doing the tours

[shrink]

Bought the "Unofficial Guide." Obviously, the tour guides for each park are very "efficient." However, I'm worried that if we follow those guides, we'll miss a lot of what makes WDW "magical" (the small details, street entertainment, characters, etc.). What do you think?

 

[lentesta]

Hi Shrink,

Thanks for reading the Unofficial Guide. How about using the time you save standing in line to explore the parks in more detail? Use the tours to get an overview of the park, then go back to the places you think are the most interesting. Let me know I'm not being clear!

Thanks again,

Len

 

[shrink]

Thanks for your reply. I'm just worried that if we do "commando style" touring, we'll miss a lot of the ("smell the roses") magic.

 

[Duckfan]

I just finished reading the 2004 edition and I found it helpful in a lot of ways. (thanks lentesta!). I have been parks several times but never in a busy season like my upcoming trip!

Anyway, here is my advice. Use the tour list as a guide not a set of laws. For instance, I know I will skip some of the schedule because I don't want to see those things. But I tend to take the advice about early. Also, it depends on the time of year you go whether you have to be as hard core. We went in December, no crowds so no need to be commando.


Again, enjoy the little things but use the advice as well.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by shrink
Thanks for your reply. I'm just worried that if we do "commando style" touring, we'll miss a lot of the ("smell the roses") magic.

I think that absolutely can happen. But a lot of factors will contribute to your pleasure / displeasure. Things like the length of your stay, crowd levels, attractions you want to visit, ride rebabs and even the weather will impact how quickly you can get through your touring plan.

Personally, I think this is one of the areas you really should not over-plan. You need to use a little common sense throughout the day to juggle attractions on your list, and even eliminate items if you feel the pace is not to your liking.

Going into the park with a great touring plan (like the ones the Len provided in the UG) is a wise idea. But ride breakdowns and unexpected bottlenecks will occur. Additionally, if you find the pace to be a bit too hectic for your liking, cross a couple of rides off of the plan, and grab a seat on a bench.

 

[lentesta]

All valid points, folks. Thanks for the kinds words on the Guide.

Shrink, if you can't follow the plans step-by-step (that's challenging with kids, I know), try to follow the general direction. If Fantasyland is first in the plan, try to get the headliners in Fantasyland done first. If Frontierland is second, try to do that second. That's practical advice, and I've followed it when taking my own daughter to WDW.

Thanks again for reading the Guide. If there's anything else we can help with, let me know.

Sincerely,

Len