Research Findings
Crowd levels, weather, dining, and insider tips
Crowd Level Analysis
Overall: HIGH Crowds Expected (8/10)
MLK Day weekend - use Lightning Lane!
| Day | Expected Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Jan 17 | High (8/10) | MLK Weekend begins |
| Sunday, Jan 18 | High (8/10) | MLK Weekend |
Strategy
- - Day 1: Arrive early, hit Toontown first for Runaway Railway
- - Day 2: Galaxy's Edge early, crowds build throughout day
Weather Forecast
Warm & Sunny - Pack layers and sunscreen!
| Day | High | Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 82°F | 56°F | Sunny |
| Sunday | 78°F | 50°F | Sunny |
🌅
Morning
50-60°F - Light jacket
☀️
Midday
75-82°F - Sunscreen!
🌙
Evening
60-65°F - Light layer
Dining Options
Quick Service (Lunch)
Cafe Daisy
Toontown
Personal pizzas, near Runaway Railway
Alien Pizza Planet
Tomorrowland
Fun theming, Toy Story aliens
Plaza Inn
Main Street
Famous fried chicken
Golden Horseshoe
Frontierland
Chicken tenders, entertainment
Table Service (Dinner)
| Restaurant | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cafe Orleans | New Orleans Square | RESERVATION NEEDED |
| Blue Bayou | New Orleans Square | Hard to get for 10 |
Character Meets
🎀Minnie Mouse
MUST DO
Location: Toontown - Minnie's House
For: ZSA's dream!
Best time: Morning
👸Princess Jasmine
MUST DO
Location: Fantasy Faire / Royal Hall
For: LSA's Birthday Wish!
Best time: Check app
⚔️Star Wars Characters
Location: Galaxy's Edge (roaming)
For: JnL
Best time: Throughout day
❄️Elsa
Location: Fantasy Faire
For: LP
Best time: Check app
Tip: Check Disneyland app for real-time schedules!
Rides for Kids
| Ride | Req | LSA (48") | ZSA (38") | LP (44") | JnL (46") |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chip 'n' Dale's GADGETcoaster | 35" | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Big Thunder Mountain | 40" | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Space Mountain | 40" | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Star Tours | 40" | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Millennium Falcon | 40" | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Matterhorn Bobsleds | 46" | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Indiana Jones Adventure | 46" | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Rise of the Resistance | 48" | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Best Rides for All Ages (No Height Req)
Runaway Railway
Pirates
it's a small world
Jungle Cruise
Peter Pan
Dumbo
Buzz Lightyear
Lightning Lane Strategy
Book FIRST (High Priority)
- Peter Pan's Flight - Always long standby
- Rise of the Resistance - LSA only (48")
- Indiana Jones - Popular thrill ride
- Space Mountain - Evening ride option
Usually Short Standby (Skip LL)
it's a small world
Pirates
Jungle Cruise
Tiki Room
| When | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Peter Pan's Flight | Rise of the Resistance |
| Midday | Indiana Jones | Space Mountain |
| Afternoon | Big Thunder | Indiana Jones |