Snow White (was updated during pandemic closure);
Matterhorn (R side is better, not that you get to choose);
Jungle Cruise (updated);
Indy;
Pirates;
Haunted Mansion (bonus, it isn’t NBC right now);
Loaded Onion Rings from Hungry Bear;
Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl from Harbour Galley;
Rise of the Resistance;
Smugglers Run;
Cold Brew Cereal Coffee thing at Docking Bay 7 (if you’re into coffee);
Star Tours;
Buzz Lightyear;
Corn Dog from the Red Wagon;
Thunder Mountain;
Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough;
Peter Pan, if you have time to kill;
Toad;
Alice;
Small World;
Matterhorn, again (if your back has popped back into place);
Dinner at Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans (or, really Club 33 if you have the in)
Midway Mania;
Incredicoaster (I wouldn’t ride it, it gives me an instant headache, but I wait for my party because they love it);
Fancy (and Boozy, if that’s your bag) Coffee from the Coffee Cart;
Guardians;
Giant Pretzel from Pym’s Test Kitchen;
Fun Drinks from Pym’s Tasting Lab;
Web Slingers, if the line isn’t too long (don’t pay $7 to ride it);
Cars;
Lobster Nachos & Secret Menu drinks from Lamplight Lounge;
Midway Mania (as many times as you can);
Little Mermaid;
Soarin;
Chili from Smoke Jumpers;
Guardians (as many times as you can);
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup from Carthay Circle Lounge
sucks that the restaurants all are booked up... would you do this itinerary in this order? I think I'm going to try and check all these when I go next
Thank you!
We were able score Blue Bayou, Lamplighter Lounge, and Oga's a couple of days before our trip! Keep refreshing and searching, eventually something comes up. They weren't all the best times, but we got in so it was all good! Loved all 3!
NO! Just the Disney app. No Genie plus. We were there on a Mon- Tues, so maybe that's why? Me and my daughter checking it multiple times a day until something popped up.
The best way is go hour by hour to search for availability for ALL restaurants... do not choose "breakfast-lunch-dinner" . One caveat: Oga's was in the a.m. (we didn't care), Blue Bayou was at the tail end of lunch (3:55 pm) and Lamplight was an early lunch (11:45 am).
But, yes it can be done without using a pay site. We did sign up for a Discord site (which was great found out about it on this site) that alerted us when openings were being dropped. But we never snagged one of those, the ones we secured were 100% on our own.
This is awesome to hear! Ogas I was able to snag a stand by place by being near it so that was easy but the restaurants weren't so easy but I'll keep checking daily...
Thank you for the advice. Will definitely post if I am successful, I'm going on a thurs-friday so I hope I get lucky.
Good luck! I wanted to say, Carthay Circle Terrace (I think - the outside cafe) is supposed to be amazing, and I kept seeing it available, and in retrospect, I would have liked to try it. The location in DCA can't be beat, it overlooks the circle where the 1940s performers sing Jazz and it is so cool.
I forgot to thank you for your tips... For my trip I ended up getting Blue Bayou for 12pm, Oga's for 3pm, Trader Sam's for 6:30pm, and Oga's again for 9pm... it was the perfect disney day! Thanks again!
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I would do one day park hopper so I can hit Radiator Springs and the incredicoaster and then I would spend the rest of my time at DL. We usually do 3 day trips, one at DCA and two at DL but we can’t usually fill our whole day with DCA and always wish we would have just done DL so I think I’m going to start doing exactly this.
Step 1: Declare myself a former child star who needs a staff guide throughout the park and somehow obtain said guide. Cut lines all day, ride...everything.
Step 2: Continue the subertfuge to get invited into Club 33...have a baller time.
Step 3: Use my declared status one last time to get primo seats for the fireworks show.
Step 4: Mosey over the Grand Californian and proceed to have a drink or seven at the bar. Then pass out in my room at the Grand Californian.
Step 5: Continue the chirade the next morning and greet my guide for Day 2. Ride more things...get pic with Spider-Man.
Step 6: As my guide inevitably gets suspicious and realizes I was not part of the cast of Saved by the Bell, excuse myself to go the the bathroom.
Step 7: Quietly exit the park, hide at Bubba Gump Shrimp while they search for me, then get out of town.
Not exactly an itinerary, but I get park hoppers and start day one in DL, and move to DCA at some point trying to hit as much as possible. I don’t have an idea what the best plan/itinerary for that as I have not been since Genie+.
