***1st Week of December Thread ADR Plans, Park Hours, and dealing with Pop Warner***

[Iowamomof4]

I actually hope we are exhausted! We need to turn in early to be refreshed for an early morning (EMM) and a loooong day the next day. That's also why I accepted having AK as our first park, which was kind of upsetting me for some reason at first because I wanted it to be MK or EP.

I actually have in the plan that we could hop to Epcot after AK closes if we want, but I'm not planning for it. Most likely we'll find a bar to park at before we turn in.

If you're looking for a lounge, I've heard fantastic reviews of Nomad Lounge in AK next to Tiffin's. Truly, everyone who stops for a drink there absolutely loves it!

 

[JamieOak]

@JamieOak This version looks great! I'm thinking TP has been invaluable to me actually. Makes this inexperienced planner feel much less intimidated and like I might actually end up pulling this planning thing off! lol I think simply learning what the options are and having somewhat of an understanding of the distance in between them (the "layout of the land") are half the battle really.

I feel the same way. And I'm still struggling with MK a bit, which is the next park I'm tackling. I'm still sure there are things I'm missing in the AK TP. I don't have any of the "street shows" planned in there. But after watching videos I think I'd be OK if we skipped most of them. The Harambe nighttime one looks neat though and we'll be in Africa for the safari so hopefully we have the flexibility to find those things to watch. I also want to see Divine at some point.

 

[JamieOak]

If you're looking for a lounge, I've heard fantastic reviews of Nomad Lounge in AK next to Tiffin's. Truly, everyone who stops for a drink there absolutely loves it!

Yes I've already noted that down in one of my spreadsheets I think, thanks for the suggestion! But in that post I was referring to after leaving AK when it closes. Assuming 6pm remains the closing time, which we all hope not. I think we'll want to kill a few hours before turning in early.

 

[rasadkowski]

We didn't make it over last trip but plan to do it this trip if we can...why does it scare you? Maybe I need to do some more research before I build time into my plans haha

@Iowamomof4 i also remember having mixed feelings about this place as a kid! I feel like I want to go for nostalgia , but it is kinda like a lost abandoned ghost island in a weird way? ( no ghosts but kinda weird how the characters are "there but not there" you know? ) Lots of little paths and even a small cave I think? It was a nice escape from the crowds though... Maybe it's more crowded now... This was 20 years ago!!!

 

[Iowamomof4]

Yes I've already noted that down in one of my spreadsheets I think, thanks for the suggestion! But in that post I was referring to after leaving AK when it closes. Assuming 6pm remains the closing time, which we all hope not. I think we'll want to kill a few hours before turning in early.

Yeah, I was on my phone and didn't feel like adding a qualifier about understanding you were looking for something to do AFTER the park, but I wanted to mention it just the same.

 

[Candycane83]

I'm all for hoping AK hours gets extended and ROL shows and DHS SW fireworks schedule gets released! Come on, Disney, we're all waiting!!!

 

[Candycane83]

@Iowamomof4 i also remember having mixed feelings about this place as a kid! I feel like I want to go for nostalgia , but it is kinda like a lost abandoned ghost island in a weird way? ( no ghosts but kinda weird how the characters are "there but not there" ) Lots of little paths and even a small cave I think? It was a nice escape from the crowds though... Maybe it's more crowded now... This was 20 years ago!!!

Hmm, that sounds like a place I could lose my 2 year old in... I have a feeling this needs to be off my list too!

 

[rasadkowski]

I used my lunchtime today at work to redo my AK TP. I'm only posting the summary of total minutes and the map. Even with this plan, there are items I would skip if needed (like if we don't get the FPs used in this plan).

I think I've decided to just call and reschedule the Trek to 8:00, since there's really nothing to do in Africa during EMH before the trek, except the Kilimanjara Safari.

It's a lot better, but I still have one big walk across the park from Festival of the Lion King over to DINOSAUR. But I scheduled doing the Discovery Island trails and It's a Bug's Life then so it's more than just a long walk.

Then we do have a little interruption to the flow again after dinner, when I want to shoot for a sunset Kilimanjaro Safari ride before heading to the Tree of Life at night.

