Boma + Park

[Frozen2014]

We have 3 full days at Disney and are staying at Pop end of August. We also have another few hours on arrival day depending on how long it takes to get from airport (12:30pm arrival), drop luggage and get to the park.

If you wanted to fit in breakfast at Boma's, would you include it on your Epcot day or Hollywood Studios Day?
We also have a Magic Kingdom day but thinking we want to maximize our time at MK and get there early and stay to late - but I know logistically, we are losing our free/easy transportation using Skyliner to Epcot or HS by pairing Boma with one of them.

If it helps with attractions we want to cover at each park:

• Epcot - Soarin, Test Track, Figment, Spaceship Earth, Nemo, Ratatouille, Living with the Land, Grand Fiesta Tour (but last two we can skip)
• Hollywood Studios - Star Tours, Toy Story, Slinky Dog Dash, and Star Wars stuff such as Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance and whatever else is there (not clear on what else is there for Star Wars)

How much time to do you need for the Star Wars stuff? DD and I aren't fans but DH and DS are so they would want to see the new stuff.

I'm really struggling with how to plan the parks.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

Hi there! Epcot is my answer, and here is our story. Last Christmas, we took our first full Universal trip, and we carved out Dec 26 for one day at Disney. We decided on Epcot since it handles crowds so well. Here’s how we did it, and keep in mind we were trying to stay late for the Peace on Earth tag on Illuminaions:

Breakfast at Boma at 10. This is a really nice time because once they stop seating guests at 11, the hosts played African hand drums for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, we checked out animals and the hotel.

Our first FP was for 12:30, and we were able to enjoy Future World before we had an early dinner at about 4 (which is perfect after a huge breakfast). Even getting to the park that late, we barely made it to the 9:30 fireworks. But it was a really nice day.

As far as Hollywood Studios goes, I think there is a much bigger park strategy “penalty” by getting there late. And Boma breakfast is sooooooo good that I would never want to feel rushed while eating.

Either way, it will be fun. Enjoy your breakfast and your day.

 

[Frozen2014]

Hi there! Epcot is my answer, and here is our story. Last Christmas, we took our first full Universal trip, and we carved out Dec 26 for one day at Disney. We decided on Epcot since it handles crowds so well. Here’s how we did it, and keep in mind we were trying to stay late for the Peace on Earth tag on Illuminaions:

Breakfast at Boma at 10. This is a really nice time because once they stop seating guests at 11, the hosts played African hand drums for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, we checked out animals and the hotel.

Our first FP was for 12:30, and we were able to enjoy Future World before we had an early dinner at about 4 (which is perfect after a huge breakfast). Even getting to the park that late, we barely made it to the 9:30 fireworks. But it was a really nice day.

As far as Hollywood Studios goes, I think there is a much bigger park strategy “penalty” by getting there late. And Boma breakfast is sooooooo good that I would never want to feel rushed while eating.

Either way, it will be fun. Enjoy your breakfast and your day.

Thank you. Really appreciate the feedback.

What you say makes sense as there will probably be lots of waiting in line and strategizing at HS with the new Star Wars stuff (still not clear what is there aside from the 2 new rides). Like you, we would want to stay for fireworks at Epcot if they are showing that night. Sounds like you had a packed day at Epcot, but either way, whatever day we select for Boma, it will take time away from the park.

Yeah....Boma breakfast is DH's one request for Disney. Everything else I can plan, but he wants to fit it in....even with our short trip. Don't even think we'll make any ADRs.

Ok....so here is the current plan

• Day 1 (arrival day so probably 4-5 hrs) - Magic Kingdom via uber
• Day 2 - Hollywood Studios via Skyliner
• Day 3 - Boma breakfast + Epcot (uber in morning, Skyliner back end of day)
• Day 4 - Magic Kingdom via bus

 

[OKW Lover]

If you wanted to fit in breakfast at Boma's, would you include it on your Epcot day or Hollywood Studios Day?

I don't think it really matters. Right now perhaps Epcot is less in demand for rope drop with the new SW stuff over at the Studio.

 

[Frozen2014]

I don't think it really matters. Right now perhaps Epcot is less in demand for rope drop with the new SW stuff over at the Studio.

Thanks. Originally I was thinking on HS day, but think we'll go on the Epcot day.

