Anyone have a good Lightning Lane strategy for One Day Park Hoppers?

[mickEblu]

Thanks to Guardians of the Galaxy I’m getting reemed for another $160 bringing the total to $600+ for two one day parkhoppers with LL’s. Today my cousin texted me from Universal Studios that our cousins from Italy, who I’ll be hosting, on their own brought up how much they love Marvel and Guardians of the Galaxy. So of course now I have to upgrade to park hoppers as you can see that damn tower from all over the resort and don’t have the heart to tell them we can’t to do it.

Anyway, anyone have a good lightning lane strategy for one day park hoppers? I’m an MK holder but I’m rarely at the park early and rarely purchase LL’s. I had a plan for Disneyland but this throws a wrench in the plans. At DCA, our only priorities will be Guardians and Incredicoaster. RSR would be nice but not sure I want to shell out anymore $ or dedicate so much time to that. If I’m waiting in a long standby line for anything it’ll be ROTR.

Does it make more sense to start at DCA? Preferably would like to hop only once. I do prefer to start at Disneyland. I feel like starting with GOTG: MB and Incredicoaster is not only a little too much but may make the rest of the rest of the thrill rides feel a bit anticlimactic. The Plan is to be there early. I’m not sure if we’ll be there rope drop early and I realize that’s an important distinction that would better help guide suggestions. It’s also a Friday, so early entry is at DCA.

Must Do List:

Indy
POTC
TBA (preferably in the mid afternoon)
ROTR
BTMRR (at night)
Matterhorn
IASW Holiday (at night)
Space Mountain
GOTG:MB
Incredicoaster


Would be nice:

Jungle Cruise
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Smugglers Run
MMRR
Casey Jr or Storybookland canal boats
Soarin
RSR

 

[SuddenStorm]

Why in the heck is TBA listed as a must do list, with Jungle Cruise and Storybook as a "would be nice"

Who even are you? Like you think you know someone after a decade of online discussion, and then they go and put TBA as a 'must do' over classics like Jungle Cruise and Storybookland Canal Boats.

 

[mickEblu]

Why in the heck is TBA listed as a must do list, with Jungle Cruise and Storybook as a "would be nice"

Who even are you? Like you think you know someone after a decade of online discussion, and then they go and put TBA as a 'must do' over classics like Jungle Cruise and Storybookland Canal Boats.

LOL.They re thrill seekers in their early 20’s. Apparently their favorite ride at Universal today was the Mummy. Everyone in their party of 9 was disappointed with Mario Kart.

 

[mickEblu]

Why in the heck is TBA listed as a must do list, with Jungle Cruise and Storybook as a "would be nice"

Who even are you? Like you think you know someone after a decade of online discussion, and then they go and put TBA as a 'must do' over classics like Jungle Cruise and Storybookland Canal Boats.

If there is anything making hesitate putting TBA on the priority list for them its the fact that the high that day will be in the low 60s / partly cloudy.

 

[Architectural Guinea Pig]

Some tips:

1. I wouldn't worry about park hopping more than one time. Walking between the two parks is shorter than walking through Downtown Disney, which shouldn't be a problem. It's also fun to back and forth Matterhorn and Incredicoaster because it's an incredible workout- both are excellent at night and better than BTMRR in terms of vibes.

2. RSR shouldn't ever be missed for a one-time visit even if the wait is above an hour. However, your cousins can opt to use single ride for it, which has a maximum 10 minute wait due to the 6-seater arrangement of the cars. The thrills on RSR especially with the drop near the end clears RoTR easily.

3. If they are Marvel fans, it would probably be preferable to start with DCA in the morning or head there as soon as park hopping opens. Most of the entertainment offerings aren't offered later in the afternoon/night and they should definitely not miss out on the stuntronic or PYM (yes, PYM is great!)

4. Add Mr. Toad to the would be nice list! My experience with taking less frequented or newer visitors is that a vintage Disney ride where you end up in hell is one of the best moments in the park. Silly Symphony Swings too (at nighttime), as you really don't want to miss the views especially when LL opens up that time. GRR at nighttime is also iconic the more people you have in your group. The terror of a nighttime ride is just too great to miss even if you get a little wet

5. DL's LL is honestly super lax, my sister with little to no experience with using it was able to ride basically every ride in DL in a <10 hour visit without missing anything important. Make sure to just prioritize Space and Indy depending on which one they're interested in more. I'm sure you already have the experience but DL really doesn't require a plan- just book them rides one by one and follow the trail around the park.

