[Question] Need advice on my upcoming trip

[tensixmom]

I didn't think this quite fell into any of the other threads... if it does, please forgive me. I'm sure someone will move it for me!

We will be there on October 14, 15, and 16 (sunday/monday/tuesday). We have one Early Entry and my understanding is that it can be used either Sunday or Tuesday. My questions are these:

1. Can the early entry be used in California Adventure? I was originally thinking of using it to get Fast Passes for RSR but it occurs to me that might not work.

2. If it cannot be used in California Adventure, is it probably best to use it to get Fast Passes on Sunday for Space Mountain since the wait will be crazy with Ghost Galaxy?

3. Can anyone think of any other rides that essentially REQUIRE you to be there first thing in order to avoid running out of Fast Passes? I am traveling with 4 other adults and 4 kids so we will have a variety of attractions to choose from, but I want to make it the best experience possible.

4. I have been tossing around the idea of getting AP's for me and my two boys. This trip is using 3 day park hopper tickets. If I want to "convert" these to AP's how do I have to do this and when does it need to be done?

5. Disneyland is closing early Monday for the Mickey's Trick or Treat Party (which we are not attending). With all those kids in tow, do you think it would be better for us to head over to California Adventure for the evening (I don't know that we necessarily want to do World of Color) or maybe just have a slightly less crowded dinner in Downtown Disney, or even a quiet evening back at the hotel?

I think that's it for now. Thanks to all you frequent visitors in advance for your help!!!

[14 MPH]

Re: Need advice on my upcoming trip

I didn't think this quite fell into any of the other threads... if it does, please forgive me. I'm sure someone will move it for me!

We will be there on October 14, 15, and 16 (sunday/monday/tuesday). We have one Early Entry and my understanding is that it can be used either Sunday or Tuesday. My questions are these:

1. Can the early entry be used in California Adventure? I was originally thinking of using it to get Fast Passes for RSR but it occurs to me that might not work.
NOT SURE.

2. If it cannot be used in California Adventure, is it probably best to use it to get Fast Passes on Sunday for Space Mountain since the wait will be crazy with Ghost Galaxy?

3. Can anyone think of any other rides that essentially REQUIRE you to be there first thing in order to avoid running out of Fast Passes? I am traveling with 4 other adults and 4 kids so we will have a variety of attractions to choose from, but I want to make it the best experience possible. I'd say Indiana Jones. This is because the ride breaks down frequently. Rather than waiting for the ride to come back (and using up time), you can use the fast pass to come back as you wish.

4. I have been tossing around the idea of getting AP's for me and my two boys. This trip is using 3 day park hopper tickets. If I want to "convert" these to AP's how do I have to do this and when does it need to be done? I think you can stop by the Annual Pass center in main street. I recommend doing this the first day, just to find out when the last day you can do it.

5. Disneyland is closing early Monday for the Mickey's Trick or Treat Party (which we are not attending). With all those kids in tow, do you think it would be better for us to head over to California Adventure for the evening (I don't know that we necessarily want to do World of Color) or maybe just have a slightly less crowded dinner in Downtown Disney, or even a quiet evening back at the hotel? Go to DCA, especially if you haven't seen World of Color. Also, you can spend the time walking through Cars land in the evening

I think that's it for now. Thanks to all you frequent visitors in advance for your help!!!

[Escape2Disney]

Re: Need advice on my upcoming trip

Last I heard the early entry that comes with your park hopper are only for Disneyland Park. If you are going to upgrade to an Annual Pass and are staying offsite, you'll need to do it anytime after you have used your early entry. Just be sure to do it before you leave the park on your last day. Example: if your last day is Tuesday and you are using your early entry on Tuesday, be sure to upgrade after you get into the park on Tuesday.

[swampymarsh]

Re: Need advice on my upcoming trip

We will be there on October 14, 15, and 16 (sunday/monday/tuesday). We have one Early Entry and my understanding is that it can be used either Sunday or Tuesday. My questions are these:

1. Can the early entry be used in California Adventure? I was originally thinking of using it to get Fast Passes for RSR but it occurs to me that might not work.

No and it doesn't matter. I'm guessing you don't get Early Entry from your description but are getting a Magic Morning with a 3 day ticket. In anycase Magic Mornings are only in Disneyland on Sundays and Tuesdays and Extra MAgic Hours for Hotel Guests are also on Monday but in DCA. During Early ADmission the cacht all phrase to get into the park early FastPass is not operating.

2. If it cannot be used in California Adventure, is it probably best to use it to get Fast Passes on Sunday for Space Mountain since the wait will be crazy with Ghost Galaxy?

You can get FPs when the park regularily opens. Space Mountain will be imporatant because of Ghost Galaxy followed by Haunted Mansion and Indy. In DCA Radiator Springs Racers.

You can get a second and more FPs following these rules. After the return window on your first or previous FP opens or 2 hours later whichever is least. There is no restriction on getting another FP for Roger Rabbit or California Screamin by other attractions just themselves. Also World of Color is not restricted by other FPs. Additionally FPs in one park and don't effect collection in the other.

