Does Disneyland need strategy?

[katyringo]

Making my dinning reservations in the next few days..

Before our first trip I poured over blogs and read tons and tons on strategies, etc..

And then we found that arriving early and using maxpass we really were able to do most everything we wanted.

Is that the magic of Disneyland? We plan to buy maxpass all 4 days and it’s just hubby and I, do I need to worry about planning much past planning to arrive before opening, using maxpass and making some dinning reservations?

 

[PirateRedhead]

Not really. You're right: getting there early and using Maxpass are the keys.

I still plan like crazy, but it's mainly so that I have an excuse to think about the trip a lot. Once there, though, we pretty much go with the flow.

I do keep a list of things that I want to see or try, and every trip I cross a few of them off. That kind of planning can be fun.

 

[Eve & Wall-e]

Is that the magic of Disneyland?

Yes! I like that you can be spontaneous on a Disneyland trip. I plan a few dining reservations, make a must do list, and a list of nice to do if we have time. Both parks are so close that a park hopper ticket is a must. MaxPass was a game changer.

Your plan is perfect. Have a magical time!

 

[mom2rtk]

I tend to map out in my head which days I plan to do parades and night shows. We also make a few dining reservations. Beyond that, we decide everything as we go. We love it that way. Honestly, it's why we ditched WDW when FP+ started.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I think it really depends on the personalities of the people in the group involved. Some people really do better with lots of structure and planning (group A), some do well with a basic plan and lots of flexibility (group B), and some just thrive flying by the seat of their pants (group C)! Move these people from their comfort zone group into a different group, and -- bam! -- you have the makings of a very unhappy DLR trip! We've had reports from people in group A who did no planning because they heard that DLR required "no plans" -- you guessed it, very frustrating trip with loooooong lines for everything and very little fun. People in group C who end up with group A -- chafing at the restraints the whole time!
So does DLR require strategy? Yes, but there is context to that. Know your own touring style or the touring style of your group. Know your priorities (e.g. character meals? shows and dining packages? rides, rides, rides? etc.) and plan accordingly for that. Don't expect to walk up to BB for a F! dining package during peak hours at the end of December because it's your Christmas wish and you heard that DLR didn't require planning! It's really important to know what works best for you and to know how to work around that and be flexible when necessary -- that's the best strategy. But, most importantly, no matter what kind of planning you do or don't do, once you get to the parks, get ready to relax and go with the flow, because that's how the magic happens here!

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I think that, generally speaking, a single day or 2-day trip requires a fair amount of strategy. Not an ironclad “touring plan,” but some knowledge and loose plans and expectations will improve the trip.

As soon as you’re on a longer trip than that, it’s more forgiving, IMO.

 

[katyringo]

I think it really depends on the personalities of the people in the group involved. Some people really do better with lots of structure and planning (group A), some do well with a basic plan and lots of flexibility (group B), and some just thrive flying by the seat of their pants (group C)! Move these people from their comfort zone group into a different group, and -- bam! -- you have the makings of a very unhappy DLR trip! We've had reports from people in group A who did no planning because they heard that DLR required "no plans" -- you guessed it, very frustrating trip with loooooong lines for everything and very little fun. People in group C who end up with group A -- chafing at the restraints the whole time!
So does DLR require strategy? Yes, but there is context to that. Know your own touring style or the touring style of your group. Know your priorities (e.g. character meals? shows and dining packages? rides, rides, rides? etc.) and plan accordingly for that. Don't expect to walk up to BB for a F! dining package during peak hours at the end of December because it's your Christmas wish and you heard that DLR didn't require planning! It's really important to know what works best for you and to know how to work around that and be flexible when necessary -- that's the best strategy. But, most importantly, no matter what kind of planning you do or don't do, once you get to the parks, get ready to relax and go with the flow, because that's how the magic happens here!

This is soooo true haha. Usually in my life I’m really type A.. and I’m deff reserving all the packages ahead of time.

I had everything planned to a T before our first trip last year and then on the flight there my 4 year old had a total melt down on the flight, our flight was delayed and I told myself to LET IT GO. We needed to rest and chill and so when we got there that’s what we did the first day, and I ditched the super scheduled plan and WE FOUND SO MUCH MAGIC by just being in the right places at the right time.. I couldn’t believe it.

I tend to map out in my head which days I plan to do parades and night shows. We also make a few dining reservations. Beyond that, we decide everything as we go. We love it that way. Honestly, it's why we ditched WDW when FP+ started.

