DHS planning- please help this newbie! UPDATE post #23

[zilp]

We are first timers planning one day at DHS. I have done research but I am still having some trouble planning out the day. I would love any help you can give!

Our park hours are 9-8p with 2 Fantasmic shows planned. Touring Plans give the crowd level as 4/10. It will be me, DH, and our 3 boys who are Star Wars crazy (ages 5,8,11). Horrible selection for FP+ shows/times ie no Beauty and Beast available and late choices only for TSMM.

Here is what I would love to include for our day (roughly) in this order:
*Jedi Training
*Star Tours (worried about motion sickness/ride intensity so DH is the only confirmed person who is going. Wondering if good for 5 &8 yo??)
*Building a Lightsaber for each boy --where is this located?
*Muppet Vision
*Great Movie Ride
*Lunch-counter service, no idea where to eat
*Indiana Jones spectacular (FP+ for 12-12:20p)
*Lights, Motor Action show (FP+ for 1-1:10p)
---------Leave Park for Break & Early Dinner-----------
*Meet Sully/Mike and Cars characters
*Toy Story Mania (earliest FP+ available 5:40-6:40p)
*Little Mermaid (should I get a FP+ here instead? tons of time slots available)
*Beauty and the Beast show
*RnR coaster (DH only- thinking single rider line?)
*Tower of Terror (DH only-again, single rider line?)
*Osbourne lights- what section of park is this in? Unfamiliar with this attraction.....
*Fantasmic 8pm (2nd showing)

Is this doable? Anything you would change or add? We all liked Frozen, but don't "need" to fit this into our plans, unless y'all think we should!

 

[MermaidMommy]

I don't have boys, so I can't give you a lot of help as to what you'd like, but I can give you a couple of general pointers.

First, FP's for shows generally aren't very useful, so if you can get something else, drop them -- especially for Lights, Motors, Action. That one is pretty useless.

Jedi Training -- You'll need to do this first thing, and you have to take the kids who want to participate with you to sign up. I'm sure you'll get more pointers from people who have done this before.

Muppet Vision -- Shouldn't have to wait for more than the next show. Do it any time.

Great Movie Ride -- Fun, but the Alien part can be scary. My DD used to close her eyes at that part. With FP+, the lines for this have gotten much longer, so you might want to use a FP+ for it or ride it early in the day.

Tower of Terror -- No single rider

RnR -- Does have single rider, but it can still be a long wait. You could always let DH go do it first thing when there's not a line and you could take the boys to Jedi Training sign-up.

Beauty and the Beast show -- Get there 15 minutes early and you'll be fine. (We like to get a cupcake from Starring Rolls to share and eat it while we wait.)

Star Tours -- I think it would be fun for your family, especially if the kids are already Star Wars fans. It's a motion simulator, so no twists and turns --it's more jerky. I get a little queasy on this one, but it's because I have troubles with 3-D and movement together. You could get a FP+ here, in place of one of the shows.

Fantasmic -- The second showing is always less crowded. Get there 30 minutes early and you should be fine.

Osbourne Lights -- In the Streets of America, kind of behind the Star Tours area. It's just a walk-through with Christmas lights, but it's spectacular! No lines or anything.

Little Mermaid -- Runs continuously, so you probably won't have to wait more than the start of the next show.

Counter Service -- Not a lot of great options at HS. For your age boys, I'd go with Toy Story Pizza Planet, by the Muppets.

Also, check out this thread for lots info on FP+ details and priorities:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3326057

 

[Itinkso]

