Does park hopping make sense?

[Castle crazy]

This trip we only have 4 days and are flying our kids and grandkids in and want them to enjoy everything. I subscribed to TGM and got his recommendations for best morning park and best evening park. We were able to get 5 of the ADRs we really wanted and we are trying to fit those into the suggested park days. To do that we are in 2 parks each day. We are going in early August, ugh, only time everyone could get off work, so the crowd levels are 8s and one 9. Are we wasting too much time changing parks? We are staying at the Beach Club so we are close to 2 of them. Also, is breakfast at Whispering Canyon a real must? Our ADR is at 8:10 which means there is no way to be at the park when it opens.

Thanks in advance for all the assistance.

 

[jellybeans0607]

last year we had 4 full days. what we did was(we stayed onsite) we went to a park, any park other than MK, in the morning. we find all other parks are do able in 1 day or less. so we did that park and then left around 2-3 depending when we were done. we swam and then ate dinner and went to MK every night. i dont feel MK can be done in 1 day. so there are 4 worlds, we did 1 a night.
we got everything done.
but we didnt get helc back with ADRs. we ate at our leasure. we couldnt have done it if we had ADRs to catch.

 

[1GR8DISNEYFAN]

I love park hopping! Since you are going in Aug., if you stay all day at one park and try to do everything you will be so hot and miserable, at least I know my family would be. We have been in Aug. twice. We always make sure we are at the park when it opens. You would be surprised what you can get done by noon and the parks are not as crowded. Have lunch and then go back to resort to enjoy the pool or nap. You will feel so refreshed after doing this and will enjoy returning to the same park or different one for the evening when it is a little cooler. I personally would not do the breakfast at WC, to much valuable time waisted. We have res at WC for lunch, taking the the boat from MK to WL after spending the morning at MK, and then we will head back to our resort for some R&R. I know everyone has different opinions but this is works best for us.

 

[Married_Her_@_Disney]

I agree with 1GR8DISNEYFAN. The ADR at WC is going to consume valuable time. We will often just do something quick for breakfast with ADR for lunch in the park we are going to first. This allows us to sit down, collect ourselves, and decide on our next move. If we have ADR at another park for dinner, we may head back to the room to relax for a bit and rest up for the evening. I think a bit of time for R&R in the mid-day allows for a much more enjoyable day overall. That way we aren't Tiring out to early for parades or fireworks. This tends to work well for us & DS.

 

[Castle crazy]

Thank you so much. DH is a diabetic so we have to have a breakfast and unfortunately nothing opens before 7:30. I think I'll cancel WC and just go to Spoodles on the Boardwalk at 7:30 then catch the Boardwalk bus to MK, AK or walk to the others. We can still be there when they open I think. We are staying at BC but Cape May is a character breakfast and once of that is all we need. If rooms had a microwave we could make do but refrigerators is all they have I believe. Thanks again, this makes me feel better about our schedule.

 

[Married_Her_@_Disney]

If you are going to MK in the morning, another option is going to the Polynesian, or Grand Floridian for breakfast. This allows you an early breakfast, and then a quick ride on the monorail to MK.

 

[Hadjii]

Hi,
The reason I love park hopping is the nightime shows, parades, fireworks etc. During the day I can go to the parks and enjoy all the rides. Go back to our resort in the afternoon, nap, swim, relax...whatever. Then head out to one of the parks at night for either Illuminations at Epcot, or Fantasmic or whatever your preference may be. Otherwise, whatever night time show you planned to attend meant you'd have to commit to that park for the entire day. Much more freedom of choice with the hoppers IMHO. Enjoy your stay!