Which park if you don't have early entry or MM?

[BensWife]

We are staying off site and have annual passes, so we won't get in early. Just wondering if it is best to go to the park that doesn't have the early morning? So like, if it is MM/EE in Disneyland, should we start off at California Adventure. And likewise, if it is EE into California Adventure, is it better to start off in Disneyland? We are rope droppers, so we will be there a little before 8am, but aren't sure which park is best to start off at. Thanks!

 

[Baxhappyplace]

Yes you are correct. We always try to get there between 30-45 minutes prior to opening.

 

[figment_jii]

In general, yes, I think it makes the most sense to go to the non-EMH/MM park. However, for DL, I think it matters a little less unless you're planning on going to A&E, Peter Pan, or Space (if those are on your "at rope drop" list, then I would go to DL on a non-EMH/MM morning). If you were planning on heading for Indy, PotC, HM, Splash, or things like that (basically anything in Adventureland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, and Critter Country), then it isn't as big a deal because those lands don't open for EMH/MM.

 

[PaintsWindColors]

Yes, definitely go to the park that doesn't have MM that day - especially in the case of DCA because people rush to RSR every morning and take all of the fastpasses. If it's a MM for DCA then visitors will use the extra hour to line up for RSR fastpasses instead of getting on rides.

 

[Fantaluminishes]

I think it only matters a little bit for Disneyland. Since EE at DCA is only for resort guests, it probably doesn't matter. I do more EMH at WDW (primarily evenings) because there's much more to see and do. If you have little ones, DL's MM is good because you can get all the fantasyland dark rides done early. But this also works at RD. I guess it depends on if you are early risers.

 

[figment_jii]

If it's a MM for DCA then visitors will use the extra hour to line up for RSR fastpasses instead of getting on rides.

Just to clarify, but DCA does not have have Magic Mornings (MM). It only participates in the Extra Magic Hour (EMH), which is only available for on-site guests. Disneyland early morning admission is available to on-site guests (EMH) and to guests with eligible multi-day tickets (MM).

They changed the policy regarding RSR FPs at the end of May. They no longer allow guests to line-up pre-park opening or during EMH. So, while you can mill around the rope drop area on the left side, there is no structured line anymore.

I think it only matters a little bit for Disneyland. Since EE at DCA is only for resort guests, it probably doesn't matter.

Interesting, but I kind actually think it goes the other way, but it entirely depends on which rides you're going to at DCA. While there are fewer guests that can access the EMH hour at DCA, it does create a more noticeable impact on both RSR and TSMM. Both will have lengthier lines at regular park opening, so the strategies for rope drop (i.e., "wide right" or head straight to the ride) won't work. For RSR, you can always get a FP, but for TSMM there is no FP. On a non-EMH day, guests can get in a couple of TSMM rides right at rope drop before the line gets long. On EMH days, the line is already long(ish) by the time the park opens to everyone. So, if you are planning on riding TSMM, it's best to avoid the EMH day. If you aren't interested in TSMM (or RSR without a FP), then I agree with Fantaluminishes that it probably doesn't make a huge difference.

 

[musicalmama21]

When I looked at the schedule for our trip, it looks like there are EMH for DCA on Sunday and Monday and MM for DL for Tuesday. So we basically won't get a good morning for DCA? Is that what gathering? That's a bummer...