Would love help/suggestions for park touring

[2DoubleFives]

Hello I am a longtime lurker but finally decided to register and post for realsies.

I am going to DLR in July with my DH and DS (10) and although I grew up in SoCal and spent many wonderful days at DL in the 70s and early 80s, much has changed. DH and DS have never been to DLR, just once to WDW in 2012. So, I would love some advice on days/parks and order of rides.

We are staying at the GCH July 6-9, have 3-day PHs, and will be arriving via Amtrak on July 6. Now, the train is supposed to get in around 6:15 a.m., but b/c it's Amtrak, it could be on time, an hour late, or several hours late! We definitely want to hit a park on Sunday the 6th, but I seriously doubt we will make it close to EMH. Tentatively, I am thinking:

S July 6 - drop bags at GCH and head to a park until room is ready, relax in afternoon and depending on how tired we are, possibly go back for dinner and a few rides, but definitely NOT a late night.

M July 7 - EMH at DCA

T July 8 - EMH at DL

Which park should we head to first on the 6th?

In terms of rides, etc., I'll put a list below of the rides we hope to do in each park. DS is not interested in meeting characters (although I am not beyond a good photo opportunity if it presented itself ). Also, we will not be doing any fireworks or parades (DS has some sensory issues and he can't do those things).

DL Rides/Attractions
Mr. Toad
Peter Pan
Snow White
Mad Tea Party
Alice
Dumbo (was DS's 1st ride at WDW)
Pinocchio
Storybook Land Boats
Carousel
Matterhorn
BLAB
Star Tours
Astro Orbitor
Autopia
BTMRR
POTC
HM
Jungle Cruise

**DS will NOT do Indiana Jones or Space Mountain. I'm guessing we will either child swap or I will do single rider. He is also not interested in Splash, but I'm hoping we can change his mind**

DCA
RSR (duh, right?)
Luigi
TSMM
Soarin'
Monsters Inc.
Golden Zephyr
Jumpin' Jellyfish
Mickey's Fun Wheel
Goofy's Sky School
Silly Symphony Swings

**California Screamin' will be child swap, and I am the only one who wants to do ToT or GRR (although if it's hot, I'm hoping DH and DS will join me)**

Haven't really looked into shows yet. I'm thinking ITTBAB, Aladdin, Muppets - not sure what else.

I would love help with what to hit during EMH and what to get FPs for. Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated! HydroGuy's stickies have been very helpful!

 

[Baxhappyplace]

Have you looked at getting a 90 day subscription to Ridemax.com for around $15? We do this everytime we go. You put in the rides you want to do on a given day, any shows as well as any breaks for meals or naps and it will create an itinerary with the least amount of wait time including what times to get fast passes. You can make several schedules up and decide on the best one. Plus there are several tips to read about like what to do during EMH, best places to stand for parades and shows, and certain tips about rides. We don't go to Disneyland without it. My kids love it when we don't have to wait in the long lines and that we have a schedule that we all sat down and made so there isn't any guessing on what to do next. Our schedules normally gives us hours of free time so we have plenty of time to just walk around and do whatever we want.

 

[hootey]

Aladdin is great, we see it at least twice every visit. My biggest suggestion would be to simply take your own sweet time, look at everything, ride everything, take lots of pictures, and enjoy being at DL.

 

[hootey]

Be sure to get the "DL Photopass", get the card. Every time you see a Photopass photographer, stop and have them take a picture. This way everyone will be in the pictures and they take some great pictures!

 

[2DoubleFives]

Have you looked at getting a 90 day subscription to Ridemax.com for around $15? We do this everytime we go.

I'm glad to hear you have had positive experiences with Ridemax. I've heard both good and bad - they will give you your money back if it doesn't work well for you, right? So I suppose I can't go wrong, eh?

And hootey - yes, we used the PhotoPass at WDW and were so glad we did. It's always nice to have the whole family in the picture!

 

[Baxhappyplace]

Yes they have a 30 day money back guarantee so if you are worried I wouldn't order it until around two weeks before your trip. I love using it.