1st timer planning July family vacation

[Amy Hammack]

I'm currently planning our family vacation to Disney World from July 20-28th. We are doing 6 day hopper and it's our first time in Florida. Our first day in the park will be 7/21 and we will have an off day somewhere along the way. We have been to Disneyland a handful of times and love it! My husband, myself and our 3 kids ages 12, 17, and 18 will be going. Since the kids are older, we won't be interested in character meets and the kids aren't super into shows and would rather go on thrilling rides. I'm about 90% sure we are going to stay offsite so that we can have more space... rooms for the kids, extra bathrooms, a pool, etc. Will aim for rope drop most days and will likely need an afternoon break or to take the evening off at least some of the days due to the heat and crowds. I'm trying to wrap my head around how to pick which park to book my fast passes at. With staying offsite and July being such a busy month, will a lot of the passes be gone by the time I'm able to book? As far as avoiding parks with EMH since we are staying offsite would probably make sense, right? I'm struggling with which parks to do 2 days of fast passes at, but I do know we will be able to hop parks in the afternoon or evening if we want. I'm wondering if I will just be at the mercy of whatever passes are left. Here is a list of the attractions I know we are interested in. The ones with the * I think everyone would probably want to try to go on more than once. Also, is it normals for the parks to close between 8:30 and 10 in the summer months? I'm used to Disneyland being open until 11 or midnight. Thanks in advance for any advice or tips you might have! I've been reading the forums over the last few weeks and already have gotten a lot of good information! I hope that we are able to fit in everything with want

Let me know if I missed any attractions that are can't miss or you think my teens would love!!

MK:
Space mountain*
Splash mountain*
Big thunder mountain
7 dwarfs mine train
Pirates
Mickeys philharmagic
Jungle cruise
Little mermaid?
Haunted mansion?
Buzz light year?
People mover?
Small world?

Epcot:
Soaring*
Test Track*
Frozen Ever After
Spaceship Earth
Gran Fiesta Tour
Agent P's World showcase
The Seas with Nemo and friends
Mission space?
Living with the land?

Animal Kingdom
Flight of passage*
Na'vi river journey
Everest*
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Dinosaur
How long do the trails take and to have time to see the animals? Or does the safari and walking from ride to cover it?

Hollywood Studios:
Rock n Rollercoaster*
Star tours*
Tower of terror*
Toy story
Great movie ride
Indiana jones
Muppetvision?

 

[Traver Freeman]

Hi! Glad to hear you are planning your first trip! It's always exciting, and planning is my favorite part of going to Disney. Since you're a DL vet you know what rides you want, which is great.

First thing I'd like to share is that whether you get certain fastpasses is totally based on when your trip starts and has nothing to do with what time of year your going. However, staying off property puts you at a disadvantage as those on property can book 60 days in advance you won't be able to book until 30 days.

There are so many reasons to stay on property, especially your first time. If you're dead set on staying off property or can't afford to stay on I won't bother going into detail, but if you are on the fence I'd be happy to go into detail.

It would probably be good to avoid the EMH since you can't go for EMH (another plus for resort guests). As far as parks closing, yes that's when they close at WDW, but MK has an EMH in the evening sometimes that keeps the park open late past midnight sometimes if I remember right.

For picking fastpasses you need to just make a plan as to what parks you are going to be in on what days. We make a draft of our week before we even begin any planning. We say Monday is AK, Tuesday is HS and EPCOT, Wednesday is MK, etc etc.

Then you pick which rides at those parks you want to FP and which places you'd like to eat. So if you know you're going to AK on Monday, you look at those rides and pick, so for us we are FPing Everest, Kiliminjaro Safari, and Kali (we are going before Pandora). We will rope drop Dinosaur. All of our passes are used by 1 PM and we can pick more.

Another theory to booking fastpasses is to book them for the afternoon between 1-4 and get as much as you can in during the morning when crowds are low and then you'll have FPs for when it's busy. There's pros and cons to both.

