Disneyland and Universal FanFest - Rd. 2

Disneyland Other
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Hey Liners!

I’m 46 days out from my trip to DLR. DD24 has confirmed that she is going with the assistance of a motorized scooter. I’m still waiting for the deposit deadline before I fully pay for it all. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve prepaid for a trip and had to cancel later!

Knowing that DD is 100% wanting to go has finally switched my theme park enthusiasm back on!

Plus, I’ve completed all the training at my new job and caught up on all the back log of cases. I, now, have time to be online a bit to get excited about going back to DLR. I was never sure I’d ever go once, now it’s a second time!!

I’m so excited to take DD24! She hasn’t done anything Disney since 2018. I watched a great video about getting around DLR on a scooter from Anaheim Park Tourist on YT. I’ve bought LLMP and DD24 can stand in queues for brief times and board attractions unassisted. However, with her knee issues walking everywhere would wreck her legs to trek all over the parks.

I booked our ADRs on the 60th day. I may try to get her to ditch Cafe Orleans in favor of eating an assortment of smaller items / treats on that day. I booked a dinner there as a way to take a break in our late afternoon / evening. Now that I’ve made a TP / itinerary, I can see I’ve built in enough free time that a long stop isn’t needed. I do like the Monte Cristo, but it’s such a heavy meal!

I am looking forward to Carthy Circle on our DCA day though. Everything there looks amazing!! If anyone has recommendations or items to avoid PLEASE let me know!

I keep checking for ADRs to reopen for Trader Sam’s. There is a special event scheduled for its anniversary on May 25. I’m hoping it will reopen before then, but I doubt it. Still doesn’t hurt to keep checking!

I did schedule time to go off-site to the INCREDIBLE Don Churro stand about 5 minutes away from DLR on our last night. It’s one of the things I’m most excited about. I’m going to buy a box of them this time!

I got my free ticket to Universal Hollywood via my Universal Rewards Visa. This is my second year redeeming it. It was a terrible experience trying to get it last year as I was one of the first cardholders and one of the first to redeem the reward. This year I knew the pitfalls. It went much smoother, but still not perfect. I know there aren’t many Universal Visa holders around, but if anyone ever needs help getting their free tickets feel free to reach out. BIG TIP: You will get an e-mail on your card sign-up anniversary date that is REQUIRED to get the free ticket. Be on the lookout so you don’t delete it accidentally.

I’m excited for FanFest and plan to order my Visa points gift card to buy those tickets this weekend. The details of the event are still coming out. It looks like a good time. However, I admit I was more excited about the IP they had last year. They are repeating a couple areas (Dungeons & Dragons plus WWOHP) and bringing One Piece back again, but this time as a show instead of M&G.

The only true new experience will be the Scooby-Doo adventure that will run in the back lot the same as Back to the Future did last year. There will be something with Sailor Moon. I’m not sure if it’s a movie or M&G. Either way, I don’t have much interest for Sailor Moon.

FanFest, last year, was the best theme park immersive experience I’ve ever had and why I booked a return flight as soon as they became available. I’m hoping there won’t be a “sophomore slump” this year. I’m sure I’ll have a great time. I am planning on spending more time in WWOHP this year. Last year, I just popped in a couple of times to meet a Nibbler and other creatures and left. I may bring my wand, watch the fireworks, do FJ and etc…

Plus, I want to ride more attractions during the event. I did go on a couple things last year and there was ZERO wait for any ride. I doubt Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift will be open, but I’ve been praying hard!! I’m guessing it will open before Memorial Day or June – a couple weeks after I’ve gone!

I’ve really enjoyed making TPs again. I know IME at DLR they are more of a checklist than an itinerary. However, while I had to rearrange the order of my plans while actually in the parks last year I was able to accomplish everything I had planned and more. So, they are helpful to know the “minimum” I can get done. The Matterhorn is still my holy grail to ride as it was closed last year! It should be open this year!

I’m walking every night as I’m out of shape (again!) I need to get my legs strong enough to walk all day without waking up the next day in agony! :rofl:

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Best of luck with this. Love Trader Sam’s! We managed to get a reservation in May of last year using the alerts on Mouse Dining and had a blast. Your trip sounds like a lot of fun and hope you and your daughter have a great time!

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Yay! I love that you have that full theme park spark on!

This happens a lot, I’m so glad you’re in the club!! :star_struck:

:100: :100: :100:

I still do plans, not for every day, but the days I want to focus on getting stuff done. And then I leave some buffer days to have catch-up time if needed, or just bounce-around and go where the wind takes us days (that my non-planners love). But I do always know starting park, starting ride (or 2-3), where breakfast is planned to be, and what nighttime show we are watching, and then anything else can be filled in from the plans or whims of the moment.

Overall, I’m so excited for you & DD and can’t wait to be following along! You’re going again around my favorite time to see DLR - in spring time.

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Thanks!

I do wish that TP could be more accurate at DLR. However, they just don’t get the LL drops and availability correct.

