parkhoppers necessary? - The DIS Discussion Forums

krismanda · 03-08-2012, 09:18 PM

We are going to DW for the first time this fall. When I booked, I ordered the parkhopper feature on our tickets, but the more I think about it, the more I'm not sure we need it.

We are staying 8 days. We have a 4 year old and an infant. I'm not sure I see us moving at a fast enough pace to be whirlwinding through multiple parks a day and we have enough time to do parks more than once if we like.

I'm just on the fence because as a 1st timer I'm not sure if there is an angle to this that I'm missing.

I know the price difference isn't that big...$150 or so, I think? I'm just thinking that is money we could use for something else if it isn't a feature that will really benefit us.

Any thoughts/advice?

Cheshire Figment · 03-08-2012, 10:13 PM

As long as you are more than 45 days out you can make changes to your reservation without any penalties.

The cost to add hopping (or WPF&M) is $55 ($58.58 including tax) per ticket. It does not matter if it is adult or child, two day or ten days, first day of use or last day of use, the price is the same. (For a Florida Resident it is $27.50 plus tax.)

Note that to add hopping to a one day ticket is $35 ($37.28 including tax)

So if you are not sure, don't order them. If you find you do need them, then upgrade your tickets at any ticket window or Guest Relations Office. It only takes a minute or so.

tzeitel · 03-08-2012, 10:22 PM

With such little kids and this being your first trip I would do without park hoppers. There is so much to see and do at each park that you will probably not want to change parks.

We are WDW vets (and ex-CMs) and we never do hoppers - when we hit a park we stay all day

hydrotony · 03-08-2012, 10:34 PM

My opinion is that since you are going to be there for a long time, 8 days, the park hopper is a good idea. The first 2 or 3 days may be only one park each day but later when you learn things, you will want to start splitting early and late day trips to different parks. If you really like Wishes or Illuminations or Fantasmic, it is great to have the ability to just go to those parks for the last hour to see the fireworks shows. With park hoppers you can target just the hours you like best rather than feel you need to spend the whole day to get your money's worth. Animal kingdom in the a.m., Studios in afternoon after a nap, Epcot at night.

smitch425 · 03-08-2012, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krismanda

We are going to DW for the first time this fall. When I booked, I ordered the parkhopper feature on our tickets, but the more I think about it, the more I'm not sure we need it.

We are staying 8 days. We have a 4 year old and an infant. I'm not sure I see us moving at a fast enough pace to be whirlwinding through multiple parks a day and we have enough time to do parks more than once if we like.

I'm just on the fence because as a 1st timer I'm not sure if there is an angle to this that I'm missing.

I know the price difference isn't that big...$150 or so, I think? I'm just thinking that is money we could use for something else if it isn't a feature that will really benefit us.

Any thoughts/advice?

As CF mentioned above, it would be better to not get them unless you find you need them while you are there. We have been every year for the last 5 years with our 6th trip scheduled this October. We stay anywhere from 7-9 days and have never bought hoppers. We have never needed them, and like you, we would rather spend that money on something else. We also go to the park that has evening EMH every single day. A lot of people will tell you not to do that because of the crowds, but we have never had a problem in the last 5 years of doing this. Everyone has there own opinions on the best way to tour the parks, but what works for one family may not work for another. In the case of hoppers, though, it is so easy to add them if you find you need them, so I would save the money until you know for sure if you will utilize them. Best of luck in your planning! I hope you have a magical trip!

jennyjinx3 · 03-08-2012, 10:28 PM

I say skip it this time around...you will be exhausted as it is!!

krismanda · 03-08-2012, 10:36 PM

Thanks for all the advice. I think I will call and change. I didn't realize the feature could be added at the park if needed. That definitely makes me feel surer about cancelling!

missymouse · 03-09-2012, 09:51 AM

For what it is worth we did hoppers on our first trip. What we discovered is that since we want to hit both water parks and our kids are 13-20 we do better with a day at AK, a day at Epcot, 1/2 day at MK after a water park, and 1/2 day at waterpark with HS in the evening. This trip we will also be going to Universal one day. We are not going to hit the parks at all the day we arrive (but will be spending time at Storm Along Bay) or the day we leave (just have time to get breakfast) .