For example you can get Space at 8am with a return at 8:50am. A Indy FP at 8:51, go to DCA and get a RSR FP at 9am, a Woc FP at 9:01, a CS FP at 9:02. Then a HM FP at 10:55, a ToT FP at 11am.

3. Can anyone think of any other rides that essentially REQUIRE you to be there first thing in order to avoid running out of Fast Passes? I am traveling with 4 other adults and 4 kids so we will have a variety of attractions to choose from, but I want to make it the best experience possible.

Radiator Springs Racers is the only attraction like that right not, and will be something like that then.

4. I have been tossing around the idea of getting AP's for me and my two boys. This trip is using 3 day park hopper tickets. If I want to "convert" these to AP's how do I have to do this and when does it need to be done?

At the ticket booths only. Do it before the end of day three. I'd use your MAgic Morning first then in the afternoon upgrade to start getting discounts.

5. Disneyland is closing early Monday for the Mickey's Trick or Treat Party (which we are not attending). With all those kids in tow, do you think it would be better for us to head over to California Adventure for the evening (I don't know that we necessarily want to do World of Color) or maybe just have a slightly less crowded dinner in Downtown Disney, or even a quiet evening back at the hotel?

Get out of Disneyland by 5pm. I would stock up on DCA FPs and see WoC that night because DCA will get crowded.

[GlennAlexander]

Re: Need advice on my upcoming trip

A. Fastpass if helpful but not necessary at Disneyland. It's just not as crazy as DW, in my opinion. It's not worth the stress of running to the park early and running to the FP line like a crazy person. You are there for plenty of time; don't worry!
I would try and get a fast pass to RCR if you can but otherwise the single rider line goes so quickly! I have done it dozens of times and I usually end up riding in less than 20 minutes and even riding with my friends in line.
Otherwise, just work your way around the park, get a fast pass, wait in line for something short 30min or less. then go get on the FP you got. easy peasy! I never wait more than 30minutes unless you really really want to ride something.


other DCA advice; the longest/most annoying line is at toystorymidwaymania; I would get a fastpass to rcr if you can; or just get one to soarin; then head to midwaymania. such a fun ride.
and...see world of color! Its amazing.

Disney; most rides are easy to get on without much waiting; i would put a FP focus on spacemountain and indy! but the indy single rider line is AMAZING! not the mention the ride is unreal.

biggest advice,
have fun
do not stress
take your time

[PascalGal]

Re: Need advice on my upcoming trip

Isn't the CHOC Walk on Sunday morning, the 14th? If so, then the MM early entry for DL will be postponed until Mon., the 15. You might want to double check this.

[h2opolodad]

Re: Need advice on my upcoming trip

I think Indiana Jones is down for refurbishment during the whole fall season, so that will be out - sorry...

[Malcon10t]

Re: Need advice on my upcoming trip

1. Can the early entry be used in California Adventure? I was originally thinking of using it to get Fast Passes for RSR but it occurs to me that might not work.

No. It will only be good at Disneyland. To get FP, just have your whole party enter DCA as soon as it opens, then one person join the line for FPs. I *think* the lines for FP will be shorter on Mon and Wed, due to the hotels only offering early entry on Tues/Thurs/Sat?Sun after Sept.

2. If it cannot be used in California Adventure, is it probably best to use it to get Fast Passes on Sunday for Space Mountain since the wait will be crazy with Ghost Galaxy?

Yes, but I wouldn't waste EE time in line for FP. Machines don't open til the park opens.

3. Can anyone think of any other rides that essentially REQUIRE you to be there first thing in order to avoid running out of Fast Passes? I am traveling with 4 other adults and 4 kids so we will have a variety of attractions to choose from, but I want to make it the best experience possible.

No, I would try to get Space Mountain as early as possible, but otherwise, it should be "normal", and FP should be available most of the day.

4. I have been tossing around the idea of getting AP's for me and my two boys. This trip is using 3 day park hopper tickets. If I want to "convert" these to AP's how do I have to do this and when does it need to be done?

To convert, go to the ticket booth and they will take care of it there. As far as when, I would do it as soon as you have used the EE. It must be done by the conclusion of the 3rd day.

5. Disneyland is closing early Monday for the Mickey's Trick or Treat Party (which we are not attending). With all those kids in tow, do you think it would be better for us to head over to California Adventure for the evening (I don't know that we necessarily want to do World of Color) or maybe just have a slightly less crowded dinner in Downtown Disney, or even a quiet evening back at the hotel?

I would head to DTD for dinner, or plan a dinner at Goofy's.

[Disneylandfan67]

Re: Need advice on my upcoming trip

Here are my answers to your questions, hopefully they are somewhat helpful!
1. Can the early entry be used in California Adventure? I was originally thinking of using it to get Fast Passes for RSR but it occurs to me that might not work.

My answer: I am not sure, sorry. Just be sure to head over to Disney California Adventure Park about half an hour before the park opens and you are sure to get a Fastpass for Radiator Springs Racers. Just be sure to remember that the Fastpass Distribution is located near the Its Tough to be a Bug attraction.