I do think I’ll have a general plan in my head of the big things each day. I agree.

 

[ExcitedMama]

I do think it depends on personalities and goals. If you would be disappointed to have missed something it’s best to plan for it. Make any reservations that are important so you don’t miss out. It’s probably easier with two adults but you can still have an idea what you both want to get done. Know the entertainment options and decide what matters to you both. Have an idea what you’d be disappointed to have missed if it didn’t get done.

 

[Summer2018]

I think it really depends on the personalities of the people in the group involved. Some people really do better with lots of structure and planning (group A), some do well with a basic plan and lots of flexibility (group B), and some just thrive flying by the seat of their pants (group C)! Move these people from their comfort zone group into a different group, and -- bam! -- you have the makings of a very unhappy DLR trip! We've had reports from people in group A who did no planning because they heard that DLR required "no plans" -- you guessed it, very frustrating trip with loooooong lines for everything and very little fun. People in group C who end up with group A -- chafing at the restraints the whole time!
So does DLR require strategy? Yes, but there is context to that. Know your own touring style or the touring style of your group. Know your priorities (e.g. character meals? shows and dining packages? rides, rides, rides? etc.) and plan accordingly for that. Don't expect to walk up to BB for a F! dining package during peak hours at the end of December because it's your Christmas wish and you heard that DLR didn't require planning! It's really important to know what works best for you and to know how to work around that and be flexible when necessary -- that's the best strategy. But, most importantly, no matter what kind of planning you do or don't do, once you get to the parks, get ready to relax and go with the flow, because that's how the magic happens here!

I appreciate your information a lot. I'm a group A WDW veteran, and I'm feeling uncomfortable right now. Our stay at Disneyland Hotel is during Easter week, arriving the evening of Palm Sunday, and checking out on the Saturday before Easter. We basically have 5 days there. I read somewhere that unlike WDW, Mondays are crowded in Disneyland, and we are better off being in the park on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We plan on exploring Seal Beach on Monday; taking a tour bus from Anaheim to Hollywood and hitting the hot spots on Tuesday(still have to find the right tour for us); exploring Disneyland on Wednesday and Thursday mornings beginning at rope drop, afternoon at the pool (No, we are not doing California Adventure, don't want to); and relaxing at our resort on Friday, pool, etc. I'm hoping at some point to enjoy Trader Sam's. We missed out when staying at the Polynesian in July because we just never got around to it. I'm looking at restaurants to reserve now, but I feel weird without our Disney Dining Plan. Figuring out a budget for meals is freaking me out. Normally, we do DDP and don't think about it. Can I get Max Pass before we leave? Not doing FP+ at home is also making me wonder how it will all go. I know nothing about Disneyland except that the castle is smaller.

 

[22Tink]

We go with an idea of shows we want to see and I usually book dining/dessert packages for those so those dates are set. Other than that and maybe a few dining ADRs we just wing it. DLR is so much more relaxing for me than WDW.

 

[katyringo]

I appreciate your information a lot. I'm a group A WDW veteran, and I'm feeling uncomfortable right now. Our stay at Disneyland Hotel is during Easter week, arriving the evening of Palm Sunday, and checking out on the Saturday before Easter. We basically have 5 days there. I read somewhere that unlike WDW, Mondays are crowded in Disneyland, and we are better off being in the park on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We plan on exploring Seal Beach on Monday; taking a tour bus from Anaheim to Hollywood and hitting the hot spots on Tuesday(still have to find the right tour for us); exploring Disneyland on Wednesday and Thursday mornings beginning at rope drop, afternoon at the pool (No, we are not doing California Adventure, don't want to); and relaxing at our resort on Friday, pool, etc. I'm hoping at some point to enjoy Trader Sam's. We missed out when staying at the Polynesian in July because we just never got around to it. I'm looking at restaurants to reserve now, but I feel weird without our Disney Dining Plan. Figuring out a budget for meals is freaking me out. Normally, we do DDP and don't think about it. Can I get Max Pass before we leave? Not doing FP+ at home is also making me wonder how it will all go. I know nothing about Disneyland except that the castle is smaller.

I don’t have a link but there is a really good thread around there called Disneyland for WDW veterans. Might want to check it out !

You can’t buy maxpass ahead of time unless you bought it with your tickets directly from Disney, you add it once scanned in to the park takes just a minute.

