First timer - plan

[wayneg]

@Wayneg : the maps are downloaded on a State by State basis. No need to get the whole USA package

Florida maps is 0.17Gb

Thanks for that, I haven't got around to installing yet so thats good to know. I will have my TomTom with me but we are leaving relatives there for a few days after we fly upto Boston, don't see point in buying another TomTom unit for sake of a few days, they won't be going far, this app sounds ideal for what they want.

 

[epcot.girl]

OK so we've updated the below.
Not trying to fill everyday and leaving plenty of space for change. Also pencilled in SW & US on NONE weekend days.

I expect we'll change some parks to fit with EMH and what evening show/fireworks we want to see.

Notes
Pretty sure MK & AK will be our fav's on Disney, can't not go to EP or HS but I think once we done the main rides we'll have done enough for us.
Universal - I expect we'll go 2 days
I'm sure we'll do water park BB or TL on one day.

I'd caution against making any presumptions about which parks you'll love the most. The thing with WDW is that it's not what most people expect it to be (Epcot especially). Don't think of it in terms of 'rides'. There is so much more to all the parks than just the attractions. I'd allow at least a full day each for both Epcot and DHS. Epcot is huge, and it's worth experiencing World Showcase both during the day time and the evening (the atmosphere is completely different). And DHS has quite a few shows that are well worth seeing and that will take longer than just a morning visit (and seeing the whole of Epcot - Future World AND World Showcase - will take at least a full day). Don't forget Fantasmic! at DHS and Illuminations at Epcot (the best two night time shows at WDW IMO).

All that just to say allow more time for Epcot and DHS. I love MK and AK (and I'm very much a Disney freak!) but Epcot and DHS are incredible too.

 

[Laszkowicz]

We certainly won't due regard them but checking the maps I just don't see them attracting our attention as much.

We def wanna see fantasmic and wishes. This is why we've not planned a full itinerary so we can adapt when there.

For example we could ditch a full day at one park and go to Epcot for the night.

Thanks for your input.

Will there be any tolls driving to SW, US, DC or Busch ?

 

[chmurf]

Will there be any tolls driving to SW, US, DC or Busch ?

no toll on those roads.

It's all I4 (wether west for Busch, or east for SW, DC, USO). But be advised that, on the way back from SW, DC it's easy to go in the wrong direction (up on international drive) and end up on 528 which is a toll road.

Look at road maps beforehand and you should be fine

you'll hit a toll road going from the airport to WDW no matter which road you take (north or south roads).
You can also easily hit a toll road if you get the wrong road from Florida Mall back to WDW.
But other than that you're not at risk.
In any event keep some change ($5 in quarters) in the car, just in case you drive onto a toll road, and if you haapen to be on a toll road, pull to the right on the "cash" lanes and pay. Do not use the "sunpass" or "ezpass" lanes if you don't have that option from your rental agency (you don't need this unless you go to the Miami aera)

 

[Laszkowicz]

Thanks Chmurf

I'm a 'planner' & ill be high alert with it being my first time in USA, especially driving. I'll plan route before setting off.

Also I intend to hire from Car care in Disney so not driving too, from airport.

thanks for the tips.

 

[Laszkowicz]

one more thing about car hire.
Do I need a International Driver permit or can I just take my passport, full Uk driver licence & credit card ?

 

[Elise79]

No IDP needed now - they repealed the law brought in January.

 

[chmurf]

oops wrong post

 

[NC Disney Fan]

We certainly won't due regard them but checking the maps I just don't see them attracting our attention as much.

We def wanna see fantasmic and wishes. This is why we've not planned a full itinerary so we can adapt when there.

For example we could ditch a full day at one park and go to Epcot for the night.

Thanks for your input.

Will there be any tolls driving to SW, US, DC or Busch ?

I would watch where GPS is taking you. Last September i was going to the local Publix Supermarket and was not sure I remembered how to get there from Pop Century. I blindly followed the GPS and it led me onto a toll road which was not needed at all. I was so mad and about $1.50 later, ended up at the Publix that was right around the corner. But the truth is, you do NOT need to be on any toll road (I figured that Garmin had some kind of kickback from the State of Florida on that one!). Maybe having a hard copy map or mapquesting all of your destinations prior to leaving wouldn't hurt so you don't get into that trap like I did.

One last thing, I would agree with the poster that stated don't discount the other parks. Oddly, Epcot is our favorite park. That included my young girls who have adored it for years. It is a great experience. Animal Kingdom was nice but in the end, it was a full day at best and even though we had extended magic hours we didn't really have anything to do. We have skipped that park every year since until last year when we visited again. Epcot provides much entertainment, snacking, and the rides Test track and Soarin are the best. We actually spend 2 1/2 days there now every year. It will be interesting to hear your thoughts when you return if you post them.

 

[Laszkowicz]

Thanks NC Disney.