Which Park Which Day/Planning Question (with hotel question thrown in)

[jsfein]

Hi all. Family of 6, WDW veterans, first timers to DLR. Our trip will have us at DLR in late August for three days - Tues, Wed, Thurs. Not staying at DL hotel and will be purchasing City Pass (3 day Parkhopper). Its my understanding that I will have privileges for one early entry day. How to plan our park days? Does the following make the most sense:

Tues - DL (early entry)
Wed - DL when it opens (non early entry day)
Thurs - DCA when it opens (as its a DL early entry day)

I suspect we'll park hop a bit, but for now concerned with where to start each day.

My hotel question. Looking to get into a single room suite or two connecting rooms, walking distance to DLR. Residence Inn Maingate seems to be well regarded, but towards the outside limits for walking distance (we plan on walking). A basic suite runs approx. $175/night. In this price range, is there anywhere else I should consider that is also within walking distance and suitable for family of 6?

TIA!!

 

[skiingfast]

For your park days it's fairly simple where to start. DL each day. DL will probably open 1 or 2 hours before DCA. So you can start in DL for it's opening and then hop to DCA for it's opening.

 

[jsfein]

Thanks for the reply. I know that the DIS is the place to go for the real scoop. As a DLR novice, I picked up a copy of the Unofficial Guide. The suggestion there was to avoid DL on an early entry day if you're not using early entry and, instead, to go to DCA on such a day instead. Wasn't sure whether this is sound advice?!?

 

[skiingfast]

Thanks for the reply. I know that the DIS is the place to go for the real scoop. As a DLR novice, I picked up a copy of the Unofficial Guide. The suggestion there was to avoid DL on an early entry day if you're not using early entry and, instead, to go to DCA on such a day instead. Wasn't sure whether this is sound advice?!?

I would say no. Because the early entry called Morning Magic(MM) only allows people into Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

So while if you come in with general admission there will be lots of people, You can still go to the left side of the park which will be almost empty.

For your MM day I highly suggest trying to time it so you go across the hub just before those general guests come in. Those lands open right when the gates do for everyone. So you can be the first to get a FP for Indy or Splash and get a couple rides on that side without lines too.

If you haven't seen it there is a guide for people in your situtation.

Hydroguy's guide to DLR for WDW vets.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599