Do the "Unofficial Guide" touring plans really work at crowded times?

[missypie]

Here's our familiy's Disney history:

Spring Break 2003 (second week of March) at Disneyland in CA. Crowds were moderate; weather was terrific. I followed the UG touring plans religiously and we didn't wait in any long lines (except for about 20-25 mintues at a couple of Fantasyland rides, since they have no FP.)

Spring Break 2004 at Disneyland Paris. I had read that the DLP UG is useless because it is very outdated and lifts entire portions from the US versions of the book. Through e-mails and message boards I came up with a touring plan of sorts, which worked well. Crowds were fairly light and we only waited in one line over 15 minutes. Weather again terrific.

The next trip should be WDW, May 27-June 5, 2005. I've heard that it will be hot, humid and crowded, but less so than in August, which would be our other available time. Our children have been "spoiled" at the other two Disney parks with 70 degree temps and short waits.

If I follow the UG touring plans religiously, will we still have a good experience? (I know we can't change the weather.)

 

[hyzdufan]

Here's a good discussion:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=529114&highlight="touring+plans"

Hope it helps.

 

[WIcruizer]

My opinion, for what it's worth. Go to the park when it opens and get a fast pass for the most popular ride. (Mars, Rockin RC, Space Mountain,etc.) When your done, get a Fast Pass for the 2nd most popular ride. While your waiting for your fast passes, do whatever interests you. After your 2 fast passes are done, fill in the things you missed.

Again, just my opinion, but I don't find it fun in the least to follow a rigid plan. I rather miss a ride or two if we find a ride or attraction we really like, and happen to walk by it. An example is getting off Space Mountain we noticed the Buzz lines were 10 minutes. I think we went on 4 times in a row and had a blast. Point being, plan for "must do" rides, and take the rest as it comes. I really believe you'll have more fun this way, as opposed to having a checklist for every ride and making sure you hit every one of them.

 

[punkin]

Yes. It definately helps. I swear by those touring plans.

 

[lentesta]

Hi missiepie,

The plans are written with summer touring in mind, so I'd be willing to bet a Dole Whip that they'll work well. I'm fairly certain they're the most efficient plans available anywhere. Drop me a line if you have any specific questions: testa@ncat.edu.

Sincerely,

Len Testa

 

[CanadaPT]

Originally posted by missypie
Here's our familiy's Disney history:


If I follow the UG touring plans religiously, will we still have a good experience? (I know we can't change the weather.)

USE THEM!! I am a big advocate for the UG plans because they have saved me TONS of time waiting in lines.

 

[jaysue]

In fact the busier it is, the more important it is to use the OG's touring plans as they will save you more and more time as the parks get busier

thanks
jaysue

P.S. Remember to start early in the am!