DDP v. DxDP: Our Schedule - Help/Advice/Comments Appreciated

[Sappermont]

I think what stood out to me was you are planning on being at two different parks almost every day. While we do park hop, we don't hop every day. Since you have planned to go back to the resort every day anyway, I guess your travel time isn't as much of a factor.

Having said that, we also don't go back to our resort for a rest/pool time. I didn't see what time of year your trip is. Unless it is during the hottest and most humid part of the year, you may not need that "break" every day. We often use our "hopping" travel as our only rest time. After all, we're in an air-conditioned bus or monorail and away from the crowds. When we get to the next park, we're psyched and ready for more.

Oh, I see. Thank you! With only a few weeks to go I was worried about having to reorganize ADRs, etc. I've been to WDW a lot, but not in nearly a decade so in many ways I don't know what to expect. I could go all day but we will be going in just a few weeks so I fear the humidity will take us down. It's 90+ every day here but there's very little to no humidity so I'm concerned about that. My husband needs his afternoon nap, too!! I'm trying to think of things to do while he naps, I was thinking of swimming, taking the monorail to other monorail hotels, or taking the monorail to the MK and then taking the train around the park. Any suggestions? I'm secretly hoping that he gets so excited he doesn't need to nap!! When is your next trip? Thanks so much for the help. I really appreciate it!!!!

 

[Dean]

I think what stood out to me was you are planning on being at two different parks almost every day. While we do park hop, we don't hop every day. Since you have planned to go back to the resort every day anyway, I guess your travel time isn't as much of a factor.

Having said that, we also don't go back to our resort for a rest/pool time. I didn't see what time of year your trip is. Unless it is during the hottest and most humid part of the year, you may not need that "break" every day. We often use our "hopping" travel as our only rest time. After all, we're in an air-conditioned bus or monorail and away from the crowds. When we get to the next park, we're psyched and ready for more.

I tried to make that point earlier. Too much travel time and too many park entrances/locations for me personally, even with a car, likely unworkable as laid out without a car.

 

[Sappermont]

Keep trying, I just got one for our trip for a specific day I was looking for coming up. What time frame are yo looking for? Boatwrights is at Port Orleans-Riverside.

We're going in just a few weeks so time is running out. I have a TON of things on the list for the next trip but this is my husband's first trip to WDW so the next trip really depends on how he likes it. How could he not?

I love the food court at POR (haven't eaten at Boatwright's) - but I haven't been there since it was Dixie Landings. What has changed since they merged the hotels? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Sassagoula boat ride to DTD.

What are your thoughts on the water parks??

Thanks again. I appreciate all the help I can get. Is there a day in particular in my schedule you'd rearrange???

 

[Sappermont]

I tried to make that point earlier. Too much travel time and too many park entrances/locations for me personally, even with a car, likely unworkable as laid out without a car.

Totally appreciate the point. Any particular day stand out to you over another? Day 5 has practically zero travel. Day one and Day 7 are one park days. Is there one in particular that seems "worse" than another?

 

[sharonabe]

It's going to be a couple years before we get to go again, so I'm living vicariously through all of you!

Taking the monorail over to MK sound like a great idea to me. I would love to have time to really explore all the shops on Main St (and they are air-conditioned!). If you do take the train, you could also hop off at Frontierland Station and take a relaxing ride on the Liberty Belle.

Have a great trip!

 

[Sappermont]

It's going to be a couple years before we get to go again, so I'm living vicariously through all of you!

Taking the monorail over to MK sound like a great idea to me. I would love to have time to really explore all the shops on Main St (and they are air-conditioned!). If you do take the train, you could also hop off at Frontierland Station and take a relaxing ride on the Liberty Belle.

Have a great trip!

That's a great idea. I am definitely going to do that!!! I'm going to see if I can work around a few days based on your input. Thanks again, and I really appreciate the help!!!

 

[Dean]

We're going in just a few weeks so time is running out. I have a TON of things on the list for the next trip but this is my husband's first trip to WDW so the next trip really depends on how he likes it. How could he not?