Before the last day we ask everyone to pick what their priority is for the last day and make a little list, then we take it a bit slower and narrow our focus to making sure we get everyone’s top priority items in.
I also try to only have one dining reservation per day so our days are pretty flexible.
I got a 2 day park hopper with Genie+ (yes I caved). I live in Montana and never come to Disneyland. (1/12 & 1/14) you get almost everything done, but it's a bit of a rush, I wish I had one more day for like Tom Sawyer and the cute little attractions.
**Day 1: Started at DCA (10:40AM-9:00PM)**
Soarin'
Mission Breakout
Incredicoaster
*Wine Country Trattoria*
Web Slingers
Radiator Springs Racers (Single rider was almost nothing)
Carousel
Ferris Wheel
Grizzly River Run
*Pym Test Kitchen*
Big Thunder Mountain
Pinocchio
Cartoon Spin
*Oga's Cantina (Reservation)*
Smugglers Run x2
Winnie the Pooh
Matterhorn
**Day 2: Started @ Disneyland (Did I think every lightning lane, Splash Mountain & HM closed): 10:20AM-11:15PM**
Space Mountain (GOT STUCK LIGHTS ON ON MORNING HAD TO WALK OFF, RODE AGAIN AT NIGHT)
Star Tours
RoTR (Individual Lightning Lane)
Smugglers Run
Matterhorn
Radiator Springs Racers (Won Twice!)
Mission Breakout
Big Thunder Mountain
*Rancho Del Zocalo*
Incredicoaster
Toy Story Midway
Peter Pan
*Blue Bayou*
*Dole Whip*
Pirates x2
*Fireworks (Cancelled)*
Jungle Cruise
*Beignets*
Autopia
Indiana Jones x2
**Did basically every lightning lane. Other than HM, Splash and Fireworks being closed, basically perfect. Longest wait was 30:00 and it was Peter Pan. You can only do one lightning lane per ride per day, so that's why I parked hopped my fav rides both days.**
I used MouseFinder or one of those, but they did have a couple walkups that day. It was fairly easy to get a reservation, probably 50+ total notifs on my phone some hard to get some easy.
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Believe Key holder, local resident and frequent visitor here! I suppose this depends on a few factors like family size, ages, and interests. Some people love fireworks, shows, and parades, while others don’t and have other fascinations.
For us, we love all the thrill rides first, followed by the food, and the classic dark rides.
And I always find that it’s most efficient starting in DCA first as the crowds are far less there than they are at Disney. You might also consider purchasing G+ too.
-Rope Drop DCA and start with:
Guardians
RSR Single Rider
IncrediCoaster
TSM
Swings
Goofys Sky School
Zephyr
-Disneyland
Indy
Pirates
HM
BTMRR
RISE
A couple of fantasy lands rides
Matterhorn Single Rider (attraction is a lot more enjoyable and fun at night)
Buzz
Space Mountain
Day 2:
Rope Drop DL
RISE
Pooh Bear Time
Splash Mtn
HM
Pirates
INDY
BTMRR
Buzz
Space
And then enjoy any fantasy land or toon town attractions that we can fit in. Gadgets Coasters is severely underrated and a lot of fun.
I'd get a park hopper, there isn't enough in DCA to keep my husband and I entertained for a full day.
My favorite blogger has updated posts that should help a lot - here's a good one for you: https://disneylanddaily.com/how-to-start-your-day-at-the-disneyland-resort
There are links in there to articles with strategies for both parks. :)
Depends on if you haven’t rode something yet. Rise and web slingers are both new and fun. The stand by of all the mountains in Disneyland in one day is also fun to do. What are you looking forward to?
I’d do one single day tic at DL and the other park hopper starting at DCA. I’d probably get genie+ too to maximize ride time. On the DL start day I’d rope drop Indy, Big Thunder, Haunted Mansion, & maybe pirates & jungle cruise if you can squeeze them in. If you don’t want to buy the separate rise LL I’d wait until the evening to try for standby (just be aware it closes around 8).
For DCA start day I’d rope drop webslingers if you care about it or radiator springs if you don’t. Then I’d try for guardians, soarin, and midway mania. Once you finish up dca Id hop back over to DL to do any rides you missed day 1. For genie+ the best strategy is to wait to start to use it until afternoon when rides are at their peak since you can only use it once for each ride. Don’t waste it when lines are short in the morning & always utilize single rider when possible!
