Best tips for 1-day MK trip in July

[Surgie2]

I have a family member planning a 1-day trip in July...first trip for the kids...and he doesn't have a lot of time to devote to planning so we are doing a crash course.

*trip is mid-week (not July 4th)
*4 adults, 4 kids (ages 2-9)
*reserved All Star Music
*posted park hours are 9:00-10:00; no EMH
*not interested in TS dining

What tips would you give a person in this situation to get the most out of their day? I have thought of...
*take bus to park rather than drive
*RD
*make FP for morning (likely 7DMT, Belle and PP)

Other suggestions welcome!

 

[kathy884]

I'd subscribe to touring plans (touringplans.com from the unofficial guide people), put together a touring plan, and follow their recommendations. (Just don't rush or worry about getting behind on your plan if you are having fun looking at things, watching a show, etc. -- less is more -- you don't need to do everything and can just pick something to skip if you are behind, not big deal.). I'm doing one day at the Magic Kingdom in early March next year and will be doing this for my day. It just makes it so easy and rote. It's not very expensive and mousesaver.com someone posted even has a discount. There is a recent thread about the subscription too.

Also July is usually really hot and humid in Orlando, so if people are hot and tired, get out of the heat for a little bit and make sure to stay hydrated.

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

Absolutely do rope drop and be there around 8:00 am to be in front of the pack. Most people will be rushing to 7DMT so make PP your first ride. This is a slow loading ride and times build up fast and stay like that all day. It will be a walk on at rope drop so save the fp for something else. I would then go over to HM, if interested in that, since it is close by and do that with very little wait. According to the group's interests I would concentrate that precious first 60-90 minutes of park opening either in Fantasyland or Frontierland in order to save time from going all over the different lands. Since you have little ones utilise rider switch. Eat at off times like lunch at 11 or 2 p.m. All cs restaurants provide free ice water, just ask at the counter.
As soon as you scan fp #3 get on your MDE app and fp #4 while waiting in line and so on. Do indoor attractions with A/C during the hottest part of the day as a break. Split the group up, if possible, according to interests. It is very hard to keep 8 people of different ages together interested in the same thing all day long. Remember to have fun and that you will not do it all in one day. Have each person write down their 5 top rides/attractions to do and make that happen. Anything above that consider a bonus and everyone will be happy.