Four Parks in One Day: WWYD?

[meremac]

We'll be in WDW for one day in early April, and we plan to hit all four parks. It's me, DH, DS14 and DD12. We go to WDW frequently, so we think it's kind of fun to do all four parks in one day occasionally. We want to see GE at HS, and the kids want to do FoP and EE at AK. Other than that, we'll take what we can get with same-day FP+. Also hoping to score an ADR for Space 200, but that's obviously up in the air. I've got two scenarios in mind and I can't decide which way to go. WWYD?

Scenario 1: RD HS for GE. Head to AK and use our three initial FP there. Then MK. Then end at EP.

Scenario 2: RD AK (MEMH that day). Do FoP and EE. Then do MK (use our three initial FP there). Then EP. End at HS and see as much of GE as we can before park closing (we do NOT need to see any nighttime shows).

Scenario 3: Something I haven't considered?? Open to ideas!

 

[lynzi2004]

We did all 4 parks in September with our 3 kids and had a great time. Now we did have the advantage of the 3 hours of EMHs but we started at HS, took the boat to EP and ate lunch in the world showcase (we were pixie dusted 2FP here), monorailed to MK and had our regular FP and then ended the night at AK with the bioluminescent Pandora and EE. The first ride of the day was the Falcon and the last ride FOP. The skyliner wasn’t opened yet, but this also allowed us to ride all the different transportation options.

I don’t know what your best bet will be as there will be 2 new rides open at HS compared to when we were there. I would go to HS either first or last depending on how early/late the park is open Compared to the other parks. But those final hours won’t be released for another several months.

 

[meremac]

We did all 4 parks in September with our 3 kids and had a great time. Now we did have the advantage of the 3 hours of EMHs but we started at HS, took the boat to EP and ate lunch in the world showcase (we were pixie dusted 2FP here), monorailed to MK and had our regular FP and then ended the night at AK with the bioluminescent Pandora and EE. The first ride of the day was the Falcon and the last ride FOP. The skyliner wasn’t opened yet, but this also allowed us to ride all the different transportation options.

I don’t know what your best bet will be as there will be 2 new rides open at HS compared to when we were there. I would go to HS either first or last depending on how early/late the park is open Compared to the other parks. But those final hours won’t be released for another several months.

How fun!! That sounds like a great day! I think I'd rather use our three advance FP at the second park so we have time to get others later in the day. I know I still have two months before our FP window opens, but I also know that final operating hours won't be released by then. It's kind of frustrating having to play the guessing game! Right now, I'm leaning toward Scenario 2 because that will give us one more hour in the parks with the AK MEMH (although I REALLY hate MEMH as a general rule). Even if they add additional EMH at HS, RotR won't be included so there's no advantage there. I'm HOPING that HS will ultimately stay open until 9pm (right now it's scheduled to close at 8:30pm) and that we can get in line for RotR at around 8:30pm. I know I'll ultimately just have to pick one, go with it, and not look back!

 

[gatorlisa]

When we do 4-parks-1-day, we tend to finish at the park open the latest, when has worked out to be MK. Because transportation between HS/Epcot/MK is easier, we start at AK, then go to HS (where our pre-booked FPs are), then to Epcot, then to MK. We typically bus from AK to HS, boat HS to Epcot (we enjoy the break off our feet), and monorail Epcot to MK (added bonus, no need to go thru security at MK when coming via monorail from Epcot). Has worked very well for us. However, when we do our 4-parks-1-day days, we are fine with riding whatever we can get a FP for or whatever has a short wait. We don't try for super high demand/long wait rides. This strategy may not work well for trying to do FoP and RotR.

 

[Moonlight Graham]

We'll be in WDW for one day in early April, and we plan to hit all four parks. It's me, DH, DS14 and DD12. We go to WDW frequently, so we think it's kind of fun to do all four parks in one day occasionally. We want to see GE at HS, and the kids want to do FoP and EE at AK. Other than that, we'll take what we can get with same-day FP+. Also hoping to score an ADR for Space 200, but that's obviously up in the air. I've got two scenarios in mind and I can't decide which way to go. WWYD?

Scenario 1: RD HS for GE. Head to AK and use our three initial FP there. Then MK. Then end at EP.

Scenario 2: RD AK (MEMH that day). Do FoP and EE. Then do MK (use our three initial FP there). Then EP. End at HS and see as much of GE as we can before park closing (we do NOT need to see any nighttime shows).

Scenario 3: Something I haven't considered?? Open to ideas!

If it were us, here are the things we would consider (note that all of these favor Scenario 2, so that's what we would choose if it were our family, but this is the rationale):

1) Rope-dropping Animal Kingdom on an EMH morning will likely be infinitely more tolerable than rope-dropping Hollywood Studios at regular park opening. If you just want to see Galaxy's Edge and aren't all that concerned about riding either ride, maybe that isn't a definitive consideration, but Galaxy's Edge is also way better at night so there is that. In any event, knocking out FoP and EE would be a breeze during the EMH if you are there comfortably before rope drop.
2) Are you checking in to your resort any earlier than the night before your park day? If not, getting a FP for FoP at 60+1 may prove difficult, which may seriously undermine the efficacy of Scenario 1.
3) If you can't get a FP for FoP then we would rather have 3 FastPasses at MK than at any other park purely from an enjoyment perspective.
4) If you want to ride Rise of the Resistance, and assume that the wait times for that will be generally prohibitive most hours of the day, then I would much rather get in line for that immediately before park close so you aren't burning 2-3 hours of park time on a 4-park day waiting in line. You could do everything else on your list, including experiencing Galaxy's Edge at night which is awesome, and just get in line at the end of the day and the wait time wouldn't cut into any of your other park activities.

