Assist with strategy for 3 parks/one day?

[branv]

We're spending two days in the parks prior to our Disney cruise (we each have 2 Park Hopper day tickets left over from a previous year). No kids, just two out of shape adults.

We are going to be inside the parks during Marathon weekend: Fri-Sat. Jan 6-7.

The plan is to spend one whole day at MK. That day is Friday, and no marathons are scheduled that day. I've also read that last January, Friday morning was the early morning hour for MK.

For the second day...well, this is where I'm unsure of my planning. We only have certain rides at the other three parks that are must-do's. We've never been to AK, so we'll probably spend the most time there. We also have our own car, but are open to car or bus.

My plan so far for Saturday is to avoid the marathon route until 10 am around Epcot/MK (we're coming from POP). Here it is:

AK, 8 am EMH (and for early animal activity)
TTBaB
Kilimajaro
Pangani
Maharajah
Primeval Whirl
Dinosaur

*then*

MGM
ToT
RnR

*then*

Epcot (after marathon is over)
Spaceship Earth
Soarin
Mission Space
Illuminations

**No parades or shows

QUESTIONS:

What makes me uncertain is: it's january low season, but concerns are marathon and the parks close earlier. Is it conceivable to hit all of these, or am I kidding myself?

Is it easier to take our car since we're doing SO much hopping or better to stick to the buses?

If EMH actually prohibitive due to more people heading to AK? And being unfamiliar with AK, how long it will take to get through all those rides...

Will we run into trouble getting into long waits at ToT & RnR if we don't arrive until noon?

Should we cut into our fave park, MK, by hitting Epcot or MGM first thing in the morning on Friday instead (nights not an option b/c of Wishes! )

Planning in advance really helped us skip the big lines previously. This stuff doesn't stress me out, but I certainly do put alot of store by the Unofficial Guide's Touring plans.

 

[DisneyMom5]

I would do the safari first. Make sure you are at the park opening. The characters come out and then the cms walk you right to the path for the safari. We didn't have to wait very long, and the animals were very active.
Pangani next, as it is right there.
Majarajah, if its open (does Asia open later? I can't remember, but it might.)
skip Primeval whirl (very county fair.)
Do Dinosaur.
Hit TTBAB on the way out of the park.
Take the bus or your car to MGM. ride the rides you listed, but it might take a while. Isn't there a boat from MGM to the Epcot area. Might save you time.
On to Epcot. Soarin might be a bit of a wait.
Should be able to do it.
We did 1/2 of AK, All of Ep-WS, and the spectromagic parade and wishes at MK all in one day. Lot of fun!
Have a great time!

 

[stacy6552]

I would try and do the parks in pairs, since you havent been to AK. If there isnt an EHM at MK on the day you're planning to be there, then start at MGM. You can bust through those two rides pretty quickly first thing in the AM. Then head over to MK. Otherwise I'd start at MK then head over to MGM when it opens and then head back to MK or cruise over to Epcot.

Then go to AK. See as much as you want. You can probably be done sometime in the afternoon. Then head to MK or Epcot, as needed. But dont race through a park you've never been to with the pressure of making it to two other parks afterwards.

 

[luvdisney999]

AK, 8 am EMH
Kilimajaro
Pangani
FP -> Dinosaur
Maharajah
Dinosaur
TTBaB
should be done by 11ish

head to MGM
ToT
RnR
FP one, then get in the stand-by line for the other - see which line is longest; FP time is soonest; etc.
probably should grab lunch here too
leave by 2ish

head to Epcot
FP -> Soarin'
Mission: SPACE
Spaceship Earth
Soarin
dinner
Illuminations

Definately can be done - planning a similar day myself. Starting in AK, heading to EPCOT for Soarin', Test Track, and Spaceship Earth; then MGM for my favorites! Don't cut into your MK day - there's just so much to do there and it is the quintessential Disney experience. Just remember to use Fastpass as much as possible! Good luck!

 

[branv]

Wow, thanks so much for all the help! *sigh* just a billion days left to go