WonkaKid
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2009
I’ve learned from direct experience that if you plan to rope-drop Rise, it’s best to go through the castle and then off to the back left. This is because many of the early entry guests enter from there and they have a head start/lead on the rest of us. Once they get to Rise, the line begins to build towards the FL side. In fact, the last time I rope-dropped Rise about six weeks ago, I found that I was the first to the ride from the Adventureland side. However, from the moment I got there, the line built rapidly away from me. With each ten steps towards the end of it, it grew by at least as many people. In short, I’ve found that it’s best to approach the ride from the Fantasyland side – the back exit/entrance towards the bathrooms near Casey Jr.
Why do I mention this? Because yesterday I spoke with two out-of-town groups: one from Georgia, the other from South Carolina. I shared the benefit of my experience with them both. One heeded my advice, the other chose not to. As always, when I offer advice, I'm always sure to add “…but of course feel free to do as you think best.” For all I know, they could have spoken with other friends who advised them differently.
A few other notes from the park yesterday:
Although it was the second of the Candlelight Processional days (nights, really), crowds weren’t as heavy as I’d feared. In fact, at 11:30 the wait-time for Star Traders was still only ten minutes. I spoke with a number of people who wondered if most people were holding off coming to the park till later in the day to catch the CP. I did see a number of people rush to the benches at the head of Main Street to claim them for the CP later. I’d say that half of the available seating (i.e. not reserved) was claimed by about 7:21 – a minute after the park gates opened.
I met a fantastic couple from Hawaii yesterday. We rope-dropped Indiana Jones and I was the first one in line / on the ride. They sat immediately beside me and told me that it was their favorite ride. They're going to Tokyo DL in April and said that they'd send me some maps J. I've been to that park before but it was well before I did the map thing.
I ran into the nice Buzz family a total of five times throughout the day. The first time was when they called to me from the candy cane line. As many of you know, at this time of year candy canes are made by hand at Candy Palace and people line up the moment the park opens to get a reservation to buy one, since only a few hundred are made. I've included some pics of the line below. Watching the master candy-maker CMs make them is one of my favorite things to do at this time of year.
The last time I saw the family was when I was waiting to board the tram at the end of the day. They walked up and joined me. The kids are always a joy and they’re both very good at Buzz. Often I’ll give them one or two of my scores, if they haven’t already made the board. Sometimes I’ll do it and then send their mom a pic of the board if they’ve already moved over to DCA.
I return to Chicago for the holidays a week from tomorrow so next Sunday will be my last in the park until early next year L.
Work is being done on Astro Orbitor until sometime next year, as some of you may know.
That’s about it! I had to leave the park a bit early yesterday but plan to stay later next Sunday.
I have park maps for anyone who'd like a set. Simply DM me your address.
Pics:
Why do I mention this? Because yesterday I spoke with two out-of-town groups: one from Georgia, the other from South Carolina. I shared the benefit of my experience with them both. One heeded my advice, the other chose not to. As always, when I offer advice, I'm always sure to add “…but of course feel free to do as you think best.” For all I know, they could have spoken with other friends who advised them differently.
A few other notes from the park yesterday:
Although it was the second of the Candlelight Processional days (nights, really), crowds weren’t as heavy as I’d feared. In fact, at 11:30 the wait-time for Star Traders was still only ten minutes. I spoke with a number of people who wondered if most people were holding off coming to the park till later in the day to catch the CP. I did see a number of people rush to the benches at the head of Main Street to claim them for the CP later. I’d say that half of the available seating (i.e. not reserved) was claimed by about 7:21 – a minute after the park gates opened.
I met a fantastic couple from Hawaii yesterday. We rope-dropped Indiana Jones and I was the first one in line / on the ride. They sat immediately beside me and told me that it was their favorite ride. They're going to Tokyo DL in April and said that they'd send me some maps J. I've been to that park before but it was well before I did the map thing.
I ran into the nice Buzz family a total of five times throughout the day. The first time was when they called to me from the candy cane line. As many of you know, at this time of year candy canes are made by hand at Candy Palace and people line up the moment the park opens to get a reservation to buy one, since only a few hundred are made. I've included some pics of the line below. Watching the master candy-maker CMs make them is one of my favorite things to do at this time of year.
The last time I saw the family was when I was waiting to board the tram at the end of the day. They walked up and joined me. The kids are always a joy and they’re both very good at Buzz. Often I’ll give them one or two of my scores, if they haven’t already made the board. Sometimes I’ll do it and then send their mom a pic of the board if they’ve already moved over to DCA.
I return to Chicago for the holidays a week from tomorrow so next Sunday will be my last in the park until early next year L.
Work is being done on Astro Orbitor until sometime next year, as some of you may know.
That’s about it! I had to leave the park a bit early yesterday but plan to stay later next Sunday.
I have park maps for anyone who'd like a set. Simply DM me your address.
Pics:
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