Time for a solid rope drop plan - will you help, please?

[V.I.N.CENT.]

Our strategy for PP at rope drop, go for the center. There will be three areas (might be different for MM) for the rope drop, left and right of the Walt/Mickey statue and right in front. If you get there first, go for the center rope drop at the statue. Not only is it a strait shot, but the security guard usually removes the rope completely prior to the opening, no need to wait for the CM to remove the rope. Standing at the far end of the rope drop can make a difference.

 

[DLRExpert]

Taking a Lyft and Uber in may be easiest on the Magic Morning Day.
Probably cheaper than parking at the Disneyland Resort as well.

 

[momof2n2]

Taking a Lyft and Uber in may be easiest on the Magic Morning Day.
Probably cheaper than parking at the Disneyland Resort as well.

As a party of nine I think this wouldn’t work. I did think of it.

 

[Pamela M]

I agree with Winnowill. A couple of years ago we wasted almost our whole MM in line at PP. We have started sacrificing one late night to PP. Right before closing, we go over to PP and get in line. It doesn't matter how long the line is, they will let you ride it as long as you were in line at closing time. This way, we don't care if it takes us 45+ minutes because we aren't missing any other rides. Nothing makes one as grumpy as only riding 2-3 rides during MM. It is hard to make it to PP with a large group and not be passed by a hundred other people walking/running faster than your group.

I agree also. I did EMH the line for Peter Pan was LONG. I skipped it and did the following rides within that hour - Dumb, MR Toad, Pinocchio, Tea Cups then Alice. I think if Peter Pan is long go to Alice first as that line was about 15 minutes towards the end of EMH.

 

[Disney_Alli]

This totally works. Or another option (and what we usually do) is to make PP your last ride of the night. We get in line about 10 minutes before closing, enjoy a treat and the pretty lights in FL, then exit to a closed park. Enjoy Main Street on your way out and bid DL a good night! Magic!

Our trip in September is my husband and I and another couple who have never been and I think they'll really love Peter Pan. Despite our 2 chances at EMH because of our on-site stay I was dreading the power walk but this just became my favorite idea ever! Thank you!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

...We have tickets scanned into the app. Tix are from LMT. Do I actually bring our paper tix, too?..

Have screen shots of the LMT tickets/email tickets on your phones, just in case the app glitches. After you go through the turnstiles, the CM will give you hard paper tickets (not the print outs like you got from LMT). The CM will take your photos (to attach to each ticket) and have you sign the tickets. Keep these tickets! First off, take a photo of each ticket with a clear image of the bar code and numbers. Keep the photos on your phone and your DH's. That way, if the tickets get lost/stolen and one of your phones goes wonky, you can still replace the tickets easily and quickly by showing the photos at Guest Services. (DISers have done this -- it works.)
Next, put the tickets in a safe, waterproof (DISers have learned this one the hard way! A ziploc bag will work or a Witz wallet) place. Even with the app and MP, you may still need these paper tickets. Occasionally (rarely) the MP system goes down, in which case you would need the paper tickets to use in the old fashioned FP machines. Lastly, someone just posted here today that their tickets disappeared from the app, along with their MP, so having the hard paper tickets in that case would be helpful, I would think, since everything would have to be rescanned. Just some thoughts...

 

[DizneyMommy]

We f

Note that, IF there's a significant line at PP at RD, DO NOT get in it. PP's line builds quickly, but typically maxes out around 40-50 minutes and stays around that length all day. Whereas other rides have very short lines for the whole of MM. if you can get on PP within 10-15 minutes of opening, do it. Otherwise, do the other Fantasyland rides, or even some of the Tomorrowland rides, all of which (except maybe Space) should have pretty short lines right at opening. Later in the day, PP's line will still be 40-50 minutes, but Star Tours will be an hour when you could have walked on during MM. You don't want to waste good morning touring waiting in a long PP line.

We frequently see PP consistent at 60-90 all day, especially peak times like summer.

 

[DizneyMommy]

You can easily take side streets from most anywhere in Garden Grove and be at the garage in under 30 minutes. I can get to the garage via side streets from Huntington Beach in under 30 and that’s farther away. They won’t let you in until about 6:30 so no need to leave at 5am!! At that hour, there is minimal line of cars waiting, everything will move quickly and you should have no problem getting to the gate by 7 if you leave at 6am. I personally have never seen them pre-scan and let Magic morning guests in before 7am, they do that for regular entry hours though.

 

[DizneyMommy]

Also, please don’t run to PP, don’t be that person lol. You can buy MaxPass anytime after you go in because you can’t even use it until park opening, you can’t get FP’s to use during MM. I’m not totally sure but I don’t think you can even select them until park opening time.

 

[DizneyMommy]

Can anyone suggest a nice spot for the Pixar Parade and when we should like up?