Edit: Totally forgot you know all these things already I was just bored tonight so it was fun writing things down on a whim

 

[PiratesMansion]

Thanks to Guardians of the Galaxy I’m getting reemed for another $160 bringing the total to $600+ for two one day parkhoppers with LL’s. Today my cousin texted me from Universal Studios that our cousins from Italy, who I’ll be hosting, on their own brought up how much they love Marvel and Guardians of the Galaxy. So of course now I have to upgrade to park hoppers as you can see that damn tower from all over the resort and don’t have the heart to tell them we can’t to do it.

Anyway, anyone have a good lightning lane strategy for one day park hoppers? I’m an MK holder but I’m rarely at the park early and rarely purchase LL’s. I had a plan for Disneyland but this throws a wrench in the plans. At DCA, our only priorities will be Guardians and Incredicoaster. RSR would be nice but not sure I want to shell out anymore $ or dedicate so much time to that. If I’m waiting in a long standby line for anything it’ll be ROTR.

Does it make more sense to start at DCA? Preferably would like to hop only once. I do prefer to start at Disneyland. I feel like starting with GOTG: MB and Incredicoaster is not only a little too much but may make the rest of the rest of the thrill rides feel a bit anticlimactic. The Plan is to be there early. I’m not sure if we’ll be there rope drop early and I realize that’s an important distinction that would better help guide suggestions. It’s also a Friday, so early entry is at DCA.

Must Do List:

Indy
POTC
TBA (preferably in the mid afternoon)
ROTR
BTMRR (at night)
Matterhorn
IASW Holiday (at night)
Space Mountain
GOTG:MB
Incredicoaster


Would be nice:

Jungle Cruise
Haunted Mansion Holiday
Smugglers Run
MMRR
Casey Jr or Storybookland canal boats
Soarin
RSR

I would start at DL, hop to DCA, and then hop back, if only because IMO you have LLs that are actually useful at the beginning of the day at DL (particularly Space). It's also more helpful for hitting ROTR IMO (I've found the "hit it at nine" advice to work pretty well).

I might explain to your group just HOW wet they're likely to get on TBA before definitively moving forward with that ride, especially if it's likely to be chilly.

 

[mickEblu]

I would start at DL, hop to DCA, and then hop back, if only because IMO you have LLs that are actually useful at the beginning of the day at DL (particularly Space). It's also more helpful for hitting ROTR IMO (I've found the "hit it at nine" advice to work pretty well).

I might explain to your group just HOW wet they're likely to get on TBA before definitively moving forward with that ride, especially if it's likely to be chilly.

Yeah after I wrote the original post I realized that starting at Disneyland is really the only option. Since we’re only really interested in doing Guardians and Incredicoaster at DCA there’s no way I’m starting our day with those two attractions. And that fact that early entry is at DCA that morning it makes even more sense to start at Disneyland. So I guess I can just follow the LL plan I had for Disneyland (Indy, Space etc) and at some point in the late afternoon head over to DCA then back to DL to finish the day.

As far as TBA I am buying ponchos and will instruct everyone to sit in the back half of the logs. So we may take two logs even though we fit in one. But yeah it looks like the high is only in the high 50s now and no Sun so point taken- still might not be a great idea. It was a higher priority when we weren’t park hopping but now it’s a bit more expendable.

I don’t think I can risk ROTR that late. If it goes down we re screwed. I think I’ll try maybe during the parade? I’ll be keeping an eye on it all day.

 

[PiratesMansion]

I don’t think I can risk ROTR that late. If it goes down we re screwed. I think I’ll try maybe during the parade? I’ll be keeping an eye on it all day.

Sorry, 9 AM, not PM.

 

[mickEblu]

Sorry, 9 AM, not PM.

Haha that makes more sense. How long do you typically wait at 9am?