 

[elaine amj]

By the way, are u planning any onsite table service meals? If so, u need to book your ADRs asap. Otherwise, u can wing it/eat QS/eat offsite.

And yes, offsite puts u at a bit of a disadvantage - but mainly only for the super popular new rides like Frozen, 7DMT, and the new Na'vi River Journey. For those, using rope drop will be the only way to go.

If hopping, sometimes I like to RD one park and then head to another park for my FPs. This gives me the RD advantage in the parks where I need them.

 

[Amy Hammack]

Hi! Glad to hear you are planning your first trip! It's always exciting, and planning is my favorite part of going to Disney. Since you're a DL vet you know what rides you want, which is great.

First thing I'd like to share is that whether you get certain fastpasses is totally based on when your trip starts and has nothing to do with what time of year your going. However, staying off property puts you at a disadvantage as those on property can book 60 days in advance you won't be able to book until 30 days.

There are so many reasons to stay on property, especially your first time. If you're dead set on staying off property or can't afford to stay on I won't bother going into detail, but if you are on the fence I'd be happy to go into detail.

It would probably be good to avoid the EMH since you can't go for EMH (another plus for resort guests). As far as parks closing, yes that's when they close at WDW, but MK has an EMH in the evening sometimes that keeps the park open late past midnight sometimes if I remember right.

For picking fastpasses you need to just make a plan as to what parks you are going to be in on what days. We make a draft of our week before we even begin any planning. We say Monday is AK, Tuesday is HS and EPCOT, Wednesday is MK, etc etc.

Then you pick which rides at those parks you want to FP and which places you'd like to eat. So if you know you're going to AK on Monday, you look at those rides and pick, so for us we are FPing Everest, Kiliminjaro Safari, and Kali (we are going before Pandora). We will rope drop Dinosaur. All of our passes are used by 1 PM and we can pick more.

Another theory to booking fastpasses is to book them for the afternoon between 1-4 and get as much as you can in during the morning when crowds are low and then you'll have FPs for when it's busy. There's pros and cons to both.

Unless we can get a killer deal onsite, for our budget and family size offsite is winning at the moment. We haven't booked yet, but are pretty sure we will rent offsite for the space. I do agree the 30 day window is a disadvantage though. Do you think there will be fast passes left at the 30 day mark for the some of the bigger attractions? Also, I would imagine all of the parks are going to be busy and have long lines, right? Does weekend vs weekday make any difference in the summer? We survived Disneyland in august a few years ago and it was around 100 and super crowded but we had a great time.

Thank you for your reply!

 

[Amy Hammack]

By the way, are u planning any onsite table service meals? If so, u need to book your ADRs asap. Otherwise, u can wing it/eat QS/eat offsite.

And yes, offsite puts u at a bit of a disadvantage - but mainly only for the super popular new rides like Frozen, 7DMT, and the new Na'vi River Journey. For those, using rope drop will be the only way to go.

If hopping, sometimes I like to RD one park and then head to another park for my FPs. This gives me the RD advantage in the parks where I need them.

That's a good idea to RD one and FP another. That might end up being based on what fast passes we can score. Is that how you decide that?

I think we will mostly do offsite and QS, with 1 or 2 TS meals. We will be celebrating my hubbys birthday our first day so I probably need to look into that. Maybe breakfast our last morning there. I need to check out the dining board for recommendations! We toyed with the dining plan and onsite but I just think offsite is going to make more sense for us right now.

Day 1: AK, Day 2: DHS, Day 3: MK, Day 4: Epcot then a day off...not sure for Day 5 and then probably end with Day 6 at MK. I keep debating doing the day off right in the middle, but we thought it might be nice to have a full day doing fast passes in each park before we had an off day.

Thanks for your reply!

 

[glassslippergirl]

I'm going to offer you a different perspective. I think that staying off site is preferable for all the reasons you've mentioned-- more space, bathrooms, etc. There's another big plus you don't know yet-- you won't have to deal with WDW transportation. In most parks, you can just exit after a long day and go to your car, following well-marked roads back to your resort. MK is the exception; you have to park away from the entrance and take a ferry or monorail and really do need to use the tram to get back to your car. I don't think your trip will be hindered by staying off site.