Is the 3:30 or 6:00 show a better time to watch in DLR?

We always go all the way down to the beginning of Main St either in front of City Hall or the train station. We’ve been staking that same spot for around 20 years. Back in the 90’s when my friends were all parade CM’s, they would tell me that friends and family should watch from near the train station so they can find you, and it just became habit. People don’t tend to gravitate down there as early and we rarely will wait more than 30 minutes, yet still get great curb seats. You want to see which direction the parade is going at that showtime and plan accordingly so you aren’t looking at the back of floats.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

You can easily take side streets from most anywhere in Garden Grove and be at the garage in under 30 minutes. I can get to the garage via side streets from Huntington Beach in under 30 and that’s farther away. They won’t let you in until about 6:30 so no need to leave at 5am!!...

This is easy for those of us who are very familiar with the area and with driving in Southern CA, but for newcomers who are unfamiliar with the side streets and freeways, it can be a whole different experience. I agree that under ideal circumstances (i.e. good weather conditions, no construction, no accidents, etc.), the trip should be about half an hour or less, but that can really depend on the driver, too. My BIL could VERY easily make that same trip under the most ideal of circumstances into a trip of an hour or more (much more!). He does not do well with driving in new places! The OP knows her crew, knows how long it will take them (with teens and young children!) to get up and out the door, and knows how well they do driving in unfamiliar territory. As long as she gives herself plenty of time (and doesn't cut herself short on time), she'll be fine. The first day is really the only day that matters -- after she knows the ropes, the other days will be easy.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Op I’m just sorry you aren’t on harbor!

 

[momof2n2]

Op I’m just sorry you aren’t on harbor!

What does this mean?

 

[momof2n2]

Have screen shots of the LMT tickets/email tickets on your phones, just in case the app glitches. After you go through the turnstiles, the CM will give you hard paper tickets (not the print outs like you got from LMT). The CM will take your photos (to attach to each ticket) and have you sign the tickets. Keep these tickets! First off, take a photo of each ticket with a clear image of the bar code and numbers. Keep the photos on your phone and your DH's. That way, if the tickets get lost/stolen and one of your phones goes wonky, you can still replace the tickets easily and quickly by showing the photos at Guest Services. (DISers have done this -- it works.)
Next, put the tickets in a safe, waterproof (DISers have learned this one the hard way! A ziploc bag will work or a Witz wallet) place. Even with the app and MP, you may still need these paper tickets. Occasionally (rarely) the MP system goes down, in which case you would need the paper tickets to use in the old fashioned FP machines. Lastly, someone just posted here today that their tickets disappeared from the app, along with their MP, so having the hard paper tickets in that case would be helpful, I would think, since everything would have to be rescanned. Just some thoughts...

Wow. Just wow.
I liked this post because it is helpful information.
But I don't "like" how we have to stop for pictures on our way into the park and to sign tickets.
I'm starting to wonder if I should wait for our MM day for the following Tuesday and just start our very first day as a regular visitor and maybe even go to DCA first.

Should we do Saturday as our MM day???? Just a thought.


"Speed. I. Am. Speed."

 

[momof2n2]

Also, please don’t run to PP, don’t be that person lol. You can buy MaxPass anytime after you go in because you can’t even use it until park opening, you can’t get FP’s to use during MM. I’m not totally sure but I don’t think you can even select them until park opening time.

I have never actually ran to any attraction at RDRD. We are walking with a purpose folks.
BUT - when we were queued at Animal Kingdom in 2016 up near the Tusker House rope and the CM let the rope down, I think I started my brisk walking SO quickly that my two girls in the strollers had their facial skin go taut and the front wheels may have left the ground.

We always go all the way down to the beginning of Main St either in front of City Hall or the train station. We’ve been staking that same spot for around 20 years. Back in the 90’s when my friends were all parade CM’s, they would tell me that friends and family should watch from near the train station so they can find you, and it just became habit. People don’t tend to gravitate down there as early and we rarely will wait more than 30 minutes, yet still get great curb seats. You want to see which direction the parade is going at that showtime and plan accordingly so you aren’t looking at the back of floats.

You know - I have never watched a parade from the front of Main Street at WDW... I'm going to ponder this one. Something new?...

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... You can buy MaxPass anytime after you go in because you can’t even use it until park opening, you can’t get FP’s to use during MM. I’m not totally sure but I don’t think you can even select them until park opening time.

People have posted in other threads that they were able to get FPs with MP during EE/EMH/MM, but that the return times weren't good until after park opening. But MP did work during EE/EMH/MM. I don't know if this is consistently true (if so, yay!), but it has happened in the recent past.

Op I’m just sorry you aren’t on harbor!

What does this mean?

