dreeger
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2012
- Messages
- 263
I have been reading the WDW threads the last month or so in preparation of a first-ever family trip to WDW and I have to say that all the FP+ threads are scaring me.
For background: We are DL vets (and AP holders). We are a family of 4 with 2 teenage boys (will be 15 & 17 by next Nov.).
We've done 4 trips to DL this past year. I use TP and RideMax, and always use FP- at DLR and have NEVER waited more than 30 minutes for anything (and I think the 30 min wait was for Dole Whip).
We don't always make it for RD (see above...2 teen boys), but usually stay until close after taking brief midday swim/food break.
This next Thanksgiving (peak time), I am planning 3 day Disney Cruise (fri-mon) then 5 days at WDW (tue-sat). With the amount of money this trip will cost, I am wondering if 7 days onsite at DL might be a better option.
If we go to WDW, we would want to do all headliners in all parks without waiting more than 45 min max (30 min max at DL, but I am allowing time since we won't know our way around yet).
This is very possible at DL even during peak timed (we did this last year on a cheer weekend, 4th of July, and Thanksgiving). I am looking for experienced WDW vets to weigh in on whether this would even be possible with FP+?
The more I read, the more scared I am that we will spend a ton of money for little return.
Eta: I too am a compulsive planner. For the first DL trip we took 5 years ago, I created a cost benefit spreadsheet and amenities matrix to pick our hotel.
For background: We are DL vets (and AP holders). We are a family of 4 with 2 teenage boys (will be 15 & 17 by next Nov.).
We've done 4 trips to DL this past year. I use TP and RideMax, and always use FP- at DLR and have NEVER waited more than 30 minutes for anything (and I think the 30 min wait was for Dole Whip).
We don't always make it for RD (see above...2 teen boys), but usually stay until close after taking brief midday swim/food break.
This next Thanksgiving (peak time), I am planning 3 day Disney Cruise (fri-mon) then 5 days at WDW (tue-sat). With the amount of money this trip will cost, I am wondering if 7 days onsite at DL might be a better option.
If we go to WDW, we would want to do all headliners in all parks without waiting more than 45 min max (30 min max at DL, but I am allowing time since we won't know our way around yet).
This is very possible at DL even during peak timed (we did this last year on a cheer weekend, 4th of July, and Thanksgiving). I am looking for experienced WDW vets to weigh in on whether this would even be possible with FP+?
The more I read, the more scared I am that we will spend a ton of money for little return.
Eta: I too am a compulsive planner. For the first DL trip we took 5 years ago, I created a cost benefit spreadsheet and amenities matrix to pick our hotel.
But you'll definitely want to do a meal at Be Our Guest. Personally, I love 'Ohana and our trip isn't complete without a Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream. And be sure to take some time to see the various resorts at WDW, some of them are very, very cool. In fact, some of my favorite restaurants are the ones at the resorts instead of the in park ones.
