afternoon and then catch Fantasmic or fireworks on Friday night. WOC may be a possibility based on how they deploy Showpass.

You should also be able to get FPs for some rides - BTMRR and BLAB will be easier to get at DL. At DCA it may be tough because ToT will not have FP and GRR FPs will be affected by Showpass distribution.

Also pay attention to other things easy to do mid-day. At DCA the Animation Studios is a good activity to do. You can see Turtle Talk w Crush. TSMM can be done later afternoon or early eve with a reasonable line - 30 minutes. CA Screamin too.

At DL you can see Tiki Room with a short line any time. Captain EO seems to have a short wait if that interests you. Nemo Sub tends to die down late afternoon and early eve. Mark Twain, Columbia SS and PLATSI are all things that can be done in the afternoon with reasonably short lines.

Also if you are planning to do any special dining reservations then Friday dinner would be a really good time to do that. Also Friday would be a good time to get any shopping needs out of the way.

HTH

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

When we arrive mid-day I try to fit in as many parades or shows as possible that day because one is on equal footing with everyone else at that point for shows. So, are you planning to see Aladdin? (If not you should be!) I would see that on Friday afternoon and then catch Fantasmic or fireworks on Friday night. WOC may be a possibility based on how they deploy Showpass.

You should also be able to get FPs for some rides - BTMRR and BLAB will be easier to get at DL. At DCA it may be tough because ToT will not have FP and GRR FPs will be affected by Showpass distribution.

Also pay attention to other things easy to do mid-day. At DCA the Animation Studios is a good activity to do. You can see Turtle Talk w Crush. TSMM can be done later afternoon or early eve with a reasonable line - 30 minutes. CA Screamin too.

At DL you can see Tiki Room with a short line any time. Captain EO seems to have a short wait if that interests you. Nemo Sub tends to die down late afternoon and early eve. Mark Twain, Columbia SS and PLATSI are all things that can be done in the afternoon with reasonably short lines.

Also if you are planning to do any special dining reservations then Friday dinner would be a really good time to do that. Also Friday would be a good time to get any shopping needs out of the way.

HTH

Agree with all this of course. Just wanted to throw in that Great Moments with Abe Lincoln at Disneyland and the Muppet or Bug 3D movies at DCA are good afternoon/evening things if those happen to be things on your to-do list.

 

[Lissame]

When we arrive mid-to late in the day, we often will hop on the DL Railroad at Main Street and take the circle tour around the park. You can kind of get a perspective of how busy things are at various parts of the park during those times too. Big Thunder Mountain RR usually has a fairly quick return window for FP, even later in the day, so consider that one too.

 

[50sjayne]

Great thread! I'm waiting to hear more about WOC before I plan my moves. Y'know the schedule is up until the 11th and no mention...

 

[Koda]

Thanks for all of the replies. This is just the kind of info I was looking for!

 

[HydroGuy]

Agree with all this of course. Just wanted to throw in that Great Moments with Abe Lincoln at Disneyland and the Muppet or Bug 3D movies at DCA are good afternoon/evening things if those happen to be things on your to-do list.

When we arrive mid-to late in the day, we often will hop on the DL Railroad at Main Street and take the circle tour around the park. You can kind of get a perspective of how busy things are at various parts of the park during those times too. Big Thunder Mountain RR usually has a fairly quick return window for FP, even later in the day, so consider that one too.

Yep and yep!

 

[momto2nenas]

We'll be arriving on a Saturday afternoon, May 15th, so I'm picking up some tips from this thread as well. We'll probably do POTC, HM, and Pooh for the kiddos - stopping by to see if FP is still available for Splash.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

We always arrive mid-day and head to Adventureland/NOS. Jungle Cruise, FP for Indy, POTC, HM.....

 

[50sjayne]

I was talking to husband last night. I think we'll head to the Mark Twain, and check out the new stuff. Then we'll check out pirates lair as we didn't do that last time and have never seen it. Is it still a good place to go when it's crowded? Then I thought Try to see a Billy show or Aladdin.

 

[Hound 109]

I was talking to husband last night. I think we'll head to the Mark Twain, and check out the new stuff. Then we'll check out pirates lair as we didn't do that last time and have never seen it. Is it still a good place to go when it's crowded? Then I thought Try to see a Billy show or Aladdin.

Be sure & pick up a FP at BTMRR first.

& are Davey Crockett's Canoes operating when you come? (I suppose they're down at this time). Love the Canoes!!

 

[HydroGuy]

I was talking to husband last night. I think we'll head to the Mark Twain, and check out the new stuff. Then we'll check out pirates lair as we didn't do that last time and have never seen it. Is it still a good place to go when it's crowded? Then I thought Try to see a Billy show or Aladdin.

PLATSI is kind of fun but TSI has always been for kids first and foremost.

 

[farmfresh]

At DCA it may be tough because ToT will not have FP and GRR FPs will be affected by Showpass distribution.

hmmm up to date with Show pass, but what's the change with TOT FpS?

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

hmmm up to date with Show pass, but what's the change with TOT FpS?

TOT fastpass is unavailable during the construction going on in that area. I can't remember if it's the red car trolley tracks or the the Hollywood/Bug's Land connector or both that necessitated the turning off of the fastpass machines and the temporary alternate entrance for the ride.

 

[rentayenta]

When we arrive mid-to late in the day, we often will hop on the DL Railroad at Main Street and take the circle tour around the park. You can kind of get a perspective of how busy things are at various parts of the park during those times too. Big Thunder Mountain RR usually has a fairly quick return window for FP, even later in the day, so consider that one too.

Love the train idea.

 

[farmfresh]

TOT fastpass is unavailable during the construction going on in that area. I can't remember if it's the red car trolley tracks or the the Hollywood/Bug's Land connector or both that necessitated the turning off of the fastpass machines and the temporary alternate entrance for the ride.

Would I be right in thinking this situation will last till sept 28....(when we'll be there!)

 

[Koda]

What is Showpass?

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Would I be right in thinking this situation will last till sept 28....(when we'll be there!)

No. I think it's only scheduled to be that way through August 15. Unless Disney runs behind of course. Still, I think you should be ok with Sept. 28.

 

[50sjayne]

Be sure & pick up a FP at BTMRR first.

& are Davey Crockett's Canoes operating when you come? (I suppose they're down at this time). Love the Canoes!!

Which is why I'm subscribing to this thread...

Want to definitely do Captain Eo too how has that been? Definitely grab a fast pass for space too. Sucks that TOT will have no fast pass. Definitely want to check out Indy's single rider line this time as well. I'm thinking rather than try for WOC on Mon we'll go for Fantasmic as I've really been wanting to see the new dragon.