We are first timers planning one day at DHS. I have done research but I am still having some trouble planning out the day. I would love any help you can give! Our park hours are 9-8p with 2 Fantasmic shows planned. Touring Plans give the crowd level as 4/10. It will be me, DH, and our 3 boys who are Star Wars crazy (ages 5,8,11). Horrible selection for FP+ shows/times ie no Beauty and Beast available and late choices only for TSMM. Here is what I would love to include for our day (roughly) in this order: *Jedi Training *Star Tours (worried about motion sickness/ride intensity so DH is the only confirmed person who is going. Wondering if good for 5 &8 yo??) *Building a Lightsaber for each boy --where is this located? *Muppet Vision *Great Movie Ride *Lunch-counter service, no idea where to eat *Indiana Jones spectacular (FP+ for 12-12:20p) *Lights, Motor Action show (FP+ for 1-1:10p) ---------Leave Park for Break & Early Dinner----------- *Meet Sully/Mike and Cars characters *Toy Story Mania (earliest FP+ available 5:40-6:40p) *Little Mermaid (should I get a FP+ here instead? tons of time slots available) *Beauty and the Beast show *RnR coaster (DH only- thinking single rider line?) *Tower of Terror (DH only-again, single rider line?) *Osbourne lights- what section of park is this in? Unfamiliar with this attraction..... *Fantasmic 8pm (2nd showing) Is this doable? Anything you would change or add? We all liked Frozen, but don't "need" to fit this into our plans, unless y'all think we should!

Arrive at DHS by 8:15 to make it to Jedi sign-ups as soon as the gates open.

You don't need FPs for the two shows you have listed. If you get them for GMR, it can save you at least 30 minutes or more.

Is everyone in your family prone to motion sickness? Star Tours is not very intense and is a great family ride especially for Star Wars fans. Light sabers are in Tatooine Traders which is adjacent to Star Tours and is actually at the exit of the ride.

Osborne Lights are located in the Streets of America a little beyond the Muppet area.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

I would allocate a little extra time after TSMM to meet Buzz and Woody. Very col to get them both together.

 

[momto3boysillbe]

Just curious, why are your boys not doing TOT and RNRC? I have 3 boys and they can all ride TOT and my 9 year old was tall enough last fall at 8 to ride the RNRC. The oldest can ride everything and they love those rides.

 

[zilp]

Thank you! I had a feeling that the Indiana Jones/LMA shows didn't really need FP+. Oh, and there were no times available for the Great Movie Ride. Here are the changes I made:

TSMM.

Here is what I would love to include for our day (roughly) in this order:
*Jedi Training
*Star Tours (worried about motion sickness/ride intensity so DH is the only confirmed person who is going. Wondering if good for 5 &8 yo??) FP+ 9:05-10:05
*Building a Lightsaber for each boy --where is this located?
*Muppet Vision
*Great Movie Ride
*Lunch-counter service, no idea where to eat
*Indiana Jones spectacular
*Lights, Motor Action show
---------Leave Park for Break & Early Dinner-----------
*Meet Sully/Mike and Cars characters
*Toy Story Mania (earliest FP+ available 5:40-6:40p)
*Little Mermaid (should I get a FP+ here instead? tons of time slots available)
*Beauty and the Beast show
*RnR coaster (DH only- thinking single rider line?)
*Tower of Terror (DH only-again, single rider line?)DH only FP+ 7-8p
*Osbourne lights- what section of park is this in? Unfamiliar with this attraction.....
*Fantasmic 8pm (2nd showing)
!

Just curious, why are your boys not doing TOT and RNRC? I have 3 boys and they can all ride TOT and my 9 year old was tall enough last fall at 8 to ride the RNRC. The oldest can ride everything and they love those rides.

My 8 and 11 yo hate roller coasters- they even avoid kiddie amusement park roller coaster rides. Plus the 11yo and I get motion sickness. And top it all off my 11yo is recovering from a nerve injury that causes headaches----all this to say that I would LOVE for all of us to go on those rides, but I am worried about side effects To be honest, I am still questioning Star Tours for me and the 11yo.

Edited to add that Body Tours (was that the name of the motion ride in Epcot way back in the day?) totally wrecked me for hours because of the motion and I mean hours. It was really pathetic, lol

 

[MataHari22]

You don't need to waste a FP+ for the shows. I would definitely get one for Toy Story though. The only time I could get, was later, just about dinner time, but I'm glad I went ahead and got it, because the lines were 75 minutes on the days I was there, and I was not at all interested in being in the rope drop frenzy for that.