Lumiere Lover · 03-09-2012, 09:37 PM

In December I am going to WDW for the 10th time, and have never had park hoppers. We have never felt the need for them. As long as you have your dining reservations made, and are in that park that day, you are good to go. Don't consider adding another day to your ticket and use that to park hop, that is not allowed. It is only one park per day. With the ages of your kids, you shouldn't need to park hop.

Enjoy your trip!!

seashoreCM · 04-04-2012, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by missymouse

For what it is worth we did hoppers on our first trip. What we discovered is that since we want to hit both water parks and our kids are 13-20 we do better with a day at AK, a day at Epcot, 1/2 day at MK after a water park, and 1/2 day at waterpark with HS in the evening. ... or the day we leave (just have time to get breakfast) .

Don't forget, you do not need hopping to mix water park fun with one theme park on the same day.

OT: Shoot to be back at your resort an hour before your Magical Express bus time back to the airport. If your last activity is a meal, better to do that at the airport.

AshleeH · 03-09-2012, 10:22 PM

I would definitely go without it - considering the ages of your kids, the length of your stay, and that it's your first trip. We didn't do PHs the last two years (one year we had them, but I had the schedule perfect, so I told DH we didn't need them) and we never wished we had them. This year, the kids are older and we will be a little more versatile (more TS meals, so we won't be chained to the park that has our reservation for the day if we didn't want to do that park at that time) so we're going to try and get our money's worth. Even with them, I think we'll only be hopping three days out of 7.

pepe of ohio · 03-10-2012, 06:18 AM

Especially with youngsters that young.....secret will be to hit the parks early, and then when it's rest time or nap time, stick with the home schedule and go back to your resort to accomplish this.....pool time is fun too in the heat of the day and when the crowd peaks.....then return back to the same park in the evening......for a couple of hours......

Children this young are more enamored with the sights and sounds than which park they are in and each park has ample attractions to occupy a child for a whole day......

We've gotten hoppers off and on in all our trips and some AP's...they are convenient for veteran, older travelers but the times we didn't have then, they were not missed.....we like them at times just to go back to certain parks for closing ceremonies and fireworks....and sometimes for the park with the lastest hours.....but not really necessary to have a good time in WDW....it does stretch the pocketbook but most can do without......maybe in peak periods and holidays but still, with young children....I'd wait and see once you're there...same goes for the waterparks and more...why pay in advance and never use them or try to fit them in on a short trip....for a one time waterpark, pay out of pocket.......

macnodos · 03-10-2012, 07:31 AM

It is not required or absolutely necessary but does give you a great amount of flexibility. If you decide to spend the morning in Magic Kingdom and then decide you want to have dinner somewhere in the World Showcase you have the flexibility available, otherwise you may be in a bind. I think it a very worthwhile investment for about $50 a person unless your budget is extremely tight. You can easily make up the $150 difference in another area.

Art 1 · 03-10-2012, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krismanda

We are going to DW for the first time this fall. When I booked, I ordered the parkhopper feature on our tickets, but the more I think about it, the more I'm not sure we need it.

We are staying 8 days. We have a 4 year old and an infant. I'm not sure I see us moving at a fast enough pace to be whirlwinding through multiple parks a day and we have enough time to do parks more than once if we like.

I'm just on the fence because as a 1st timer I'm not sure if there is an angle to this that I'm missing.

I know the price difference isn't that big...$150 or so, I think? I'm just thinking that is money we could use for something else if it isn't a feature that will really benefit us.

Any thoughts/advice?

Don't waste your money on those.

perdidochas · 04-06-2012, 02:56 PM

Animal Kingdom is a good reason for Park Hoppers, as it's not open as late as the other parks.