I love the food court at POR (haven't eaten at Boatwright's) - but I haven't been there since it was Dixie Landings. What has changed since they merged the hotels? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Sassagoula boat ride to DTD.

What are your thoughts on the water parks??

Thanks again. I appreciate all the help I can get. Is there a day in particular in my schedule you'd rearrange???

The reason I was asking is I have something for 8/30 that I may cancel for Le Cellier. I'm not into water parks but if you are, Disneys are well done. See my comments below as it's possible you'll drive your husband away with the Kamikaze methods.

Totally appreciate the point. Any particular day stand out to you over another? Day 5 has practically zero travel. Day one and Day 7 are one park days. Is there one in particular that seems "worse" than another?

Day 2 stood out to me as AK, pool then MK, workable but a lot of travel. I'd likely not do all 3 that day, esp not with a ticket option that increases the cost. Day 4 stood out as having to get to AKV then back to EPCOT, even more difficult if there's pool time there. Day 6 stood out as a second day at AK park, I'd try to combine those options, maybe do a late lunch at Y&Y on the same day you have breakfast there. You never mentioned if you'll have a car, if you do and are willing to use it routinely, you may be able to make this work if not, I don't think you can make all you have planned. Day 6 also stood out as a day you can't feasibly go to the parks other than AK where you have reservations and even then, you won't have much time unless you're there for the rope drop.

We do what you're doing all the time but with a car and having a Seasonal pass so we don't have to worry about ticket costs and we might go to the parks and do nothing but the meal. I know others who have tried to squeeze in too much and too many places and it created tensions. Personally, were I in your shoes, I'd reconsider my ticket options and cut it down to maybe 3 or 4 days with NO park hopping and maybe do a water park or even add the plus options to the ticket for Disney Quest or look at an AP or similar. What if it rains a day or 2, what if someone isn't feeling great one day?

 

[Sappermont]

The reason I was asking is I have something for 8/30 that I may cancel for Le Cellier. I'm not into water parks but if you are, Disneys are well done. See my comments below as it's possible you'll drive your husband away with the Kamikaze methods.

Day 2 stood out to me as AK, pool then MK, workable but a lot of travel. I'd likely not do all 3 that day, esp not with a ticket option that increases the cost. Day 4 stood out as having to get to AKV then back to EPCOT, even more difficult if there's pool time there. Day 6 stood out as a second day at AK park, I'd try to combine those options, maybe do a late lunch at Y&Y on the same day you have breakfast there. You never mentioned if you'll have a car, if you do and are willing to use it routinely, you may be able to make this work if not, I don't think you can make all you have planned. Day 6 also stood out as a day you can't feasibly go to the parks other than AK where you have reservations and even then, you won't have much time unless you're there for the rope drop.

We do what you're doing all the time but with a car and having a Seasonal pass so we don't have to worry about ticket costs and we might go to the parks and do nothing but the meal. I know others who have tried to squeeze in too much and too many places and it created tensions. Personally, were I in your shoes, I'd reconsider my ticket options and cut it down to maybe 3 or 4 days with NO park hopping and maybe do a water park or even add the plus options to the ticket for Disney Quest or look at an AP or similar. What if it rains a day or 2, what if someone isn't feeling great one day?

Totally see what you mean and appreciate the input. I'm trying to get everything worked out so that when we go we can just use the plan as a guideline and enjoy. The plan for Day six is to get early admin. Our Tusker House reservation is for 8:05 - so we were planning for a 1/2 day. It's not the best day for DTD but it's one of the only we could find for T-Rex and it's the only place my DH has asked to go. I'm still looking for another place to work that in. We are staying at the Poly so I figure 'Ohana was perfect because we'll end up there anyways! Plus it's a late night (1AM) for the MK.

I'm going to reevaluate Day 2 - but I thought it might work (no car!) because our home hotel is so close to the MK. Thought was go to bus to AK (EMH morning), home to swim @ Poly and monorail over the MK?

Thanks again. I'm going to re-evaluate the schedule and see where I can be more efficient!! My family and I are the biggest park hoppers. Honestly, I can't remember a time where I've spent a day in just one park. I can definitely see the benefits of it but we're just total park hoppers. I've resigned myself that we won't see everything - there are a TON of restaurants/resorts (I could spend a whole day resort hopping!!) I want to go to - after reading everyone's trip and dining reports!!!