If you're not getting FP for RNR or ToT, then the great movie ride would be a good one to get. And maybe Star Tours. I got there early and rode ST a couple times at open, with no wait, then used my FP later on.

 

[tinkerbee]

Your evening plans I don't believe will work. With Your FP+ for LMA being at 1:10 you probably will not exit the park until around 2. That leaves you 3 1/2 hours for transportation(roughly 30mins),rest(1 1/2), dinner(hour) and transportation back to the park(30 min) to make it to MWM for your FP+. Even with FP+ it takes on average 15-20 minutes. Character meets another 40 minutes. That takes you to roughly 6:40. Little Mermaid, about 30-40 minutes, Beauty n Beast around 40-50. TOFSL is not to miss and can get very crowed and just walking thru without even seeing the light show they put on can take 15-20 minutes at the least. Then wanting to fit in RNR(single rider has taken me up to 50 minutes before) and TOT has no single rider so no telling without FP+ how long that could take. You could cut the second show of Fantasmic close 7:45 for a decent seat. So between your character, FP+ for MWM and Fantasmic you around an hour to fit in all the rest. Doesn't sound feasible.

Honestly with the break in the day you will fit in MWM FP+, the character meet and greets(check the times because they end a lot earlier than the park closes) a walk thru Streets of America for the lights and make it to Fantasmic.

 

[zilp]

Your evening plans I don't believe will work. With Your FP+ for LMA being at 1:10 you probably will not exit the park until around 2. That leaves you 3 1/2 hours for transportation(roughly 30mins),rest(1 1/2), dinner(hour) and transportation back to the park(30 min) to make it to MWM for your FP+. Even with FP+ it takes on average 15-20 minutes. Character meets another 40 minutes. That takes you to roughly 6:40. Little Mermaid, about 30-40 minutes, Beauty n Beast around 40-50. TOFSL is not to miss and can get very crowed and just walking thru without even seeing the light show they put on can take 15-20 minutes at the least. Then wanting to fit in RNR(single rider has taken me up to 50 minutes before) and TOT has no single rider so no telling without FP+ how long that could take. You could cut the second show of Fantasmic close 7:45 for a decent seat. So between your character, FP+ for MWM and Fantasmic you around an hour to fit in all the rest. Doesn't sound feasible.

Honestly with the break in the day you will fit in MWM FP+, the character meet and greets(check the times because they end a lot earlier than the park closes) a walk thru Streets of America for the lights and make it to Fantasmic.

wow, thanks! I was afraid my evening plans seemed ambitious. We can easily drop the Meet & Greets with characters. I am wondering if I should send DH off on his own to experience TOT (I did manage to get him a FP from 7-8p) and RNR on his own and meet up again for Fantasmic. I thought I was up on the lingo, but what does MWM stand for?

 

[Starhart81]

Your schedule seems a little packed, especially for a newbie and with a midday break. I would prioritize this schedule and be prepared to cut stuff out if you do take a break. Here are some extra pointers on top of what you already have.

Jedi Training is a sign-up for a later time slot. If you are one of the first people through the gates, you can get the 9:20 time. If not, you will need to select a later time and fit that into your schedule.

Mike and Sully usually stop meeting at 5:00. You will need to do this in the morning, or get back to the park by 4:30.

Check your show schedule for Beauty and the Beast. Usually the last show is 5:30, and you have it in your schedule well after 5:30. You will need to cut this out or find a time that works.

I agree with PP, while you are signing up for Jedi Training with your boys, your DH should rope drop RnRC. If you get the 9:20 Jedi show, he will have plenty of time to make it. If you don't get the 9:20, he can also do ToT, and free up some more evening time.

Basically if you want to do all this, your schedule needs to drastically change. I would not take the break, but you know if your family needs it or not. If you want to prioritize your schedule for us, maybe we can help you revise it.