 

[PiratesMansion]

Haha that makes more sense. How long do you typically wait at 9am?

30ish min

 

[mickEblu]

30ish min

Not bad at all!

 

[mickEblu]

1. I wouldn't worry about park hopping more than one time. Walking between the two parks is shorter than walking through Downtown Disney, which shouldn't be a problem. It's also fun to back and forth Matterhorn and Incredicoaster because it's an incredible workout- both are excellent at night and better than BTMRR in terms of vibes.

There just isn't a need to in our case since we're only doing Mission Breakout and Incredicoaster at DCA.

2. RSR shouldn't ever be missed for a one-time visit even if the wait is above an hour. However, your cousins can opt to use single ride for it, which has a maximum 10 minute wait due to the 6-seater arrangement of the cars. The thrills on RSR especially with the drop near the end clears RoTR easily.

I know, it's a big one to miss. Having them just go through single rider isn't a bad idea. From a thrill standpoint I'm ok with them missing it as personally I don't find it very thrilling and it pales in comparison in that department to Mission Breakout, Incredicoaster and Space. ROTR is more about the spectacle and its been the highlight for many first timers Ive taken on it.

3. If they are Marvel fans, it would probably be preferable to start with DCA in the morning or head there as soon as park hopping opens. Most of the entertainment offerings aren't offered later in the afternoon/night and they should definitely not miss out on the stuntronic or PYM (yes, PYM is great!)

They re getting a ride on Guardians and thats it! haha. Cant spend any valuable time in Avengers Campus. I don't get the sense they care about characters but I could be wrong.

4. Add Mr. Toad to the would be nice list! My experience with taking less frequented or newer visitors is that a vintage Disney ride where you end up in hell is one of the best moments in the park. Silly Symphony Swings too (at nighttime), as you really don't want to miss the views especially when LL opens up that time. GRR at nighttime is also iconic the more people you have in your group. The terror of a nighttime ride is just too great to miss even if you get a little wet

I would like get them on at least one FL dark ride. I'm not exactly sure they will appreciate it especially if its after many of the E tickets but if its a short wait and it works out I'll get them on at least one.

GRR at night does sound enticing with this group. It'll be freezing of course which is why it's not on my list. But im going to play it by ear. If they show enthusiasm after explaining to them what it is (and how wet they may get) I wont be the one to stop it from happening. May have to happen in the day though as that would require another hop back to DCA and I don't think it's in the cards with everything we're trying to hit.

DL's LL is honestly super lax, my sister with little to no experience with using it was able to ride basically every ride in DL in a <10 hour visit without missing anything important. Make sure to just prioritize Space and Indy depending on which one they're interested in more. I'm sure you already have the experience but DL really doesn't require a plan- just book them rides one by one and follow the trail around the park.

Yeah you're right. I just don't do Disneyland as a tourist often. Very rarely get there early or buy LL's. Was curious on hearing any LL one day park hopper strategies. Vloggers - this would make for a good video. But then again I value the order of the attractions too much so I doubt any strategy starting with the most thrilling attractions at DCA at the butt crack of dawn would sound good to me.

Edit: Totally forgot you know all these things already I was just bored tonight so it was fun writing things down on a whim

lol I appreciate the response. Might squeeze in GRR now and have them ride RSR via single rider.

 

[SuddenStorm]

Could you rope drop DCA, ride Guardians and Incredicoaster first while booking a fastpass for Space Mountain, then hop on back over to DL for the rest of the day?

 

[mickEblu]

Could you rope drop DCA, ride Guardians and Incredicoaster first while booking a fastpass for Space Mountain, then hop on back over to DL for the rest of the day?

From a maximization standpoint that would make sense on the right day (maybe not a DCA early entry day?) but I just don’t like the ride flow. I like the idea of building up to the most thrilling rides and hitting them at some point in the afternoon/ early evening.

I’m the same way with Indy / Space. It makes sense of course to ride and get LL’s for those first but you’re also riding two of the best rides in the park back to back. I don’t think I’ve ever done Space n Indy back to back. There’s a certain flow I’m going for when I play Tour Guide. Ideally in a perfect non LL existing world, I’d do something like Jungle Cruise or Pirates first. Then maybe an Indy. Then maybe something in Fantasyland before I hit ROTR. IASW Holiday, Matterhorn and BTMRR should all be in the evening IMO and since it gets dark so early this time of year that should be doable.

