[anaheimboy]

Ok I know Ive asked this before but this time Im really serious. I want to be one of the first people to be at the gates of Disneyland park on May 5th (this way I dont have to wait in a line thats 3 blocks down ) . The park opens up at 9 am on the 5th. What time would you all arrive at the gates to wait? I was thinking 4 or 5 am.....what do ya'll think?

[anaheimboy]

One thing I forgot to add, if you could choose only about 3-4 rides per park to ride on May 5th for a DLR first timer since '98 which rides would you want them to ride?

[jodilt]

I would say if you want to beat the crowds, 4 am would probably be early enough. You may not be first, but you shouldn't be too far back. I wouldn't be surprised, if they allow it, to see people camp out for days.

As for rides to take someone on, I would choose the classics, PotC, HM, as well as a few new ones like Buzz, and Indiana Jones.

[anaheimboy]

Cool, thanks for your opinion. Yea I was figuring 4am as well and I'll just take a back pack with a few things I'll be needing.

[disneylandrocks]

Just pack a bunch of doughnuts and hot cocoa! Who knows, maybe May 5th will turn out with minimal guests because EVERYONE will think "I dont want to go on May 5th, it will be to crowded" So there for no one will go. YEA RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4 am sounds good.

So you'll be missing school I assume. Lucky! I'll be crying during first period...




As for rides, Since this person hasn't been there since 98, I'd take him on Soarin Over california definatly. That's a must for DCA. As is California Screamin', And TOT. Just hope that DCA wont be as crowded as DL. You'll have to get fast passes as SOON as you can, they will be gone my 12 Indi and Buzz are great rides. Well, I hope Buzz is anyway!

[dznygrl]

Okay, I am REALLY not trying to burst your bubble AHB...but I had to come back and edit this post, because I could not lie through my teeth. The truth is only fair.

You will not, under any circumstances, be allowed to stay around Disneyland at 4 AM. To get near the gates you obviously have to go through security...security is closed off & gated until about 2 hours before park opening. Your only option would be to sit outside those closed security booths, which also wouldn't work for this reason:

As part of the maintenance process AND as a way to keep people off premises during the early morning hours, Disneyland security turns on all the sprinklers and sprays down the ENTIRE esplanade, tram area & every feasible inch of property with huge hoses. Everything is literally dripping, take-one-step-on-it-and-you'll-fall WET. There is nowhere to sit, nowhere to lean, nothing.

The area is not even habitable until at least 6-7 AM, when some cast members start showing up for work.

As a cast member, I had to show my ID to security just for them to allow me to walk across the soaking wet tram area and get backstage to pick up my husband at 3 AM.

I know that's not what you want to hear, but it's just the truth. Take what you will from it...I can't stop you from showing up at 4 AM, but at least I warned you what kind of diappointment you will face. Security is BRUTAL in the early morning hours, and there is literally NOWHERE to "camp out" without getting an early-morning shower.

I understand it's the "grand opening" of the celebration, but I don't think there is ANY CHANCE of people camping out, or a line 3 blocks long. I think showing up at 6 or 7 AM is plenty early.

Once again, sorry. I know you didn't want me to say that. But I did. I just think 4 AM is completely unreasonable, because not even cast members are allowed to linger there at that hour!

[anaheimboy]

Hey Dznygrl, no problem, thanks for your opinion/advice. Its cool. My dad will be staying at the Park Vue Inn right across the street from the entry plaza and Im gonna be staying with him for fun. SO in this case I will probably get up at 5, be ready to go by 5:30 and go out and see what is going on. If people are lineing up etc I will join them and if not then I will grab a quick bite to eat then go over and sit on the curb with my AP and wait until I can get into the plaza. But who knows what will happen?

[dznygrl]

Great AHB, that sounds like a perfect plan! Since you will be so close, you can really keep and eye on the situation and get there as early as possible.

It's a bummer that you can't get there earlier and have fun camping out to make sure you're the first person, but it still sounds like you will be able to get there as soon as they let people start lining up!

Way to keep optimistic about it!

[anaheimboy]

I think it will all work out well. I wonder if they will have the area set up by the castle like they did last May 5th.....would you know? I have no clue. I hope I can at least get some good pictures of the castle and I hope they dont have that stage thingy set up because I want to get some pictures of the inside of Sleeping Beauty Castle and some close ups by the arche.

[Mr. Incredible]

Good news Anaheimboy! I am sure you already heard this one, but I have recently heard a rumor that Disney may be allowing patrons to camp out in the esplenade. Again, not sure how trustworthy the source is, but just thought I would mention that here.

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by anaheimboy15

Hey Dznygrl, no problem, thanks for your opinion/advice. Its cool. My dad will be staying at the Park Vue Inn right across the street from the entry plaza and Im gonna be staying with him for fun. SO in this case I will probably get up at 5, be ready to go by 5:30 and go out and see what is going on. If people are lineing up etc I will join them and if not then I will grab a quick bite to eat then go over and sit on the curb with my AP and wait until I can get into the plaza. But who knows what will happen?

Sitting on the curb on Harbor Blvd. at 5:30 am.... might not be such a smart move....

At least wait until daylight. Please?

[anaheimboy]

yea, true....I know what you mean. But that area is actually pretty safe...Disneyland has put ALOT of money into the surrounding areas to make it good looking and a safe area.

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by anaheimboy15

yea, true....I know what you mean. But that area is actually pretty safe...Disneyland has put ALOT of money into the surrounding areas to make it good looking and a safe area.

It looks pretty yes, but there are creeps everywhere....I wouldn't sit on any street anywhere on the curb at 5:30 am....

[anaheimboy]

yea true....but from what I have heard if you pre-ordered/pre-bought your tickets and have them with you Disneyland is going to allow those who did to wait near the entry plaza. Will this actually happen? Im not sure but that is what I have heard.