HydroGuy
A Pirate's Life For Me
- Joined
- Jun 5, 2005
Recent years have seen a huge growth in Annual Pass (AP) holders at DLR now approaching one million. There have also been many discussions on this forum about the impact on crowds of all these AP holders. I decided to consolidate this information into a single thread to provide an explanation to those unfamiliar with the issues. In addition I will give some practical advice on working around crowded times.
Before I start I want to be clear that I am making no ethical statements about AP holders. My intent is to focus on the practical results of the AP program and how it affects crowds. AP holders should visit DLR whenever they want and as many times as they want using their APs.
Abbreviations
AP - Annual Pass
DAP - Deluxe Annual Pass
PAP - Premium Annual Pass
SoCal AP - Two types of APs are available only to SoCal residents at a large discount
The DLR AP Program
Historically DLR has been primarily a locals resort. Roughly 70% of visitors are made up of the 20 million Southern California residents. This is a good thing in that it provides a good base for year long stable operation of DLR.
DLR has reached out to these SoCal residents with two special and inexpensive AP options - the SoCal AP and SoCal Select AP, only available to those with a SoCal zip code. Two APs available to anyone are the highest level, Premium AP (PAP), and the second level Deluxe AP (DAP). Thus there are four AP categories at DLR.
For those interested in AP comparisons check Disney's website.
AP Blockout Days
PAPs can visit DLR any day of the year. DAPs have certain days blocked out - typically Saturdays and holidays. Sometimes blockout days are called blackout days. They mean the same thing.
It is my understanding that 90%+ of the DLR AP holders are of the two SoCal kinds. That means nearly a million people today and growing rapidly. These are cheaper but have many more blockout days.
You can see the blockout schedules on the DLR website here:
SoCal Select AP Blockout Dates
SoCal AP Blockout Dates
Deluxe AP Blockout Dates
And also MousePlanet keeps a calendar:
MousePlanet's Integrated Blockout Calendar
Note that the SoCal AP is less restrictive than the SoCal Select AP. All SoCal Select blockout days are also blocked for the SoCal AP. For planning purposes you just need to pay attention to the SoCal AP as that covers both.
Why Are Blockouts Important?
Well, if you are an AP holder blockouts are important because they dictate when you cannot use your AP. If you are not an AP holder, or maybe are a PAP or DAP holder, you should understand the crowd impact of the SoCal APs because they have caused some crowd surges the last few years not seen previously.
Some AP holders who live in SoCal and near DLR are very dedicated fans and have a whole different set of priorities than the average visitor. Since they can drive to DLR relatively easily, they can stop in for new rides and shows and spend many hours waiting just for that ride or show. They do not care what else they might be missing because they can easily come back on other days to experience those other things. This is discussed further here: "The Psychology of the DLR Annual Pass Holder" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2244322.
So the number of SoCal AP holders and their dedication level can lead to huge crowds when they are not blocked out. The experience in 2009 was documented in a series of news updates by the respected Al Lutz on MiceAge. Here are some links (note that in post #2 of this thread I have taken excerpts from the below articles so you do not have to read all of them to get the idea):
1/5/2010
(E)Ticket to Ride
New E-Tickets, World of Color/DCA Update, Mickey on Main, EO, More...
12/1/2009
Thanks a Million (APs)
AP numbers climb - parking doesn't, EO update, DCA update, More...
10/13/2009
Hello George & Starbucks
Good-bye Ed & Easy Parking, World of Crowds, More...
7/28/2009
Michael, Murphy & Marty
Captain EO May Rise From the Dead, Fantasmic Dragon Update, 800,000 Passholders, More...
7/7/2009
Murphy, Abe & Ed
Dragon Drama, Presidents Prepped & Snobby Suits; Plus a Disneyland Timeline
6/16/2009
Dumbo & Dumber
Fantasmic + Fireworks + WWW + APs = Nightmares; Electrical Parade returns to Main Street, More...
1/6/2009
Auld Lang Dollar Sign
Disneyland's next New Year: $50, Annual Pass sales up, DCA, More...
Planning Advice
First, if there is something new or majorly refurbed at DL or DCA, expect the SoCal AP holders to visit in droves during their non-blockout times. So one thing to understand for planning is what new things are on the horizon. This is discussed below.
Further, understand that long blockouts like those during the summer for two months means that many SoCal AP holders try to squeeze in one last visit before the blockouts go into effect. And when the blockout lifts a surge in crowds again occurs because of the AP holders who have not been able to visit for an extended time.
