Am I over-planning?

[AllAboutPluto]

I'm so tired ALREADY... I can't imagine how exhausted I'll be once we actually GET there...

DH, DS 14, DD 5 and I are planning our very first visit for the last week of Sept. Our flight is scheduled to arrive at 2:34pm at MCO on Sat the 23rd. We leave at 10-something am on Sat the 30th. Here is my littany of questions...

1 - arriving at POP mid to late afternoon, should we even consider trying to make it into a park for the evening, or should we just check out the resort and be glad we made it that far? The difference in the 6 day and 7 day MYW pass is a nominal $4.25.

2 - Planning for Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed to hit each park while taking advantage of EMHs. I'm reading and I'm even told by my best friend that crowds are very light in Sept, so does that mean we want to Hop because the crowds are lighter and it's easier to get around? Or do we not want to Hop because the crowds are so light that it's worth staying in one place to see more on the one day?

3 - I'm thinking that if we hop, it might be a good plan to leave Thurs and Fri unplanned, so that we can go back to things we missed or things we want to do again. But it we don't hop, is it still a good idea to leave Th and F unplanned? Which parks would take 2 full days, at low capacity, to really enjoy? DH and I are both really looking forward to Epcot (we've only been talking about a visit there since we met in '81), and I know it has a lot to see. Any other thoughts?

4 - the last night of our stay is scheduled (as of right now) to be the first of the Not So Scary Halloween Parties. Do we want to splurge on that? Do we maybe want to consider that DD and I just go to that? Will we be so utterly exhausted by that point that it will be the last thing on our minds?

Thanks for reading this far... I'm sure I'll bombard you all with questions! This is really looking like a once-in-a-lifetime thing for us, so I'd really like to make sure we do it well, but I also don't want to ruin the whole thing by over thinking it all!!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I have not been in many years, but am planning a return trip for next year. The only question I can speak to is the first one. We are planning the same # of nights and days and will get the 7 day hopper. Like you said, the difference in the price is nominal, and I am thinking that to start our trip with a bang, we could go see Wishes the evening we arrive and see the castle up close. I thought this would give us a nice taste of things to come. And, if we are pooped at the end of our MK day(s) at WDW, we will have already seen the fireworks and won't feel like we need to push ourselves to stay in the park. If our flights arrive in time, we may have dinner at Chef Mickey's or the CRT to start the trip off.

 

[jaysue]

I'm so tired ALREADY... I can't imagine how exhausted I'll be once we actually GET there...

DH, DS 14, DD 5 and I are planning our very first visit for the last week of Sept. Our flight is scheduled to arrive at 2:34pm at MCO on Sat the 23rd. We leave at 10-something am on Sat the 30th. Here is my littany of questions...

1 - arriving at POP mid to late afternoon, should we even consider trying to make it into a park for the evening, or should we just check out the resort and be glad we made it that far? The difference in the 6 day and 7 day MYW pass is a nominal $4.25.

2 - Planning for Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed to hit each park while taking advantage of EMHs. I'm reading and I'm even told by my best friend that crowds are very light in Sept, so does that mean we want to Hop because the crowds are lighter and it's easier to get around? Or do we not want to Hop because the crowds are so light that it's worth staying in one place to see more on the one day?

3 - I'm thinking that if we hop, it might be a good plan to leave Thurs and Fri unplanned, so that we can go back to things we missed or things we want to do again. But it we don't hop, is it still a good idea to leave Th and F unplanned? Which parks would take 2 full days, at low capacity, to really enjoy? DH and I are both really looking forward to Epcot (we've only been talking about a visit there since we met in '81), and I know it has a lot to see. Any other thoughts?

4 - the last night of our stay is scheduled (as of right now) to be the first of the Not So Scary Halloween Parties. Do we want to splurge on that? Do we maybe want to consider that DD and I just go to that? Will we be so utterly exhausted by that point that it will be the last thing on our minds?

Thanks for reading this far... I'm sure I'll bombard you all with questions! This is really looking like a once-in-a-lifetime thing for us, so I'd really like to make sure we do it well, but I also don't want to ruin the whole thing by over thinking it all!!

#1 - depends on your stamina and next am plan - if you plan on getting out early to the parks the next morning consider chilling at the resort, go for a swim etc. and relax a bit - given the price difference if you are up to it another choice would be to spend the extra small money and go to Epcot World Showcase that late aft/evening and enjoy the atmosphere - we have done both but we always let our next morning plan guide our choice on arrival day

#2 - since it is your first visit consider signing up for tourguidemike's web site or getting the unofficial guide to help you plan - I think TGM works best for 1st visitors - the money will be well spent! IMO do not bother hopping around too much on your first visit

#3 - Epcot takes 2 days at a leisurely pace and so can the MK as well - if you go to Epcot first day late aft/evening that is half of Epcot right there if you go to World Showcase - if you like waterparks, Disney has 2 very nice ones!