I'm curious about DisneyQuest. I've read everything from it's a waste of time to it's like a 5th park!

Thanks again!! Now I have something to do this afternoon - review schedule!!

 

[Dean]

Totally see what you mean and appreciate the input. I'm trying to get everything worked out so that when we go we can just use the plan as a guideline and enjoy. The plan for Day six is to get early admin. Our Tusker House reservation is for 8:05 - so we were planning for a 1/2 day. It's not the best day for DTD but it's one of the only we could find for T-Rex and it's the only place my DH has asked to go. I'm still looking for another place to work that in. We are staying at the Poly so I figure 'Ohana was perfect because we'll end up there anyways! Plus it's a late night (1AM) for the MK.

I'm going to reevaluate Day 2 - but I thought it might work (no car!) because our home hotel is so close to the MK. Thought was go to bus to AK (EMH morning), home to swim @ Poly and monorail over the MK?

Thanks again. I'm going to re-evaluate the schedule and see where I can be more efficient!! My family and I are the biggest park hoppers. Honestly, I can't remember a time where I've spent a day in just one park. I can definitely see the benefits of it but we're just total park hoppers. I've resigned myself that we won't see everything - there are a TON of restaurants/resorts (I could spend a whole day resort hopping!!) I want to go to - after reading everyone's trip and dining reports!!!

I'm curious about DisneyQuest. I've read everything from it's a waste of time to it's like a 5th park!

Thanks again!! Now I have something to do this afternoon - review schedule!!

LOL, we've all been there and I'm pretty OCD about planning as well. I've learned that less is generally more. I take it the Le Cellier date doesn't work for you as Is thought we might coordinate if I decide to cancel it. I think most either really like DQ or don't care for it at all.

 

[Sappermont]

LOL, we've all been there and I'm pretty OCD about planning as well. I've learned that less is generally more. I take it the Le Cellier date doesn't work for you as Is thought we might coordinate if I decide to cancel it. I think most either really like DQ or don't care for it at all.

Thanks a lot for your help. I've learned so much from everyone here and I really appreciate you taking the time to give all the information and advice.

I'm sorry - I didn't see a date for LC - when is your ADR?!

Thanks again!!

When is your next trip?

 

[Dean]

thanks a lot for your help. I've learned so much from everyone here and i really appreciate you taking the time to give all the information and advice.

I'm sorry - i didn't see a date for lc - when is your adr?!

Thanks again!!

When is your next trip?

8/30

 

[Sappermont]

8/30

Thanks, but yeah date won't work. Appreciate it, though!! Have a great trip!!

 

[canoe86]

I've read some comments in this thread with concern about distance between your dining spots etc. Not that I'm disagreeing with their perspective, but doing this is not impossible or even impractical. BUT, a couple of points...

1. It does help to have a car. REALLY help. Now, we drive to WDW every year, but even if we didn't, I think I would try to rent a car. Just so much easier to travel quickly between points. (or take a cab)

2. Lunch is key. Make you lunch ADR in the park you plan to be at in the morning and make it early. Do some things you want to do before lunch, then eat, then leave the park. Gives you time to go back to the room. For us, we have four kids, so it is MANDATORY rest time in the afternoon.

Have fun!

 

[Sappermont]

I've read some comments in this thread with concern about distance between your dining spots etc. Not that I'm disagreeing with their perspective, but doing this is not impossible or even impractical. BUT, a couple of points...

1. It does help to have a car. REALLY help. Now, we drive to WDW every year, but even if we didn't, I think I would try to rent a car. Just so much easier to travel quickly between points. (or take a cab)

2. Lunch is key. Make you lunch ADR in the park you plan to be at in the morning and make it early. Do some things you want to do before lunch, then eat, then leave the park. Gives you time to go back to the room. For us, we have four kids, so it is MANDATORY rest time in the afternoon.

Have fun!

