First Solo Trip - Is this a good plan?

[damskipi13]

Hello all! This is my plan for my trip starting next week. Does anybody have any thoughts or suggestions? I also have some questions that I would like answers to if anybody has any ideas. Thanks!


Notes:
· This is my first solo trip, which is both exciting and a little scary. I like my alone time but this is a LOT of alone time.
· I love to walk and don’t mind crisscrossing the parks, as you’ll see with my Epcot plan.
· I have a 3 day park hopper at Universal Studios and a 4 day park hopper at WDW.
· I stay in the parks all day and do shows when I need a break. No shame in sleeping during the slow ones!


Sep 11: arrive at WDW around 1pm. Spend the rest of the day at Disney Springs.
· Lunch: Earl of Sandwich
· Dinner: Daily Poutine, probably

Sep 12: DARK SIDE. Day 1 will be largely spent doing HP stuff since this is my first Universal trip since it opened and I’m an HP nerd.
· Breakfast: in the room
· Lunch: Leaky Cauldron
· Dinner: Citywalk (Cowfish or Toothsome)

Sep 13: DARK SIDE Day 2.
· Breakfast: in the room
· Lunch: to be determined (Margaritaville?)
· Dinner: Citywalk (Cowfish or Toothsome)

Sep 14: EPCOT. Be at park ~ 8:15am. Head straight to FEA because I didn’t get a FP+, then probably Mexico and/or China. Lunch as soon as the F&W booths open then head back to Future World. FP+: Mission:Space 12:10pm, Spaceship Earth 1:20pm, Soarin’ 2:20pm. Finish the rest of FW including the Welcome Center. Back to WS for dinner from the booths, Eat To The Beat, and Illuminations.
· Breakfast: in the room
· Lunch: F&W booths
· Dinner: F&W booths

Sep 15: MAGIC KINGDOM. Rope Drop. Buzz Lightyear 11:00am, Space Mountain 12:20pm, Peter Pan 2:15pm. Will definitely catch Wishes and may watch the parades and flag retreat.
· Breakfast: in the room
· Lunch: Liberty Tree Tavern
· Dinner: Skipper Canteen

Sep 16: ANIMAL KINGDOM. Start at MK then move to AK around 1pm. I’ll try to make the morning EMH @ MK but won’t stress it. FP+: Space Mountain 10:15am, Buzz Lightyear 11:20am, 7DMT 12:25pm. I don’t really need FP+ at AK but if there are any available once I finish 7DMT I’ll try to get them. I really want to do EE at night, hence why I am going to AK later in the day. If they have nighttime entertainment by then I’ll watch it.
· Breakfast: in the room
· Lunch: to be determined @ MK
· Dinner: Restaurantasaurus

Sep 17: HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS. Start at Epcot then move to DHS around noon. FP+: TSMM 1:00pm, Frozen Sing Along 2:30pm, ToT 3:10pm. Will DEFINITELY catch the Star Wars Fireworks, I’ve seen Fantasmic plenty of times so I don’t mind missing it.
· Breakfast: in the room
· Lunch: F&W booths
· Dinner: to be determined @ DHS

Sep 18: RESORT HOPPING DAY. I’ve never done this so I’d love to scope out at least a couple Mods and Deluxes.

• Alternate Plan #1: go to MNSSHP. Pros: I’ve never been, tickets are much more reasonable with the military discount, and I love love LOVE Hocus Pocus and would like to see the show. Cons: I’m not sure how much I’d like going to a party alone, I could spend the money on souvenirs or snacks instead, I will probably be pretty worn out from the previous 6 days and this might be overkill.
• Alternate Plan #2: a third day at the dark side and move the meal plans to tomorrow

· Breakfast: Capt Cook’s
· Lunch: Sanaa
· Dinner: to be determined

Sep 19: DEPARTURE DAY. Spend the morning/early afternoon at Disney Springs. Flight is in the evening, so I’ll catch DME mid-afternoon.
· Breakfast: something in Disney Springs
· Lunch: something in Disney Springs


Questions:
· Are they still opening FEA at 9am?? This is critical to my plan and I haven't found a clear answer online.
· I want to grab some Tonga Toast at Capt Cook’s. If I stop at Kona Café first will they sell me a to-go cup of the strawberry compote?
· What is the cheapest way to get from Disney to Universal? I can’t seem to find anything cheaper than $35 round trip. I already posted this question in a different thread but am still looking for ideas.
· Restaurant suggestions for the meals I haven’t planned yet?
· Should I go to MNSSHP given my pro/con list???

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

 

[OatsZoo]

MNSSHP is so much fun, the characters that are normally hard to find, Queen of Hearts, the Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, all the evil queens, etc. The parade is amazing, Stitch's dance party is fun. It is definitely a you must do once in your life time thing for every Disney fan. I would suggest it for sure.

I am planning a solo trip but not sure about doing table service alone, I plan on doing Quick Service so I can not comment on your meal plans.