I will say one thing about doing these TPs...even if you don't use them in the end but instead make your own less-detailed version, creating these is extremely helpful to me as a newbie. I'm studying the maps and learning where everything is ahead of time. Last week I couldn't tell you where DINOSAUR was, or even which country the Kali River Rapids was in.

View attachment 194318

This looks awesome!! I tackled one MK day and Epcot last night. We need to add a second Epcot day. I really want my husband to see as much of the ws as possible!! I think my girls will love biertgarten too.

 

[areno79]

I used my lunchtime today at work to redo my AK TP. I'm only posting the summary of total minutes and the map. Even with this plan, there are items I would skip if needed (like if we don't get the FPs used in this plan).

I think I've decided to just call and reschedule the Trek to 8:00, since there's really nothing to do in Africa during EMH before the trek, except the Kilimanjara Safari.

It's a lot better, but I still have one big walk across the park from Festival of the Lion King over to DINOSAUR. But I scheduled doing the Discovery Island trails and It's a Bug's Life then so it's more than just a long walk.

Then we do have a little interruption to the flow again after dinner, when I want to shoot for a sunset Kilimanjaro Safari ride before heading to the Tree of Life at night.

I will say one thing about doing these TPs...even if you don't use them in the end but instead make your own less-detailed version, creating these is extremely helpful to me as a newbie. I'm studying the maps and learning where everything is ahead of time. Last week I couldn't tell you where DINOSAUR was, or even which country the Kali River Rapids was in.

View attachment 194318

That last part is so true! I have been meaning to look at the maps, but even though I've been a few times they've moved things around. Using TP forces me to really look at the lay of the land.

The issue I keep having with AK is that it wants me to zig zag all over the place. It also keeps trying to get me to do It's Tough to be a Bug first instead of the Safari for EMH. I know it makes sense because I'd be walking by it, but I think the Safari is going to fill up faster than ITTBAB.

 

[rasadkowski]

I'm all for hoping AK hours gets extended and ROL shows and DHS SW fireworks schedule gets released! Come on, Disney, we're all waiting!!!

I could t agree more it's so important for plans!!! And I still want to talk Disney but I'm kinda over being stressed about adrs and still not knowing park days with fp so close. It also bothers me that I have some adrs id really like to let go. I'd rather just have reserved what I have finally decided on... I also have a few that " I think" might help some of you, ( no extra bog unfortunately ) and I want to release them ASAP. I'm 99% certain I can't use them, but I just don't know yet!!


Edit; wow! That's a ton of

 

[Candycane83]

That last part is so true! I have been meaning to look at the maps, but even though I've been a few times they've moved things around. Using TP forces me to really look at the lay of the land.

The issue I keep having with AK is that it wants me to zig zag all over the place. It also keeps trying to get me to do It's Tough to be a Bug first instead of the Safari for EMH. I know it makes sense because I'd be walking by it, but I think the Safari is going to fill up faster than ITTBAB.

I have the same issue! So I've decided to probably just let it's tough to be a bug go... Maybe aim for an 9-10am FP for Safari just in case... I'm probably going to do Safari, Wildlife express, Tusker House breakfast, then Dinoland before leaving AK...

 

[JamieOak]

That last part is so true! I have been meaning to look at the maps, but even though I've been a few times they've moved things around. Using TP forces me to really look at the lay of the land.

The issue I keep having with AK is that it wants me to zig zag all over the place. It also keeps trying to get me to do It's Tough to be a Bug first instead of the Safari for EMH. I know it makes sense because I'd be walking by it, but I think the Safari is going to fill up faster than ITTBAB.

Maybe try moving the slider to "less waiting" for waiting vs. walking? I had mine at "balanced" and it was doing weird things too. And in one instance it had me going from Festival of the Lion King all the way over to Finding Nemo (which I do need to get across the park then), but I was getting there so early that I was waiting for 30 minutes for the showtime. So I switched DINOSAUR and Nemo and then it started looking good and making sense.

 

[SilSprBea]

I could t agree more it's so important for plans!!! And I still want to talk Disney but I'm kinda over being stressed about adrs and still not knowing park days with fp so close. It also bothers me that I have some adrs id really like to let go. I'd rather just have reserved what I have finally decided on... I also have a few that " I think" might help some of you, ( no extra bog unfortunately ) and I want to release them ASAP. I'm 99% certain I can't use them, but I just don't know yet!!