 

[SuddenStorm]

From a maximization standpoint that would make sense on the right day (maybe not a DCA early entry day?) but I just don’t like the ride flow. I like the idea of building up to the most thrilling rides and hitting them at some point in the afternoon/ early evening.

I’m the same way with Indy / Space. It makes sense of course to ride and get LL’s for those first but you’re also riding two of the best rides in the park back to back. I don’t think I’ve ever done Space n Indy back to back. There’s a certain flow I’m going for when I play Tour Guide. Ideally in a perfect non LL existing world, I’d do something like Jungle Cruise or Pirates first. Then maybe an Indy. Then maybe something in Fantasyland before I hit ROTR. IASW Holiday, Matterhorn and BTMRR should all be in the evening IMO and since it gets dark so early this time of year that should be doable.

I'm sorry, but all Tour Guide credibility was lost when you put TBA as a 'must do'

If you're going for flow, rope drop Fantasyland (-pan). You can get Snow White/Pinocchio/Toad/Alice/Casey Jr. done in like 45 minutes or so. Hop on over to Jungle Cruise, then you should be riding your first LL- Space or Indy.

I'd shoot for LL for Guardians/Incredicoaster around 12-2p, so you can get the sourdough bread as a mid day snack.

But seriously, the park hasn't been crowded at all the last few months. I'm curious how the holidays will look, but even yesterday it wasn't that bad. People were still able to find parade viewing minutes before, like it was full but not overwhelmingly so. Today looks empty.

 

[Touchdown]

What I would do:
-Enter DL, get Indy LL
-Line up for Space Mountain first
-Keep an eye on the Indy LL, if it goes 101 you get a use anytime and can book a new one
-After riding Space ride Matterhorn
-Ride Indy if open with your LL, book GotG, two hours later book Soarin
-Ride HMH
-Ride Tiana
-Walk by Rise, if the outdoor queue isn’t fully used ride
-Ride Smugglers Run
Lunchtime
-Hop, should by time for GotG go ride it
-Should be time for LL #4, Matterhorn
-Single Ride RSR
-Ride Incridicoaster with either SRL or standby
-Ride Soarin with LL
-Hop back, book a LL for BTMRR and do JC, Storybook and iasw holiday presuming it’s during Christmas.

 

[mickEblu]

I'm sorry, but all Tour Guide credibility was lost when you put TBA as a 'must do'

If you're going for flow, rope drop Fantasyland (-pan). You can get Snow White/Pinocchio/Toad/Alice/Casey Jr. done in like 45 minutes or so. Hop on over to Jungle Cruise, then you should be riding your first LL- Space or Indy.

I'd shoot for LL for Guardians/Incredicoaster around 12-2p, so you can get the sourdough bread as a mid day snack.

But seriously, the park hasn't been crowded at all the last few months. I'm curious how the holidays will look, but even yesterday it wasn't that bad. People were still able to find parade viewing minutes before, like it was full but not overwhelmingly so. Today looks empty.

Lol hey man, I need to give the people what they want! But really between the weather and us adding two more legit thrill rides at DCA, riding TBA is not necessary. It’s on the list for no other reason than the ride system and it’s not worth getting even slightly wet in that weather. If I ever get to MK, id like to ride their version even just to get a better idea of what Splash was like there.

For the group I’m with that’s a lot of Fantasyland in a row. I guess a lot of the strategy comes down to if we re rope dropping or not. Park hopping me for us means a 5am alarm and probably burning out by the time the sun goes down. But then again avoiding traffic is nice so I have to weigh it out.

Nice to know the park hasn't been too crowded. Hopefully its not too bad when we go.