 

[intricatejewel]

I think your plan sounds solid. I follow Josh on easywdw and he recommends an earlier rope drop time at Epcot for those planning to ride FEA first thing. The sheer amount of people with similar plans are astounding and he suggested showing up around 7:45am to keep your wait time within 30 minutes to get on the ride.
I also think you should give MNSSHP a chance because it's a blast, even solo! I have an upcoming solo trip planned in October and plan on hitting up US/IoA, WDW and MNSSHP, so our itineraries are very similar.
As for the cheapest way to travel to the dark side, I recommend Uber. That's what I plan to use. Depending on what resort you're staying at and the distance from your resort to Universal will determine your cost. Traveling from AoA to Universal will set me back $10-15 each way, but it's way cheaper than a taxi or a rental. Have a great trip! Ooh, and let me know how Skipper Canteen and Sanaa was. I also have reservations for both and I'm looking forward to eating there.

 

[damskipi13]

Thank you both!

As for the cheapest way to travel to the dark side, I recommend Uber. That's what I plan to use. Depending on what resort you're staying at and the distance from your resort to Universal will determine your cost. Traveling from AoA to Universal will set me back $10-15 each way, but it's way cheaper than a taxi or a rental. Have a great trip! Ooh, and let me know how Skipper Canteen and Sanaa was. I also have reservations for both and I'm looking forward to eating there.

I've been going on the Uber app at the times I expect to travel (approx 8am and 9pm) and I'm seeing quotes in the $15-$17 range going from Pop Century to Universal, more if I travel at busier times. Is it actually cheaper than that? That would be great!

If I remember, I'll put up a TR. There will be lots of dining reviews in there! I also plan to post on the Disney Food Pictures thread.

 

[silly4mickey]

I took my first solo trip last year. It was awesome. I had so much fun and meet so many people. And it was stress free. I didn't have to ask someone what they wanted to do. I could just go do it. I would highly recommend a solo trip. I'm planning my next solo trip to DW Sept. 2017. Hope you enjoy your solo trip.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

I think your plan sounds solid. I follow Josh on easywdw and he recommends an earlier rope drop time at Epcot for those planning to ride FEA first thing. The sheer amount of people with similar plans are astounding and he suggested showing up around 7:45am to keep your wait time within 30 minutes to get on the ride.

Then the recommendation is to wait at the Epcot main entrance from 7:45 to 9:00AM, and then wait another approximately 30 minutes in line for FEA? Total wait time around 1 hour and 45 minutes?

 

[intricatejewel]

Then the recommendation is to wait at the Epcot main entrance from 7:45 to 9:00AM, and then wait another approximately 30 minutes in line for FEA? Total wait time around 1 hour and 45 minutes?

Typically, the parks let you in at 8:45am, so there is that head start. But, yes, a terribly long wait for one ride. Whether or not it's worth it is up to the individual. Here's his most recent post about FEA http://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/fr...016-wait-times-at-epcot-and-how-to-wait-less/
Looking at all those people there for rope drop and to ride FEA is mind boggling.

 

[rangerxenos]

I took my first solo trip last year. It was awesome. I had so much fun and meet so many people. And it was stress free. I didn't have to ask someone what they wanted to do. I could just go do it. I would highly recommend a solo trip. I'm planning my next solo trip to DW Sept. 2017. Hope you enjoy your solo trip.

THIS! I also did my first solo trip last year, and it was awesome to do what I wanted to when I wanted. Hoping to do another solo trip, maybe next year.

 

[kwdw]

Hello all! This is my plan for my trip starting next week. Does anybody have any thoughts or suggestions? I also have some questions that I would like answers to if anybody has any ideas. Thanks!

OKAY - I have feedback throughout - so read carefully!

Notes:
· This is my first solo trip, which is both exciting and a little scary. I like my alone time but this is a LOT of alone time.

You have a great plan overall - it will be awesome!
·

· I have a 3 day park hopper at Universal Studios and a 4 day park hopper at WDW.

I'm JEALOUS!

Sep 13: DARK SIDE Day 2.
· Breakfast: in the room
· Lunch: to be determined (Margaritaville?)
· Dinner: Citywalk (Cowfish or Toothsome)

Eat LUNCH at the Three Broomsticks. THe two HP restaurants are quite different!

Sep 14: EPCOT. Be at park ~ 8:15am. Head straight to FEA because I didn’t get a FP+, then probably Mexico and/or China. Lunch as soon as the F&W booths open then head back to Future World. FP+: Mission:Space 12:10pm, Spaceship Earth 1:20pm, Soarin’ 2:20pm. Finish the rest of FW including the Welcome Center. Back to WS for dinner from the booths, Eat To The Beat, and Illuminations.
· Breakfast: in the room
· Lunch: F&W booths
· Dinner: F&W booths

YOu are going to have time to kill before the F&W booths open for lunch. You might try FEA, then back to TT, and see if the line is long for Mission Space - then back to booths close to Future World for lunch?