Edit; wow! That's a ton of

I know what you mean, @rasadkowski! I have a a few doubles on some days because I don't know how FP will fit. I want to let them go to help someone and not hoard, but I'm so unsure of how the days will pan out!

 

[pigletgirl]

I could t agree more it's so important for plans!!! And I still want to talk Disney but I'm kinda over being stressed about adrs and still not knowing park days with fp so close. It also bothers me that I have some adrs id really like to let go. I'd rather just have reserved what I have finally decided on... I also have a few that " I think" might help some of you, ( no extra bog unfortunately ) and I want to release them ASAP. I'm 99% certain I can't use them, but I just don't know yet!!


Edit; wow! That's a ton of

That's Disney! Last year, they changed park hours a week prior to our arrival. Talk about fun!

 

[Talby]

That last part is so true! I have been meaning to look at the maps, but even though I've been a few times they've moved things around. Using TP forces me to really look at the lay of the land.

The issue I keep having with AK is that it wants me to zig zag all over the place. It also keeps trying to get me to do It's Tough to be a Bug first instead of the Safari for EMH. I know it makes sense because I'd be walking by it, but I think the Safari is going to fill up faster than ITTBAB.

For things that TP seems to force on me (putting a certain show in a spot I don't want it, for example) I've taken to just removing it and adding a break for a specific time, noting that that is really a time allotment for the show we want to see. If that makes any sense! lol

 

[areno79]

I have the same issue! So I've decided to probably just let it's tough to be a bug go... Maybe aim for an 9-10am FP for Safari just in case... I'm probably going to do Safari, Wildlife express, Tusker House breakfast, then Dinoland before leaving AK...

Oh, if you have time, you should try to do ITTBAB! It's one of our favorite attractions at AK! You could always use an FP+ on it!

Maybe try moving the slider to "less waiting" for waiting vs. walking? I had mine at "balanced" and it was doing weird things too. And in one instance it had me going from Festival of the Lion King all the way over to Finding Nemo (which I do need to get across the park then), but I was getting there so early that I was waiting for 30 minutes for the showtime. So I switched DINOSAUR and Nemo and then it started looking good and making sense.

That's a good idea; I'll see what it comes up with for options when I do that.

 

[JamieOak]

This looks awesome!! I tackled one MK day and Epcot last night. We need to add a second Epcot day. I really want my husband to see as much of the ws as possible!! I think my girls will love biertgarten too.

Oh I'm scared to tackle Epcot in TP! Plus I think there's no planning the World Showcase in TP, because you want to go at your leisure through it. I'm hoping to get in a Beirgarten too. I haven't even looked yet because I'm not sure which day or lunch or dinner (probably lunch since it's cheaper). I want to get in a lot of Epcot time and I'm kind of sad we don't get a full EP day until our 5th day. I am planning a long 1/2 day there on our 2nd day 11/29 when it's open until 11:30pm. I hope to get there before it's dark out, maybe by 4pm and stay until close if we can make it. We'll have been at MK since 7:45am, so I definitely think we'll need a resort break in the afternoon for a couple hours.

 

[areno79]

For things that TP seems to force on me (putting a certain show in a spot I don't want it, for example) I've taken to just removing it and adding a break for a specific time, noting that that is really a time allotment for the show we want to see. If that makes any sense! lol

Good idea!

 

[Candycane83]

Oh, if you have time, you should try to do ITTBAB! It's one of our favorite attractions at AK! You could always use an FP+ on it!



That's a good idea; I'll see what it comes up with for options when I do that.

I will try to fit it in the morning... Maybe I would follow TP's plan to do that first before Safari... I wonder how crowded safari would be in the morning... I'm guessing if I can get an FP, it would work out well...

 

[JamieOak]

For things that TP seems to force on me (putting a certain show in a spot I don't want it, for example) I've taken to just removing it and adding a break for a specific time, noting that that is really a time allotment for the show we want to see. If that makes any sense! lol

That makes sense, that's how I had to do my Wild Africa Trek. I do find it annoying how sometimes it ignores your "preferred selected time" for shows. Why let me choose it if you aren't going to use it? I'm a big fan of letting it optimize at first, but then moving things around to what I want and just clicking Evaluate each time I move things. I kind of note the total minutes that it came up with in the optimized version and try not to stray too far from that in the end.