I’ve made our plans without being to “go-go-go” and included shows and such for breaks.

I’m still al bit stressed about her using the scooter. I don’t need to use DAS or anything. I just need to know where to park it at rides or at certain lands, like Fantasyland. She can wait standing in a 20 minute queue if needed, just not walking all day

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Hey!

I’m 33 days out from my trip! I’m so excited. I have everything planned and purchased. Everything at my new job is going great and I’m starting to be on “cruise control.” I even have enough time to think about theme parks again! :rofl:

I doubt I will do much “live” trip reporting at DLR this time. I want to be in the moment with DD24. The only reason I’m doing DLR on this trip is to take her for the first time. I want to watch her experience MMRR / RotR / RSR and everything DLR specific all for the first time. She’s so excited to get a “first visit” button to wear!

Trader Sam’s still isn’t accepting reservations, but I am still habitually checking!

Sadly, PoC is going to be down during our trip - along with Buzz, Jungle Cruise, Roger Rabbit and TSMM. I’m also uspet at TSMM. There’s almost nothing over on the Incredicoaster side of the boardwalk she could do except this. I guess that saves some steps, but I wanted to stop to get a Jack Jack cookie and possible a character meeting or two over there.

My “forum” goals for this trip at DLR are to recount any food experiences and what it was like to navigate both parks with a scooter. I haven’t found a lot about what to expect in regards to scooter parking and logisitics on TP. I did find a couple YT videos that are helpful.

I do plan to give a full account of my time at USH and FanFest in particular. I’m excited about the idea that this event may continue to get better and grow. I’ll be able to say, “I went to the first few years!”

USH is just now releasing more details about the event. It doesn’t look like the new F&F coaster will be operating. It does look like they are hinting there will be something going on with the Jurassic franchise.

While redeeming my Universal Visa card annual free admission ticket, I discovered I had over $1000 in gift card points to use! (BTW – The free ticket could be used at Epic if I had chosen.)

I took out $300 to buy my Fanfest ticket and have the other $220 to spend that night.

With the other $800 in points still in my rewards bank I am trying to decide what to do! I am considering doing a “no sleep for 24 hours” trip back to USH for HHN.

I like the idea of arriving on a Friday morning / lunchtime and getting a 2pm entry ticket with HHN. Staying until 2am and getting back to LAX for a 6:30am Saturday return. (This is what I’m doing for my FanFest experience! I don’t know how I am able to do it, but I don’t get tired at a theme park!)

Plus, I’d probably only use about $500 of those points. Flights are on sale now for $250 round trip!

I’ve been walking most nights and it’s getting easier. I still haven’t been able to shed any weight though! My office feeds us everyday!! Yestderday, two different drug reps brough trays of local bakery cookies and cupcakes! (After I’d already eaten deli sandwiches from another rep at lunch!) :rofl: :rofl:

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I am surprised that both Buzz and Toy Story will be down at the same time since they are kind of similar. Sounds like a fun plan! Can’t wait to follow along. Love that you are making it about DD. She’ll aways remember that. Fanfest looks like it’s going to be amazing too!

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That’s what I’m hoping! She’s really looking forward to MMRR. I’m looking forward to seeing her ride RotR. She’s still spoiler-free on both.

For Fanfest, all USH has to do is make it “as good” as last year. They’ve removed one “house / expereice” this year and replaced it with a stunt show.

Those “houses” were the best parts of last year. Being able to go on the sets and allowed to touch sets and participate is what made it special.

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This is also a lot of LLMP rides down. I wonder if they will do anything differently.

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They definiately still charged me full price!! :rofl: :shark:

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It is a lot. But do want to point out that Jungle Cruise and Pirates on the west coast aren’t LL rides (well Pirates was temporarily while Haunted Mansion was down for an extended refurb). Buzz is definitely a less demand LL, Roger Rabbit somewhere in the middle, and TSMM is definitely a harder to get one in DCA. They should have considered lowering the price for sure or trying to add in an LL ride (maybe Luigi’s or Mater’s in DCA) for that many down at once.

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Obviously only if she’s up for it, but if you’re going to do the Wheel/Inside out, then you can walk from there towards Jessie’s/Jack Jack’s cookies, and it’s not so far out of your way to get a cookie, a picture of or with or even just look at the giant Jessie in front Jessie’s carousel and all the characters that tend to be out around that area. But also, I know that’s one of the first corners we cut out for time’s sake because it is a far back corner with stuff that’s fun but not a top fave or must do for us.

I’m not an expert because we’ve never had a scooter but I do know all the stroller parking and I have seen scooters in with them. I think you mentioned Fantasyland was a worry. For the central piece of it (so the carousel & 4 dark rides around it) they have some space in front of Pinocchio’s dedicated to wheels parking. There is also parking in front of Dumbo’s too for that back part (or even for the carousel).