When the above dynamics are coupled with something new happening right before the blockout, you have a formula for insanely long lines at DLR - especially for the new show or attraction. That is why when FNSV opened in June 2007 and POTC re-opened in June 2006 the lines were four hours long. And why when the refurbed Fantasmic and new summer Magical fireworks opened in mid-June 2009 there were huge crowds to see them during the non-blockout days. And why you see people camping out overnight in the Esplanade to be first in line for something new. Yes, campers.
If one pays attention to this forum one will see a lot of comments by DLR vets trying to fit their trip into SoCal AP blockout periods.
The biggest new thing in 2010 will be the night time spectacular World of Color show at DCA. This will bring unprecedented crowds into DCA after it opens in late April. There will then be crowd spill over into DL as a result. Therefore, I would recommend avoiding the non-blockout days in May and June or waiting until the summer blockout starts in late June. Also, avoid going in late August after the blockouts lift.
Also new in 2010 was the return of Captain EO in February to DL. The final showing of the excellent Aladdin show at DCA will reportedly happen in August.
In 2011 new things on the horizon are the new LMAA ride at DCA (and lots more) and the refurbed Star Tours 2 at DL.
In 2012 there will be the new CarsLand area at DCA and the completion of the $1 Billion park refurb.
Information on this can be found on MiceChat here:
Disney's California Adventure Project Tracker IX
Disneyland Project Tracker II
Other Resources for Choosing Dates to Visit
o Weather is an issue for some people. Heat, cold and rain. Here is some data to work with: "Detailed Weather History for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158
o Park hours and refurbs - DLR is very late in posting park hours and refurb schedules. Sometimes only four weeks in advance. Here is some information to help figure out what to expect before DLR posts its calendar:
"Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124
For longer range refurbs go to the refurb section of the most recent MousePlanet park update here: MousePlanet Weekly Park Update
o Holidays - if you live outside the US you should know when the holidays happen - "List of American Holidays" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1937849
o Off-Season Visits - There are some downsides about DLR off-season that some visitors do not find out about until after they have locked in dates. See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889
o Magic Mornings - choosing days of the week to visit should also account for Magic Mornings at DL. See "Magic Morning (Early Entry) Super Thread" by DLR29 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403
o General advice on hotels, dining, etc. can be found in MaryJo's super-sticky thread at the top of the forum:
**ºoº DLR FAQ-MAPS, HOTELS, DISER HOTEL REVIEWS, HYDROGUY'S TIPS, DINING REVIEWS, ETC
Before I start I want to be clear that I am making no ethical statements about AP holders. My intent is to focus on the practical results of the AP program and how it affects crowds. AP holders should visit DLR whenever they want and as many times as they want using their APs.
Abbreviations
AP - Annual Pass
DAP - Deluxe Annual Pass
PAP - Premium Annual Pass
SoCal AP - Two types of APs are available only to SoCal residents at a large discount
The DLR AP Program
Historically DLR has been primarily a locals resort. Roughly 70% of visitors are made up of the 20 million Southern California residents. This is a good thing in that it provides a good base for year long stable operation of DLR.
DLR has reached out to these SoCal residents with two special and inexpensive AP options - the SoCal AP and SoCal Select AP, only available to those with a SoCal zip code. Two APs available to anyone are the highest level, Premium AP (PAP), and the second level Deluxe AP (DAP). Thus there are four AP categories at DLR.
For those interested in AP comparisons check Disney's website.
AP Blockout Days
PAPs can visit DLR any day of the year. DAPs have certain days blocked out - typically Saturdays and holidays. Sometimes blockout days are called blackout days. They mean the same thing.
It is my understanding that 90%+ of the DLR AP holders are of the two SoCal kinds. That means nearly a million people today and growing rapidly. These are cheaper but have many more blockout days.
You can see the blockout schedules on the DLR website here:
SoCal Select AP Blockout Dates
SoCal AP Blockout Dates
Deluxe AP Blockout Dates
And also MousePlanet keeps a calendar:
MousePlanet's Integrated Blockout Calendar
Note that the SoCal AP is less restrictive than the SoCal Select AP. All SoCal Select blockout days are also blocked for the SoCal AP. For planning purposes you just need to pay attention to the SoCal AP as that covers both.
Why Are Blockouts Important?
Well, if you are an AP holder blockouts are important because they dictate when you cannot use your AP. If you are not an AP holder, or maybe are a PAP or DAP holder, you should understand the crowd impact of the SoCal APs because they have caused some crowd surges the last few years not seen previously.
