Am I squeezing too many activities in my WDW vacation?

[V2000]

Wednesday night flight 10pm - 6am
Thursday Epcot F&W Festival 9am - 8:30pm
Friday Typhoon Lagoon 10am - 2pm
Friday MNSSHP 4pm - 12am
Saturday WWoHP (both parks) 8am - 7pm
Sunday DTD 11:30am - 4pm

I only have booked 3 nights and 4 days. I want to get the most out of my vacation but I wonder if my schedule is doable. My husband and I are early 30's and my daughter is 15. I will try to sleep on our flight but we'll see. Lol. My biggest concern is doing Typhoon Lagoon & MNSSHP in one day. Also waking up the next day super early to be at gates open for WWoHP.

Has anyone successfully survived a full schedule like this? I have never been to Typoon Lagoon, MNSSHP, or the WWoHP. I would like to see all three but I can take out the water park if I have to. I am not sure if WDW is ever a option again for years to come.

 

[Happyjen27]

Personally I have never been to Typhoon Lagoon. It might be Disney Magic at it's finest, so, please take my advice with a grain of salt due to my inexperience.

That said, I wouldn't take a rare opportunity of a Disney Visit and not do the other Disney parks (MK, DHS, EP or AK) to their fullest, rather than a water park, which are a dime a dozen around my area.

 

[Elleshoodat]

Wednesday night flight 10pm - 6am
Thursday Epcot 9am - 8:30pm
Friday Typhoon Lagoon 10am - 2pm
Friday MNSSHP 4pm - 12am
Saturday WWoHP (both parks) 8am - 7pm
Sunday DTD 11:30am - 4pm

I only have booked 3 nights and 4 days. I want to get the most out of my vacation but I wonder if my schedule is doable. My husband and I are early 30's and my daughter is 15. I will try to sleep on our flight but we'll see. Lol. My biggest concern is doing Typhoon Lagoon & MNSSHP in one day. Also waking up the next day super early to be at gates open for WWoHP.

Has anyone successfully survived a full schedule like this? I have never been to Typoon Lagoon, MNSSHP, or the WWoHP. I would like to see all three but I can take out the water park if I have to. I am not sure if WDW is ever a option again for years to come.

For my family, yes -- that's a lot to squeeze into a short trip -- but every family is different.

Thursday concerns me because it looks like you're taking a redeye, which to me just sounds exhausting (I can't sleep on airplanes). Friday is going to be another long day, and to stay up late and then wake up and hit both Universal parks on Saturday ... sheesh.

That said, only you know your family. Can you hit it hard for four-and-a-half days and take time to recover before bouncing back to normal life when you get home?

If it were us, I'd skip the water park and relax at my resort's pool before going to MNSSHP. If the Wizarding World is your focus at Universal, see how you're feeling after exploring that section of the park and go from there -- go back to your resort and rest if you decide to do that. DTD to us is meh, but we've been several times.

 

[ksromack]

You are talkin' to the wrong person here but I shall pipe in. Our vacations tend to be "busy". I'm not one to relax while at WDW but at 53 years old, I'm getting better. Dec 2012 we spent 9 nights in Orlando. We did everything imaginable.....Illuminations cruise, MVMCP, Ft Wilderness Sleigh Ride, Wishes Dessert Party, 2 days at Universal/Islands of Adventure, 4 character breakfasts, and in parks at RD and almost until closing time. It was a very hectic week and not one I would recommend. The reason I say this is it was just me and dh but you have your daughter with you......when you are stressed (busy) sometimes people get a little grouchy. You would hate to have unfond memories at the Happiest Place on Earth, wouldn't you?

The only part of your plan that may be difficult is the WWoHP part. The best way to do those parks is to stay onsite there so you can take advantage of the extra morning hour not offered to GP. To me it was necessary to see those parts of the park. You are trying to do them both without benefit of that early morning hour. You will more than likely be standing in lines on that Saturday.......I think if you go back to your room on friday after Typhoon Lagoon and rest you should be okay for MNSSHP.....but I would maybe cut that afternoon a little shorter like be back at hotel by 1pm?

