We are a family of 4 frequent parks visitors. We were headed for a Royal Caribbean cruise out of Port Canaveral and decided to go down a day early (July27) to hit one of the parks. We picked Hollywood Studios because we didn't think it would be as crowded. Going for just 1 day, we wouldn't have access to the wrist bands and FP+ so I was leery as how the day would work however, it turned out great.
We go to our hotel (Dolphin) by 10am thanks to an early flight. Our room was ready so we dumped our bags and headed to the boat launch (only way to DHS from Dolphin). It was very hot and humid.
We had the "old fashioned" plastic card "tickets" - which I was surprised at how many people had them (I like them better than the wristbands anyway). We headed straight for Toy Story thinking we would have to do stand by lines all day. Boy was I wrong. Right by the restrooms before you get to Toy Story was a group of Disney employees with hand-held devices who could book your Fast Passes for you right there. BINGO! There were probably 8 of these people and 1 person directing park goers to people who could help them book the Fast Passes. We were able to get Fast Passes for Toy Story, Star Tours and Tower of Terror for all of us all before 4pm.
I later learned there is a FPT+ Kiosk under the big hat and also people who can book for you over by Rockin Roller Coaster. So have no fear, if you go to DHS without previously arranged FP+ you can get them in the park!
We were able to ride our Fast Pass rides plus Rockin Roller Coaster in the single lane rider line, the Art of Animation pavilion (even sitting through the animator presentation), eat lunch (Commissary) and were out of the park by 4pm in order to swim at the hotel.
Since we are frequent park goers we knew the lay of the land so we didn't get caught up in parades. We didn't have to wait in line for the new shop with all of the Frozen stuff (Wondering Oaken?) as we just walked right in. The crowd level was moderate for a summer day - we usually go the week between Christmas and New Year's when it is jammed packed.
So for those of you worried you won't have a good time without previously booking FP+s have no fear, it can be done and you can still have a great day at the park!
We go to our hotel (Dolphin) by 10am thanks to an early flight. Our room was ready so we dumped our bags and headed to the boat launch (only way to DHS from Dolphin). It was very hot and humid.
We had the "old fashioned" plastic card "tickets" - which I was surprised at how many people had them (I like them better than the wristbands anyway). We headed straight for Toy Story thinking we would have to do stand by lines all day. Boy was I wrong. Right by the restrooms before you get to Toy Story was a group of Disney employees with hand-held devices who could book your Fast Passes for you right there. BINGO! There were probably 8 of these people and 1 person directing park goers to people who could help them book the Fast Passes. We were able to get Fast Passes for Toy Story, Star Tours and Tower of Terror for all of us all before 4pm.
I later learned there is a FPT+ Kiosk under the big hat and also people who can book for you over by Rockin Roller Coaster. So have no fear, if you go to DHS without previously arranged FP+ you can get them in the park!
We were able to ride our Fast Pass rides plus Rockin Roller Coaster in the single lane rider line, the Art of Animation pavilion (even sitting through the animator presentation), eat lunch (Commissary) and were out of the park by 4pm in order to swim at the hotel.
Since we are frequent park goers we knew the lay of the land so we didn't get caught up in parades. We didn't have to wait in line for the new shop with all of the Frozen stuff (Wondering Oaken?) as we just walked right in. The crowd level was moderate for a summer day - we usually go the week between Christmas and New Year's when it is jammed packed.
So for those of you worried you won't have a good time without previously booking FP+s have no fear, it can be done and you can still have a great day at the park!
