Fantasy Springs Opening

One thing I'd check carefully is the park's opening time for that day. I was staying at Toy Story Hotel, and when I switched on the television in my room, the first thing I noticed was an announcement saying the park would open at 8:15 a.m. I wasn't sure at first: I'd checked the website before my stay, and it had shown the usual 9 a.m. opening. Since that made quite a difference to my plans, I went down to reception to ask. The staff confirmed that it really would open at 8:15.

According to the information I shared in my post at the time, MiraCosta Hotel and Fantasy Springs Hotel guests had Happy Entry, letting them in 15 minutes before the park opened. That post also mentioned Disney Ambassador Hotel. Knowing the actual opening time mattered a lot to anyone planning to book DPA or a Standby Pass on that visit.

With my 1-Day Passport: Fantasy Springs Magic, the opening time mattered a little less to me, but I still wanted to see what the park was like first thing and share it here. I left the hotel at about 7:50 a.m. Toy Story Hotel is directly opposite Fantasy Springs Hotel, and by the time I walked past that hotel's special entrance, guests were already making their way into the park with Happy Entry.

I took the Monorail to the main entrance and joined the end of the line at 8:20 a.m. After about 15 minutes of queuing, I was inside. Once I'd got my bearings, I opened the app to try booking DPA so I could share how it went, but all three main attractions showed as unavailable. At first I assumed the passes had run out. Thinking back afterward, though, I wasn't sure whether they showed that way because I already had the 1-Day Passport: Fantasy Springs Magic.

When I checked Facebook, though, I happened to see several other people visiting that day say the passes had run out at around the same time.

Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey

I headed for the Fantasy Springs entrance, beside Jasmine's Flying Carpets. As I walked, I booked a restaurant, starting with Royal Banquet of Arendelle. On that visit, the 1-Day Passport: Fantasy Springs Magic did not include access to the restaurants in Fantasy Springs: I had to make those bookings myself, then wait about two hours before booking another restaurant.

At the entrance, a Cast Member scanned my ticket and put a wristband on me to confirm my access. After spending about 20 minutes taking photos around the entrance, I headed straight for Anna and Elsa's Frozen Journey as my first ride.

At the time, every attraction in the area except Fairy Tinker Bell's Busy Buggies had two entrances: Priority Access Entrance and Standby Entrance, depending on the access you'd booked. My 1-Day Passport: Fantasy Springs Magic let me join the Priority line directly, which saved a lot of time. My first ride was at 9:15 a.m., and it was still very quiet. The Cast Members seemed to know just what I was hoping for, almost always giving a whole boat to one person or one group visiting together.

Personally, I'd give this ride a full ten out of ten. It was a shame the children weren't with me, but I'd promised to record as much as possible for them, so I went on it four times. I could actually have ridden more, but I wanted to leave time for other things. The Standby line also got much longer in the afternoon, and I thought it was only fair to leave some turns for everyone else.

The only downside of the Priority Entrance was missing the area with pictures of Elsa and Anna and displays of objects from the story, because it followed a separate route from the Standby Entrance. Back then, my suggestion for anyone with a 1-Day Passport: Fantasy Springs Magic was to ask a Cast Member about going through the Standby Entrance once to see those details, if they arrived early while it was still quiet. As for me, hindsight is a wonderful thing. By the time I thought of it, it was afternoon and the Standby line was so long that I had to give it a miss.

Watch my Frozen Journey video from this trip ↗

Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival

This was the second ride I'd made a special trip to see. The preview of all those lanterns floating in the sky looked spectacular. Once again, the Cast Members seemed to read my mind and gave me a whole boat to myself. I rode twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

I have to admit, I didn't love it quite as much as Frozen. The ride felt quite short. At the beginning, the boat passes the tower where Rapunzel is singing, a scene that people queuing outside can also see. Once you enter the cave for the highlight, everything really is beautiful. I just wished it lasted a little longer. I'd give it about eight out of ten.

Watch my Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival video from this trip ↗

Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure

This ride uses 3D glasses, so I wasn't sure how to film it in a way the children could enjoy at home. I only rode once, partly because the children at home are Elsa fans anyway. I'd give it 8.5 out of ten. I didn't go on the other Peter Pan-area attraction at all.

I also had to set aside time for attractions outside Fantasy Springs that I'd booked with my Vacation Package. I'd chosen rides I hadn't done when I came with the children last time, including Soaring: Fantastic Flight and Tower of Terror.

Between rides, I kept wandering and taking photos. I have some from late afternoon and evening to share, too.

Read about my hotel on the same trip: Toy Story Hotel ↗