Sep 15: MAGIC KINGDOM. Rope Drop. Buzz Lightyear 11:00am, Space Mountain 12:20pm, Peter Pan 2:15pm. Will definitely catch Wishes and may watch the parades and flag retreat.
· Breakfast: in the room
· Lunch: Liberty Tree Tavern
· Dinner: Skipper Canteen

Awesome plan. Though - you probably don't NEED the FP for Buzz - and I probably pcik one up for something else instead. 7DMT, BTMRR, or Pirates.

Sep 16: ANIMAL KINGDOM. Start at MK then move to AK around 1pm. I’ll try to make the morning EMH @ MK but won’t stress it. FP+: Space Mountain 10:15am, Buzz Lightyear 11:20am, 7DMT 12:25pm. I don’t really need FP+ at AK but if there are any available once I finish 7DMT I’ll try to get them. I really want to do EE at night, hence why I am going to AK later in the day. If they have nighttime entertainment by then I’ll watch it.
· Breakfast: in the room
· Lunch: to be determined @ MK
· Dinner: Restaurantasaurus

Lunch - the "food court" area in Africa has some interesting choices. I'd probably re-do this day - given that I personally love to head over to see the Two AKL hotels - and eat lunch at Sanaa. BUT - your plan works fine.

Sep 17: HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS. Start at Epcot then move to DHS around noon. FP+: TSMM 1:00pm, Frozen Sing Along 2:30pm, ToT 3:10pm. Will DEFINITELY catch the Star Wars Fireworks, I’ve seen Fantasmic plenty of times so I don’t mind missing it.
· Breakfast: in the room
· Lunch: F&W booths
· Dinner: to be determined @ DHS

I'm beat by this day - I'd sleep late - do an early lunch at HS - then proceed with your plan.

Sep 18: RESORT HOPPING DAY. I’ve never done this so I’d love to scope out at least a couple Mods and Deluxes.

• Alternate Plan #1: go to MNSSHP. Pros: I’ve never been, tickets are much more reasonable with the military discount, and I love love LOVE Hocus Pocus and would like to see the show. Cons: I’m not sure how much I’d like going to a party alone, I could spend the money on souvenirs or snacks instead, I will probably be pretty worn out from the previous 6 days and this might be overkill.
• Alternate Plan #2: a third day at the dark side and move the meal plans to tomorrow

· Breakfast: Capt Cook’s
· Lunch: Sanaa
· Dinner: to be determined

I would have hit the two AKL places morning before AK - lots of driving to first too many resorts in a day. MAybe lunch/breakfast at one of the monorail resorts (Kona breaksfast instead?) - or Fort Wilderness instead.

I LOVE the MNSSP - and really - it's fine to do this solo. There is SO much to do at a party - the time flies.



Sep 19: DEPARTURE DAY. Spend the morning/early afternoon at Disney Springs. Flight is in the evening, so I’ll catch DME mid-afternoon.
· Breakfast: something in Disney Springs
· Lunch: something in Disney Springs


Questions:
· Are they still opening FEA at 9am?? This is critical to my plan and I haven't found a clear answer online.
· I want to grab some Tonga Toast at Capt Cook’s. If I stop at Kona Café first will they sell me a to-go cup of the strawberry compote?
· What is the cheapest way to get from Disney to Universal? I can’t seem to find anything cheaper than $35 round trip. I already posted this question in a different thread but am still looking for ideas.
· Restaurant suggestions for the meals I haven’t planned yet?
· Should I go to MNSSHP given my pro/con list???


Disney to Universal - without a car and solo - Mears shuttle. Unless you want to Uber.
MNSSHP - DEFINTELY a thumbs UP!!!

I really love your trip - wish it were mine!!!!!




THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

 

[zachlight]

Great plan. I've got the exact same plans for Sunday and Monday. We're taking an Uber to Universal Monday morning around 8am from Pop Century, easily the cheapest way to get between the parks. The Uber will be as cheap as $11 to $13 if you have a driver that doesn't "accidentally" get off an exit early/late.

 

[damskipi13]

Then the recommendation is to wait at the Epcot main entrance from 7:45 to 9:00AM, and then wait another approximately 30 minutes in line for FEA? Total wait time around 1 hour and 45 minutes?

Typically, the parks let you in at 8:45am, so there is that head start. But, yes, a terribly long wait for one ride. Whether or not it's worth it is up to the individual. Here's his most recent post about FEA http://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/fr...016-wait-times-at-epcot-and-how-to-wait-less/
Looking at all those people there for rope drop and to ride FEA is mind boggling.

Yikes. Maybe I'll just risk the 45-90 min midday wait. But thanks for the info. I hadn't really considered adding the wait for park opening in the total time. That does make it a significantly less appealing plan.

Great plan. I've got the exact same plans for Sunday and Monday. We're taking an Uber to Universal Monday morning around 8am from Pop Century, easily the cheapest way to get between the parks. The Uber will be as cheap as $11 to $13 if you have a driver that doesn't "accidentally" get off an exit early/late.

Good to hear! That'll be my plan, then.