 

[tinkerbee]

wow, thanks! I was afraid my evening plans seemed ambitious. We can easily drop the Meet & Greets with characters. I am wondering if I should send DH off on his own to experience TOT (I did manage to get him a FP from 7-8p) and RNR on his own and meet up again for Fantasmic. I thought I was up on the lingo, but what does MWM stand for?

Midway Mania/Toy Story Mania If those are must do's for him I would suggest the split up. It is so hard to give advice to people because what is important to one isn't to another. Also it depends on how many trips a year, what time of year you go, ect. Personally I could miss TOT and RNR over the lights because we are PAP's. Example our next mini trip will be in three weeks. We are staying at AKV for 3 days/2 nights. That trip will be spent the first day will be at AKV, the next night at DHS just to see the lights and then our last day will be at Epcot after check out and then over to MK to see Cinderella Castle being lit up.

It will work out no matter what you decide, enjoy what you see not what you miss.

 

[zilp]

Basically if you want to do all this, your schedule needs to drastically change. I would not take the break, but you know if your family needs it or not. If you want to prioritize your schedule for us, maybe we can help you revise it.

Good point about prioritizing. Here would be my wishlist:

*Jedi Training
*Star Tours (FP+ 9:05-10:05a)
*Building a Lightsaber for each boy
*Muppet Vision
*Great Movie Ride
*Lunch-counter service, no idea where to eat
*Indiana Jones spectacular
*Lights, Motor Action show
---------Leave Park for Break & Early Dinner-----------
*Toy Story Mania (earliest FP+ available 5:40-6:40p)
*RnR coaster (DH only-standby line)
*Tower of Terror (DH only-FP+ 7-8p)
*Osbourne lights
*Fantasmic 8pm (2nd showing)

I got rid of meet & greets, beauty & beast, and little mermaid. A little sad for me, but I honestly don't think my kids would mind missing them. Interesting idea of DH going off on his own in the morning for RNR and TOT, but it's a little stressful not knowing the park very well and how to figure out the timing of things.

 

[zilp]

Bumping for opinions on new plans and new questions (Thanks for the help so far!):

*Jedi Training How long does this take?
*Star Tours (FP+ 9:05-10:05a) Wondering if this time interferes with Jedi Training --assuming we get there for rope drop
*Building a Lightsaber for each boy
*Muppet Vision
*Great Movie Ride
*Lunch-counter service, no idea where to eat
*Indiana Jones spectacular
*Lights, Motor Action show
---------Leave Park for Break & Early Dinner-----------
*Toy Story Mania (earliest FP+ available 5:40-6:40p)
*RnR coaster (DH only-standby line) How to fit this in for DH in am?
*Tower of Terror (DH only-FP+ 7-8p)
*Osbourne lights
*Fantasmic 8pm (2nd showing)

I got rid of meet & greets, beauty & beast, and little mermaid. A little sad for me, but I honestly don't think my kids would mind missing them. Interesting idea of DH going off on his own in the morning for RNR and maybe TOT, but it's a little stressful not knowing the park very well and how to figure out the timing of things.

 

[sbrost13]

I believe you have to come 30 minutes before show time, and the show itself is around 20 minutes or so. You will get to pick the showtime you want, assuming it isn't filled up. I'd have your DH go to RnRC at rope drop while you and the kids sign up for Jedi Training. Hope this helps!

 

[jroof13]

We got there before rope drop and went strait to Jedi training, the first opening they had was at 2pm. So it really just depends. After we signed up we were able to walk right on star tours 2 times in a row without any wait.

 

[Missyrose]

Bumping for opinions on new plans and new questions (Thanks for the help so far!):

*Jedi Training How long does this take?
*Star Tours (FP+ 9:05-10:05a) Wondering if this time interferes with Jedi Training --assuming we get there for rope drop
*Building a Lightsaber for each boy
*Muppet Vision
*Great Movie Ride
*Lunch-counter service, no idea where to eat
*Indiana Jones spectacular
*Lights, Motor Action show
---------Leave Park for Break & Early Dinner-----------
*Toy Story Mania (earliest FP+ available 5:40-6:40p)
*RnR coaster (DH only-standby line) How to fit this in for DH in am?
*Tower of Terror (DH only-FP+ 7-8p)
*Osbourne lights
*Fantasmic 8pm (2nd showing)

I got rid of meet & greets, beauty & beast, and little mermaid. A little sad for me, but I honestly don't think my kids would mind missing them. Interesting idea of DH going off on his own in the morning for RNR and maybe TOT, but it's a little stressful not knowing the park very well and how to figure out the timing of things.

