Disneyland for a first-timer

[goldengirlz]

Hey there! We just booked a family trip to Disneyland for February and I had a couple of questions.

1) We're most likely arriving on Friday around noon (after getting to the hotel from the airport and dropping off bags) and leaving for the airport around 2-ish on Monday. We'll definitely get passes for the weekend but would you spend the money to go to the parks on Fri. and/or Monday? Is there anything to do in Downtown Disney (shows, etc.) or do you really need to be in a park? We won't have a car and it probably won't be pool weather so those two things are out. Are there half-day/evening tickets?

2) Is there a CliffsNotes guide to FastPass? Like a cheat sheet on which rides should definitely be booked in advance and where they are in the park (so we can literally and figuratively map out our itinerary)?

[Deleted]

I would get a ticket for Friday if you're up for staying until close
There is a movie theater, fun restaurants and shops, - Dave & Busters (arcade), build a bear and some other stuff in downtown Disney. It may be pool weather, you won't know until the time comes-- and I think the pools are heated. I'd definitely pack bathing suits so you have them

[Deleted]

They are changing the fastpass system soon so i'd look into when that is changing

[Deleted]

It looks like 3 day tickets are only $60 more than two day so I'd get the 3 day and go Friday

[Deleted]

Nov 29, 2016 19:21:16 GMT -5 Loco Coco said:

Nov 29, 2016 18:51:23 GMT -5 ladybug said:

They are changing the fastpass system soon so i'd look into when that is changing

Do you know what they're going to do? Make it mobile? That would be amazing!

yes something like that I believe is what I read. TBH, I just skimmed the article I saw haha

[alleinesein]

Nov 29, 2016 18:34:42 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

Hey there! We just booked a family trip to Disneyland for February and I had a couple of questions.

1) We're most likely arriving on Friday around noon (after getting to the hotel from the airport and dropping off bags) and leaving for the airport around 2-ish on Monday. We'll definitely get passes for the weekend but would you spend the money to go to the parks on Fri. and/or Monday? Is there anything to do in Downtown Disney (shows, etc.) or do you really need to be in a park? We won't have a car and it probably won't be pool weather so those two things are out. Are there half-day/evening tickets?

2) Is there a CliffsNotes guide to FastPass? Like a cheat sheet on which rides should definitely be booked in advance and where they are in the park (so we can literally and figuratively map out our itinerary)?

1. Feb is the off season so dont be surprised if lots of things are closed for refurb.  If you will be here over President's Day weekend the park will be crowded.  Take advantage of extra magic hours if you are staying on property- Saturday is Disneyland and Sunday is California Adventure.  The pools are heated so bring your swim stuff anyways.  The weather can be unpredictable and I've been able to use the pool in January.  Downtown Disney is kinda boring; it is basically a dining and shopping area.  They do have some live entertainment in the evenings but it isn't anything that have to see.  I'd consider getting a 3 day park hopper so that you can go into the park the day you arrive.

2. Disneyland does not use the same Fast Pass system as WDW.  There is no booking in advance.  You get fast passes at each ride.  You do not have to plan your day around your ride times.  It is a pretty simple system to use- take your ticket up to the fast pass machine and insert it.  You will then get a FP for your time slot.  You can get your next FP when your current one is up (example: You grab a FP for Space Mountain with a return time of 9:45am.  You can get your next FP any time after 9:45am.)  If you do end up getting a FP for much later in the day you can get your next one after 2 hours.  Also be aware that Fantasyland rides do not have fast passes; they are limited to big rides at DLR (SM, BTMR, ST, Buzz, Splash, Indiana Jones, Soarin, RSR, ToT, CS, etc)

The best advice for hitting up rides is to take advantage of extra magic hours in both parks.  Get in line to get into the park at least 20 minutes prior to EMH opening and then beeline to your desired rides. For Disneyland you can easily do all of Tomorrowland or a good portion of Fantasyland during Disneyland EMH.  We typically will head over and do Space Mountain first and then go ride Star Tours and Buzz before the park opens to the public.  At California Adventure you will want to head over to either Toy Story Mania or Radiator Springs Racers first.  Since Toy Story Mania is at the back of the park you can usually ride it and California Screamin before the park opens.  If you get over to Radiator Springs Racers when they start handing out fast passes you can grab one and head off to Soarin.

Disneyland does not require the same level of planning that WDW does.  Don't try to overplan your trip.  Just go with the flow!!  If you want to see World of Color consider doing a dining package.  You can book dining reservations 60 days out and since DLR does not have that many full service dining options it is best to have reservations if you want to eat anywhere specific.  The Blue Bayou tends to book up and if you want the Monte Cristo sandwich they only serve it at lunch.