[Question] How early should I get to DCA?

[SteveFlack]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

So, I'm a week away from the big trip. Coming into town of Sunday afternoon, and staying at the Best Western Stovall's Inn. We're hitting up DCA on Monday, and I'm curious how early do I have to be there to be one of the first guests on line. I'm up for leaving my hotel room at 6:30, and it saysit. 20 minute walk from my hotel room (shorter if I cut through the Grand Californian). Is that a good idea, or should I get there sooner?

[ohmyjustin]

Re: How early should I get to DCA?

First off, welcome!

I should let you know that there isn't really a perk to being first in line. If you just want to take advantage of short lines, you can get there at 8 AM. If you want to enjoy the park while it's virtually empty, well, you'll have to make use of early magic hours, which you can register for as an AP holder. DCA does have quiet spots in the morning, but I assume everyone wants to go for Cars Land this season, so...

Basically, I'm saying you don't have to be there super early. Rope drop happens at 7:30 (not sure if they're doing that still what with Magic Mornings for hotel guests and AP holders) so as long as you're there before then, you should be fine. If you get there at 7 AM, I'm fairly certain there'll already be several people in line for the park.

[monster heck]

Re: How early should I get to DCA?

I would get there at 530am, but maybe that's extreme.

I got there a few weeks ago and played rock, paper, scissors with a friend to help the time go by. We bought McDonald's Egg McMuffin sandwiches and hash browns with us. They were delicious. I really think it helps makes the time go by faster when you are full.

[1Disneylandfan]

Re: How early should I get to DCA?

During early entry for ap holders this past Saturday there wasn't a rope drop, you lined up outside the gates. I was lined up 30 mins before opening. I had about maybe a dozen people in front of me.

[Ortizmo2000]

Re: How early should I get to DCA?

If you're planning to hit RSR first, my boss tells me he and his family were there at 8am on Sunday and fasspasses went in a heartbeat. They ended up relenting and waiting 3 hrs in standby. 6:30am should be cool as long as you are in line at 6:30am.

[ohmyjustin]

Re: How early should I get to DCA?

When I went on the 16th, I got in DCA's line at 7:30 and got a FP for Cars Land for...10 AM? 11? The second time I went in June, the 21st, I got in line at 7:45, had to go in a line for RSR Fast Passes that stretched all the way to the Hyperion and I still got a pass for 1 PM, I think.