Too many rides down!

[MNNHFLTX]

We actually found that the line at the Grand Californian entrance into DCA moved pretty fast first thing in the morning. Of course, there was the occasional hold-up when someone was trying to use a voucher printed online, but I do think entering there was preferable over the main entrance. Just make sure and get there 20 minutes or so before the park opens.

[BrerGnat]

We actually found that the line at the Grand Californian entrance into DCA moved pretty fast first thing in the morning. Of course, there was the occasional hold-up when someone was trying to use a voucher printed online, but I do think entering there was preferable over the main entrance. Just make sure and get there 20 minutes or so before the park opens.

Getting there EARLY is key. We arrived around 9:15 and EMH had begun at 9.

[Tick-Tock]

We actually found that the line at the Grand Californian entrance into DCA moved pretty fast first thing in the morning. Of course, there was the occasional hold-up when someone was trying to use a voucher printed online, but I do think entering there was preferable over the main entrance. Just make sure and get there 20 minutes or so before the park opens.

It probably depends on the day. The Sunday we were there wasn't too bad; we were in the park right when it opened using the GF gate, getting there about 15-20 minutes early. But the Monday was absolutely horrendous. We again got there 15-20 minutes early (@8:40), and there were probably twice to three times as many people already there as on Sunday before the park opened. We should have bailed then and gone to the front gates, but didn't. We did not get into the park until 9:30, a half-hour after EMH began. The lines took forever because they took digital pictures of anyone who was entering for the first time, and I imagine a lot of people were just starting their vacations.

[Gator]

Defintely glad I was able to DL back in Noevember before all this stuff went down. And hopefully with all these refurbs right now, they're just getting it out of the way so that there can be a "year of rest". But we'll see.

As for the CMs be apathetic and not nearly as good as they should, I'll agree. WDW has always been a better experience for us in comparison to employees. Even the characters at DL seem more interested in their next break than taking pictures with my kids.

[AvonleaCF]

Going to DL for the first time in almost 20 years in September. Never been to DCA before. Getting nervous now. Already disappointed that Matterhorn will be down, as I've never ridden it before (I was about 12 when I was there last and too chicken). Nemo Submarines I'm not too disappointed about. Nothing else is on the schedule (yet...) but who knows what will be malfunctioning.

[BrerGnat]

Going to DL for the first time in almost 20 years in September. Never been to DCA before. Getting nervous now. Already disappointed that Matterhorn will be down, as I've never ridden it before (I was about 12 when I was there last and too chicken). Nemo Submarines I'm not too disappointed about. Nothing else is on the schedule (yet...) but who knows what will be malfunctioning.

Don't be too sad about Matterhorn. The new vehicles are tiny and the ride is VERY uncomfortable and painful. It's not really a very enjoyable ride anymore.

[Melanie]

Don't be too sad about Matterhorn. The new vehicles are tiny and the ride is VERY uncomfortable and painful. It's not really a very enjoyable ride anymore.

So very true. It's like a visit to the chiropractor. Holy adjustment!

[AvonleaCF]

Haha okay maybe it's a blessing in disguise (this is also how I feel about Primeval Whirl at AK which I refuse to ride again after being in physical pain afterwards the last time I rode it several years ago).

[2Epcot]

I had a friend come over from Arizona to visit the park this past Saturday with his kids. I was working and didn't have time to join them, but he said the crowds were light, and they had a great time. Their longest wait was 40 minutes, for Toy Story Mania.

[LVT]

We were there the 3rd week of May. Although I was disappointed about the rides being down, we had a good time. Most of the down rides were the ones that differentiate DL/WDW and I was briefly bummed by that.
We stayed at PP and enjoyed going thru GF's gate. The people and CM were friendly and having fun.
For us it was an exploration. We were looking for the differences/similarities. It was fun overall and we hit perfect weather (cooler than FL).