Thanks so much for the input, Canoe 86. I'm going to review the schedule for efficiency. I have made lunches around 11AM and many meals (going back to the MK) I figured wouldn't be a travel issue because I have to end up at the Poly at the end of the night anyways! Your second point is how I've tried to schedule the trip and I'm hoping that being on the monorail helps - taking the Monorail from the hotel to Epcot or MK shouldn't be such a travel issue. Do you think that this is a good assumption? AK in the AM - Poly in the afternoon - monorail to MK and then repeat with HS/Poly/Epcot? We plan to have early mornings and late nights so some rest in the hottest part of the day is what we are shooting for. Thanks again for the input. If there's a particular day that seems a little out of whack to you, I'd appreciate the input!! Thanks again for your time and advice.

 

[canoe86]

Thanks so much for the input, Canoe 86. I'm going to review the schedule for efficiency. I have made lunches around 11AM and many meals (going back to the MK) I figured wouldn't be a travel issue because I have to end up at the Poly at the end of the night anyways! Your second point is how I've tried to schedule the trip and I'm hoping that being on the monorail helps - taking the Monorail from the hotel to Epcot or MK shouldn't be such a travel issue. Do you think that this is a good assumption? AK in the AM - Poly in the afternoon - monorail to MK and then repeat with HS/Poly/Epcot? We plan to have early mornings and late nights so some rest in the hottest part of the day is what we are shooting for. Thanks again for the input. If there's a particular day that seems a little out of whack to you, I'd appreciate the input!! Thanks again for your time and advice.

It helps. We've stayed at WL and BLT to either be on or close to the monorail. Even so, can't beat a car, but it is better than a bus.

I like your plan. We do early mornings, but never late nights. We just can't go day after day like that. If the morning gets screwed up, it throws the planning off, so we make sure we get to bed pretty early.

 

[Sappermont]

It helps. We've stayed at WL and BLT to either be on or close to the monorail. Even so, can't beat a car, but it is better than a bus.

I like your plan. We do early mornings, but never late nights. We just can't go day after day like that. If the morning gets screwed up, it throws the planning off, so we make sure we get to bed pretty early.

Yeah, maybe on the next trip we'll rent a car. I'm looking forward to trying out the ME. We were going to stay at AKL but figured the Poly would be a better location for my DH's first trip. I really want to stay at WL sometime. It seems like a really great place to stay. I'm thinking it would be great in the winter. Two things on my "audible" list are to take the boat over the WL for dinner or to FW for dinner. We'll see how it turns out. Thanks again for your help!!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Being at the Poly, I don't think your plans are too bad as far as travel. As you said, you plan to go back to the Poly most days to rest/swim. So you will be going back & forth to one Park and then to the 2nd Park most days. I definitely think it is doable.

We are doing much more hopping/traveling about and we are staying at POP! We do plan to take cabs several times but overall we know that we will be at the mercy of Disney transporation which we have found very efficient in the past.

FWIW, I think you will be fine!

 

[Sappermont]

Being at the Poly, I don't think your plans are too bad as far as travel. As you said, you plan to go back to the Poly most days to rest/swim. So you will be going back & forth to one Park and then to the 2nd Park most days. I definitely think it is doable.

We are doing much more hopping/traveling about and we are staying at POP! We do plan to take cabs several times but overall we know that we will be at the mercy of Disney transporation which we have found very efficient in the past.

FWIW, I think you will be fine!

Thanks, GoofySon'sMom!! I'm hoping things work out but plan to remain flexible!!! One night we plan to go to Epcot and then over to the Boardwalk. That might be one time we use a cab - to get back to the hotel after the Boardwalk. I'm so excited to hear about your trip!! That reminds me, I'm going to go try for Wishes now!!!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Thanks, GoofySon'sMom!! I'm hoping things work out but plan to remain flexible!!! One night we plan to go to Epcot and then over to the Boardwalk. That might be one time we use a cab - to get back to the hotel after the Boardwalk. I'm so excited to hear about your trip!! That reminds me, I'm going to go try for Wishes now!!!

Yeah, we have done the cab from the BW a few times even just leaving EPCOT. Easier than fighting the throngs to the buses!