Last summer, we went in July. Thirty days out I was able to make FPs for every ride I wanted except FEA. So we RD'ed FEA, and my line-hating husband said he was actually happy we went through the regular queue because he loved going in to Oaken's store (a fun part of the queue). Be sure you're on a computer each day when the FP window opens (that's 7 am EST, so if you're on the West Coast, that can be mighty early); then, if you don't get everything you want, keep trying. I log on to MDE every day after I make FPs and check for more preferable times/ rides. Also, consider splitting your group up to get more desirable FPs-- it's easier to get three FPs (for the kids) and 2 FPs (adults) at different times than 5 at the same time (and you and your spouse can get some alone time). Around the two weeks out mark, things start to free up, but I've scored highly desirable passes the day before or day of. People's plans are always changing.

That said, you should try and try but will probably not score FPs for the new Pandora rides. I'd recommend two days RD'ing AK with the priority to hit a different one at RD each day. Otherwise, plan your park days to avoid the EMH park, and try to see the evening show at each park. If the kids want, they can watch with you; if not, they can go on a ride or two, but they are worthwhile. Ending the day with fireworks is a quintessential Disney experience.

As for park hours, WDW has been updating hours around the 15th of the month before (so on March 15, they updated April hours). So you should check around June 15. A lot more FPs come available then, too, but I don't think that will directly affect you as your FP window opens later. But you might at that point want to revise your plan for evening parks to maximize cooler evening hours.

If you plan to make dining reservations, do so sooner than later. There are a lot of great restaurants your older kids will love like Skippers, Coral Reef (if they like fish) or a restaurant in WS (if they like any country's food-- there's some really adventurous foods there), Sunshine Seasons and Flame Tree for CS, etc.

 

[2forMe]

Do your children really like thrill rides? If so I would look into Universal either as well as WDW or instead of WDW.

 

[sharonabe]

I'm going to make some comments on your attraction list.

MK: Little Mermaid is just like Disneyland, but WDW queue is much better. Definitely do Buzz and People Mover and I would add in the Carousel of Progress just because it is classic Disney.

EP: Definitely Mission Space and we love Living with the Land.

AK: With your kids ages, I'd do Bugs Life. It's a hoot.

HS: If they know who the Muppets are, I'd take time to see the show. Besides it's air conditioned!

 

[mdelano4]

Let me start by saying that I don't get the staying off site gives more room. My kids are about the same spread as yours, but a little older now. We always stay onsite in a 2BR and that's plenty of room. We are, however, DVC, so I understand paying cash for that type of room might be out of budget (we wouldn't be able to swing it).

We like thrill rides as well. Going in July, you will find the parks crowded. Lots of camps will jam things up. Pick the things you want to do most and try to get FP for them. You may have to accept that there are some rides that you either get FP, wait for a long time in line, or just skip it.

On your list, I like your MK, DHS and AK choices. I will say your list is very ambitious. In 2005 you would have been able to hit all those rides and get a midday dip in the pool. Not as likely in 2017. Get on safari early. The animals are most active in the AM in hot weather.

In Epcot, Spaceship Earth may be closed for refurbishment. Agent P is not a ride. You go from secret window to secret window to solve a mystery. My youngest liked it. Older ones gave me the "really Dad?" look.

If you go with the attitude that you got good FPs, you're happy to be at WDW and get a few more rides in, you will have a great time.

 

[blemon]

We went in July last year for the first time and what I want to assert more than anything is that it is HOT. Like HOT HOT.
We live in a humid place and have spent a lot of time in Brazil as well. The heat and oppressive humidity of Central Florida in July rivals the Amazon. At least near the Amazon river you have a breeze every once in a while. There is never a breeze in Central Florida.

So just be prepared for the heat. Imagine it to be the worst heat ever.