2. If it cannot be used in California Adventure, is it probably best to use it to get Fast Passes on Sunday for Space Mountain since the wait will be crazy with Ghost Galaxy?
My answer: The wait shouldn't be too crazy with Ghost Galaxy, if I were you I would just get Fastpasses for Star Tours so that way you can skip the crazy lines that appear later on in the day.

3. Can anyone think of any other rides that essentially REQUIRE you to be there first thing in order to avoid running out of Fast Passes? I am traveling with 4 other adults and 4 kids so we will have a variety of attractions to choose from, but I want to make it the best experience possible.

My Answer: As I said before, Star Tours is one of the rides, also, as mentioned above for Radiator Springs Racers you MUST get there early in order to get a fastpass as they sell out very quickly. Other than that you should be fine.

4. I have been tossing around the idea of getting AP's for me and my two boys. This trip is using 3 day park hopper tickets. If I want to "convert" these to AP's how do I have to do this and when does it need to be done?

My answer: When I got my first Annual Pass, although this was about two years ago, my family upgraded our one day Disney California Adventure Park tickets to passes simply by going to the ticketbooths. If you can afford them, get them, I use my pass very often and I love it. Just be sure to decide before your 3 day parkhopper expires as I think you have to upgrade your ticket while it is still valid.

5. Disneyland is closing early Monday for the Mickey's Trick or Treat Party (which we are not attending). With all those kids in tow, do you think it would be better for us to head over to California Adventure for the evening (I don't know that we necessarily want to do World of Color) or maybe just have a slightly less crowded dinner in Downtown Disney, or even a quiet evening back at the hotel?

My answer: I would first have a dinner in Downtown Disney and then head on over to DCA, I reccomend the La Brea Bakery as it is inexpensive and delicious. \

Hope that helped!

[Malcon10t]

Re: Need advice on my upcoming trip

My Answer: As I said before, Star Tours is one of the rides, also, as mentioned above for Radiator Springs Racers you MUST get there early in order to get a fastpass as they sell out very quickly. Other than that you should be fine.

Just to clarify, we have gotten fastpasses as late as 8pm for Star Tours. When it first reopened in 2011, they did run out by noon, but on my 3 visits this summer, there has not been an issue with FP running out for Star Tours.

[tensixmom]

Re: Need advice on my upcoming trip

All right everyone, thanks for the advice. Based on what you've told me, here are the tentative plans for the "must do" list:

Sunday:

Use the Magic Morning (thank you swampymarsh... I didn't realize there was a distinction! We are NOT Disneyland hotel guests... just parkhoppers) to do some of the Fantasyland rides (Peter Pan and Dumbo are mostly what I am thinking).

As soon as we're done with one or two of these, go get FP's for Space or Star Tours. (I do wanna go on Star Tours more than once to see how many different experiences we can have).

Monday: Go to California Adventure FIRST and get FP's for RSR. Probably head back to DL for the rest of the day until they close and maybe go back to experience Cars Land after dark. I bet it looks amazing!!!

Tuesday: No formal plans! By then we should have been able to do everything we "had" to do and maybe we'll get a chance to do them an extra time or two!

Sound reasonable???? Thanks all!

Relax!

[swampymarsh]

Re: Need advice on my upcoming trip

Isn't the CHOC Walk on Sunday morning, the 14th? If so, then the MM early entry for DL will be postponed until Mon., the 15. You might want to double check this.

I would pay attention to this. Sunday the parks might open late Magic Morning may be canceled or shifted to Monday. We'll know for sure in a couple weeks when the official calendar is upto your dates.

Sunday:

Use the Magic Morning (thank you swampymarsh... I didn't realize there was a distinction! We are NOT Disneyland hotel guests... just parkhoppers) to do some of the Fantasyland rides (Peter Pan and Dumbo are mostly what I am thinking).

As soon as we're done with one or two of these, go get FP's for Space or Star Tours. (I do wanna go on Star Tours more than once to see how many different experiences we can have).

Monday: Go to California Adventure FIRST and get FP's for RSR. Probably head back to DL for the rest of the day until they close and maybe go back to experience Cars Land after dark. I bet it looks amazing!!!

Tuesday: No formal plans! By then we should have been able to do everything we "had" to do and maybe we'll get a chance to do them an extra time or two!

Sound reasonable???? Thanks all!

Relax!

You may want to swtich Sunday and Monday because of the information above.

While you can go right to the RSR FP distribution, if you feel like walking here is an alternative. You don't have to get RSR FPs right away, they don't disappear in an instant. This summer it's been safe to get in the RSR FP distribution line by 8:45. So for 45 you can do other things while paying attention to the clock. Such as riding TSMM with a near walk on wait, or doing the same on CS.

By the time your trip comes the RSR demand will have dropped, so you may have until much later to be in the FP line. More time to do other things.

[tensixmom]

Re: Need advice on my upcoming trip

[QUOTE=swampymarsh;1056828396]I would pay attention to this. Sunday the parks might open late Magic Morning may be canceled or shifted to Monday. We'll know for sure in a couple weeks when the official calendar is upto your dates.

THANK YOU swampymarsh and pascalgal... I will keep an eye on the calendar and be ready to switch if necessary. I am hoping the official calendar will be updated accurately!