 

[mickEblu]

What I would do:
-Enter DL, get Indy LL
-Line up for Space Mountain first
-Keep an eye on the Indy LL, if it goes 101 you get a use anytime and can book a new one
-After riding Space ride Matterhorn
-Ride Indy if open with your LL, book GotG, two hours later book Soarin
-Ride HMH
-Ride Tiana
-Walk by Rise, if the outdoor queue isn’t fully used ride
-Ride Smugglers Run
Lunchtime
-Hop, should by time for GotG go ride it
-Should be time for LL #4, Matterhorn
-Single Ride RSR
-Ride Incridicoaster with either SRL or standby
-Ride Soarin with LL
-Hop back, book a LL for BTMRR and do JC, Storybook and iasw holiday presuming it’s during Christmas.

Thanks for calling this out. GOTG should probably be no later than my second to third FP selection if I plan on riding it in the late afternoon right?

Soarin and HMH are lower priority for us. I wouldn't be using an FP for Soarin and only for HMH if their are still any available I the evening with a decent return time which is usually not the case IIRC.

I'm thinking depending what time I get to the park my first LL selection will be Indy or Space first and then standby the other. Unless it's too late and standby is already too long then I'll probably grab LL's for both of them. My priority is...

1 Indy / Space
2. Space / Indy
3. GOTG
4. Matterhorn / IASW Holiday
5. IASW Holiday / Matterhorn

(Basing the above on where I have seen demand historically on the few occasions I've purchased LL's)

Id imagine this is probably the max selections I'll be able to make right? Unless I throw in some instant return times like Star Tours or Smugglers Run in there. Im wondering- MMRR isn't probably a popular first LL selection for many right? Im wondering if it makes sense to use an LL on MMRR if it's an instant to 30 min or less return time or just even knocking it out first thing standby depending what the wait is. With that said, considering it's not on the high priority list that might be dumb. As far as TBA, if we do it, Im banking on it being a lower that avg wait time due to the weather. I'll probably have to do standby for BTMRR and Incredicoaster. But BTMRR does to tend have availibity until pretty late on all but the most slammed of days.

 

[Touchdown]

Thanks for calling this out. GOTG should probably be no later than my second to third FP selection if I plan on riding it in the late afternoon right?

Soarin and HMH are lower priority for us. I wouldn't be using an FP for Soarin and only for HMH if their are still any available I the evening with a decent return time which is usually not the case IIRC.

I'm thinking depending what time I get to the park my first LL selection will be Indy or Space first and then standby the other. Unless it's too late and standby is already too long then I'll probably grab LL's for both of them. My priority is...

1 Indy / Space
2. Space / Indy
3. GOTG
4. Matterhorn / IASW Holiday
5. IASW Holiday / Matterhorn

Id imagine this is probably the max selections I'll be able to make right? Unless I throw in some instant return times like Star Tours or Smugglers Run in there. Im wondering MMRR isn't probably a popular first LL selection for many right? Im wondering if it makes sense to use an LL on MMRR if it's an instant to 30 min or less return time or just even knocking it out first thing standby depending what the wait is. With that said, considering it's not on the high priority list that might be dumb. As far as TBA Im banking on it being a lower that avg wait time due to the weather. I'll probably have to do standby for BTMRR and Incredicoaster.

If you rope drop Space you should get on with minimal waits. Provided Matterhorn has both sides open, you can also usually near walk on that ride right after. I find for hopping that you want to start getting LL for the other park after one pull for DCA. GotG goes first, TSMM second, Soarin 3rd, Incridicoaster 4th (but I rarely pull that one, standby is usually not horrible.). Matterhorn/BTMRR is usually available later. HMH lines are usually not bad until after 10am, and get short post Fantasmic.

 

[mickEblu]

If you rope drop Space you should get on with minimal waits. Provided Matterhorn has both sides open, you can also usually near walk on that ride right after. I find for hopping that you want to start getting LL for the other park after one pull for DCA. GotG goes first, TSMM second, Soarin 3rd, Incridicoaster 4th (but I rarely pull that one, standby is usually not horrible.). Matterhorn/BTMRR is usually available later. HMH lines are usually not bad until after 10am, and get short post Fantasmic.

We're starting at Disneyland. Did you mean get a LL for DCA/GOTG as my second selection of the day? Also sorry I wasn't clear. The above plan was based on the likelihood of me arriving at the park sometime between 9am and 10am. Not sure we'll make it to rope drop.