Feedback: Solo (37M) trip in September (after Labor Day)

[bsmcneil]

So, the short version of the story is that I booked a non-refundable room to take my kiddos - and then I learned, about 15 minutes later, that my original plan wouldn't work. Anyway. I have a long stay (9/22-28/21) at AKL (Savanna room) and I have to be back in town on Saturday of that week (9/25). Which means the room will be empty after that, which is a bummer!

Before I get into my initial thoughts about a plan, I thought background might be helpful:

• I'm traveling by myself (37M). Don't intend to pack anything more than a carry on or a backpack.
• I can be a go-go-go person (and at WDW, I'm a fan of rope drop, etc). However, I do have muscular dystrophy - so, I'm not the fastest in the world and I sometimes need breaks (and - I often push myself pretty hard).
• Love thrill rides and many/most of the dark rides.
• I've been to WDW more than 15 times; and, I haven't been back since December 2015.
• Since this is a short trip that really fell into my lap because the thing is non-refundable* and I can't stay the whole time I allotted - I know I'll need to skip things; and I will be taking the kids again (likely next Jan-Feb). So, I don't have to do everything. I won't feel terribly disappointed.

Back to my point! Given the various caveats - I think the final plan (below in green) works; but, I'd love any of your feedback, etc. (sorry it's SO long! )

My original plan (Arrive Wed, Depart 6a Sat):

Wed:

1. First, I would arrive at 3:30 - but then it got changed to arriving at 10:30
2. Do on-line check-in (actually, before I arrive probably)
3. Most likely Uber to a park (faster than MDE and I don't need to go to room immediately, esp since it's too early for check-in)
4. Likely go to EP, so I wouldn't have lost too much time since they'll likely open at 11. Also, it has a few attractions I like (plus F+W)
5. Stay as late as I can.

Thurs:

1. Hollywood Studios (it has the most attractions I want to do)

Fri:

1. MK (and sadly have to skip DAK this time, even though I think it's my favorite park - but MK is so quintessential. Honestly, I kept going back and forth - but also would give me more park time since it closes 3 hours later.

My next plan (Arrive Wed, Depart 6a Sat):

Wed:

1. Arrival had been 3:30, then I got something that would get me there at 10:30. But THEN, United changed the schedule - and I arrive at 1:15/1:30.
2. Do on-line check-in (actually, before I arrive probably)
3. Most likely Uber to a park (faster than MDE and I don't need to go to room immediately)
4. Likely go to MK.
5. Stay as late as I can

Thurs:

1. Hollywood Studios (it has the most attractions I want to do)

Fri

1. Likely EP (for F&W - and while AK had a ton of things I really wanted to do, the hours are so limited and I'd hate to miss out on F&W, and some of the attractions at EP that I enjoy)

My (hopefully) final plan (Arrive Tues, Depart 6a Sat):

Tues:

1. On-line check-in for my disney lodging
2. Fly into MCO Tues night* (arrive around 12:30 - or maybe even earlier) and stay somewhere fairly cheap**
3. On-line check-in (actually, before I arrive probably) for my disney lodging

* - Because United changed the schedule and I arrive at 1:15/1:30, they offered that I could change it for free. Originally I needed to leave so late because I had to take my boys to school that morning. As it stands now, I won't have to - which is why I can actually leave on Tues now.
** - If anyone has lodging recommendations, please let me know! Obviously I have preferences - but I'm not super picky. I'd like a low cost place that's decently reviewed. I want it to be non-smoking (and truly have no smoke smell left) and preferred it had either an airport or theme park shuttle.

Wed:

1. Get up and Uber to Epcot

Thurs:

1. Hollywood Studios (it has the most attractions I want to do)

Fri:

1. Animal Kingdom (8-6, though I think I could be done before 6)
2. Magic Kingdom for Boo Bash (I ended up getting one of the tickets that got released today - and since I've been so often and am coming back, I don't have to see/do everything at MK)

 

[ShelATX]

Your final plan seems well thought out to me. You've fit 4 parks in 3 days which is excellent. Congrats on the Boo-Bash ticket and great that you were able to change to a flight the night before.

 

[auntlynne]

Did you check with AKL to see if you could shorten the length of stay? Or get the unused days as a credit for a future stay?