Disney California Adventure EARLY ENTRY Strategy | BEFORE the Park Opens!

[@lisabostrack24]

I thought that went very well for you guys. Another perk for staying in a resort.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Being able to do RSR without a wait is definitely a nice plus.

[@Coast2Coast88]

110 minute wait? That's the longest I've heard! Man, radiator springs is so popular. I always find myself praying it doesn't break down because soo many times it's gone down when we've been right at the front of the line. Guardians is my families favorite and I swear that ride is god awful for me. Scariest ride ever but it's my FAVORITE queue in DCA ! So many cool things to look at. Tell Amy I love her jacket!! It looks so warm. Thanks for another great video!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

James and I did RSR single rider and it took 25 minutes when the standby was 110. I think that video is coming out on Monday? Or sometime around then. I haven’t put it together yet.

[@mmh290]

Going on webslingers was a great idea. We’ve waited 1 1/2 hrs for webslingers. Getting on RSR afterwards worked out so well. We’ve waited 2+ hrs for RSR. 9:49 This is such an awesome video. Thanks for the tips.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Both can definitely get long lines. Especially RSR.

[@ADisneyFanatic]

I want to express my gratitude for all the hard work and dedication that goes into creating and posting your videos. You have put in countless hours to provide valuable information and content to your viewers, and I am truly appreciate it. Your videos are always so engaging and informative, and they help me learn new things every time I watch them. Thank you for all that you do! ❤

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Thank you so much! This means a lot.

[@ArcadeJackpotMaster]

Great video, The Pier is also great to Reverse Roop Droop (Close out) When I did it on the 28th of January I walked right on toy story and got 2 rides on incredacoaster.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

We’ve never been there at close. If we do happen to stay at late we are either at World of Color or over at Disneyland. Great to hear it’s a solid strategy for the nighttime too.

[@jymnmeier3527]

Funny story....I have used your videos to help friends plan trips to DL because you do an amazing job (THANK YOU). They ended up being the family walking in front of you on your way to Radiator Springs

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

That’s awesome! Thank you for telling other people about the channel, we greatly appreciate that! And it was great to meet her and her family.

[@anitadoucette8086]

Fun morning and you did so many rides so quickly 🙌🏼😜

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Knocking out two of the longer wait rides first thing was super helpful for sure.

[@bnsmithlaw9549]

Thanks for this video! It doesn’t seem like there are many early entry strategy videos out there. (Also, love your style of Disney videos over all the other Disney “influencer” creators.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I’d imagine it’s just because there’s a hefty price that comes with Early Entry (namely a Disneyland hotel stay). That’s why we hadn’t done one prior to this. Pixar Place was our first on site hotel stay. At least at Disneyland. We stay on property all the time at WDW but they have cheaper options. I wish Disneyland at least had something in the Moderate category. Not just all Deluxes.

[@cklo8799]

Looks like you were able to get a lot done. That’s awesome that cars opened early!!

[@jeffreynelson8652]

Awesome that RSR was open for the EE guests! We'll be there at at the end of the month for 5 days. We're staying at DH so we'll get 3 EE days for DCA and 2 EE days for DL. I hope it's RSR is open early when we go! Thanks for all the awesome content! 🙏

[@honeybunny5222]

Catching up on the videos I've been gone. Love the video. Ariel used to be my daughter's favorite ride also

[@hudsonchristmas7864]

Shoutout to the Castmember squeegeeing the trash can aggressively at 8:11

[@disneylandlux]

Wow - I’ve never seen Radiator open early. I guess we will see if that’s a regular thing. How awesome that they did that.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Yeah, I even googled before putting this video together to see if that was a thing, but everything I found all said it doesn’t open early. Must have been an odd occurrence.

[@nicolec6074]

I always beat my husband and sons too on webslingers 😂 but I always lose on Toy Story mania

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

That’s exactly what happens here. I have never lost Toy Story. I’m always best in vehicle. But James has even beaten me at Webslingers. I don’t get it. 🤣

[@jonnyr3335]

This makes me want to go back so bad! Was there last Easter and Easter Sunday was as quiet as you guys had, next to no waits all day

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I would imagine. A lot of the “family-centric” holidays are quieter because the locals aren’t in the parks, but instead with friends and family.

[@CarolCap131]

@@SoCalDisneyDadit was also raining mostly all day on Easter which probably helped a lot! The next three days we were there it was dramatically more crowded.

[@Sean-uh6te]

Thanks for the video

[@nickcusimano3160]

Can you do guardians with early entry and still make raidator springs before 8am

[@pixiepinkcrystalsrosetta7027]

Another great time to ride Toy Story Midway Mania is during the World of Color show. Weve been able to ride it multiple times because of a short line or no line. 😊

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

That would make sense. Almost everyone is on the other side of the lagoon.

