EasyWDW or Touringplans crowd calendar?

[AliceIn]

I think if you re-read most of the replies here, many of the people who like EasyWDW best also have had (or currently have) a TP membership also.

I like Josh's park recommendations, and that's how I choose which one to pick. I also subscribe to TP and then use their mobile app while in the park. Easywdw is my go to for planning out my trip.

 

[DisneyFive]

I disagree. Touringplans does't cost much at all. If people are spending thousands on a vacation, a few bucks won't matter much at all. And seems like a good investment.

I've used both, and I like EasyWDW more. I like how Josh explains why he recommends which park on what day, and that he ranks them in order from best to worst. And tells you why!

During a trip last year I used both, and had the park recommendations from both written down. To me it seemed Easy was more accurate. I have no scientific proof, just the observations of someone who has been to the parks more than a dozen times. And has made 2 trips a year for the past few years.

I sense another poll coming!

Dan

 

[JeffR]

This is all very interesting. I haven't paid any attention to this stuff since the last time we were at the parks, and we have always used the paper plans from the back of Unofficial Guide (and LOVED them).

At some point, my wife subscribed to the TP site, and I looked there first to see which days we should visit what parks next week (one of the busiest of the year).

Now I've just gone and looked at Josh's site, and I have to say his logic is very sound, but it's also very easy to predict what parks he will recommend (which is to say, his logic is easy enough to understand that once you do, he's in danger of putting himself out of business - so to speak).

So I've altered my plan based on what Josh has had to say, but will still use the TP touring plans. And bless Josh's heart, he's "opened up" MK from midnight to 3am on a day that he otherwise would have you avoid, which is exactly how I planned to use my hopper that day (with the caveat that I don't plan to do any parks the following day).

I'm glad so many people hate to plan, and hate to arrive at the parks early, because that means that while they're standing in line, I've already ridden the ride and am napping/sunning back at the pool.

Oh, and I'm bringing with me my hopper passes that I bought in 2006, and which I will use-up on this trip. It doesn't look like you can buy the non-expiring passes any more. That's really a shame.

 

[dansamy]

I actually subscribe to TP, and recommend their lines app. But I follow Josh for park days...and if Josh charged, I'd pay!

I really like easywdw, but it's not yet polished enough to be a paid site. It needs much better organization & an easier, clearer layout. The information is certainly worth a subscription, but finding it can be difficult &/or tedious.

 

[ibrokeitmommy]

Now I've just gone and looked at Josh's site, and I have to say his logic is very sound, but it's also very easy to predict what parks he will recommend (which is to say, his logic is easy enough to understand that once you do, he's in danger of putting himself out of business - so to speak).

I have thought the exact same thing. I guess the main advantage is that he is in the parks much more frequently to see if there are changes to his philosophy and I am not.

I personally am using easywdw for our vacation, but only as my base plan. I'm certain we will end up in a non recommended park at some point.

 

[shalom]

I pay for TP every time I have a trip planned, but I still voted for easyWDW. Josh's info is more up to date (TP was scheduling Dumbo early way longer than necessary, for instance), I enjoy his blog, and he updates at a pace I can keep up with.

TP's site, OTOH, is better for first timers who don't want to think about it or for people who just want to hit the most popular/best known rides. Josh empowers people to make their own schedules; TP is the better source for canned schedules.

 

[Missoutandabout]

I don't do much planning other than wanting to know which park will potentially have the lowest crowds. EasyWDW has been quite good for us.

 

[NaLisa]

I use and like both.

Love Josh and his blog posts, plus I always feel special when he replies to a post of mine in the forums.

I check both for recommended days. If both have a park as green/best park on same day, that's the park we're going to. If there's a discrepancy, I'm going with Josh.

I also really like the forums at EWDW. Very friendly and helpful. I haven't checked out the ones at TP.com.

Looking forward to using the Lines App while in the park. Small price for good info at your fingertips. I've also been checking them somewhat regularly to get a feel for FP return times.

It is easier to search for exactly the info you need at TP, and I like playing around with personalized touring plans. HOWEVER, I wish it wouldn't revert to NOT using a fastpass runner every time I make a change to our plan, and I wish it wouldn't assume we're all going to wait for the fastpass runner before moving on to the next attraction. Some additional options in the customized plans would be nice, e.g. FP runner goes to Space while remainder of party rides Speedway. Meet and ride AO.

EWDW feels more personal, like an actual community.

All in all, I find that the two sites complement each other to help me plan a great WDW vacation.