First time to the parks, will it even be worth the money?

[MickeyD]

Hi all, I usually post on the cruise boards because that is really all we have ever done. This year we got a free week at Sabal Palms at the Marriott World Center through our MVC ownership, so thought we might include a day or two at DW. It is just dh and I. We are thinking only Epcot and AK. Not sure if it will be worth it with all the FP+ that we are not eligible for until we get to the park and the fact that neither of us are real excited about many of the rides.
Is it worth $250 a piece for a 4 day pass if we only want to wander the parks? Can you see enough? I am sure there will be a few rides we want to do like Soarin and Kilamanjaro Safari, but I am not sure there are any others that would be worth waiting in line for hours for?
I feel so underplanned here because when we cruise, I have it planned to a "T." Now I feel lost.
By the way, we will be there the first week of February so my planning time is running short.
What else should I be looking at and doing?

Thanks,
Lisa

 

[btk2333]

Hi all, I usually post on the cruise boards because that is really all we have ever done. This year we got a free week at Sabal Palms at the Marriott World Center through our MVC ownership, so thought we might include a day or two at DW. It is just dh and I. We are thinking only Epcot and AK. Not sure if it will be worth it with all the FP+ that we are not eligible for until we get to the park and the fact that neither of us are real excited about many of the rides.
Is it worth $250 a piece for a 4 day pass if we only want to wander the parks? Can you see enough? I am sure there will be a few rides we want to do like Soarin and Kilamanjaro Safari, but I am not sure there are any others that would be worth waiting in line for hours for?
I feel so underplanned here because when we cruise, I have it planned to a "T." Now I feel lost.
By the way, we will be there the first week of February so my planning time is running short.
What else should I be looking at and doing?

Thanks,
Lisa

I'm a little confused- why are you buying a four day pass for two days at the parks? Are you planning on spending two days or four days at the parks? Makes a big difference on my answers! Personally, we are not big fans of DAK- I would probably prefer to do MK and EPCOT if I only had two days. Lines the first week of February will be short (we'll be there too! Jan 31-Feb 4) but Soarin', Test Track will likely still have 60 minute waits most of the day

At EPCOT there is plenty to do that does not require FP+ or legacy FP, especially in World Showcase (you could spend an entire day just walking around and eating and enjoying the countries- it's one of our favorite things to do at the parks!)

At MK there are plenty of attractions so you will likely be able to get three good FP+ when you get to the park that morning (just conjecture but likely). Additionally, there is plenty of atmosphere and in February lines should be short

We are not big DAK fans- just don't get into the animal thing much. For us DAK is just a half day park and then we hop somewhere else

 

[suemom2kay]

Hi all, I usually post on the cruise boards because that is really all we have ever done. This year we got a free week at Sabal Palms at the Marriott World Center through our MVC ownership, so thought we might include a day or two at DW. It is just dh and I. We are thinking only Epcot and AK. Not sure if it will be worth it with all the FP+ that we are not eligible for until we get to the park and the fact that neither of us are real excited about many of the rides.
Is it worth $250 a piece for a 4 day pass if we only want to wander the parks? Can you see enough? I am sure there will be a few rides we want to do like Soarin and Kilamanjaro Safari, but I am not sure there are any others that would be worth waiting in line for hours for?
I feel so underplanned here because when we cruise, I have it planned to a "T." Now I feel lost.
By the way, we will be there the first week of February so my planning time is running short.
What else should I be looking at and doing?

Thanks,
Lisa

Couple questions for clarification... you said you wanted 2 days in the park but were thinking of buying 4 day passes. A 2 day pass for 2 adults is $392 on the website.

If you get to the parks 30 minutes prior to opening you can go on the rides without waiting in long lines. FP+ gives you 3 passes/day, you can use them in the afternoon as the lines build. I suggest you visit easywdw.com and look at Josh's cheat sheets for the parks.

As for other attractions, here are my suggestions:

Animal Kingodom:

Expedition Everest (mild coaster, no loops, but does have a backward section in the dark). Very fun if you like coasters.
Flights of Wonder - Very entertaining bird show. The birds are beautiful and are all rescues if I remember correctly.

Finding Nemo Show - if you like finding nemo this is a cute show.

Dinosuaur for a very loud and bumpy ride (not all that pleasant really but I like it!)

Epcot:

Soarin' as you already mentioned.

Test Track is pretty fun.