[@DK-pv5se]

Great video. We will stay at the Candy Cane Inn based on your review so thank you. Do you have a video on how to do individual LL for radiator springs? If not do you have insight on how to do that? Or would you do a video on all the steps of individual LL. Thank you 👍🏽

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

It’s the same process as Genie+, just requires a separate purchase. Navigate to the Tip Board, click on Radiator Springs Racers and it’ll prompt you for payment. That simple. Just like Genie+, every party member who wants an ILL will need to be scanned into the park. So you can’t do it from the hotel that morning.

[@abbiegrace6639]

Neat hotel! Video idea for you... spending a day using the Genie (not genie +) reccomendations. I remember when it first came out watching a bunch of videos on it, it definitely advised differently than most youtubers or strategists. But the idea in theory is amazing, helping guests navigate the best times to do rides. A couple years later, I'm wondering if this service is worth using for my upcoming trip this year, and if it could be a helpful tool for new Disneylanders. ☺️

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Here you go! This One Thing Could RUIN Your Disneyland Vacation in 2023 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3eQl3tmr7J-b5o

[@abbiegrace6639]

@@SoCalDisneyDad wow great, thank you! Haven't seen this one!

[@wiz553]

I have a question. How are you supposed to handle Rise at Disneyland? I know you said 9AM is the best but I have seen 60+ minute waits at that time. I also have seen people ride it at around 7PM but that is also a 60+ minute wait sometimes. So basically you need to pay to skip the line or be at the front of the rope drop line to ride it, right?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

That’s essentially correct, yes. You have to show up at 7:20 AM when the gates open, be at the front of the rope drop line, and then still make it to Rise before all the runners to avoid a wait in the AM. The line at 8:10 AM is longer than 9 AM. So even if 9 AM is still 60 minutes, it’s better then than just after rope drop. Something else to keep in mind that this wait time includes the pre shows. So when it’s posted at 45 minutes, the actual wait is only 20-25 minutes. I consider the ride to have started at the first preshow, but Disney considers it when you sit on the ride vehicle. But the wait is pretty much over when you reach the first preshow. You’re being entertained. Not just standing in line.

[@wiz553]

Is it true that sometimes going through the castle is faster than going to Frontierland if you are going to rise during rope drop? Since it is less crowded in fantacyland.@@SoCalDisneyDad

[@NicoleCardinal-i8d]

Thanks for the great video Traver. Always helpful!! Would you recommend trying to rope drop Radiator Springs Racers on non-early entry days? And how many days would you allocate to DCA for 3 adults and 2 kids (ages 5 and 7)? If you have a 5-day one-park per day pass, is one day at DCA enough or do you need two? Thanks for all the videos and keep up the great work!

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

You could probably could, yes. Depending on how early you get in line, it might be a 20 minute wait, but it beats 60+ so it’s probably worth it. If it were me, with 5 days, I’d do Disneyland, DCA, Disneyland, DCA, Disneyland. That’s plenty of time at the parks. Even before we became passholders, we only ever stayed 3 days and felt like we got plenty done. So I feel doing 2 days at DCA staggered like this helps break up the trip. I’m sure you’ve already thought about it, but I still feel like I should suggest it anyway. A park hopper, with a 5 day trip, is really the best way to go. You can get it for an extra $375 total for your whole family. Not per person, or per day. Total (it’s $75/person for the whole trip). For folks familiar with WDW, park hoppers are expensive and go up the more days you add. But Disneyland is a flat fee, so I just like to make sure people are aware. With a hopper you can go back and forth at your leisure. But if the goal is to save that extra $375 and use it elsewhere, that’s valid too! I’d still recommend a second day at DCA. You could rope drop RSR one day. And then Rope Drop Pixar Pier the next (my preferred strategy, provided Toy Story is open, which is like 50/50).

[@NicoleCardinal-i8d]

Thanks so much for your quick response. Really appreciate and love watching your Disney videos! Will be sure to say hello if we see you when we're down there!@@SoCalDisneyDad

[@namefaceageirrelevant]

So weird to hear ppl don’t like Web Slingers. At Disneyland Paris it is one of the most popular rides for sure.

[@buzz864]

For first timers, would you recommend going to CA or Disneyland first? I’m taking my friend for the first time and not sure which one would be better for 1st day.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

How many days are you staying?