Around it’s a small world the stroller parking is kind of far, back by the gift shop on the walkway towards Toontown, and when there’s a parade it’s across the way at Fantasyland theater, moving up towards the Toonton Railroad station) - I am unsure if they allow scooters to park closer, but if they do it will be across at the base of the elevated plaza facing it’s a small world. I also have seen many people be able to wheel down the line to the loading plattform and they can let you park it on the loading platform to return to after.

For New Orleans Square the main parking during the day is across from the Haunted Mansion entrance tucked away with some greenery, and across from Pirates all along the Rivers of America. At night if there’s Fantasmic, they may have some new solution to park closer to the New Orleans Square Train Station but before they re-worked that area, the closest place was Adventureland. And then Adventureland has a dedicated little hut right in front of Jungle Cruise and they reserve the inside of it to stack strollers deep and the outside surfaces they actively keep clear and reserved for scooter parking (for easier navigation).

Tomorrowland there is ample parking between Autopia/Finding Nemo and then along the sides of the main walkway in either against the Little Green Men Store that’s the exit of Buzz or across the way between the Star Tours entrance and the Star Traders gift shop. For Space, they usually have an area that’s tucked away to the side between the entrance and exit. But I actually don’t remember the last time we’ve used parking in that area so they may have changed it up.

Hopefully this helps a little bit but I know a visual would be even easier. So if I get some time this week, I’ll try to mark up the spots on a map.

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This helps A LOT!! I figured we had to use stroller parking, but no one was clear. The volggers all talked about what to do if you need to take the scooter all the way to boarding.

There are a couple ride queues, like Indy, she can’t do beacuse of the stairs. My research shows that you need to go to the CM at entry for help. That they will take you to an alternate boarding.

I can’t remember what ride it is, but the exit takes you up a very steep incline. It’s like a moving walkway / escalator, but it didn’t move. I think it was at either PoC or HM??? There’s no way she can do that exit!

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Yes, Indy has elevators for alternate boarding that you’ll talk with a CM at entry to get instructions to access. I think Space Mtn and Incredicoaster are among the things she’s not doing with her knee, but just in case, those have stairs as well that you’d need to talk to a CM. Also, Guardians, Racers, Tiana’s Bayou, all also have stairs so if doing those you’ll want to look at alternate boarding.

It’s HM and it does move usually but it can and does go down and is not moving. It was working when we last did it in February. And I’m not sure of how, if anything changed for HM in their long refurb but they have had an alternate boarding process with an alternate line in years past where you don’t unload in that spot, so definitely talk to a CM at entry there so she’s not having to do that steep uphill because yes that is terribly steep.

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It’s mostly the same and if it’s not obvious (i.e. you don’t see a single solitary scooter in a sea of strollers, I would definitely talk to the closest CM usually they have one arranging the strollers that will be on hand and know exactly where to tell you to park the scooter - and usually they give some deference in proximity to the scooters and try to give them space that’s easier to maneuver/navigate).

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I know Incredicoaster has elevators, I’ve used them, but I forget the exact details.

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Yes Incredicoaster does have elevators and uses them for both mobility and as part of the single rider line.

Space Mtn. doesn’t have elevators (that I know of) but through the maze of hallways around the loading there are ways to avoid stairs completely. So CMs just need to be consulted to know where to go.

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I think we’ll be ok with most attractions. My concerns are: Indy, HM, Tiana (stairs??)

I can’t remember if the BTMRR queue, in particular the exit, has stairs or not.

She can go up / down a single small flight of stairs, but not stand there waiting or 2 - 3 flights (Indy)

She’s not going into Tomorrowland since she can’t ride Space / Star Tours and Buzz is down.

I feel good about DCA. Seems like since it was built after the ADA that it’s pretty scooter friendly

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When I hurt my hip & couldn’t do stairs I was able to do all the rides & bypass the stairs.

HM can ride the scooter into stretching room, once in hallway a CM will direct you where to go & when you get off the ride there is an elevator to get out.

BTMRR you go to the exit & enter that way. Will need to book a return time at umbrella at exit, or if have LLMP just go to exit at your RT.

IJ I think you can take scooter through exit & use elevators to get to loading. If she wants to do the line, you would tell the CM just before the stairs that she can’t do stairs & they will open the gate there so you can use the elevators.

GotG the office on the right does not have stairs. I always tell the CM I can’t do stairs & they put me in the office on the right.

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I forget how Tiana’s works, but know there is a way to bypass the stairs. I asked a CM about it & remember there is a place where a CM can direct you how to do it but it broke down before I got that far so didn’t end up riding it.

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Yes, it’s similar to Indy where there are flights of stairs you could be stopped waiting on.

It has one flight of stairs up just before loading (I forgot to add that one in my earlier list!) and the exit has 2-3 small stairs up to a gate that swings out to a down ramp exit (not steep).

And I see @daw623 has chipped in with great detailed advice on how to avoid stairs! They will accommodate every instance where you need to avoid stairs, you just have to ask at the front before getting in line.

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