End of March Disney Vacation

[natman1974]

We are going to Florida for two weeks on March 20th and have no idea what to expect.

We have two children aged 7 and 4

We have a two week disney ultimate pass, and a flex ticket plus for Universal etc.

Please can anyone recommend an itinery for our stay. What are the things we must not miss?
Also is that period spring break in US? Are we going to have a nightmare with lines for rides?

Does anyone have a opening date for the Harry Potter park at Universal?

We're really excited about Disney but don't know where to start so any info would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[xApril]

I can't really help with the whole planning thing as I'm a local and never had to plan before.

I personally have spring break starting on March 26th, so I think you may catch some of Spring Break.

Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter most likely won't be open until late May/early June, but that's merely speculation as nothing has really been confirmed yet.

Hope you have a good trip!

 

[sharonabe]

You don't say where you are from, but can you get a Disney guide book before you leave (it would make great reading on the plane and get you ready)??

I recommend Birnbaums or The Unofficial Guide. However, The Unofficial Guide may have more than you want/need at this late date. Birnbaum's is a little more concise and still lets you know all you NEED to know.

At least go to the "theme park" section of this site, and jot down the park hours and parade times for the dates you will be there. Are you staying at a Disney hotel? If so, you will also want to know when and where the extra magic hours are so you can take advantage of those as well.

Have you made any dining reservations? allearsnet.com has all the restaurant menus. Look them over and then go online to disneyworld.com and make some reservations if you want to eat at a table service restaurant.

 

[RMulieri]

Well....If you have never been before...Get thee to a bookstore and get a guidebook.If you are planning on eating at any of the table service style restaurants you need dining reservations.At this point meals with the disney characters may be impossible to secure since alot of places book 6 months out.You need to at least take a look at www.allears.net to get some sort of idea what each park has to offer, what may interest your family etc

 

[tlh0726]

Expect your 2nd week to be more crowded than your first week due to easter being on Apr 4th.

touringplans.com post a 30 day crowd level calender on it's site for free, anything past 30 days you would need to pay to join the site. It also lists suggested parks and parks to avoid

http://www.touringplans.com/tp2/UG2_index.php?PageID=14

To get opinions, which others will gladly give sometimes without being asked , you will need to post more specifics such as
Are you staying on site or off site?
Dining plan or not?
Kids into bigger rides?

Have a great trip!!!

Adding a question - What do you mean by Disney ultimate pass?

 

[natman1974]

Hi all,

Firstly thanks for all your replies so far.
We are visiting from Wales in the United Kingdom.

I'll look through the guides and information you have recommended ASAP.

My wife is Gluten intollerent and so we will need to make sure that any places we choose to eat can cater for gluten free.

We will be staying Off site. We have a villa about 20 mins drive from the park.

The kids won't go on anything too terrifying but can be quite brave!

In answer to tlh0726's question about the Disney ultimate pass:

DISNEY'S ULTIMATE TICKET
Ultimate flexibility, unbeatable value!*
Looking for the one ticket that allows you to experience all there is to see and do at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, along with all the flexibility and freedom you need to make your dream holiday come true? A ticket that is valid for the whole duration of your holiday* and is also fantastic value? Then look no further than Disney's Ultimate Ticket!

Whether you like to plan out each day perfectly or simply go wherever the mood takes you, this is the one for you. With the ability to come and go as you please between all the Disney Theme Parks throughout the day, and enjoy the same privileges at the Disney Water Parks, and more, you play Disney your way.

You can also choose to visit to play a round of golf at Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course, a relaxed, nine-hole walking course designed for the entire family. Tee times are required and subject to availability. For tee times visit disneyworldgolf.com or call 001-407-939-4653. (If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your parent or guardian's permission to dial this number. International call charges or long distance call charges may apply.)

 

[rileyroosmom]

Please read some guide books. Walt Disney World is huge and even in your 2 week trip, you won't get to see and do everything.

Plan on arriving at each park at park opening. You want to stay ahead of the crowds. Have an idea as to which rides are important to you and use fastpass whenever possible. (Just use to park ticket to obtain a pass).

MK - your 4 year old will probably want to ride Dumbo. Head there first as well as all rides in Fantasyland. If your 7 yr old wants to see the fairies, you need to get there at opening (10am I think). Don't miss Wishes, the fireworks show at night, just beautiful.

HS - Toy Story is the big ride here that your kids will love. Head straight there, grab fastpass and then get in line, this will assure you 2 rides that day. Fantasmic is the night time show, not to be missed. Arrive at the theater at least an hour early (you can buy food in the theater to snack on while waiting)

Epcot - Test Track will be fun for your family. The World Showcase is lovely to walk around. Make sure to hit the Kidcot stations where the kids can make a mask and get a charm from each country (free to do) or for $6-7 you can buy a passport that they can have stamped in each country. Kim Possible missions will be fun for them to do while in the World Showcase. Illuminations it the night time fireworks show here. Stake out a good spot along the water about 45 min. before the show.

AK - If they are somewhat daring, Expedition Everest is a fun rollercoaster. Everyone heads there first, but if you jump in line, it's usually a 5-10 min wait. The safari is a must see and if it's not cold, the kids will like Kali Rapids ( you will get wet). They have a fun parade, but no nighttime fireworks. Park usually closes around 5

Either waterpark is great and you can spend the whole day there (they also close around 5).

As others have said, if you don't have any dining reservations, call now. I'm sure your choices will be limited. You can eat at any counter service place in the parks, just can't have a table service without an advanced reservation.

Be prepared for expensive prices. A bottle of water or an ice cream will cost $2.50-3.00 each. A counter service meal is about $8.00. Portions are big and could be shared and if you want to save some money, order water instead of soda. Bring some crystal light packs (or propel) some people think the water tastes funny.

Have a great trip.....WDW is awesome!!