 

[BrianL]

It doesn't seem that packed other than the flight that gets in at 6 AM. I don't think I could deal with that and be ready to go to a part that morning. I can't sleep on planes though. One thing about WWoHP is that there is more to Universal than just that, and you might get distracted. I think one day is plenty of time to see just WWoHP though.

Honestly, you should see one of my schedules. They can be really packed. On my last trip we did 3 parks one day for a total of 18 hours of park time (MK was open until 2 AM)!

 

[kwdw]

I'm not concerned about your plan to try to do the water park and MNSSHP in one day. That's doable. It can be tiring climbing all those steps for slides at the water parks - but if you are in decent shape - it's fine.

The HARD - trying to sleep on a flight - and hitting EPCOT the next day AND then the next day doing the water park and party - and then after getting to your resort at probably 1 am after the party and then trying to get to WWoHP before they open to meet their rush. That's exhaustion at that point.

WWoHP is your problem, IMO. To do both parks in ONE day - you have to buy a park to park pass for one day. There's a premium piece on that ticket because it's ONE day. You can see both areas of WWoHP in one day if that's all you are doing - but you won't have time to see the rest of the two parks you paid admission for. Especially because it's likely you'll be tired at that point. Now, a two day ticket to Universal for both parks is still super pricey - but I might recommend you buy the second day and skip DTD.

Can you survive the schedule you have? Yes. Could it be a whirlwind of fun - YEP! Your kid is 15 - old enough to have lots of energy - and to understand when she's cranky because she's tired. You and your hubby are under 40 - as long as you are reasonably active in your lives - you can survive the short burst of go-go-go lifestyle with little sleep for a few days and make it through. But it WILL be tiring.

And I can "SEE" you logic in the plan based on your timeline, goals, and cost choices - so - I get it. It's not one I'd plan because I don't like the premium of one day tickets. But - I get your plan. It will work. You won't get much sleep.

 

[V2000]

I've been to WDW twice in the past and was able to see the other parks. I have never seen the WWoHP. We are intending on seeing only those areas. The only reason to do both parks is to ride the train. I could still cut this out of my trip and replace it.
The only thing is I won't get to ever see WWoHP. Not any time soon. No plans for years to come.

 

[rwdavis2]

As mush as like Universal I would skip it until you can go back and spend 2 days.

 

[V2000]

And I can "SEE" you logic in the plan based on your timeline, goals, and cost choices - so - I get it. It's not one I'd plan because I don't like the premium of one day tickets. But - I get your plan. It will work. You won't get much sleep.

Haha! I wonder how many miles we would be walking. I guess we can sleep on the plane ride home! Lol.
Well I can cut the water park out and sleep all day. Or I can move the water park to Sunday. However, Typhoon Lagoon is closed that day 10/25 and I would have to settle for Blizzard Beach. I would have rather had the tropical themed water park but at least its an option.

 

[luvdisdogs]

I would try and keep WWoHP. It is amazing!!

 

[missangelalexis]

I don't think your schedule is too packed, though I do tend to pack in as much as I can during my trips.

You seem to have a long flight, so leaving Wednesday free to rest up is good!

Epcot is a good first day park because it's not as stressful in my opinion and it's a little more leisurely.

Typhoon Lagoon might be the only thing I cut out. A water park can be tiring and honestly for the short amount of time you would be there, I don't think it's worth it. I would use the day to relax at the pool (not sure if you're staying on site?) or even make a late lunch ADR at one of the monorail hotels so you can head straight to MNSSHP after.

I also think you definitely shouldn't miss WWOHP! Even if you're only going for a day, I think you could still experience what you want! Get there early and head to Universal first to do Gringotts/take the train! You may be tired from the night before, but on the bright side the Universal parks close at 7 so you can still be back at your hotel at a decent time and be able to sleep in a little the next day when you head to DtD!