We thought we knew what heat was...

Oh, and as for taking a break to get out of the heat and go to the hotel pool -- if the pool is outdoor, it will have been warmed by the Florida sun. It's not that refreshing and you're not out of the sun. That did not work for us. Only AC worked for us.

One thing if you want an afternoon break from your MK days would be to take transportation (preferably a boat) to the Poly and check out the Mary Blair murals. Do some shopping, enjoy the AC, and look around. Maybe do an early dinner reservation then head back to the park for the fireworks.

 

[mrzrich]

Let me start by saying that I don't get the staying off site gives more room. My kids are about the same spread as yours, but a little older now. We always stay onsite in a 2BR and that's plenty of room. We are, however, DVC, so I understand paying cash for that type of room might be out of budget (we wouldn't be able to swing it).

A 2 Bedroom unit at Wyndham Bonnet Creek can be had for as little as $120/night, a 2 bedroom at Saratoga Springs over $700 a night.

 

[mrzrich]

Park hours for summer will likely be extended. For some reason lately, they have been showing short park hours only to extend them as the dates draw closer.

 

[IndianaRRT]

Our kids are older as well, and Haunted Mansion & Buzz at MK have been faves for 10 years. Winning Buzz (and Toy Story at HS) means bragging rights until the next trip, even for my DH. I just have fun trying to balance looking at the cool setup and actually playing the game, but the rest of my family is engaged in a showdown. It's always a blast. This good-natured competition also extends to the teacups. Please don't forget the teacups! They are classic Disney and always a good time. Hope you have a wonderful vacation!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I haven't read all of the posts, but we have stayed onsite a few times before we bought our own condo. We now obviously don't stay onsite anymore and do just as much as people who stay onsite. So don't listen to all the disadvantages to staying offsite bc like a pp said there are also advantages as well.
We go every July and yes it is crowded. I have been able to get FP for rides the day before when I was unable to get it at 30 days out- this was also a new ride last year-Frozen Ever After. So my point is, if you can't get the FP you want keep checking!!!! Same with ADRs. I have gotten hard to get ADRs the day before bc people need to cancel 24hrs in advance.
If you do make ADRs don't miss California Grill. It's on the top of the Contemporary and has an awesome view of fireworks. It is a must do for our family every trip!!!
Have a great time!!!

 

[MommaBerd]

If you decide to stay off-site, I highly recommend Wyndham Bonnet Creek. It is technically not on Disney property, but it IS in the Disney bubble. Just as close to the parks as any other Disney resort. Check out the "We Looooooove Bonnet Creek" thread on the Orlando Attractions and Hotels sub-forum.

Also, you might want to check out some touring plans - Josh at easywdw.com has some free ones. TouringPlans.com has some free ones AND for a small fee, you can get access to customizing your own as well as their Lines app, which is very useful. There are other touring plans out there, but I've personally used these, so I feel like I can recommend them.

Have a great time planning! It's VERY different from DL. My DH surprised me with a trip to DL a couple of years ago. I couldn't believe how much easier it was!!!

 

[ArwenMarie]

I would check out the throwaway room thread which is a sticky above. I haven't kept up with the thread so I don't know what is allowed to be said but you will probably pick up on the concept on how the 60 day window opens

 

[highlander]

You might want to look into renting DVC points. There are a few good sources that will get you on property for a competitive rate.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I also agree with avoiding the EMH park if you're offsite. We never go to an EMH bc it's park it is super crowded. We do however sometimes go to an EMH-am park at night bc most people would have been there early in the morning.

We have also stayed at Bonnet Creek and it is super close- right next to Carribbean Beach resort. If you're on the right side and high enough up, you can probably see park fireworks.

 

[blemon]

One thing if you want an afternoon break from your MK days would be to take transportation (preferably a boat) to the Poly and check out the Mary Blair murals. Do some shopping, enjoy the AC, and look around. Maybe do an early dinner reservation then head back to the park for the fireworks.

Sorry! It's the Contemporary NOT the Poly.