Hey there, Jeffrey! Welcome to planDisney!
Oh boy—this trip sounds absolutely magical, especially since your 70-year-old husband's inaugural visit will coincide with the incredible
Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration! It's truly meant to be, and I'm so thrilled for both of you to experience the magic of The Happiest Place on Earth during such a special time.
Now, let's talk about your question regarding average wait times. That's a great one, but honestly, exact attraction wait times can be as unpredictable as a mischievous Genie! So many factors can influence how long you'll wait in line, from park attendance to unexpected attraction downtime. I also want to mention that while early September can sometimes see lighter crowds, late September often experiences a bit more hustle and bustle as
Halloween Time is in full swing and we get closer to the holiday season. However, I'm happy to share some tried-and-true tips that may help you navigate the attractions more efficiently and make the most of your visit!
I'm an early bird when it comes to park visits, and I always recommend starting your day bright and early with what big Disney fans call "rope drop". You can usually enter the parks around 30 to 40 minutes before they officially open. While the attractions won't be open for guests with standard park tickets just yet, you can use this time to leisurely stroll down Main Street, U.S.A., take in the sights, and then position yourselves near the entrance to the land where you'd like to begin your adventure. Right when it's time for the parks to officially open, Cast Members will "drop the rope" (hence the name!), and Guests can then officially enter the lands and hop on their first attractions with shorter waits. If you're rope-dropping at Disneyland Park, I'd suggest heading over to
Indiana Jones Adventure,
Space Mountain, or
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance first. These are often among the busiest rides, so hitting them early is a great strategy.
Here's another pro tip for you, Jeffrey: The
Disneyland mobile app is like having a personal park guide in your pocket! You can view predicted attraction wait times in just a few simple steps. Simply open the app, tap the map pin icon at the bottom, then select an attraction on the map by tapping its pin. Once the attraction's name appears, tap on its name again, and you'll see a section labeled "Forecasted Wait Today". This fantastic feature can give you a general idea of when attractions tend to be busier throughout the day, which will be super helpful for your visit in September.
Another clever strategy, if you're prioritizing attractions over nighttime spectaculars, is to visit the attractions during the evening fireworks or projection shows. Many guests gather to watch these dazzling displays, so the wait times for attractions are usually shorter during these times. Just a quick note: some areas of the park, such as Mickey's Toontown and Fantasyland, might be briefly closed during these shows but will reopen shortly after their conclusion.
So, there you have it, Jeffrey! With all these tips, you are truly in for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy every enchanting moment, from the iconic attractions to soaking in the special 70th Celebration atmosphere!
Have a magical day!
Cody