 

[ArwenMarie]

If it was me, I would check in and nap for a bit after the flight and then head over to Epcot at night then maybe go back the next day before the party. Or do a different park the morning of the party for a few hours. And skip the waterpark.

For Saturday and Sunday, I would buy a two-day ticket for Universal and do one park each day and skip DTD. If you're only doing the HP stuff and only want to buy a one-day ticket, then you can do both in one day.

 

[V2000]

You are talkin' to the wrong person here but I shall pipe in. Our vacations tend to be "busy". I'm not one to relax while at WDW but at 53 years old, I'm getting better. Dec 2012 we spent 9 nights in Orlando. We did everything imaginable.....Illuminations cruise, MVMCP, Ft Wilderness Sleigh Ride, Wishes Dessert Party, 2 days at Universal/Islands of Adventure, 4 character breakfasts, and in parks at RD and almost until closing time. It was a very hectic week and not one I would recommend. The reason I say this is it was just me and dh but you have your daughter with you......when you are stressed (busy) sometimes people get a little grouchy. You would hate to have unfond memories at the Happiest Place on Earth, wouldn't you?

The only part of your plan that may be difficult is the WWoHP part. The best way to do those parks is to stay onsite there so you can take advantage of the extra morning hour not offered to GP. To me it was necessary to see those parts of the park. You are trying to do them both without benefit of that early morning hour. You will more than likely be standing in lines on that Saturday.......I think if you go back to your room on friday after Typhoon Lagoon and rest you should be okay for MNSSHP.....but I would maybe cut that afternoon a little shorter like be back at hotel by 1pm?

Yes, I can cut Typhoon Lagoon shorter to 1pm.
That's a good suggestion. Maybe even a prolonged visit to the lazy river.

I don't think my daughter will be cranky. She is a die hard Disney fan and is even asking me to sleep over night in line at Disneyland's 60th anniversary on 7/17. Lol. In this case I need to consider not over exhausting my husband. He's pretty much down for whatever and loves Disney. I'm just not sure how he will do at the WWoHP. But I hear that even if your not a fan you will be blown away by the park. He's a chef and this will be his first visit to Florida. I am super exited to take him to the Food & Wine Festival. I chose a less busy Thursday for that event.

 

[nkereina]

IMO, skip the water park. Typhoon Lagoon is nice, but nothing spectacular about it that would warrant a visit on such a tight schedule. We've done TL before but it was on a 9 day trip when we had ample time for it. The resort pools are more than sufficient for swimming.

Your day at Universal/IOA for WWoHP may be tough too. What dates will you be there? A Saturday at Universal will be busy, and if you'll be there in late September or October, you'll also have to contend with Halloween Horror Nights which draws in even more crowds and closes Universal Studios earlier than normal. You can do both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in one day as long as you're prepared to wait, but you will need to purchase two park tickets. For the cost of a two park ticket, you should really take the time to enjoy both parks (the rest of the them) and consider spending more time there.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

We're gorilla tourists, I see your plan and instantly wonder which of the WDW parks have night time EMH on Saturday when you're done with Harry.

 

[V2000]

IMO, skip the water park. Typhoon Lagoon is nice, but nothing spectacular about it that would warrant a visit on such a tight schedule. We've done TL before but it was on a 9 day trip when we had ample time for it. The resort pools are more than sufficient for swimming.

Your day at Universal/IOA for WWoHP may be tough too. What dates will you be there? A Saturday at Universal will be busy, and if you'll be there in late September or October, you'll also have to contend with Halloween Horror Nights which draws in even more crowds and closes Universal Studios earlier than normal. You can do both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in one day as long as you're prepared to wait, but you will need to purchase two park tickets. For the cost of a two park ticket, you should really take the time to enjoy both parks (the rest of the them) and consider spending more time there.

