Worth it to arrive midday?

[melk]

Planning our first trip this summer. Will be arriving at LAX on Sunday, 6/26 at 10:30 in the morning. I know we probably can't get into our room until later so am contemplating leaving our bags and heading to one of the parks.

Normally we are early birds, getting to parks at opening. From what I've read Sundays are quite busy. Would it be worth it to head to a park? Or would we just be standing in long lines, no chance of getting any fastpasses?

While I'm not a huge fan of fastpass plus at WDW, in this case I would love it at Disneyland!

Any advice for this Disneyland newbie would be greatly appreciated! (We are planning at least another day or possibly two for the parks).

 

[Butterfly123]

I think it's worth it! We have done shorter trips were we did a half day, entering around 2:00. We focused on rides with shorter lines, parades and fireworks. The parades and fireworks are not to be missed! They are really amazing.

In addition to a half day, if you can plan for another three days you will be able to see so much more than just another day or two. One and a half days in the park will give you a nice flavor of the parks, but you will miss a lot. There is a lot of Disney packed into a small space! Don't let the size of the parks fool you...there is a lot to experience!

Edit: By shorter lines I meant faster loading rides that don't have FP...like Pirates, HM, IASW, etc.

 

[amyg1975]

Yes, any time in the parks is great to me! We used to arrive just before noon, and it worked fine. We would eat lunch right away and then start our day.

 

[bellazachmom]

I absolutely think it's worth it!! Especially being WDW vets

Instead of focusing on rides that day, why not plan on just wandering around and getting a feel for the "lay of the land" and enjoy all the other things the DL and CA (if you have PH) have to offer? There are so many different and interesting things to do and experience and just enjoying being in the parks as opposed to trying to pack as many attractions in as possible ~ save that for the next few days

Hop on any of the attractions you see that don't have long waits, maybe take advantage of some single rider lines and then grab a good post for the afternoon and evening parades and shows.

 

[figment_jii]

As others have said, I think it would be well worth it to visit the parks on your arrival date. Being a Sunday in late-June, DL is likely to be open until midnight and DCA is likely to be open until 10:00 pm, so you'll have a fair amount of time in the parks.

In terms of FPs, I think you still stand a chance of getting some, but it's hard to say how the crowds will be on any given date. It's worth noting that not that many attractions actually use the FP system. I think something is bound to still have FPs, even in the afternoon (probably not RSR or Space, but anything else is possible).
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/fastpass/

 

[ErinTwinmom]

If the parade and fireworks are on your to do list then i say yes. They are going to take up a fair amount of one of your evenings anyway.

 

[ArchOwl]

I will just echo what everyone else is saying and agree that it is definitely worth it. I often arrive mid-day on our first day. I like to use this day to have a relaxing meal, catch a show, and go shopping. We may try for a FP or two, but it is really low key and a nice way to start a vacation. Just be sure to go to bed at a reasonable time so you can be up and at 'em the next morning.

 

[melk]

Thank you for all your replies. I think it will be worth it to add that extra day. If nothing else it will let us explore and get a good sense of where everything is. That way the next morning we'll be able to be efficient getting around the park.

Also, will Fantasmic be closed then? I thought I saw that somewhere?

How about World of Color? Is there a fastpass for that? If so, is that the recommended thing to do?

Thanks!

 

[corinne76]

Still PLENTY of DL time left in the day! Especially if it means getting in, say 4.5 days as opposed to just 4

I'm planning our next trip and am debating the same thing. We will likely fly over night and get in about 7 am. Go grocery shopping and drop our stuff off. I was going to hit the park, but I do know that my kids want to hit Downtown Disney. DD has been looking forward to build a bear for over a year now, and she wants to eat at Rainforest Cafe. So in my case, I think we're going to knock those things off the list that first day and turn in early (we're flying from Hawaii so the flight is only 5.5 hours, meaning my kids will only get about 5 hours of sleep). Then do the parks for 5 days.

 

[freckles04]

Is it worth it to arrive mid-day if it's a Saturday night AND a grad night? We are arriving 5/21 and have the option of an earlier or a later flight. I'd love to spend some time in the parks the first day but the grad night behavior I've heard about worries me.

 

[figment_jii]

Also, will Fantasmic be closed then? I thought I saw that somewhere?

Unfortunately, yes, F! is going dark starting on January 11, 2016. It's likely to be down for much/all of 2016.

How about World of Color? Is there a fastpass for that? If so, is that the recommended thing to do?

Yes, WoC using the FP system and should be offered nightly. You will need to get a FP to gain access to the FP viewing area (although, there are stand-by viewing areas). FPs have been lasting well into the day (and in some cases, not running out), so you should be okay to get one even if you arrive in the afternoon. WoC is one of those shows that some people love and others are more ambivalent about. The current show (WoC: Celebrate) is okay, but it didn't really impress me. The viewing area is very difficult for shorter guests, so you do need to invest a good amount of time (>60 minutes) to get a rail spot if you want to see the entire show. It is unique to DLR, so in that way it's worth seeing, but if you're pressed for time, I would skip it. You can find lots of information on the WoC SuperThread.

 

[CalgaryTroy]

I'd say if you're there noon-ish - go for it. We went in around 3pm our first day, and kinda wished we saved the day for later.