Are we crazy??

[XMom]

Are we completely nuts to show up at each park at rope drop without a plan? We have no fast passes as we are using my husband's silver pass to enter all parks. We have never been to WDW but are feeling overwhelmed by all choices of rides and parks.

We do have ADR's set and therefore know which park we will be doing that day. We also are going to be spending all day in whichever park we have chosen for the day. We have one day at AK, Epcot and HS. We have two days at MK.

We have very adventurous kids that love big rides and enjoy shows as well. They are not into characters (phew!). They are 6, 8 and 10. Thanks for any advice!

 

[gwmort]

I think you will be better than if you had a really regimented plan, as first timers just getting oriented and learning your way around would make sticking to a schedule difficult.

When you go into MK don't get waylaid on Main Street, first timers sometimes get sucked into checking out the shops and things, but that is better done later when the lines are longer.

You may still be able to do fp+ day of but don't lose the first couple of hours right after rope drop at a kiosk setting those up either, go on some rides while the lines are real short and worry about the kiosks around 10:00.

In Epcot just decide ahead of time if at rope drop you want to head to Soarin or Test Track.

In Hollywood Studios you're going to head to TSM first (or JTA if one of your kids is into that).

Otherwise just take your time and get oriented and have fun. There is fun in a million places other than attraction lines, look for it and you'll find it (SoTMK, Agent P, One Mans Dream, Wilderness Explorers, hidden mickeys, etc...)

 

[kidd_freeper]

No.
Relax and have fun

 

[kapoof]

We hardly used fast passes, and last trip in septmeber just did rope drop and never used them at all. I find them to be a pain...with fast pass plus sounding like an even bigger pain... Your plan sounds wonderful!

 

[lroger01]

I kinda disagree. No plan means you'll get to the gate with no clue on where to head - and everyone will have their own idea on what to do first. I suggest you go over to www.easywdw.com. Josh's cheat sheets are an easy way to have a basic plan. Also, look for the blog posts where he walks through the plans with his camera showing why they work.

Even if you scrap the plan by lunchtime I think your mornings will go much smoother than not using anything at all.

 

[db57me]

I think you will be better than if you had a really regimented plan, as first timers just getting oriented and learning your way around would make sticking to a schedule difficult.

It is good to see this idea come from an expert WDW visitor. I started creating a regimented for our trip in June, consulting various sources as to which park was best for which day. Now that we have our ADR all set for the week, and a general idea of which parks on certain days, we are taking a more relaxed attitude with the rest of our planning. I'll make a few FP+ requests, which can be altered once we are there, but we are just planning on taking our time to take all the Disney Magic in as we explore each park. Of causes, we are two adults traveling without children, so taking a more relaxed attitude will be easier for us. And, we know that, although this is our first visit, it won't be our last!

 

[Raenstoirm]

Since you mentioned silver pass, I assume DLR is "home" to you so you get the vibe of disney. It should be easy for you to adapt to the larger setting. You also know the basics of rides. You understand the difference between an omni-mover, boat ride, etc. You know roughly what to expect on pirates and soarin and TSM. You will be fine. Oh and I am not sure, but I think you will each get a ticket when you enter so you should be able to make FP+ once you get into a park (but I have no access to a silver card so I can't confirm that).

 

[GoMegGo]

Not crazy at all. The only thing I would do is research the rides that get incredibly long lines early in the day. If they are rides anyone in your family wants to experience, try to do them first thing in the morning. I'm all for letting the magic happen, but a tiny bit of planning could really make your (one of of your childrens') day.

My personal planning "strategy" is to bit a handful of things I want to experience that day (rides, shows, meals, parades, etc.) and then just do them. Of course, some of those are at set times, but most can be done throughout the day.

Have fun and enjoy your vacation!