Our tip is 10/22 - 10/25

WWoHP is on 10/24 which is a Horror Night. We are only doing the day but I know the WWoHP is always crowded no matter what. We thought we would like to experience it even with the crowds.

I could switch the Epcot Thursday and the Harry Potter Saturday. However, then Epcot will be crazy busy on Sat for the F&W festival. It's a matter of picking my poison for what crowded Saturday park to pick. I would have added a day to my trip but once you book your flight you are stuck with it. I wish I would have researched the dates for MNSSHP. I wish it was on a Saturday night but they don't have them on Saturdays.

 

[avic77]

Your plan:
Wednesday night flight 10pm - 6am
ThursdayEpcotF&W Festival 9am - 8:30pm
FridayTyphoon Lagoon 10am - 2pm
FridayMNSSHP 4pm - 12am
SaturdayWWoHP (both parks) 8am - 7pm
SundayDTD 11:30am - 4pm

Alternate idea:
Wednesday night flight 10pm - 6am
Thursday: sleep in MNSSHP 4pm - 12am
Friday EpcotF&W Festival 9am - 8:30pm
SaturdayWWoHP (both parks) 8am - 7pm
Sunday Typhoon Lagoon 10am - 2pm

Cut out DTD.


Personally I would do this:
Wednesday night flight 10pm - 6am
Thursday: sleep in MNSSHP 4pm - 12am
Friday EpcotF&W Festival 9am - 8:30pm
Saturday: WWoHP (both parks) 8am - 7pm
Sunday: MK or AK

 

[nkereina]

Our tip is 10/22 - 10/25

WWoHP is on 10/24 which is a Horror Night. We are only doing the day but I know the WWoHP is always crowded no matter what. We thought we would like to experience it even with the crowds.

I could switch the Epcot Thursday and the Harry Potter Saturday. However, then Epcot will be crazy busy on Sat for the F&W festival. It's a matter of picking my poison for what crowded Saturday park to pick. I would have added a day to my trip but once you book your flight you are stuck with it. I wish I would have researched the dates for MNSSHP. I wish it was on a Saturday night but they don't have them on Saturdays.

Tough call. WWoHP has rides that will have long lines. No express pass for the headliners either. But of course if you want to sample items at F&W, those kiosks would also have long lines. I guess it's six of one, half a dozen of the other. F&W is usually more crowded at night so if you went early on Saturday, it may not be quite as bad. Pros and cons to both. Good luck!

 

[V2000]

Your plan:
Wednesday night flight 10pm - 6am
ThursdayEpcotF&W Festival 9am - 8:30pm
FridayTyphoon Lagoon 10am - 2pm
FridayMNSSHP 4pm - 12am
SaturdayWWoHP (both parks) 8am - 7pm
SundayDTD 11:30am - 4pm

Alternate idea:
Wednesday night flight 10pm - 6am
Thursday: sleep in MNSSHP 4pm - 12am
Friday EpcotF&W Festival 9am - 8:30pm
SaturdayWWoHP (both parks) 8am - 7pm
Sunday Typhoon Lagoon 10am - 2pm

Cut out DTD.


Personally I would do this:
Wednesday night flight 10pm - 6am
Thursday: sleep in MNSSHP 4pm - 12am
Friday EpcotF&W Festival 9am - 8:30pm
Saturday: WWoHP (both parks) 8am - 7pm
Sunday: MK or AK

I am seriously thinking about your ideas. Thank you
Sunday AK sounds nice. I would like to sleep on Thursday morning but when we check into POR I don't think the room will be ready yet. Probably not until 3pm.

 

[IndyRnRfan]

Not too busy at all. Of course, we are the type that fits everything in that we can while there. We are usually at the parks by 9 9:30 and stay until the latest park closes, anywhere from midnight to 2 am and minimum two parks and usually three a day. Your plan sounds very similar to what we would do except we don't go to Univ.? Been there twice and don't care for it. We'd pick another park(s) at Disney on Saturday.