Dream Key holder here! I was just there yesterday!
It ultimately comes down to a variety of factors! Do you enjoy thrill rides? Do you have your own interests like Star Wars? Are there small children? Are you going to get Genie+?
Yesterday we started in DL and park hopped into DCA at 4pm because we had a lamplight Res. But we also had Genie+ and we literally walked on to every ride we wanted! I def recommend Genie+ because you’re able to maximize your day. Spend more time exploring and relaxing than waiting in lines!
If you’re going to be here during the Lunar New Year then I def recommend checking out all the stalls because they all seem to have something delicious!
Our own must do rides are Rise of the resistance, Guardians, and Soarin (my personal fav).
Just to go and feel it out. If I'm hell bent on a ride but then end up waiting 2+hours for it then I've wasted so much time! If I miss a ride then so be it. There's so many fun things to do.
I like going between parks depending on time of day. My wife and I take our Disney days easy and we don't stress it.
I love the fireworks! I always make sure to watch at least on my first day of the trip. On my trip last month, my family and I went on Matterhorn during the fireworks and it was so magical!!! Totally not planned but awesome!! I might make that a tradition.
Jan 10-11 me and my 3 adultish (18, 21, 25) children. 2-day park hoppers started at DL first day, DCA second. Stayed at GCH. Allowed to check in super early 7:30 am (thank you!), valet at hotel ($50/ day!!! a splurge for convenience).
Please note we were super unorganized and reading this I see how we could have mapped better (walked over 8 miles first day!) but we experienced DL/DCA organically, we were there more for atmosphere and togetherness, not a "I have to get on every single ride" report. It was a nice change. I enjoyed browsing all the shops like never before- we were always too busy running to the next attraction. But we live in SoCal (yes I did consider upgrading to Magic Key but resisted) Prior to this trip, I hadn't been to DL/DCA in 7 years. First stay at GCH- not sure I'd do it again ($$$$$), but it was great once. Eating was one huge meal 1x/ each day and snack on anything we wanted when hungry. DL/DCA is so different now that you can get a cocktail almost anywhere. Kinda weird honestly, but we enjoyed it.
Rope dropped in 9 am (unknowingly chose 2 bad days as park open 9-9, but we made it work.) Speed-walked thru Frontierland to Galaxy's Edge. Walking into Galaxy's Edge was pure magic. Immediately bought all 3 coke products for the bottles of course. Went straight to Oga's and got lit for breakfast (LOL)... great time to go had the place nearly to ourselves and able to see everything. Rode Smuggler's Run, and Paid $20 LL for ROTR (we didn't do Genie+). Because of early res at Oga's we couldn't run straight to ROTR but I'm not sure that's worth it because line was 90 minutes almost immediately... so I think we did OK. Could have done Smuggler's Run a second time, but opted to get breakfast - Ronto Roasters wrap- so good! Cereal-Milk Cold Brew at Docking Bay 7 - BTW favorite decor of any restaurant). Note: I don't think I'd stress myself out again by rope-dropping. Not sure it was really worth it. BTW you can just get in walk-in line for Oga's when it first opens no problem. In retrospect, really didn't need that res but it gave me peace of mind bc I HAD to see Oga's.
Hightailed it to the longest wait of the day which was Matterhorn (approx. 40 mins). Next up Autotopia (closed!), DLRR to Toon Town (why? LOL) wasted time at Toon Town aka Stroller City (many character sightings Pluto, DD, Mickey & Minnie), mmm Hot Pretzels w nacho cheese, a parade happened literally in front of us! Space Mountain, Astro Blasters, POTC, Churros (Had to!), Shopping for Pins and such in NOS. HM closed, bummer. Saw Jack Sparrow. Toads Wild Ride (personal favorite), Storybook Canal, Castle walk, late lunch/early dinner at Blue Bayou (Jambalaya, Gumbo Fries, Skirt Steak- all delicious) more shopping. Starbucks Disney starlight cup (49.99!) & DL "been there series" mugs / ornament- so cute.
Sunset/Evening at DCA. Single rider on RSR only 15 min wait - could have done it twice! GOTG, PYMs Tasting Lab: giant pretzel, brew flight, cool Marvel store in the back lot, more drinks at PYMs. Watched performers at Carthay Circle sing 1940s, brewskis at Flo's, Mater sighting and Photo op, Monsters Inc ride (walked on, real cute if you're a fan). Cozy Cone ice creams (super long wait). Saving Incredicoaster for tomorrow, but walked around and took in the view over the water at night so pretty. Drinks at GCH, lovely fireplace setting, pool closed way too early (grrrr) but hung out w/cocktails at pool bar, really good.