Maelstrom in Norway and Three Caballeros in Mexico are fun Boat Rides.

Of course the countries are fun to visit and they have staff from the respective countries there happy to share their culture with you and answer any questions. Lots of unique shops to visit.

Also there are street performers, you can such as WDW players in UK, Ziti Sisters in Italy, Sergio in Italy, Serveur Amusant in France, Chinese Acrobats in China, I think the rock band is still in Canada, grown man rockin' it out in kilts is fun to see.

Attractions in Orlando are expensive. 2 days at any are going to run you the same. I think it is worth it esp. if you are a Disney fan.

Have a great vacation.

 

[DakotaRose]

Going in early February, you shouldn't be waiting hours for anything! It's a low crowd time of year except for holidays. Get to the parks before they open and you might be pleasantly surprised how much you can experience before lunch time each day. If you aren't enthused about rides, there are several stage shows and music/entertainment acts, too. I'm not trying to sell you on it. But I think for $500 - just try it. If you don't like it, it's not a life-changing costly mistake. Here's another way to look at it. DH and I have tickets to an upcoming theater show in Chicago that are +$100 each. Those aren't the expensive seats either, and that's for about three hours of entertainment. You can get four full days and evenings for $500.

 

[PictureJumpr]

If you enjoy the magic aboard a Disney cruise, you will probably enjoy the magic at the parks.

For the first week of February, it probably matters not at all that you cannot book advance FP... that is one of the lowest-attended times of year anyway. Soarin will probably be an hour at the peak (mid-day), but will be less at the beginning or end - we've often walked into the queue at two minutes before closing time, and been flying over California in 10 minutes or so. Kilimanjaro will be even less of an issue - right this minute, for example, the wait time reported is 15 minutes. At noon. Everest also 15 minutes. The last three or four times we went to Animal Kingdom, we only ever pulled fastpasses for Dinosaur anyway - we use the single-rider line at Everest and just don't really have a problem with Safari.

 

[MickeyD]

Well I was told via the concierge that they only sell 3 day passes and up. The four day pass was actually cheaper per day, so being the cheapskate I am, was thinking along those lines.
I wondered about AK being a snooze, but I love animals, just not sure I am willing to spend so much $$ to see them!
So if we go with four day passes, and plan any of the parks...what would you suggest then? These aren't park hoppers so can't hop anywhere.
Also, I am thinking we are allowed to use any of the transportation within the DW complex? So does that open up other things to do if we park in one lot and then use the system to go other places? (hope that makes sense?)
Planning for the World is much harder than planning for a cruise!

 

[disrunner13]

If it is just you two I definitely think you guys can wander the parks in two days. If you only want to see Epcot and Animal Kingdom, I would just suggest a base 2-day pass and choose one day for AK and one day for Epcot. I don't forsee the first week of February being very busy, so I don't think the wait times will be that bad. DH and I were there last year for the marathon weekend and even that wasn't terrible.Popular rides (like Soarin') were definitely busy, however the parks themselves didn't seem as crazy as in June or July.

I suggest getting there right at opening, and go straight to the ride (Kilimanjaro in AK and Soarin' in Epcot) and either do the ride if the wait times are not bad yet or grab a fast pass (or do both ) The rest of the rides in Epcot and AK won't have long waits, except maybe Expedition Everest.

Hope I was some help!

 

[disrunner13]

If you buy the tickets from Disney direct, you can get 2 day tickets.

 

[MickeyD]

Couple questions for clarification... you said you wanted 2 days in the park but were thinking of buying 4 day passes. A 2 day pass for 2 adults is $392 on the website.

If you get to the parks 30 minutes prior to opening you can go on the rides without waiting in long lines. FP+ gives you 3 passes/day, you can use them in the afternoon as the lines build. I suggest you visit easywdw.com and look at Josh's cheat sheets for the parks.

As for other attractions, here are my suggestions:

Animal Kingodom:

Expedition Everest (mild coaster, no loops, but does have a backward section in the dark). Very fun if you like coasters.
Flights of Wonder - Very entertaining bird show. The birds are beautiful and are all rescues if I remember correctly.

Finding Nemo Show - if you like finding nemo this is a cute show.

Dinosuaur for a very loud and bumpy ride (not all that pleasant really but I like it!)

Epcot:

Soarin' as you already mentioned.

Test Track is pretty fun.

Maelstrom in Norway and Three Caballeros in Mexico are fun Boat Rides.

