Top DLR Rides for FP?

[GoldChain]

Hello all,

The wife and I are taking the 2 boys to DLR the first week of December for our Disney trip this year. We're seasoned vets at WDW and have a plan of attack for each park related, specifically around FPs. (Although there was a shift with the enforcement of the FP return time) We've been to DLR in 2005 and 2007, but not since and not with the boys. So I'm not up on the prime attractions to hit for FP (i.e. which one run out quicker), etc.... my OCD makes me want to have a gameplan for the parks before walking in, so I feel at a disadvantage in DLR compared to WDW.

Any input is appreciated.
Mike W.

 

[TP2000]

Before you even think another thought, you need to come up with a Battle Plan for getting those boys on Radiator Springs Racers. Fastpasses for that are a must, and you must treat it like the Normandy Invasion where defeat is not an option. The Racers FP's are gone within an hour of park opening each morning, and people line up outside the parks prior to opening to be able to line up inside the park to get a Fastpass for Racers.

Here's a typical morning in DCA, where the line for getting a Racers Fastpass extends through the park and ends somewhere down Hollywood Blvd. near Tower of Terror.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QDU0qbYmS50/T_9Q-KzC2EI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/iCE8iui7PXw/s1600/Crazy Fastpass Line.jpg

The WDW equivalent to this would be the line just to get a Space Mountain Fastpass extending out of Tomorrowland, going across the Hub, and winding through Liberty Square. Every morning. Seriously.

Plan your DCA morning carefully, get everyone scanned in to the park the second it opens, and then run to join the huge line of people queuing for Racers Fastpasses. It's been my experience that they staff this operation with lots of crowd control CM's, and the distribution area has a CM standing at every single machine helping you with tickets and questions and directing you out so the line moves pretty quickly. But the fast moving line means they have given all the tickets out for the entire day within about 45 to 60 minutes of park opening.

Once you've got your Racers Fastpass taken care of, you'll want to focus on the following in this basic order... Indiana Jones, World of Color, Space Mountain, Soarin' Over California, Tower of Terror, Thunder Mountain, Autopia (depending on boys ages), Goofy's Sky School, and maybe California Screamin'. In December you probably won't need to worry about Splash Mountain or Grizzly River Run Fastpass unless there is a heat wave.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Pretty much what TP said. I don't mind waiting in standby for some lines but I usually always get a FP for Indy and Space. I always single ride RSR.

 

[GoldChain]

Thanks for the heads up on RSR. Definitely make a point to get the FP for that at least once.. afterwards. So, TP, you mention World of Color, which I know is the night show at DCA, but is there a Fastpass for that? Or is it like Fantasmic where you arrive early to get a seat (or a good view)?

 

[Maryssa*]

You have to get a fastpass in the morning for one of the 2 (sometimes 3) showings. They collect them and direct you to your viewing area.

 

[GoldChain]

Good to know! Do you get to pick which showing you attend? (I'm assuming so?) Where is the fastpass pickup for that (back by where the show is?)

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Good to know! Do you get to pick which showing you attend? (I'm assuming so?) Where is the fastpass pickup for that (back by where the show is?)

World of Color Fastpasses are distributed at Grizzly River Run and you do not get to select your showing. They start at park opening with the first show, and once it's sold out they begin distributing for subsequent performances.

The show will be doubly popular in December if the all-new Christmas show debuts as rumored, meaning you'll need to head here immediately after getting your RSR Fastpasses.

EDIT: you can choose your show if you pre-book or purchase a World of Color picnic meal, which includes a Fastpass. You also get more flexibility if your reserve a dining package through Ariel's Grotto, Wine Country Trattoria or Carthay Circle.

 

[GoldChain]

Excellent! Thanks for the feedback. The picnic looks like a cute idea. Pickup time for the picnic boxes is very early to 7pm. So can you pickup anytime and eat anywhere? Do people take their picnics into the viewing area for the show?

 

[Californian Elitist]

Excellent! Thanks for the feedback. The picnic looks like a cute idea. Pickup time for the picnic boxes is very early to 7pm. So can you pickup anytime and eat anywhere? Do people take their picnics into the viewing area for the show?

Usually, people just eat their food at the restaurants they came from. I'm not sure if you can actually pick up your food and leave, though.

 

[GoldChain]

So I know at WDW they've gotten strict about the return time for FPs, perhaps gearing up for the FP+ system.... have they also tightened down on return times for FP in DL/DCA?

 

[Californian Elitist]

So I know at WDW they've gotten strict about the return time for FPs, perhaps gearing up for the FP+ system.... have they also tightened down on return times for FP in DL/DCA?

Yep, just recently actually, a few months ago. There's a fifteen minute passing period. You shouldn't have a problem getting to your FP time, though. The parks are very close together, as well as the attractions. The ones who would abuse the FP system were the annual passholders and the locals. You'll be fine.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Excellent! Thanks for the feedback. The picnic looks like a cute idea. Pickup time for the picnic boxes is very early to 7pm. So can you pickup anytime and eat anywhere? Do people take their picnics into the viewing area for the show?

The picnic pickup is its own location adjacent to Golden Vine Winery. You can pick up the food whenever you'd like, and there are nearby tables. I've never seen anyone take it into the show because the latest you can pick up is 7pm. We did it once and enjoyed the food - I had the fried chicken plate and it was tasty.

If you decide to go this route, pre-order online beforehand. Again, the Christmas version of the show will catapult it back into extreme popularity. (It's very popular now, but you can still show up late in the day and get a Fastpass. This won't be the case when the new show premieres)

 

[TP2000]

So I know at WDW they've gotten strict about the return time for FPs, perhaps gearing up for the FP+ system.... have they also tightened down on return times for FP in DL/DCA?

Yes, they have. You must return within your one hour window, no exceptions.

The picnic deal is a great World of Color option. Most people eat the picnics on the terrace at the Golden Vine Winery where the pickup counter is. Nice tables and chairs under trees and arbors. If they announce this rumored Christmas show, be ready to commit to World of Color Fastpass in one way or another. The dining options are a great choice.

For meals, be prepared for dramatically better counter service options at Disneyland compared to WDW. Most "fast food" places at Disneyland serve food on real china with real silverware, have lots of outdoor terraces and patios due to the fabulous California climate, and have live bands playing during meal times. Very different vibe from the "fast food" options at WDW parks.

Read atsolomon's recent TR on his first trip to Disneyland as a WDW veteran. It's a perfect summary of the cultural differences you'll experience at Disneyland.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

@GoldChain, heads up: World of Color picnic service is being discontinued as of June 1. That leaves regular Fastpass distribution or table service dining packages.