PP means that it would be super nice if you were staying at one of the hotels on Harbor Blvd. right across the street from the parks. Then all you would have to do first thing in the morning to get to rope drop would be to cross the street, go through bag check, and line up at the gates! Some of the hotels on Harbor located at/near the crosswalk to the park entrance are actually closer to the turnstiles than some of the on site hotels! This is a major reason why people here recommend staying within walking distance of the parks whenever possible -- it eliminates the need for driving and parking and makes afternoon breaks a breeze.

... I don't "like" how we have to stop for pictures on our way into the park and to sign tickets.
I'm starting to wonder if I should wait for our MM day for the following Tuesday and just start our very first day as a regular visitor and maybe even go to DCA first. ... "Speed. I. Am. Speed."

If everyone is ready and willing to have their photo taken and to sign their names, this process only takes a minute or two. The CMs use handheld devices that work just like smartphones to take your photos -- super easy and fast. (What might take more time is if your youngest wants to sign his own name!) This process only causes delays when guests balk and argue because they don't understand what is going on. Since you plan on being at the gates before opening anyway, I don't think it will make a difference whether you do your MM on Tuesday or Thursday since they both are early (7am). Saturday would be my third choice since MM is later (8am) that day. What matters most is, after a long trip, how energetic or tired your family is on your MM day. Pick whichever day works best for your family. Obviously, they'll get the most out of whichever morning they feel their best.

 

[DizneyMommy]

This is easy for those of us who are very familiar with the area and with driving in Southern CA, but for newcomers who are unfamiliar with the side streets and freeways, it can be a whole different experience. I agree that under ideal circumstances (i.e. good weather conditions, no construction, no accidents, etc.), the trip should be about half an hour or less, but that can really depend on the driver, too. My BIL could VERY easily make that same trip under the most ideal of circumstances into a trip of an hour or more (much more!). He does not do well with driving in new places! The OP knows her crew, knows how long it will take them (with teens and young children!) to get up and out the door, and knows how well they do driving in unfamiliar territory. As long as she gives herself plenty of time (and doesn't cut herself short on time), she'll be fine. The first day is really the only day that matters -- after she knows the ropes, the other days will be easy.

Garden Grove borders Anaheim and Disneyland Resort area. It’s not an African Safari in the wildnerness lol An hour is crazy.

Stick to major streets, follow Google Maps, and you’ll be fine. What cross streets are you coming from OP?

 

[DizneyMommy]

Wow. Just wow.
I liked this post because it is helpful information.
But I don't "like" how we have to stop for pictures on our way into the park and to sign tickets.
I'm starting to wonder if I should wait for our MM day for the following Tuesday and just start our very first day as a regular visitor and maybe even go to DCA first.

Should we do Saturday as our MM day???? Just a thought.


"Speed. I. Am. Speed."

Neither do AP’s!!! Every time we go I say they should have an express entrance for Ap’s because we stand there watching all of these photos being taken.

Your vacation is stressing me out and I’m not even going just relax, breathe, and enjoy DL. It is NOT WDW. You’ll have an amazing time, even if you get in the gate 5 minutes later than the first person. Promise!!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Garden Grove borders Anaheim and Disneyland Resort area. It’s not an African Safari in the wildnerness lol An hour is crazy...

That's what I say to my BIL every time, but still... I'm positive there are deep, permanent marks from my fingernails in the back seat of his car by now! Some people just aren't good with new locations, and it doesn't hurt to make sure that people take this into account. If the OP isn't one of those people, thank goodness! My BIL more than makes up for her in this world!

 

[momof2n2]

People have posted in other threads that they were able to get FPs with MP during EE/EMH/MM, but that the return times weren't good until after park opening. But MP did work during EE/EMH/MM. I don't know if this is consistently true (if so, yay!), but it has happened in the recent past.





PP means that it would be super nice if you were staying at one of the hotels on Harbor Blvd. right across the street from the parks. Then all you would have to do first thing in the morning to get to rope drop would be to cross the street, go through bag check, and line up at the gates! Some of the hotels on Harbor located at/near the crosswalk to the park entrance are actually closer to the turnstiles than some of the on site hotels! This is a major reason why people here recommend staying within walking distance of the parks whenever possible -- it eliminates the need for driving and parking and makes afternoon breaks a breeze.



If everyone is ready and willing to have their photo taken and to sign their names, this process only takes a minute or two. The CMs use handheld devices that work just like smartphones to take your photos -- super easy and fast. (What might take more time is if your youngest wants to sign his own name!) This process only causes delays when guests balk and argue because they don't understand what is going on. Since you plan on being at the gates before opening anyway, I don't think it will make a difference whether you do your MM on Tuesday or Thursday since they both are early (7am). Saturday would be my third choice since MM is later (8am) that day. What matters most is, after a long trip, how energetic or tired your family is on your MM day. Pick whichever day works best for your family. Obviously, they'll get the most out of whichever morning they feel their best.

You’ve met my youngest?


Thank you again. You are the voice of reason.