Some AP holders who live in SoCal and near DLR are very dedicated fans and have a whole different set of priorities than the average visitor. Since they can drive to DLR relatively easily, they can stop in for new rides and shows and spend many hours waiting just for that ride or show. They do not care what else they might be missing because they can easily come back on other days to experience those other things. This is discussed further here: "The Psychology of the DLR Annual Pass Holder" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2244322.
So the number of SoCal AP holders and their dedication level can lead to huge crowds when they are not blocked out. The experience in 2009 was documented in a series of news updates by the respected Al Lutz on MiceAge. Here are some links (note that in post #2 of this thread I have taken excerpts from the below articles so you do not have to read all of them to get the idea):
1/5/2010
(E)Ticket to Ride
New E-Tickets, World of Color/DCA Update, Mickey on Main, EO, More...
12/1/2009
Thanks a Million (APs)
AP numbers climb - parking doesn't, EO update, DCA update, More...
10/13/2009
Hello George & Starbucks
Good-bye Ed & Easy Parking, World of Crowds, More...
7/28/2009
Michael, Murphy & Marty
Captain EO May Rise From the Dead, Fantasmic Dragon Update, 800,000 Passholders, More...
7/7/2009
Murphy, Abe & Ed
Dragon Drama, Presidents Prepped & Snobby Suits; Plus a Disneyland Timeline
6/16/2009
Dumbo & Dumber
Fantasmic + Fireworks + WWW + APs = Nightmares; Electrical Parade returns to Main Street, More...
1/6/2009
Auld Lang Dollar Sign
Disneyland's next New Year: $50, Annual Pass sales up, DCA, More...
Planning Advice
First, if there is something new or majorly refurbed at DL or DCA, expect the SoCal AP holders to visit in droves during their non-blockout times. So one thing to understand for planning is what new things are on the horizon. This is discussed below.
Further, understand that long blockouts like those during the summer for two months means that many SoCal AP holders try to squeeze in one last visit before the blockouts go into effect. And when the blockout lifts a surge in crowds again occurs because of the AP holders who have not been able to visit for an extended time.
When the above dynamics are coupled with something new happening right before the blockout, you have a formula for insanely long lines at DLR - especially for the new show or attraction. That is why when FNSV opened in June 2007 and POTC re-opened in June 2006 the lines were four hours long. And why when the refurbed Fantasmic and new summer Magical fireworks opened in mid-June 2009 there were huge crowds to see them during the non-blockout days. And why you see people camping out overnight in the Esplanade to be first in line for something new. Yes, campers.
If one pays attention to this forum one will see a lot of comments by DLR vets trying to fit their trip into SoCal AP blockout periods.
The biggest new thing in 2010 will be the night time spectacular World of Color show at DCA. This will bring unprecedented crowds into DCA after it opens in late April. There will then be crowd spill over into DL as a result. Therefore, I would recommend avoiding the non-blockout days in May and June or waiting until the summer blockout starts in late June. Also, avoid going in late August after the blockouts lift.
Also new in 2010 was the return of Captain EO in February to DL. The final showing of the excellent Aladdin show at DCA will reportedly happen in August.
In 2011 new things on the horizon are the new LMAA ride at DCA (and lots more) and the refurbed Star Tours 2 at DL.
In 2012 there will be the new CarsLand area at DCA and the completion of the $1 Billion park refurb.
Information on this can be found on MiceChat here:
Disney's California Adventure Project Tracker IX
Disneyland Project Tracker II
Other Resources for Choosing Dates to Visit
o Weather is an issue for some people. Heat, cold and rain. Here is some data to work with: "Detailed Weather History for DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=23004158
o Park hours and refurbs - DLR is very late in posting park hours and refurb schedules. Sometimes only four weeks in advance. Here is some information to help figure out what to expect before DLR posts its calendar:
"Historical DLR Park Hours, Entertainment and Refurbs" - www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2291124
For longer range refurbs go to the refurb section of the most recent MousePlanet park update here: MousePlanet Weekly Park Update
o Holidays - if you live outside the US you should know when the holidays happen - "List of American Holidays" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1937849
o Off-Season Visits - There are some downsides about DLR off-season that some visitors do not find out about until after they have locked in dates. See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889
o Magic Mornings - choosing days of the week to visit should also account for Magic Mornings at DL. See "Magic Morning (Early Entry) Super Thread" by DLR29 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403
o General advice on hotels, dining, etc. can be found in MaryJo's super-sticky thread at the top of the forum:
**ºoº DLR FAQ-MAPS, HOTELS, DISER HOTEL REVIEWS, HYDROGUY'S TIPS, DINING REVIEWS, ETC