Early September Trip, Tips & Tricks?

[gardengirl2790]

Hello, were traveling from the west coast for the second time to WDW, Sept. 8-13. I am curious for the best tips from you experts. MK is our favorite park, and plan two days there, 1 day in Epcot and 1 at least partial day in HS, not planning on AK at all. What would you advise for strategy? We're staying at the Yacht Club for the first time, and hope to take a break in the afternoon to swim, or relax. TIA!

 

[sharonabe]

Hello, were traveling from the west coast for the second time to WDW, Sept. 8-13. I am curious for the best tips from you experts. MK is our favorite park, and plan two days there, 1 day in Epcot and 1 at least partial day in HS, not planning on AK at all. What would you advise for strategy? We're staying at the Yacht Club for the first time, and hope to take a break in the afternoon to swim, or relax. TIA!

Do you only have 4 full days to do the parks or is there time on arrival or departure days to do them as well? Do you have hopper tickets or just base tickets? How many people and ages? Are you interested in the Food & Wine Festival at EP or the Halloween party at MK?

 

[Aristo-cat]

My advice to you would be accept now that you can't do everything. That way you won't feel the pressure of having to make it live up to something.

For me this puts a lot of ease into my trips that had been missing since the my Disney experience started. (Not knocking it, I really like it)
You just have to actually plan time to do whatever you want.
This one took me way to many trips to learn. Ha!

Keep your scheduled time to a minimum and leave large spaces for spontaneity.
Also, keep in mind your resort is like a small theme park in itself and you will be wanting to spend some quality time there as well.

Hope you have a magical trip!

 

[gardengirl2790]

We will have our arrival evening to do some things, and until about noon on departure day to tour. We're thinking of getting tickets for the September 10, Halloween party. Not too concerned about the food and wine festival, more interested in just seeing the world showcase itself.

I know we won't get to do everything, but we're rope drop people, and are pretty quick and efficient. I am going with my husband, and we're meeting our east coast friends - four other adults- there. No kids this trip, ours is in college now.

 

[sharonabe]

We will have our arrival evening to do some things, and until about noon on departure day to tour. We're thinking of getting tickets for the September 10, Halloween party. Not too concerned about the food and wine festival, more interested in just seeing the world showcase itself.

I know we won't get to do everything, but we're rope drop people, and are pretty quick and efficient. I am going with my husband, and we're meeting our east coast friends - four other adults- there. No kids this trip, ours is in college now.

I think I would give at least one of your partial days to AK, and probably arrival day so you can see it at night. The new Pandora, Tree of Life Awakening, and ROL are worth at least taking a look at.

Keep an eye out on the MNSSHP information. Early news is that 7DMT, Jungle Cruise, Splash and Big Thunder will all be closed during the party. There's lots of special party stuff to do, but if rides are your goal, that's four biggies not available. That could change, but you need to be listening for what happens.

Since you're not planning on Food & Wine, I'd save EP for a weekday instead of the weekend. It will be less crowded, but the booths will still be there if you decide you want to sample.

HS may also need two nights if you want to see F! and Star Wars Spectacular. It's usually a little difficult to see both on the same night. You may also want some extra time at Star Wars Launch Bay to take it all in.

 

[Lesley Wake]

Why are you skipping AK entirely? While I'm sure it will be crowded with Pandora, the early reports seem to indicate it will be worth it!

We will be there too those same dates and plan on the Sept 10 party!

 

[gardengirl2790]

Thank you so much Sharonabe for your help. I'm going to look into your recommendations. Hadn't heard of the Star Wars show at HS, sounds great!

I may reconsider AK, I'm simply not a fan of that park or Pandora, and wish to spend my time where I will enjoy it.

I'm looking forward to the Halloween party, but am disappointed that several rides won't be open during it. I think we will still go, it should still be fun for us. I'm not sure that we will return to WDW anytime soon, so I'd like to experience it on the Eastcoast

 

[sharonabe]

I'm looking forward to the Halloween party, but am disappointed that several rides won't be open during it. I think we will still go, it should still be fun for us. I'm not sure that we will return to WDW anytime soon, so I'd like to experience it on the Eastcoast

There is a thread keeping up with the changes, additions, etc. Someone posted a screen shot with 7DMT now listed as being open during the party. Thunder Mtn still not showing and apparently Jungle Cruise is always closed during the party.

Totally understand about AK. My DH is the same, but puts up with it for a few hours for me.

 

[gardengirl2790]

Good news about 7DMT!. I'll find the thread, and subscribe. Love the DIS, so helpful. Thank you again' Sharonabe. You've been so helpful, I really appreciate your help and kindness.

 

[Bobb_o]

Try to avoid Epcot on the weekend because of local F&W crowds. Even though Thunder Mountain might be closed during the party you can always ride it during the grace period of 4-7 before the party starts.

 

[stink]

We'll be there same time at Beach Club Villas.

I would leave plenty of time to enjoy StormAlongBay. Food and Wine will be taking place at EPCOT, you may want to read the Food N Wine thread in the Restaurant section.

I'd determine your must do rides, entertainment and character meet & greets in each park and plan accordingly.

 

[gardengirl2790]

I've heard the pool is really nice, and we look forward to afternoon breaks lounging. I will make sure we're not in Epcot over the weekend, save it for Monday, I think.