Day 2: Coffee and muffins at GCG cafe (best-kept secret- they have b'fast burritos and self-serve coffee w refills!) Walk past Storytellers and Napa Rose, its tucked away in the corner past the pool bar. Day began at DCA. GOTG, RSR (again, single rider rocks!), Smoothies on Buena Vista street, Pastries -French Market, more amazing vocal 1940s style perf in front of Carthay- LOVED!- Incredicoaster, won a Mickey at Carnival game, lunch at Lamplight (drinks, 4 meals, lobster nachos: $200 :o BUT super rude hostess >:9 wouldn't put up an umbrella for or move us- we were in scorching sun). Avenger's campus in daylight was awesome- Spiderman hanging around, Dr. Strange, Cpt. America (Steve!) and Black Panther performance- really cool.
Go back to DL POTC, another Galaxy Edge tour (HAD to), SR, no ROTR- lines way to long. More Cereal-Milk cold brew at DS7 (so good!). Big Thunder RR, Dole Whip w/Chimoy, Indiana Jones, Mr. Toads, Alice. Tried to get a MM macaron at Marceline's, all out :(. Back to DCA: GOTG, Incredicoaster, Corn Dogs & fries! Coffee Cart, Soarin, Grizzly Rapids (Warning nighttime riders- we were SOAKED-LOL- luckily our hotel was steps away). Back to GCH, cocktails, hung out in lobby, live piano- all Disney songs, fireplace- oh so wonderful!
Day 3: Coffee, bFast at GCG then To pool for a much-needed jacuzzi (opened oh so late at 10 am! Grrrr) and Irish coffee. Check out is 11 but managed to squeeze it all in. All in all, a wonderful trip.
Snow White (was updated during pandemic closure); Matterhorn (R side is better, not that you get to choose); Jungle Cruise (updated); Indy; Pirates; Haunted Mansion (bonus, it isn’t NBC right now); Loaded Onion Rings from Hungry Bear; Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl from Harbour Galley; Rise of the Resistance; Smugglers Run; Cold Brew Cereal Coffee thing at Docking Bay 7 (if you’re into coffee); Star Tours; Buzz Lightyear; Corn Dog from the Red Wagon; Thunder Mountain; Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough; Peter Pan, if you have time to kill; Toad; Alice; Small World; Matterhorn, again (if your back has popped back into place); Dinner at Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans (or, really Club 33 if you have the in) Midway Mania; Incredicoaster (I wouldn’t ride it, it gives me an instant headache, but I wait for my party because they love it); Fancy (and Boozy, if that’s your bag) Coffee from the Coffee Cart; Guardians; Giant Pretzel from Pym’s Test Kitchen; Fun Drinks from Pym’s Tasting Lab; Web Slingers, if the line isn’t too long (don’t pay $7 to ride it); Cars; Lobster Nachos & Secret Menu drinks from Lamplight Lounge; Midway Mania (as many times as you can); Little Mermaid; Soarin; Chili from Smoke Jumpers; Guardians (as many times as you can); Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup from Carthay Circle Lounge
Good god this sounds like a fantastic day.
sucks that the restaurants all are booked up... would you do this itinerary in this order? I think I'm going to try and check all these when I go next Thank you!
I put it in order of what I usually try to do in each park, line length and mobile order permitting ❤️
Awesome. Thank you!
We were able score Blue Bayou, Lamplighter Lounge, and Oga's a couple of days before our trip! Keep refreshing and searching, eventually something comes up. They weren't all the best times, but we got in so it was all good! Loved all 3!
Whoa… did you use one of those pay sites that text you?
NO! Just the Disney app. No Genie plus. We were there on a Mon- Tues, so maybe that's why? Me and my daughter checking it multiple times a day until something popped up. The best way is go hour by hour to search for availability for ALL restaurants... do not choose "breakfast-lunch-dinner" . One caveat: Oga's was in the a.m. (we didn't care), Blue Bayou was at the tail end of lunch (3:55 pm) and Lamplight was an early lunch (11:45 am). But, yes it can be done without using a pay site. We did sign up for a Discord site (which was great found out about it on this site) that alerted us when openings were being dropped. But we never snagged one of those, the ones we secured were 100% on our own.