[@buzz864]

Only 2 days. Each park per day... just not sure which park would be great to show off to my friend. It'll be their first time! @@SoCalDisneyDad

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@buzz864 Couple of scenarios. So first, if it was me, I’d want to end on the better park (Disneyland). But that assumes both days are equal (staying until close both days). However, for a first time visit, there is something special about starting off your trip with that reveal of the castle on Main Street. But the other thing to consider is the nighttime show. If you only have one night (because maybe you’re NOT staying to close on Day 2), then you have to pick which nighttime spectacular you want to see. And for me, that’s World of Color. So DCA would then need to be Day 1. For you it might be the fireworks (I have a hard time getting excited about fireworks after EPCOT’s Illuminations was so good it literally ruined every other firework show I’ve ever seen). So factor these different things in and hopefully that helps make a decision.

[@buzz864]

@@SoCalDisneyDad this was what I was exactly thinking!!! I have not seen World of Color yet at DCA. But I guess we will decide when the time comes sooner… I will definitely be taking your input in. Thanks so much!! Also, great videos and new subscriber here. Hope you have a magical day!

[@GorditaFit]

How old is the little one? I ask because my 8 year old wants to ride incredicoaster but I feel is a little too scary ride. What are your thoughts?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

He is 6.5 and we thought he might be scared of it the first time he rode it, but he ended up loving it!

[@ADisneyFanatic]

Guardians of the galaxy and the incredi-coaster have to be one of my favorite rides in DCA. What’s yours?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Those two for sure. At DCA anyway.

[@gigiz2455]

I did your rope drop strategy for DCA and it was wonderful!! Also, what did violet say?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

“Sure, slap our name on an old ride.”

[@adriansanchez8603]

After these past 2 years do you think its better to visit Disneyland in January or September? Appreciate all your videos very informative.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

September is the better time to visit IMO. It’s warmer, sunnier, has Halloween fun and food, and is still a lower crowd time compared to October. This January is a bit of an odd ball because of $50 kids tickets, but generally January is less crowded than September. But I’d choose September to January any time. That’s me personally. I like 90 degrees, though. And weather would be the primary decision for me.

[@adriansanchez8603]

@@SoCalDisneyDad Thanks appreciate the reply

[@reyjusuf]

is TSM ever open during Early Entry? It would be nice to knock off Spiderman, RSR and TSM right away.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

@@reyjusuf No, it doesn’t open until 8 AM, and even then it’s about 50/50 that it’s open on time. I find it doesn’t open until 8:30-8:40 more often than not these days.

[@cthulhu5101]

Was looking forward to riding the radiator springs but unfortunately the week I’m there is the week it’s closed. And did not get to ride it it last September as someone pick pocketed my wallet and it was panic time.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

Oh no. Sorry to hear about both situations. Hopefully you’ll have a better trip this time without the pickpocket, even without RSR.

[@wiz553]

Is it true that sometimes going through the castle is faster than going to Frontierland if you are going to rise during rope drop? Since it is less crowded in fantacyland.

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

I wouldn’t think so. There’s a ton of people going through the castle for Peter Pan, and the Fantasyland Galaxy’s Edge entrance is further back than Frontierland’s. If you were already in Fantasyland from early entry, then sure. It’s closer because you’re already back by the Galaxy’s Edge entrance when the rope drops.

[@SocalDisneyDaughter]

What do the Disneyland and DCA park tickets cost? Is there anyway to get discounts?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

They start at $104 and go up depending on what day you visit. Here’s a video I did with some tips to help save money: 22 Ways to SAVE MONEY at Disneyland in 2024 | Tips & Tricks kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4qYf3SBZbqnhtE

[@chags3512]

Has there been any opportunity to see how there NOT being early entry at one of the parks each day has impacted rope drop strategies?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

It doesn’t impact it to much, with the exception of Peter Pan I think. Peter Pan is more rope droppable without early entry. Still got to be at the front of the line to avoid a wait, but it’s easier to do when the line isn’t already 20 minutes before the rope even drops. At DCA the same could be said of Guardians of the Galaxy.

[@bentleyreade9971]

Can I have an estimate on when and or if the Disney world ride guide is coming

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

It’s not currently in the works at all. It’s more or less something I have as backup for if I don’t have anything else planned or can’t get enough content for the week for whatever reason.

[@bentleyreade9971]

@@SoCalDisneyDad that is smart so you don’t get burned out like some other KZbinrs

[@jadeblue86]

👍

[@greenfig2434]

Is the Pixar hotel worth it for the early entry?

[@SoCalDisneyDad]

For only early entry? No. Not really. There are cheaper places to stay and the 30 minutes isn’t worth the extra $200-$300/day. But we loved the nighttime view if you do a park view and can watch World of Color from your room. Even so, I likely wouldn’t stay there longer than a single night. One of our friends from Utah said they always stay cheap the first 3 days and then do one day at the Disneyland Hotel as a splurge at the end. Might be something to consider. You get early entry the day of checkin and checkout. So you could do it twice for a single night.