3 year hiatus

[littlegreenman]

I am a new poster here but not new to Disney. I've been to WDW for as many years as I have been alive (30) but for family reasons I have not been in 3 years but I will be going in June for 10 Days!!! (I went on multiple vacations in the same year is how you get 30 ) I will be staying in Art of Animation so I will be at a new hotel.

I just want to know what has changed in the "World" since then. I know I have a new Fantasyland to look forward to, a few Starbucks to try, a crazy Fantasmic experience waiting, wearing Mickey wrist bands, cronuts at Epcot, and the Be Our Guest restaurant. But I want to know everything. I want to know every detail you can think of. I am a detail oriented person so I need to know the things that won't show up in books. I am humble enough to take advice and treat this like its my first time going. No detail is too small. (Little changes like when Haunted Mansion updated their queue made my trip memorable) I thank you in advance to catching me up!

 

[littlegreenman]

Can I get at least one tip?

 

[gonnago]

The new Festival of Fantasy parade at MK and maybe the new FOTLK,but I think that may not be opening until July or later and don't forget about the new 7 dwarfs mine train will be open by then.There is construction also going on at Downtown Disney and the Poly.

I was just there for a week 2 weeks ago so if you have any questions feel free to ask.Hope you have a great trip!

 

[littlegreenman]

Thanks for the tip. If you book the 3 fast passes per day, are you able to get more when you are at the parks?

 

[MattRyan]

Thanks for the tip. If you book the 3 fast passes per day, are you able to get more when you are at the parks?

You can only get more FP after you have used your first 3, or they have expired (You must have at least used one).

 

[littlegreenman]

So would a good strategy be to use your FPs early (if possible)

 

[agavegirl1]

Read the first posts on this thread. Robo keeps it updated. Since the 4th FP+ (5th etc) just started yesterday, the jury is out on how early to book.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3143281

 

[richmo]

Yes, earlier in the day is a good strategy.

A few other things, most of which you probably know:
- If you haven't already done so, sign up for My Disney Experience (MDE).
- If you have an Android or iOS smartphone, load the MDE app. Among other things, it allows you to check on wait times, etc. while you're there. However, I prefer to use one of the "unofficial" wait time apps, since they're much faster. Also, there is some chance that by the time you get there, you may be able to add those extra FP+'s on your smartphone rather than going to the kiosks.
- If you're renting a car, be aware that a good portion of the Downtown Disney parking lot is closed. For the Marketplace end, although that is open, I've found it just as convenient to park across the street at Casting. It's a short walk across the street to the Marketplace, probably less time than you'd spend wandering around the parking lot.
- On the subject of Downtown Disney: they have a food truck or two (we call them grease trucks up here) and "Team Mickey" is no more.
- Someone already mentioned the new parade at MK, which is very good. Also, I'm not sure if it was there when you were last, but there's a light show projected onto the castle that you should catch at least once. The times will be in the times guide, but its usually sandwiched between MSEP and Wishes.
- Test Track has been refurbed since you were there. The ride itself is the same, but the theming on the inside portion has totally changed. You also get to design a car, which is kind of fun.
- Of course there's all the new Fantasyland stuff. You could try for an ADR at Be Our Guest for dinner, or go there for lunch. Since you have a hotel reservation, you might want to try for a lunch FP. It's a separate link which I can't remember. You could also try standby...if the line doesn't go beyond the entrance gate, you're probably looking at a little less than 30 minutes. Its worth doing at least once, even if just to check out the theming inside.

 

[littlegreenman]

You can get a lunch FP for Be Our Guest?

 

[ses1230]

You can get a lunch FP for Be Our Guest?

Onsite guests can, yes.

 

[gonnago]

If you go at RD or even on an EMH day you can get a lot done in the morning.I was not able to use the extra FP since it just started yesterday,but with my experience from my trip and being able to get extra now I would probably book my first 3 FP+ for early to mid afternoon so I could take advantage of the extras but this could change if it seems to be getting busier in the early morning therefore making it more difficult to do the rides stand-by without a long wait.

I suggest you try getting a FP+ for lunch for your trip ASAP since you are going in June and your 60 day window is open they are usually hard to get.

 

[agavegirl1]

The Be Our Guest Lunch Fastpass began as an "invitation via email to select guests" to test the FP+ for BOG. The website/link has now been widely distributed and they have been honoring FP+ made in this manner. You can select your meal in advance as well https://beourguestlunch.disney.go.com/Login.aspx

 

[ArwenMarie]

All ADRs have a $10 per person no-show fee now.