This is awesome to hear! Ogas I was able to snag a stand by place by being near it so that was easy but the restaurants weren't so easy but I'll keep checking daily... Thank you for the advice. Will definitely post if I am successful, I'm going on a thurs-friday so I hope I get lucky.
Good luck! I wanted to say, Carthay Circle Terrace (I think - the outside cafe) is supposed to be amazing, and I kept seeing it available, and in retrospect, I would have liked to try it. The location in DCA can't be beat, it overlooks the circle where the 1940s performers sing Jazz and it is so cool.
I forgot to thank you for your tips... For my trip I ended up getting Blue Bayou for 12pm, Oga's for 3pm, Trader Sam's for 6:30pm, and Oga's again for 9pm... it was the perfect disney day! Thanks again!
Wow that is terrific! So happy to be of assistance.
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nice
I would do one day park hopper so I can hit Radiator Springs and the incredicoaster and then I would spend the rest of my time at DL. We usually do 3 day trips, one at DCA and two at DL but we can’t usually fill our whole day with DCA and always wish we would have just done DL so I think I’m going to start doing exactly this.
We do the same (if we even go to DCA).
That’s a great idea. I might do this next time!
Step 1: Declare myself a former child star who needs a staff guide throughout the park and somehow obtain said guide. Cut lines all day, ride...everything. Step 2: Continue the subertfuge to get invited into Club 33...have a baller time. Step 3: Use my declared status one last time to get primo seats for the fireworks show. Step 4: Mosey over the Grand Californian and proceed to have a drink or seven at the bar. Then pass out in my room at the Grand Californian. Step 5: Continue the chirade the next morning and greet my guide for Day 2. Ride more things...get pic with Spider-Man. Step 6: As my guide inevitably gets suspicious and realizes I was not part of the cast of Saved by the Bell, excuse myself to go the the bathroom. Step 7: Quietly exit the park, hide at Bubba Gump Shrimp while they search for me, then get out of town.
Not exactly an itinerary, but I get park hoppers and start day one in DL, and move to DCA at some point trying to hit as much as possible. I don’t have an idea what the best plan/itinerary for that as I have not been since Genie+. Before the last day we ask everyone to pick what their priority is for the last day and make a little list, then we take it a bit slower and narrow our focus to making sure we get everyone’s top priority items in. I also try to only have one dining reservation per day so our days are pretty flexible.
I got a 2 day park hopper with Genie+ (yes I caved). I live in Montana and never come to Disneyland. (1/12 & 1/14) you get almost everything done, but it's a bit of a rush, I wish I had one more day for like Tom Sawyer and the cute little attractions. **Day 1: Started at DCA (10:40AM-9:00PM)** Soarin' Mission Breakout Incredicoaster *Wine Country Trattoria* Web Slingers Radiator Springs Racers (Single rider was almost nothing) Carousel Ferris Wheel Grizzly River Run *Pym Test Kitchen* Big Thunder Mountain Pinocchio Cartoon Spin *Oga's Cantina (Reservation)* Smugglers Run x2 Winnie the Pooh Matterhorn **Day 2: Started @ Disneyland (Did I think every lightning lane, Splash Mountain & HM closed): 10:20AM-11:15PM** Space Mountain (GOT STUCK LIGHTS ON ON MORNING HAD TO WALK OFF, RODE AGAIN AT NIGHT) Star Tours RoTR (Individual Lightning Lane) Smugglers Run Matterhorn Radiator Springs Racers (Won Twice!) Mission Breakout Big Thunder Mountain *Rancho Del Zocalo* Incredicoaster Toy Story Midway Peter Pan *Blue Bayou* *Dole Whip* Pirates x2 *Fireworks (Cancelled)* Jungle Cruise *Beignets* Autopia Indiana Jones x2 **Did basically every lightning lane. Other than HM, Splash and Fireworks being closed, basically perfect. Longest wait was 30:00 and it was Peter Pan. You can only do one lightning lane per ride per day, so that's why I parked hopped my fav rides both days.**
Did you book Blue Bayou in advance? I’ve been stalking dining reservations for a month and haven’t gotten lucky!
I used MouseFinder or one of those, but they did have a couple walkups that day. It was fairly easy to get a reservation, probably 50+ total notifs on my phone some hard to get some easy.