03-08-2012, 09:18 PM	#1
krismanda Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 144	parkhoppers necessary? We are going to DW for the first time this fall. When I booked, I ordered the parkhopper feature on our tickets, but the more I think about it, the more I'm not sure we need it. We are staying 8 days. We have a 4 year old and an infant. I'm not sure I see us moving at a fast enough pace to be whirlwinding through multiple parks a day and we have enough time to do parks more than once if we like. I'm just on the fence because as a 1st timer I'm not sure if there is an angle to this that I'm missing. I know the price difference isn't that big...$150 or so, I think? I'm just thinking that is money we could use for something else if it isn't a feature that will really benefit us. Any thoughts/advice?

03-08-2012, 10:13 PM	#2
Cheshire Figment Friend of Figment Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Poinciana, FL (20 miles to WDW) Posts: 36,859	As long as you are more than 45 days out you can make changes to your reservation without any penalties. The cost to add hopping (or WPF&M) is $55 ($58.58 including tax) per ticket. It does not matter if it is adult or child, two day or ten days, first day of use or last day of use, the price is the same. (For a Florida Resident it is $27.50 plus tax.) Note that to add hopping to a one day ticket is $35 ($37.28 including tax) So if you are not sure, don't order them. If you find you do need them, then upgrade your tickets at any ticket window or Guest Relations Office. It only takes a minute or so. __________________ 41 WDW Stays Totalling 321 nights between 1987 and mid-2003. Animal Kingdom Lodge; All Stars(2); Beach Club; Boardwalk Inn; Caribbean Beach (9); Contemporary Tower (13); Courtyard (2); Disney Institute; Dixie Landings; Grand Floridian; Grosvenor; Hilton; Old Key West; Polynesian; Port Orleans; Royal Plaza; Shades of Green; Wilderness Lodge; Marriott World Center (3); Other Off-Property (Other Than just 1st or last Night) (8). Now Working Part Time at Walt Disney World! (Guest Services/Ticket Sales/Turnstile Greeter) A few very helpful links which are on DisBoards: Everything About WDW Tickets and this one disABILITIES FAQs

03-08-2012, 10:22 PM	#3
tzeitel Toadi Acceleratio Semper Absurda Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,193	With such little kids and this being your first trip I would do without park hoppers. There is so much to see and do at each park that you will probably not want to change parks. We are WDW vets (and ex-CMs) and we never do hoppers - when we hit a park we stay all day __________________ San Diego Mini Trip Report

03-08-2012, 10:34 PM	#4
hydrotony Mouseketeer Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: West Central Florida Posts: 299	My opinion is that since you are going to be there for a long time, 8 days, the park hopper is a good idea. The first 2 or 3 days may be only one park each day but later when you learn things, you will want to start splitting early and late day trips to different parks. If you really like Wishes or Illuminations or Fantasmic, it is great to have the ability to just go to those parks for the last hour to see the fireworks shows. With park hoppers you can target just the hours you like best rather than feel you need to spend the whole day to get your money's worth. Animal kingdom in the a.m., Studios in afternoon after a nap, Epcot at night. __________________ Magic Kingdom - 1978, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 EPCOT - 1985, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 Disney MGM/Hollywood Studios - 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 Animal Kingdom - 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 Universal Studios Florida - 1997, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 Islands Of Adventure - 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 Busch Gardens Tampa - 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 Busch Gardens Williamsburg - 1984, 1993 & 2013 SeaWorld Orlando - 2012 & 2013

03-08-2012, 10:28 PM	#6
jennyjinx3 DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: canada Posts: 3,577	I say skip it this time around...you will be exhausted as it is!! __________________ Thanks Kook!

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03-08-2012, 10:36 PM	#7
krismanda Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 144	Thanks for all the advice. I think I will call and change. I didn't realize the feature could be added at the park if needed. That definitely makes me feel surer about cancelling!

