3 weeks - what 2 do???

[Dave_uk]

Hi Every one I am in the trip planning stages of a trip next September will be me and the Girlfriend staying some where (have not decided yet) for 3 weeks. My question to you is how you would spend these 3 weeks. (it is our first time)

Things we want to do
- Visit all of the Disney parks
- Visit all the rest not really fussed about bush gardens tho
• Aquatica™
• Universal Studios®
• Universal's Islands of Adventure®
• SeaWorld® Orlando
• Wet 'n Wild® Orlando
- Also would like to swim with dolphins.

My 2nd question (nearly the same question I know) how long d you think you should spend in each of the parks?

I have never been before and really want to do as much as possible so planning it all.

Thanks every one

 

[~Piglet~]

Depending on how much detail you want to get into, first I would write down your 'must do's' at each park - we took a list to each park of rides etc we wanted to definitely go on.

Then write a loose timetable of which park you want to visit on which day (these can be altered nearer the time if taking into account EMH when days are released). Use water parks as rest days - see what else is near to a park so you can visit somewhere else if you leave a park earlier than expected.

Some parks you will want to see more of than others, on your 'Disney days' don't forget you can go to more than one park on the same day (we used to pop into MK for an hour or so).

A day at Discovery Cove can also be used as a rest day, it's a great day out and after your dolphin swim you can relax for the rest of the day and enjoy the peaceful surroundings

We used a timetable on our last visit and although we changed some days slightly, we pretty much saw everything we had on our list

 

[Haworthfamily]

Hi Dave

We too have a planner and we pretty much stick to it, we sometimes swap days around, but generally we stick to it.
I think you need to, in order to make sure you don't miss anything.

I agree with Piglet, make a list of everything you want to do.
Do loads of research on here, ask lots of questions and read up!

You pretty much have everything on your list that we would cram into a two week trip.
Some parks need more days than others and sometimes we even visit oiur favourtie ones two or three times.

You have three weeks, so you'll be able to fit in full days at water parks too.

Good luck with all the planning.
Sarah X

 

[Dave_uk]

Thanks for your advice sounds like a plan.
How long do you think you should allow for each of the parks? Is universal just a day...what about the rest?
Thanks

 

[Karenpowley]

Seeing as its your first time, id buy 'The Brits Guide' Simon and Susan Veness and then order their itinenary - it's wondrful, and will make the most of your stay!

Kx

 

[~Piglet~]

How long do you think you should allow for each of the parks? Is universal just a day...what about the rest?

Hi Dave, I would definitely allow a day at each park and then maybe plan a return visit to the parks you liked the best Also if you stay on-site it is easy just to dip in and out of the parks, especially with the evening EMH's.

We did do US and IOA in one day, but that probably depends on crowd levels too. Last time we were a couple so we only had ourselves to think about, and stayed out until late each day, this time we are taking DD and other family members and so we will be going at a slower pace.

 

[Dave_uk]

So far I think I have decided on 3 weeks staying at on site at Disney with Unlimited ticket for the 3 weeks.
Then have a flex ticket for the last week.
What you think?
I have just ordered that book and a Disney guide one as well. Thanks

 

[bombhead444]

Me and the DW always try to do three weeks, this year we’re going for four.
We don’t plan anything except a couple of bits, we always drive down to Miami on the first Monday after we arrived for the day, We always try to do our present shopping on the first day after arrival (means the rest of the spending money is ours!!!) and it gets it out the way.
The amount of time in each park as everyone says depends on what you want to do in each park, the fact your out for three weeks, we tend to find we either go to a park in the morning and leave after lunch or go in after lunch/mid afternoon for fireworks etc, as we know we’ll be able to return and it keeps you fresh. We managed to do IOA and Studios in one day thanks to a non existent crowd but suspect we’ll never manage that again. So it all depends on the crowds.
Dolphin swim I would recommend Discovery Cove, it can be seen as expensive to some but they have changed what you get. For your money you now get fed and watered the whole day (as its sponsored by Anheuser Busch you get free beer) as well as scuba gear loaned to you, towels and the dolphin interaction which lasts about 45 minutes. You get to pet the dolphin, a dorsal pull and of course a kiss from the dolphin.

 

[Gaynor]

One day at IOA and one at US should be enough depending on crowd level.

I like to do 2 days at each Disney park. I normally do an early start at each park and leave in the afternoon and then do later starts and stay for fireworks etc, I don't enjoy full days in the parks.

I do 2 days at seaworld but it can be done in 1.

Discovery Cove is fantastic it is the only park I've stayed from opening until closing

The Disney water parks are great for a relaxing day, but I wouldn't bother with wet 'n' wild it's looking a little 'tired' now, unless you've got a spare day and can't think of anything else to do.

Don't forget about all the great shopping Malls I'm sure you'll girlfriend will love them.

I always do an itinerary, but then I am a control freak it's helps me get the most out of our trip.

 

[Chilly]

We've been twice in September both times for 2 weeks and we've managed to fit all that in as long as you don't mind getting up early so 3 weeks you'll be able to relax a bit more.

One idea might be to plan your first 2 weeks then leave your 3rd week to re-visit your fav parks/rides.

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

We have an itinerary (this changes daily),I'd definately do one as its good to know what day you will spend where and what is the must do or see.

 

[wicket2005]

The first time you go is far the most magical as you just don't know what to expect. However, as first timers you do need to plan to get the most from your visit.

On our first visit we rolled into the parks at 11 am, had long lines, got lost but still had a fantastic time. Now several trips later we know exactly what we want to do in each park and where it is.

The key thing is to arrive at the parks before opening hours, the majority of people arrive later and by the time they do you will have had a head start round the park.

Plan where you want to go each day, use the Brit's Guide to Orlando for the best days to visit each park. In my experience EMH evenings are a nightmare with horrendous lines and crowds. We visit the Disney parks that have had the EMH the previous day.

On a first visit I would allow yourself a couple of days for each of the Disney parks and a day for SW, US and IoA. The flex park ticket for 14 days use would be ideal as it was about the price of a day's entry to each of those parks but allows you to pop back to them if you want to. Orlando isn't just about the Disney parks as SW, US and IoA should not be missed.

Make good use of the fastpasses in the Disney parks, these save time.

I would also get to know the parks by viewing the maps and know where you are going before you get there. Do not take photos as you enter the park leave it till you are exiting, do not do the character photos/signatures on entering the park, leave it till exiting and the same applies to photopass photographers. Get in, get to the first ride and get them under your belt before doing leisurely pursuits.

 

[Dave_uk]

Thanks again every one…

How good are the EMH We are planning on going in Sep and the EMH is one of the reasons we are planning on staying on site.

 

[torsie24]

We are going to go to lots of AM EMHs but probably not the evening ones really.

Have you considered staying for half your trip at WDW and then part of it on I-Drive or in a Universal hotel. That way you'll be closer to US and Seaworld etc.

And if you stay at a US hotel you get front of line passes for all the rides.

 

[Dave_uk]

I did speak about this with the Girl Friend but we decided we just wanted to stay in one spot instead of moving around. Also think im pretty set on staying with Disney (love the Disney magic)

Can I ask what are front of line passes is it just as it sounds yu get to go to the front of the line?

 

[torsie24]

Yeah - it lets you skip all the lines all day.