#4 - Sorry no help here - have never attended

Feel free to ask any more questions or PM me

cheers
jaysue

 

[LaughinPlace289]

1 - It wouldn't be worth your money to try to go the parks at that point. If you're like us you'll be worn out from traveling all day. We usually like to check out the resort/pool spend the evening at Downtown Disney.

2 - Definately hop. Lighter crowds means less waiting time for transportation giving you more time at the parks.

3 - It's a good idea to leave a few days unplanned. We've gotten to the point that we hardly do any planning until the night before. It's easy to get sidetracked.

4 - I wouldn't be much help here as I've never been to the Not-So-Scary Halloween party... I've heard it's worth going to though!

Well, I hope that helped. Have a great trip!

 

[Jessmela]

I'd second the recommendation for TGM. I think since you're planning a relatively short trip and it's your first time, his tips could really help in planning a less stressful, more relaxing vacation where you still get to do everything you want. He also has a money back guarantee, so if his style doesn't work for you, you're not out anything.

Also, there are great forums on the TGM site and people there will happily help you with any itenary questions (even ones you might think are silly).

On your first night, I wouldn't try for a park. Maybe just explore the resort or do a character dinner.

While I expect September will still be a less crowded time than say July, I'm guessing that the crowds will be a little bit bigger because of the free dining option. If you're going with a package and getting the free dining, you may want to start thinking about your table service dining choices and make reservations now. I think having ADRs will help things go more smoothly.

 

[goofie4goofy]

I think you afe overplanning. The last week of Sept is the slowest time of the year to go to WDW. We go every year at that time and never have more than a 5-10 minute wait, if there is a wait as most are walk on. You will be able to eat at any restaurant you want without worry. It is a great time to go.

 

[DannyDisneyFreak]

First of all welcome to the DIS! I would recomend for your first night gauge your family's tiredness levels from your trip there, nap and rest when your arrive get dinner at one of the parks or I recomend on the monorail line then check out MK, but get to bed early you want to be well rested for the rest of your trip., If you don't get a good nights rest the first night you won't get your proper rest the whole trip, that is what I have experienced.
Relax, you are not going to see everything no matter how hard you try and if you do try you will not enjoy yourself.
Plan one main day for each park then go back to what ever parks your family wants to on the other days.
Do not get yourself to the point where you are "be so utterly exhausted", like I said relax, my mistake last time was trying to do too much and rushing. Just let your conscience be your guide and hakuna matata.

 

[Leota]

For an extra $4.25, I'd definately have the extra day on the Pass. We always hit the Park on arrival day unless we take the last flight out of town & arrive after the Parks close. If it's really a once in a lifetime trip for you, than you won't want to give up an extra 5 hours or so in the Park.

I'd recommend Hoppers even tho it's a slow time.

I think Epcot & MK both deserve 2 days minimum each. Even tho I've been several times, I still like to have a general idea which Park to start out with on each day based on my experience of crowd flow. After that initial few hours, I like to play it by ear & hop to wherever I'm in the mood for next.

MNSSHP is lots of fun for kids. Even tho it's gotten more crowded over the years, it's still worth going too. Lots of kids (and kids at heart) like to dress up for it, really making it special. I've been twice & would do it again.

 

[3MGIRLS]

There is no such thing as overplanning. It is part of the experience. To be a true diehard, you have to change your mind a few times, and the Disney Travel company personnel will start to recognize your name for calling back for better rates, changing dates, and changing hotels. Just be ready for the "What do I do now?" that happends once you return home and you have nothing to plan.

 

[bopper]

1) I bet the first night the kids will be tired and probably would not mind just going to the pool!
2) I would not schedule 4 back to back EMH (getting up early days) in a row unless you get back to the room early. If you stay all day, I would not do more than two days in a row with out a "sleep in" day or you will all be burnt out.

 

[HappyLawyer]

you can never over plan,

 

[pedro2112]

You will be able to eat at any restaurant you want without worry. It is a great time to go.

I disagree. Last year during the free dining plan period the TS restaurants were packed to capacity for the most part. Since free dining is being offered again this year, I would definitely make ADRs for those places at which you really want to eat.