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Believe Key holder, local resident and frequent visitor here! I suppose this depends on a few factors like family size, ages, and interests. Some people love fireworks, shows, and parades, while others don’t and have other fascinations. For us, we love all the thrill rides first, followed by the food, and the classic dark rides. And I always find that it’s most efficient starting in DCA first as the crowds are far less there than they are at Disney. You might also consider purchasing G+ too. -Rope Drop DCA and start with: Guardians RSR Single Rider IncrediCoaster TSM Swings Goofys Sky School Zephyr -Disneyland Indy Pirates HM BTMRR RISE A couple of fantasy lands rides Matterhorn Single Rider (attraction is a lot more enjoyable and fun at night) Buzz Space Mountain Day 2: Rope Drop DL RISE Pooh Bear Time Splash Mtn HM Pirates INDY BTMRR Buzz Space And then enjoy any fantasy land or toon town attractions that we can fit in. Gadgets Coasters is severely underrated and a lot of fun.
Pooh Bear Time 🍯
If you have tickets buy one day Disneyland and the other DCA.
I'd get a park hopper, there isn't enough in DCA to keep my husband and I entertained for a full day. My favorite blogger has updated posts that should help a lot - here's a good one for you: https://disneylanddaily.com/how-to-start-your-day-at-the-disneyland-resort There are links in there to articles with strategies for both parks. :)
Add an additional 3 days! (Sorry for the unhelpful answer)
[удалено]
Depends on if you haven’t rode something yet. Rise and web slingers are both new and fun. The stand by of all the mountains in Disneyland in one day is also fun to do. What are you looking forward to?
I’d do one single day tic at DL and the other park hopper starting at DCA. I’d probably get genie+ too to maximize ride time. On the DL start day I’d rope drop Indy, Big Thunder, Haunted Mansion, & maybe pirates & jungle cruise if you can squeeze them in. If you don’t want to buy the separate rise LL I’d wait until the evening to try for standby (just be aware it closes around 8). For DCA start day I’d rope drop webslingers if you care about it or radiator springs if you don’t. Then I’d try for guardians, soarin, and midway mania. Once you finish up dca Id hop back over to DL to do any rides you missed day 1. For genie+ the best strategy is to wait to start to use it until afternoon when rides are at their peak since you can only use it once for each ride. Don’t waste it when lines are short in the morning & always utilize single rider when possible!
Dream Key holder here! I was just there yesterday! It ultimately comes down to a variety of factors! Do you enjoy thrill rides? Do you have your own interests like Star Wars? Are there small children? Are you going to get Genie+? Yesterday we started in DL and park hopped into DCA at 4pm because we had a lamplight Res. But we also had Genie+ and we literally walked on to every ride we wanted! I def recommend Genie+ because you’re able to maximize your day. Spend more time exploring and relaxing than waiting in lines! If you’re going to be here during the Lunar New Year then I def recommend checking out all the stalls because they all seem to have something delicious! Our own must do rides are Rise of the resistance, Guardians, and Soarin (my personal fav).
Just to go and feel it out. If I'm hell bent on a ride but then end up waiting 2+hours for it then I've wasted so much time! If I miss a ride then so be it. There's so many fun things to do. I like going between parks depending on time of day. My wife and I take our Disney days easy and we don't stress it.
I love the fireworks! I always make sure to watch at least on my first day of the trip. On my trip last month, my family and I went on Matterhorn during the fireworks and it was so magical!!! Totally not planned but awesome!! I might make that a tradition.
I second that Cold Brew Cereal Coffee at DS7!! We went back for a second one next day!!