03-09-2012, 09:51 AM	#8
missymouse Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 408 Paid DVC Rent/Trade Gold Membership	For what it is worth we did hoppers on our first trip. What we discovered is that since we want to hit both water parks and our kids are 13-20 we do better with a day at AK, a day at Epcot, 1/2 day at MK after a water park, and 1/2 day at waterpark with HS in the evening. This trip we will also be going to Universal one day. We are not going to hit the parks at all the day we arrive (but will be spending time at Storm Along Bay) or the day we leave (just have time to get breakfast) . __________________ June 19-23, 2006 Caribbean Beach Resort June 24-29, 2007 Hilton Head Island June 2009 Saratoga Springs Resort June 2012 - Beach Club Villas and Animal Kingdom Villas - Savannah View

03-09-2012, 09:37 PM	#9
Lumiere Lover You can sleep after we leave WDW.. Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,309	In December I am going to WDW for the 10th time, and have never had park hoppers. We have never felt the need for them. As long as you have your dining reservations made, and are in that park that day, you are good to go. Don't consider adding another day to your ticket and use that to park hop, that is not allowed. It is only one park per day. With the ages of your kids, you shouldn't need to park hop. Enjoy your trip!! __________________ December 2012 POFQ-Excited we were there 12-12-12! September 2010 POFQ, Dec 2008 PC, Wonder, CBR, Aug 2008 Swan, Dec 2006 POR, Aug 2005 Gaylord Palms, Feb 2005 CBR, FEB 2002 AS Movies, Apr 1989 Offsite, Apr 1976 Offsite

03-09-2012, 10:22 PM	#11
AshleeH DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,056	I would definitely go without it - considering the ages of your kids, the length of your stay, and that it's your first trip. We didn't do PHs the last two years (one year we had them, but I had the schedule perfect, so I told DH we didn't need them) and we never wished we had them. This year, the kids are older and we will be a little more versatile (more TS meals, so we won't be chained to the park that has our reservation for the day if we didn't want to do that park at that time) so we're going to try and get our money's worth. Even with them, I think we'll only be hopping three days out of 7. __________________ DH - ~ Me - ~ DS9 - ~ DS6 - ~ It's a girl!! EDD: 5/19 - 1985 - Disneyland; 1990 & 1994 - WDW; 1997 - Disneyland Paris; 2003 - WDW; Oct. 2010 - WDW (Animal Kingdom: Kidani Village); Oct. 2011 - WDW (Contemporary/Wilderness Lodge); Oct. 2012 - WDW (Bay Lake); 2013 - Disneyland (Grand Californian)

03-10-2012, 06:18 AM	#12
pepe of ohio DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hubbard, Ohio, northeast Ohio 7 miles from Pa. border Posts: 5,862	Park hoppers are not necessary for a good time at WDW Especially with youngsters that young.....secret will be to hit the parks early, and then when it's rest time or nap time, stick with the home schedule and go back to your resort to accomplish this.....pool time is fun too in the heat of the day and when the crowd peaks.....then return back to the same park in the evening......for a couple of hours...... Children this young are more enamored with the sights and sounds than which park they are in and each park has ample attractions to occupy a child for a whole day...... We've gotten hoppers off and on in all our trips and some AP's...they are convenient for veteran, older travelers but the times we didn't have then, they were not missed.....we like them at times just to go back to certain parks for closing ceremonies and fireworks....and sometimes for the park with the lastest hours.....but not really necessary to have a good time in WDW....it does stretch the pocketbook but most can do without......maybe in peak periods and holidays but still, with young children....I'd wait and see once you're there...same goes for the waterparks and more...why pay in advance and never use them or try to fit them in on a short trip....for a one time waterpark, pay out of pocket....... __________________ "May you live as long as you want and never want for as long as you live". DIS Dads Club Member

03-10-2012, 07:31 AM	#13
macnodos DIS FAN Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pa. Posts: 255	It is not required or absolutely necessary but does give you a great amount of flexibility. If you decide to spend the morning in Magic Kingdom and then decide you want to have dinner somewhere in the World Showcase you have the flexibility available, otherwise you may be in a bind. I think it a very worthwhile investment for about $50 a person unless your budget is extremely tight. You can easily make up the $150 difference in another area.

04-06-2012, 02:56 PM	#15
perdidochas DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 1,249	Animal Kingdom is a good reason for Park Hoppers, as it's not open as late as the other parks. __________________ Big head, little arms.

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