First Time at WDW Since Early 2019...Need Strategies!!

[VolvoManiac850]

It's been a LONG time since I've been to WDW now and I know a LOT has changed with regard to everything. I've tried to read through some of the threads on here (and actually haven't even been on this board in some time) so I want to make sure I got everything right and also ask a few general questions here...

First, I know a bit about the park reservation system. I'm only going to be at WDW for a short time (arriving the night of 7/30, leaving sometime 8/1). I'll be at Grand Floridian and want to enjoy the hotel for all it is worth, so I figure I'll be back there mid-day as I have done for years with summertime trips.

Since it's in walking distance to Magic Kingdom and I want to spend a lot of time there, I'm thinking I only do Magic Kingdom on 7/31 and get there in the morning when it opens. Am I allowed to exit the park around noon and re-enter in the evening? Or is this not allowed/requires a different kind of ticket?

In the past I usually have gotten the "hopper" passes. I don't intend to go to any park other than Magic Kingdom on 7/31. It's got more than enough to keep me occupied for a day while still taking a nice break in the heat of the day. Do I need anything special for re-entry? Do I need to re-book when I leave the park around noon?

I'm planning on rope-dropping Tower of Terror, my favorite ride in all of WDW, at Hollywood Studios on 8/1. I'll have my car so I can get out of GF in a hurry and get over there by 9:00. I know I can hit most of what I want in this park, including the new stuff, within about half a day. I know I'll have to reserve that park for that day. I probably won't re-enter though, as I'll likely leave sometime around 1:00 so I can start heading home.

In general, what kind of tickets and reservations do I need for my particular circumstances? Also, is it worth it to reserve rides? I haven't been there since the old Fast Passes were still being used and I figure they're probably a decent idea for things like Space Mountain, any of the new Star Wars stuff, etc. I'll be there alone, can't remember if there were single rider lines that moved faster, etc.

Also, are dining reservations still made 60 days out? I'm absolutely trying for Cinderella's Royal Table because why not?

 

[scrappinginontario]

We’ve created a thread to help those like you who have been away for a while. You may wish to read this thread.

Answers to above:

1. A park reservation grants you access to that park from open to close, as many times as you wish.

2. Dining reservations are 60 days out from arrival day.

3. You mention ‘rope dropping’ DHS and arriving at 9AM. Those are very different times and there will most likely already be quite a line at ToT by 9AM.

4. If you’re only doing 1 park per day a basic ticket for number of days you wish to go to the parks is what you need.

 

[jlnten17]

I definitely think it is worth the Genie + if you intend to be there a short time. I agree with pp you only need a basic ticket if you have no interest in making it to the other 2 parks.

 

[Skippyboo]

Onsite guests can enter the parks 30 minutes early. So if you are rope dropping HS, if opening is 9am, they will probably let you in at turnstiles at 8am so you can line up for rides which should start at 830. I would buy a paid LL at 7am for Rise of the Resistance just to ensure you get to ride it. It’s a can’t miss ride if you haven’t experienced it before. You can use single ride for Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run , you probably will be put in Engineer position. Rockin Roller Coaster has a single rider but it’s being refurbished so might be still closed

 

[VolvoManiac850]

Thanks everyone!! Glad to know I can save on the hopper passes and that the dining reservation system hasn't changed.

I had to look up what an LL is...I'm pretty much Rip Van Winkle over here. Everything I've heard about Rise of the Resistance makes me feel like that will be a good investment. It sounds like I get to get that early on in the day.

I remember the really old days when you had to rope-drop everything and there weren't even any Fast Passes...somehow that old version of WDW is still engrained in my mind.

I'll read over everything on the linked thread above again just to make sure I have everything down.

Last question--what is good for dining at 9PM-10PM? I'll be at Grand Floridian but technically can go anywhere; as mentioned above, I am driving so I'll have maximum flexibility with getting around.

 

[Skippyboo]

Disney Springs restaurants would still be open that late. Ohana at Poly is open until 10pm.