Of course the countries are fun to visit and they have staff from the respective countries there happy to share their culture with you and answer any questions. Lots of unique shops to visit.

Also there are street performers, you can such as WDW players in UK, Ziti Sisters in Italy, Sergio in Italy, Serveur Amusant in France, Chinese Acrobats in China, I think the rock band is still in Canada, grown man rockin' it out in kilts is fun to see.

Attractions in Orlando are expensive. 2 days at any are going to run you the same. I think it is worth it esp. if you are a Disney fan.

Have a great vacation.

Hmm, I have down via Marriott that a 4 day pass is $274.18pp? I guess I better check I wrote that down right.
I did look at easywdw and it is a great site, but it is confusing more on which parks we will want to go to.
We arrive late on a Friday and Sunday is Superbowl, so not sure we will even hit the parks til Monday. Maybe a little on Sunday, but I know dh will be glued to the set if his Broncos get in.

Thank you for the added suggestions, I like those ideas.

 

[suemom2kay]

Well I was told via the concierge that they only sell 3 day passes and up. The four day pass was actually cheaper per day, so being the cheapskate I am, was thinking along those lines.
I wondered about AK being a snooze, but I love animals, just not sure I am willing to spend so much $$ to see them!
So if we go with four day passes, and plan any of the parks...what would you suggest then? These aren't park hoppers so can't hop anywhere.
Also, I am thinking we are allowed to use any of the transportation within the DW complex? So does that open up other things to do if we park in one lot and then use the system to go other places? (hope that makes sense?)
Planning for the World is much harder than planning for a cruise!

When you say concierge, I assume you mean Marriott concierge. Perhaps they only have access to 3 day or greater pass but on the Disney website you can even buy a 1 day pass.

If you like animals than you can also do the "trails" at AK. The only thing that separated me from a tiger was the thickness of the glass. I was next to one of his keepers and he recognized her so came right up to the glass to "see" her. Great experience for me.

There are also gorillas and bats. I enjoyed the animal exhibits there. AK is not a snooze, but it is not a theme park like any other you experienced.

We love to spend the morning in AK and have a late lunch (around 2 or 3) at Sanaa on AKL's savannah.

You can park at one park and use transportation to another if you would like. However, you may just find that a bit much on your first visit. If you are going to do 4 days then I would just do 1 park per day.

Have a great time!

 

[MickeyD]

If it is just you two I definitely think you guys can wander the parks in two days. If you only want to see Epcot and Animal Kingdom, I would just suggest a base 2-day pass and choose one day for AK and one day for Epcot. I don't forsee the first week of February being very busy, so I don't think the wait times will be that bad. DH and I were there last year for the marathon weekend and even that wasn't terrible.Popular rides (like Soarin') were definitely busy, however the parks themselves didn't seem as crazy as in June or July.

I suggest getting there right at opening, and go straight to the ride (Kilimanjaro in AK and Soarin' in Epcot) and either do the ride if the wait times are not bad yet or grab a fast pass (or do both ) The rest of the rides in Epcot and AK won't have long waits, except maybe Expedition Everest.

Hope I was some help!

That helps. Thank you. Do you know how long it takes to get tickets from Disney direct? Not sure I have time?

 

[KatieCharlotte]

Hi all, I usually post on the cruise boards because that is really all we have ever done. This year we got a free week at Sabal Palms at the Marriott World Center through our MVC ownership, so thought we might include a day or two at DW. It is just dh and I. We are thinking only Epcot and AK. Not sure if it will be worth it with all the FP+ that we are not eligible for until we get to the park and the fact that neither of us are real excited about many of the rides.
Is it worth $250 a piece for a 4 day pass if we only want to wander the parks? Can you see enough? I am sure there will be a few rides we want to do like Soarin and Kilamanjaro Safari, but I am not sure there are any others that would be worth waiting in line for hours for?
I feel so underplanned here because when we cruise, I have it planned to a "T." Now I feel lost.
By the way, we will be there the first week of February so my planning time is running short.
What else should I be looking at and doing?

Thanks,
Lisa

You will be there during a less busy time, so the lines won't be as bad. Don't let the Christmas/Easter week stories scare you. The lines are also shorter when the park opens, late at night (especially if it's cold in Feb), and during parades and fireworks.