 

[tarheelalum]

You don't need or have to plan out everything. Have a rough idea of what you want to do and where you want to eat and go with the flow. Have a great time.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I appreciate your information a lot. I'm a group A WDW veteran, and I'm feeling uncomfortable right now. Our stay at Disneyland Hotel is during Easter week, arriving the evening of Palm Sunday, and checking out on the Saturday before Easter. We basically have 5 days there. I read somewhere that unlike WDW, Mondays are crowded in Disneyland, and we are better off being in the park on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We plan on exploring Seal Beach on Monday; taking a tour bus from Anaheim to Hollywood and hitting the hot spots on Tuesday(still have to find the right tour for us); exploring Disneyland on Wednesday and Thursday mornings beginning at rope drop, afternoon at the pool (No, we are not doing California Adventure, don't want to); and relaxing at our resort on Friday, pool, etc. I'm hoping at some point to enjoy Trader Sam's. We missed out when staying at the Polynesian in July because we just never got around to it. I'm looking at restaurants to reserve now, but I feel weird without our Disney Dining Plan. Figuring out a budget for meals is freaking me out. Normally, we do DDP and don't think about it. Can I get Max Pass before we leave? Not doing FP+ at home is also making me wonder how it will all go. I know nothing about Disneyland except that the castle is smaller.

Off topic, but I would strongly suggest rethinking your plan not to visit DCA. Carsland alone is basically worth the visit, and it would really be a shame not to take advantage of the EMH there that you’re entitled to as a hotel guest. EMH at DCA is truly magical since it’s limited to hotel guests, unlike the Disneyland one which is combined with Magic Morning (which will be slammed that particular week). Even if you don’t want to spend a full day there, it’s absolutely worth a visit.

ETA: I would visit DCA on Friday. In addition to the shame that missing out on DCA will be, I suspect you will be more than done with anything in the “resort” area by then, other than some afternoon pool time. To be at Disneyland and allocate 1.5 days to the parks and 1.5 days to the “resort” is uneven. WDW has waaaay more to do on the resort side.

 

[AustinTink]

Honestly, it's why we ditched WDW when FP+ started.

We haven't been back to WDW since FP+. I'm not going to put up with that nonsense.

I hope Disneyland never falls victim to FP+. My Disney days would be over.

 

[Summer2018]

Off topic, but I would strongly suggest rethinking your plan not to visit DCA. Carsland alone is basically worth the visit, and it would really be a shame not to take advantage of the EMH there that you’re entitled to as a hotel guest. EMH at DCA is truly magical since it’s limited to hotel guests, unlike the Disneyland one which is combined with Magic Morning (which will be slammed that particular week). Even if you don’t want to spend a full day there, it’s absolutely worth a visit.

ETA: I would visit DCA on Friday. In addition to the shame that missing out on DCA will be, I suspect you will be more than done with anything in the “resort” area by then, other than some afternoon pool time. To be at Disneyland and allocate 1.5 days to the parks and 1.5 days to the “resort” is uneven. WDW has waaaay more to do on the resort side.

Thanks for your opinion. I think that we have differing touring styles.

We are not interested in Cars land or any of the other attractions in DCA. Believe me, I've already researched it and consulted my family.

Anyway, we are happiest touring parks in the morning; afternoon breaks in the pool; signature dining at night. Our resort day will most likely consist of me renting a cabana and relaxing there all day. With DTD so close, I can see DH popping over there a lot. I definitely want to spend time at Trader Sam's.

 

[tarheelalum]

Going to Disneyland and not experiencing DCA would be a huge mistake.

 

[katyringo]

Going to Disneyland and not experiencing DCA would be a huge mistake.

I’ve noticed this with a lot of WDW vets. They downplay Disneyland /DCA a lot.. DCA has so much magic!!

 

[22Tink]

Going to Disneyland and not experiencing DCA would be a huge mistake.

I agree. I can’t imagine missing out on DCA.

 

[Summer2018]

Everyone has different priorities. My family's priority is Disneyland. I cannot walk far because of a serious knee injury. I can handle only a half-day. I would like to go to Disneyland for two mornings so that if we miss anything on the first morning, we can go back the second morning. Our second priority is to relax and enjoy the pool at our resort, which we plan on doing in the afternoons.

Right now, DCA is of no interest to us and therefore not a priority. Does that mean that we will never go there? Maybe when I have grandchildren, we might go there. Maybe not. This trip it is not on our list.

I really don't know why it is so important to others that we go to DCA. If you love it so much, go ahead and enjoy.

 

[tarheelalum]

I’ve noticed this with a lot of WDW vets. They downplay Disneyland /DCA a lot.. DCA has so much magic!!

I often wonder why they even bother coming.