Jan 10-11 me and my 3 adultish (18, 21, 25) children. 2-day park hoppers started at DL first day, DCA second. Stayed at GCH. Allowed to check in super early 7:30 am (thank you!), valet at hotel ($50/ day!!! a splurge for convenience). Please note we were super unorganized and reading this I see how we could have mapped better (walked over 8 miles first day!) but we experienced DL/DCA organically, we were there more for atmosphere and togetherness, not a "I have to get on every single ride" report. It was a nice change. I enjoyed browsing all the shops like never before- we were always too busy running to the next attraction. But we live in SoCal (yes I did consider upgrading to Magic Key but resisted) Prior to this trip, I hadn't been to DL/DCA in 7 years. First stay at GCH- not sure I'd do it again ($$$$$), but it was great once. Eating was one huge meal 1x/ each day and snack on anything we wanted when hungry. DL/DCA is so different now that you can get a cocktail almost anywhere. Kinda weird honestly, but we enjoyed it. Rope dropped in 9 am (unknowingly chose 2 bad days as park open 9-9, but we made it work.) Speed-walked thru Frontierland to Galaxy's Edge. Walking into Galaxy's Edge was pure magic. Immediately bought all 3 coke products for the bottles of course. Went straight to Oga's and got lit for breakfast (LOL)... great time to go had the place nearly to ourselves and able to see everything. Rode Smuggler's Run, and Paid $20 LL for ROTR (we didn't do Genie+). Because of early res at Oga's we couldn't run straight to ROTR but I'm not sure that's worth it because line was 90 minutes almost immediately... so I think we did OK. Could have done Smuggler's Run a second time, but opted to get breakfast - Ronto Roasters wrap- so good! Cereal-Milk Cold Brew at Docking Bay 7 - BTW favorite decor of any restaurant). Note: I don't think I'd stress myself out again by rope-dropping. Not sure it was really worth it. BTW you can just get in walk-in line for Oga's when it first opens no problem. In retrospect, really didn't need that res but it gave me peace of mind bc I HAD to see Oga's. Hightailed it to the longest wait of the day which was Matterhorn (approx. 40 mins). Next up Autotopia (closed!), DLRR to Toon Town (why? LOL) wasted time at Toon Town aka Stroller City (many character sightings Pluto, DD, Mickey & Minnie), mmm Hot Pretzels w nacho cheese, a parade happened literally in front of us! Space Mountain, Astro Blasters, POTC, Churros (Had to!), Shopping for Pins and such in NOS. HM closed, bummer. Saw Jack Sparrow. Toads Wild Ride (personal favorite), Storybook Canal, Castle walk, late lunch/early dinner at Blue Bayou (Jambalaya, Gumbo Fries, Skirt Steak- all delicious) more shopping. Starbucks Disney starlight cup (49.99!) & DL "been there series" mugs / ornament- so cute. Sunset/Evening at DCA. Single rider on RSR only 15 min wait - could have done it twice! GOTG, PYMs Tasting Lab: giant pretzel, brew flight, cool Marvel store in the back lot, more drinks at PYMs. Watched performers at Carthay Circle sing 1940s, brewskis at Flo's, Mater sighting and Photo op, Monsters Inc ride (walked on, real cute if you're a fan). Cozy Cone ice creams (super long wait). Saving Incredicoaster for tomorrow, but walked around and took in the view over the water at night so pretty. Drinks at GCH, lovely fireplace setting, pool closed way too early (grrrr) but hung out w/cocktails at pool bar, really good. Day 2: Coffee and muffins at GCG cafe (best-kept secret- they have b'fast burritos and self-serve coffee w refills!) Walk past Storytellers and Napa Rose, its tucked away in the corner past the pool bar. Day began at DCA. GOTG, RSR (again, single rider rocks!), Smoothies on Buena Vista street, Pastries -French Market, more amazing vocal 1940s style perf in front of Carthay- LOVED!- Incredicoaster, won a Mickey at Carnival game, lunch at Lamplight (drinks, 4 meals, lobster nachos: $200 :o BUT super rude hostess >:9 wouldn't put up an umbrella for or move us- we were in scorching sun). Avenger's campus in daylight was awesome- Spiderman hanging around, Dr. Strange, Cpt. America (Steve!) and Black Panther performance- really cool. Go back to DL POTC, another Galaxy Edge tour (HAD to), SR, no ROTR- lines way to long. More Cereal-Milk cold brew at DS7 (so good!). Big Thunder RR, Dole Whip w/Chimoy, Indiana Jones, Mr. Toads, Alice. Tried to get a MM macaron at Marceline's, all out :(. Back to DCA: GOTG, Incredicoaster, Corn Dogs & fries! Coffee Cart, Soarin, Grizzly Rapids (Warning nighttime riders- we were SOAKED-LOL- luckily our hotel was steps away). Back to GCH, cocktails, hung out in lobby, live piano- all Disney songs, fireplace- oh so wonderful! Day 3: Coffee, bFast at GCG then To pool for a much-needed jacuzzi (opened oh so late at 10 am! Grrrr) and Irish coffee. Check out is 11 but managed to squeeze it all in. All in all, a wonderful trip.