Soarin always has long lines, so I would arrive at Epcot at least a half hour before it opens one day and head right to Soarin. No one knows whether, in the first week of Feb, you will be able to pull a paper fastpass or book a FP+ when you arrive, because Epcot has not yet completely changed over to the new system, but you'll be able to do one or the other if you arrive early in the morning. You will probably like Test Track as well as Soarin -- you can ride one and fastpass the other. Test Track also has a single-rider line, if you don't need to sit together. One of the best parts of Epcot for adults, in my opinion, is wandering through the countries, especially after dark, eating French pastries, and watching Illuminations.

AK will probably only be a half-day park for you, depending on your interest in animals.
I still love the Magic Kingdom as an adult and could easily spend two long days there, but only you know whether you'll feel the same. You have to enjoy feeling like a kid again. Hollywood Studios also has entertaining shows and two thrill rides, which you can use fastpass for. HS also hasn't changed over totally to the new system yet, but you'll have either paper fastpasses or same-day FP+ booking available, and you can get FP+ for both thrill rides. The coaster also has a single rider line.

 

[MickeyD]

You will be there during a less busy time, so the lines won't be as bad. Don't let the Christmas/Easter week stories scare you. The lines are also shorter when the park opens, late at night (especially if it's cold in Feb), and during parades and fireworks.

Soarin always has long lines, so I would arrive at Epcot at least a half hour before it opens one day and head right to Soarin. No one knows whether, in the first week of Feb, you will be able to pull a paper fastpass or book a FP+ when you arrive, because Epcot has not yet completely changed over to the new system, but you'll be able to do one or the other if you arrive early in the morning. You will probably like Test Track as well as Soarin -- you can ride one and fastpass the other. Test Track also has a single-rider line, if you don't need to sit together. One of the best parts of Epcot for adults, in my opinion, is wandering through the countries, especially after dark, eating French pastries, and watching Illuminations.

AK will probably only be a half-day park for you, depending on your interest in animals.
I still love the Magic Kingdom as an adult and could easily spend two long days there, but only you know whether you'll feel the same. You have to enjoy feeling like a kid again. Hollywood Studios also has entertaining shows and two thrill rides, which you can use fastpass for. HS also hasn't changed over totally to the new system yet, but you'll have either paper fastpasses or same-day FP+ booking available, and you can get FP+ for both thrill rides. The coaster also has a single rider line.

Thank you. Ok another question that is probably really stupid (for my little noobie mind), but I see this listed a lot is to arrive a half hour before opening. Um...how can you get in if they haven't opened yet? Or do you just stand in line for a half hour? What advantage do you have? And what is rope drop vs opening?
Sorry to ask so many questions, but I sure appreciate all the replies. You all are so helpful and patient.

 

[summermac]

C/P from the ticket sticky

Ticket Windows and Guest Relations Offices

There are Ticket Windows outside of all four theme parks, both water parks, Disney Quest and Wide World of Sports. The ticket windows for MK are at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). There are Guest Relations Offices (GRO) at all locations where there are ticket windows including inside the four theme parks, at the MK gate (in addition to the one at the TTC), the Epcot International Gateway, and in Downtown Disney.

Every ticket window and GRO can sell any ticket available to the General Public, as well as Florida Residents and DVC Members. Every ticket window and GRO can also upgrade any ticket which can be upgraded, activate any Exchange Card/Voucher, and issue tickets from a reservation or voucher or replace a lost or demagnetized ticket. These capabilities include all tickets up to and including the WDW Premium AP. The only exception to this is the Disney Premier Pass (good at both WDW and DLR) which may only be purchased or upgraded to at a Park outside GRO window or at DTD (Note Epcot at Front Gate only).

In addition to tickets, the GRO will handle Lost & Found, Guest Recovery, and some very complex problems related to lost tickets that cannot be easily resolved. The GRO at the Theme Parks and DTD can also make dining reservations and handle problems related to Resort Reservations.

 

[summermac]

Thank you. Ok another question that is probably really stupid (for my little noobie mind), but I see this listed a lot is to arrive a half hour before opening. Um...how can you get in if they haven't opened yet? Or do you just stand in line for a half hour? What advantage do you have? And what is rope drop vs opening?
Sorry to ask so many questions, but I sure appreciate all the replies. You all are so helpful and patient.

Yes, you stand in line for half an hour. At some parks there is a little good morning show to keep you entertained. In my experience about 15 minutes before the park opens they start letting people in. The ppl are then given instructions on which way to/which CM to follow for what attractions. You make your decision and WALK/brisk walk to that area. Then they "drop the rope" and let you go. (This is all if memory serves me right and could have changed.)