 

[glocon]

Only thing to think about- if there are still boarding groups for RotR then HS at/near rd are a must if you want to ride. So agree with EP for your Boma day.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

Thank you. Really appreciate the feedback.

What you say makes sense as there will probably be lots of waiting in line and strategizing at HS with the new Star Wars stuff (still not clear what is there aside from the 2 new rides). Like you, we would want to stay for fireworks at Epcot if they are showing that night. Sounds like you had a packed day at Epcot, but either way, whatever day we select for Boma, it will take time away from the park.

Yeah....Boma breakfast is DH's one request for Disney. Everything else I can plan, but he wants to fit it in....even with our short trip. Don't even think we'll make any ADRs.

Ok....so here is the current plan

• Day 1 (arrival day so probably 4-5 hrs) - Magic Kingdom via uber
• Day 2 - Hollywood Studios via Skyliner
• Day 3 - Boma breakfast + Epcot (uber in morning, Skyliner back end of day)
• Day 4 - Magic Kingdom via bus

That all looks like a good plan to me, Frozen2014. And as far as our packed day at Epcot, yes, it was a full day. But we have been doing Disney for a long time so we certainly were not trying to do it all. But with pre-booked FP and a modest list of must-do’s, we easily accomplished everything we planned, plus several other attractions. I’m guessing from your attraction list that you aren’t expecting to see absolutely everything. If so, then a late arrival could work well, especially if you are staying for fireworks. I’m pretty sure we did Spaceship Earth, Soarin, kids did MS, and we all rode Frozen. But honestly, as long my wife and I get to watch Voices of Liberty in back-to-back shows, we consider Epcot a success!

By the way, taking an Uber or Lyft in the morning is a great idea. You can really lose a lot of time trying to get to another resort on Disney transportation.

 

[Frozen2014]

That all looks like a good plan to me, Frozen2014. And as far as our packed day at Epcot, yes, it was a full day. But we have been doing Disney for a long time so we certainly were not trying to do it all. But with pre-booked FP and a modest list of must-do’s, we easily accomplished everything we planned, plus several other attractions. I’m guessing from your attraction list that you aren’t expecting to see absolutely everything. If so, then a late arrival could work well, especially if you are staying for fireworks. I’m pretty sure we did Spaceship Earth, Soarin, kids did MS, and we all rode Frozen. But honestly, as long my wife and I get to watch Voices of Liberty in back-to-back shows, we consider Epcot a success!

By the way, taking an Uber or Lyft in the morning is a great idea. You can really lose a lot of time trying to get to another resort on Disney transportation.

Thanks. Appreciate the feedback!

Yes...this is our second time at Disney World so at least we have our favorites and know what we want to see, and then have a few new attractions and things that we hope to get on but not required. The tricky think with Epcot and HS is that they have the tiering system for FP+, which means we can only book one of our favorites (e.g. Test Track but not Soarin), but will figure out a plan.

I think we'd still book Boma for quite early if we can, so we could get to Epcot early....and then stay as late for evening shows. Will need to check out Voices of Liberty...haven't heard of that one.

Last trip we rented a car so haven't used Disney transportation, but yeah...we're thinking using uber or lyft for our arrival day, and travelling to/from Boma to make travel more efficient. Btw...I've hard of Disney Mini Van. Is that any quicker or cheaper?

 

[Frozen2014]

Only thing to think about- if there are still boarding groups for RotR then HS at/near rd are a must if you want to ride. So agree with EP for your Boma day.

Thanks! Yes...have started reading up on the new Star Wars attractions. Don't quite understand this boarding group thing, but it looks like you need to get there pre-rope drop in order to get an assigned group (which doesn't get called until sometimes later in the day for the actual ride)?

 

[glocon]

You need to be in the park when it opens to be assured a bg. You don’t have to get there 1-2 hours early. Just be in the park when it opens. There is an historical chart with all the info put in regarding what time the park opened, what time bg opened, how many bg, what time the bg ran out, what time and how many back up bg were issued... lots of good info! The thread is mind boggling and addictive. I didn’t even have a trip in the works and have read every page! So much helpful and good info.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Thanks. Appreciate the feedback!

