Epcot itinerary help needed!!!

[STEAMBOAT209]

How far of a walk is it from IG to Soarin & Test Tract? Also, I had a read a post somewhere that CM's let people in thru IG a little early so they can catch up with everyone coming in thru the main entrance. Can anyone confrim this?

We went through IG 10-15 mins. before opening at the end of June, bags checked, scanned the tickets, but when we got to the bridge area, there was a rope and we had to wait for the park opening time before the CM's dropped the rope to enter.

It was about a 7 min walk to Soaring

 

[english rose 47]

Thanks Lisa This our first trip ever and I've learned so much from these boards it's good to know I didn't do to bad with initial plans.

 

[vellamint]

I thought when you do a child swap your "party" needs to actually be there..... I dont ever remember being given a slip of paper or anything like that for a child swap. One person goes on while the other waits off to the side with the child and when the first person gets off the ride the second person trades places and goes on the ride while the first person waits with the child. The loading CM's let the second person on right away.....I dont think you can "save" this for later in the day.

 

[Lisa0503]

I thought when you do a child swap your "party" needs to actually be there..... I dont ever remember being given a slip of paper or anything like that for a child swap. One person goes on while the other waits off to the side with the child and when the first person gets off the ride the second person trades places and goes on the ride while the first person waits with the child. The loading CM's let the second person on right away.....I dont think you can "save" this for later in the day.

When did you last use 'child swap'? This is my first trip as a Mom so I have never done it before... Anyway, I had no idea that this even existed until I started reading the DisBoards. From everything I have gathered here, for most rides where you can 'Child Swap' you get a 'pass' (like a fastpass) from the CM at the ride entrance that is good for up to 3 people to return at a later time. This saves the kids who can't ride the hassle of standing in line for a ride they can't go on. It frees the other parent up to take the kids to a more suitable activity for their age (I plan on checking out the play are I heard they have at the exit to MS while I wait with the kids) Some Disers have even reported that the pass doesn't expire for a few days/weeks after the date given. In order to get the Child Swap Pass, you do need to show that you have a baby to the cast member and they give the pass to the person who is entering the line...Not the adult waiting... From what I have read, Child Swap works as you describe (where everyone waits in the line and the swap is done at the ride itself) at Star Tours in MGM & Primevil Whirl, Kali River Rapids in AK.

If I have any of my understanding of Child Swap wrong...please someone correct me. I would much rather have my facts straight now than find out when I am down in Disney....

 

[vellamint]

It has been a while since we used child swap.....usually I just sit out all together or my husband does. Sounds different now.....

 

[rlovew]

Last June at TT, MS, and Soarin we got paper tickets to be used in the FP line for each ride. The paper had the ride, the date, and baby swap on it. For the fastest time in doing your planned itinerary. I would suggest having 1 adult run over to Soarin' while the other 2 go to TT. HAve one of these adults get into line and get the baby pass. There is a great area to sit down between MS and TT. When the adult with FP arrives from getting FP with everyone ticket. The 2 adults left walk over to MS and 1 of them gets in line with a baby switch pass. This leaves one adult sitting on a bench between the 2 rides with the baby while the other adults are riding. When everyone comes out check your time. You want to head over to the Living Seas by 9:45 to make the first show of Turtle Talk. After the show use your Soarin' FP (which should be for something like 10:00-11:00 (most FP don't start until an hour after opening). If you had time earlier a set of people could have gone on TT or MS again, otherwise go right after lunch. Stop of Character Connections near Innoventions during the morning hours for great character interaction that is air conditioned and well organized (it is normally not very crowded and you get to see at least 5 characters). I think that is all you said you were worried about seeing. If you have a little time to spare you might enjoy immagination (which all of you can ride) and would be on your way out.

 

[Lisa0503]

rlovew - That sounds like a great plan!!! I had not thought of DH who is getting our FP's meet up with us and then he can do MS while I wait for FF with the kids! I like it!!!! Thanks so much for your input. I really feel like I have a handle on Epcot now. Now if I could only figure out MGM & AK

 

[erinch]

did I see the "big space ball" in you plans? You must ride it. The line won't be long after lunch.

 

[Lisa0503]

did I see the "big space ball" in you plans? You must ride it. The line won't be long after lunch.

I assume you mean Spaceship Earth... We are staying at the BWV so we plan on being in Epcot most nights for dinner so I had planned on trying to get to it before dinner one night if we can't get to it during the day. I am trying to plan to get the 'biggies' done in the one morning we have at Epcot and the smaller (easier to get on) attractions as time allows or during one of our evenings there....