 

[KatieCharlotte]

Thank you. Ok another question that is probably really stupid (for my little noobie mind), but I see this listed a lot is to arrive a half hour before opening. Um...how can you get in if they haven't opened yet? Or do you just stand in line for a half hour? What advantage do you have? And what is rope drop vs opening?
Sorry to ask so many questions, but I sure appreciate all the replies. You all are so helpful and patient.

The parks generally open before the official "opening time," especially Hollywood Studios and Epcot. They're usually open at least fifteen minutes early. Even at MK, you can be through the lines to enter and ready to go when the welcome show ends and the park opens.

Getting there even earlier means you are closer to the front of the pack when everyone heads for the rides, without pushing past people. It's most useful when you want to ride Soarin or Toy Story Mania at DHS without a long wait.

We are usually more relaxed at MK, but I like to get there in time for the welcome show. You also have to keep in mind the time it takes to actually park your car and get to the entrance. For MK, you must take the monorail or ferry from the parking lot.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

C/P from the ticket sticky

Ticket Windows and Guest Relations Offices

There are Ticket Windows outside of all four theme parks, both water parks, Disney Quest and Wide World of Sports. The ticket windows for MK are at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). There are Guest Relations Offices (GRO) at all locations where there are ticket windows including inside the four theme parks, at the MK gate (in addition to the one at the TTC), the Epcot International Gateway, and in Downtown Disney.

Every ticket window and GRO can sell any ticket available to the General Public, as well as Florida Residents and DVC Members. Every ticket window and GRO can also upgrade any ticket which can be upgraded, activate any Exchange Card/Voucher, and issue tickets from a reservation or voucher or replace a lost or demagnetized ticket. These capabilities include all tickets up to and including the WDW Premium AP. The only exception to this is the Disney Premier Pass (good at both WDW and DLR) which may only be purchased or upgraded to at a Park outside GRO window or at DTD (Note Epcot at Front Gate only).

In addition to tickets, the GRO will handle Lost & Found, Guest Recovery, and some very complex problems related to lost tickets that cannot be easily resolved. The GRO at the Theme Parks and DTD can also make dining reservations and handle problems related to Resort Reservations.

Basically, you can buy your tickets at the parks or, possibly more conveniently, at Downtown Disney when you get into town. You can also pay for them online with "will call" delivery and pick them up when you arrive by showing the same credit card.

 

[suemom2kay]

Hmm, I have down via Marriott that a 4 day pass is $274.18pp? I guess I better check I wrote that down right.
I did look at easywdw and it is a great site, but it is confusing more on which parks we will want to go to.
We arrive late on a Friday and Sunday is Superbowl, so not sure we will even hit the parks til Monday. Maybe a little on Sunday, but I know dh will be glued to the set if his Broncos get in.

Thank you for the added suggestions, I like those ideas.

I was quoting you a 2 day price. Mariott is giving you a very good price on a 4 day pass.

To take the confusion out of Easy.... Hit Epcot on Monday and AK on Tuesday. If you hit a park on Sunday, I would suggest strolling the countries in the World Showcase on Sunday night and perhaps have dinner there. Lots of different choices in the WSC.

 

[AThrillingChase]

If you buy the 3 or 4 day pass, I have a suggestion.

If hubby wants to watch the superbowl Sunday night, why not spend the morning/afternoon at AK? It is more of a half day park as others have said. Then Monday at EP. And Tuesday at MK. You can do quite a bit even without advance FP.

At EP just get on soarin and TT early then the other lines are smaller and you will at least get some FP+ options when you arrive. And at MK they have many high capacity rides. Meaning that time of year, you are looking at 10-15 minute waits for a lot of classics like pirates and haunted mansion.

And yes, you could take the transportation/monorail and tour other resorts as well. And even make reservations at their restaurants. EP also has wonderful lunch/dinner restos.

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

As a adult who sometimes travels solo I will say AK is often my favorite park. It has a relaxing, exotic feel, good imagineering, enjoyable shopping and great shows IMO. I really like the street entertainment in this park as well. Just my two cents - I'd make sure to catch the gorillas early in the morning when they are out and about eating breakfast. The single rider line for EE is also a short wait time way to do the attraction, but the queue line is really well done s may be worth it to see it at least once.