Yes...this is our second time at Disney World so at least we have our favorites and know what we want to see, and then have a few new attractions and things that we hope to get on but not required. The tricky think with Epcot and HS is that they have the tiering system for FP+, which means we can only book one of our favorites (e.g. Test Track but not Soarin), but will figure out a plan.

I think we'd still book Boma for quite early if we can, so we could get to Epcot early....and then stay as late for evening shows. Will need to check out Voices of Liberty...haven't heard of that one.

Last trip we rented a car so haven't used Disney transportation, but yeah...we're thinking using uber or lyft for our arrival day, and travelling to/from Boma to make travel more efficient. Btw...I've hard of Disney Mini Van. Is that any quicker or cheaper?

You can usually get a Fastpass for Soarin' later in the day, after you've used your three pre-booked Fastpasses.
Minnie Vans are a great service, but they are absurdly expensive, and they often take a while to come because there just aren't that many of them.

 

[Frozen2014]

You need to be in the park when it opens to be assured a bg. You don’t have to get there 1-2 hours early. Just be in the park when it opens. There is an historical chart with all the info put in regarding what time the park opened, what time bg opened, how many bg, what time the bg ran out, what time and how many back up bg were issued... lots of good info! The thread is mind boggling and addictive. I didn’t even have a trip in the works and have read every page! So much helpful and good info.

Ok great...so be there for opening. I've made a note and that will be in our touring plan. Definitely need to read up. I did start reading one of the threads but found it overwhelming.

You can usually get a Fastpass for Soarin' later in the day, after you've used your three pre-booked Fastpasses.
Minnie Vans are a great service, but they are absurdly expensive, and they often take a while to come because there just aren't that many of them.

This is great to know. So book FP for Test Track and try for a 4th for Soarin when there and used up the others.
Thanks for explaining Mini Vans. We'll stick with uber or lyft then.

 

[gharter]

Would agree on doing Boma on your EPCOT day.
Agree with using the tier 1 FP fot Test Track. If it goes down, you get an anytime FP, I would do Nemo and Spaceship Earth for your tier 2 FPs.
We have not had any trouble getting additional FPs at EPCOT later in the day. By 3, most people are in World Showcase.
Just keep refreshing, and you should be fine.

 

[Frozen2014]

Would agree on doing Boma on your EPCOT day.
Agree with using the tier 1 FP fot Test Track. If it goes down, you get an anytime FP, I would do Nemo and Spaceship Earth for your tier 2 FPs.
We have not had any trouble getting additional FPs at EPCOT later in the day. By 3, most people are in World Showcase.
Just keep refreshing, and you should be fine.

Great to know. Thanks. Almost sounds like a no-brainer then to select our Epcot day for Boma

 

[Dr.Mickey]

I think we'd still book Boma for quite early if we can, so we could get to Epcot early....and then stay as late for evening shows. Will need to check out Voices of Liberty...haven't heard of that one.

Last trip we rented a car so haven't used Disney transportation, but yeah...we're thinking using uber or lyft for our arrival day, and travelling to/from Boma to make travel more efficient. Btw...I've hard of Disney Mini Van. Is that any quicker or cheaper?

Ahh, Voices of Liberty. Check the times guide to see when they perform (they usually stop by about 5pm). This is an a cappella singing group that performs about 20 minutes before the American Adventure show. We pretty much always skip the big show - we just watch Voices in the rotunda and then head back out. A lot of people do this, actually.

And I know, I know...How exciting can an a cappella singing group be? They are amazing. Truly amazing. Their style is Americana (not at all like the singing competitions on reality TV or like Pentatonics). You should give it a try if you enjoy great singing. To me, these are the kinds of things that set Disney apart from the competition.

 

[Frozen2014]

Ahh, Voices of Liberty. Check the times guide to see when they perform (they usually stop by about 5pm). This is an a cappella singing group that performs about 20 minutes before the American Adventure show. We pretty much always skip the big show - we just watch Voices in the rotunda and then head back out. A lot of people do this, actually.

And I know, I know...How exciting can an a cappella singing group be? They are amazing. Truly amazing. Their style is Americana (not at all like the singing competitions on reality TV or like Pentatonics). You should give it a try if you enjoy great singing. To me, these are the kinds of things that set Disney apart from the competition.

Thanks. Will look for them. I've heard other cappella groups and they are really impressive so I know what you mean. You swear that they are hiding instruments somewhere.