You sign up for Jedi Training at rope drop, but that doesn't always mean you'll get a spot in the first show. I would also argue that Indy and LMA are both fairly long shows to watch back-to-back. I would pick one to watch and then start your afternoon break.

Your DH could do RnR single rider while you take the boys to Muppets and/or GMR.

 

[Mikie]

I would say Jedi Training is WELL worth the challenge to sign up, but here's how it worked for me:
DHS on a 4/10 day according to Toring Plans
In line for resort bus at 7:30 , at DHS about 8:00 for 9:00 opening
We were about 4people back from the taps tiles
When they let us in about 8:40-8:45, we walked directly to Jedi training sign ups - didn't speed walk, didn't run. Many people ran.
We were the first people who needed to start going through a rope zig zag vs walking straight in - sign up process took about 30 min
By the time we signed up, the first 3 shows were full - 11:50 was the first available, but you could still request any later time (which is what we wanted anyway)
After, we walked over to ride Rockin roller coaster standby (I think about 9:30 by then) and we were among the last people to get in line before the wait started getting long.

Hope that helps predict your timing a little - have fun!!

 

[Mikie]

Forgot to add - actually DOING jedi training requires you to arrive 30 minutes before your show (DH could be doing one of his single rider things while you wait with the jedis- my family was seeing Indiana Jones then came straight our to see our Jedis) then the show itself takes 20 minutes. A smallish crowd gathers (standing) around a raised stage to see the show. Star Tours and the Tattooine Traders store where you make your own light sabers are right by the Jedi Training stage. I didn't do the light sabers, but I saw that there always seems to be a line for it - don't know how fast the line moves.

If you get to your turn at sign ups and can't find something that works with your existing FPs, the CMs can help you reschedule FPs (except Toy story, which is almost always "sold out" already)

Don't forget that one parent and all kids who wish to be in the show must go to the Jedi sign ups, you can't just go sign up for them alone.

 

[Itinkso]

Here's the standard info for JTA that I usually post. The session times are set times and only the last two or so may be deleted if there is an early park closing. Have a few different sessions in mind that fit in around your FP times:

If you are staying at an onsite resort, plan on going to DHS on an EMH morning and as soon as the gates open, head directly to JTA sign-ups with your child. Signing up during EMH is a hidden perk for onsite resort guests!

If you aren't staying onsite, go on a non-EMH morning and get to the gates at least 45 minutes before park opening.

Sign-ups are in the Sounds Dangerous/ABC Sound Studio building. The CM will ask your child some questions and will assign him a session which fits into your FP and Dining schedule. Your child will need to report back approximately 30 minutes before his session.

Try to sign up for a morning session. Because of the weather, JTA is often canceled in the afternoons. If the session does get canceled, a brief meet and greet with Vader and Stormtroopers will take place.

20-minute shows
9:20, 10:10, 11:00 & 11:50am, 12:35, 1:05, 1:50, 2:40, 3:25, 4:10, 4:40, 5:30, 6:20, 7:10* & 8:00pm*
*Sunday & Saturday only
Space is limited, and participants (ages 4-12) must be present to register. Please see a Cast Member at the ABC Sound Studio early in the day to make same-day reservations.

 

[zilp]

Star Tours and the Tattooine Traders store where you make your own light sabers are right by the Jedi Training stage. I didn't do the light sabers, but I saw that there always seems to be a line for it - don't know how fast the line moves.

Is there anywhere else we could make the lightsabers? Maybe a different park? Wondering if we could take that out to save time, but it really is a must do for us on this trip. It's an early Christmas present for the boys.