That's my 2 cents. Have a fun day whatever you decide.

 

[js]

We did all 4 parks in September with our 3 kids and had a great time. Now we did have the advantage of the 3 hours of EMHs but we started at HS, took the boat to EP and ate lunch in the world showcase (we were pixie dusted 2FP here), monorailed to MK and had our regular FP and then ended the night at AK with the bioluminescent Pandora and EE. The first ride of the day was the Falcon and the last ride FOP. The skyliner wasn’t opened yet, but this also allowed us to ride all the different transportation options.

I don’t know what your best bet will be as there will be 2 new rides open at HS compared to when we were there. I would go to HS either first or last depending on how early/late the park is open Compared to the other parks. But those final hours won’t be released for another several months.

Just wanted to say that I did the same order as you on September 11. I didnt have lunch but rewarded myself with a sundae in a Minnie holder and had the Photopass Photographer take my picture with it on Main Street before heading back to the GFVs to get my mom for AK. I ended in AK but had a FP for FoP and ended in the Lounge right by Pandora (cannot remember name but I love it in there) with a few apps and drinks. I started the day and was waiting at RD in HS by 515 am. It was a long day but at 52, and one or two trips a year to Disney, Im happy to say I finally did it lol

 

[coasternut22]

There is a website called Parkeology that facilitates a four park challenge. Challengers will post their trips on Twitter in real time during the day. In the Challenge results section of the website, they’ve linked to all of the past twitter feeds. Take a look there. You will see all sorts of real life park hopping and FastPass strategies. It’s fascinating and makes me want to do the challenge. Even if you don’t plan on riding every single attraction, it will give you a very good idea on how to plan.

 

[Thecouch]

That parkeology runs a challenge to I think to ride all the big rides at each park and they even try sometimes without using a fastpass. They jump back and forward between parks to

 

[Heather07438]

Take the Skyliner from EP to HS, it counts as a ride

 

[chelynnah]

We'll be in WDW for one day in early April, and we plan to hit all four parks. It's me, DH, DS14 and DD12. We go to WDW frequently, so we think it's kind of fun to do all four parks in one day occasionally. We want to see GE at HS, and the kids want to do FoP and EE at AK. Other than that, we'll take what we can get with same-day FP+. Also hoping to score an ADR for Space 200, but that's obviously up in the air. I've got two scenarios in mind and I can't decide which way to go. WWYD?

Scenario 1: RD HS for GE. Head to AK and use our three initial FP there. Then MK. Then end at EP.

Scenario 2: RD AK (MEMH that day). Do FoP and EE. Then do MK (use our three initial FP there). Then EP. End at HS and see as much of GE as we can before park closing (we do NOT need to see any nighttime shows).

Scenario 3: Something I haven't considered?? Open to ideas!

MK is usually open later so if you’re planning on a full day I’d leave that for last

 

[Thecouch]

Here is list of parkeology list of rides for there challenge. They have a whole list of rules but main one is not allowed to use extra hour ticket like vilians night. Lots of rides. I think most first timers don't complete one day challenge
Magic Kingdom

1. Main Street Vehicles
2. Walt Disney World Railroad
3. Jungle Cruise
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Magic Carpets of Aladdin
6. Splash Mountain
7. Big Thunder Mountain
8. Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island
9. Liberty Belle Riverboat
10. Haunted Mansion
11. It’s a Small World
12. Peter Pan’s Flight
13. Prince Charming Regal Carousel
14. Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
15. Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid
16. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
17. Mad Tea Party
18. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
19. Barnstormer
20. Tomorrowland Speedway
21. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
22. Space Mountain
23. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
24. AstroOrbiter
25. Carousel of Progress

Epcot

1. Spaceship Earth
2. Mission: SPACE
3. Test Track
4. Gran Fiesta Tour
5. Journey Into Imagination
6. Soarin’
7. Living with the Land
8. The Seas with Nemo and Friends
9. Frozen Ever After

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

1. Toy Story Midway Mania
2. Star Tours
3. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
4. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
5. Slinky Dog Dash
6. Alien Swirling Saucers
7. Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

1. Kilimanjaro Safari
2. Wildlife Express
3. Kali River Rapids
4. Expedition Everest
5. Dinosaur
6. Primeval Whirl
7. TriceraTop Spin
8. Flight of Passage
9. Na’vi River Journey

 

[twinmom13]

Have you considered the Ultimate Day of Thrills tour? It hits the major thrill rides at MK, lunch and Soarin at Epcot, and the major rides (minus GE) in HS. It is done by 3:30, leaving you time to visit GE then move on to AK for evening FPs. It’s only on certain days, so it depends on what day you are going, and it’s not cheap, but it might help you accomplish your goals.

 

[meremac]

If it were us, here are the things we would consider (note that all of these favor Scenario 2, so that's what we would choose if it were our family, but this is the rationale):

1) Rope-dropping Animal Kingdom on an EMH morning will likely be infinitely more tolerable than rope-dropping Hollywood Studios at regular park opening. If you just want to see Galaxy's Edge and aren't all that concerned about riding either ride, maybe that isn't a definitive consideration, but Galaxy's Edge is also way better at night so there is that. In any event, knocking out FoP and EE would be a breeze during the EMH if you are there comfortably before rope drop.
2) Are you checking in to your resort any earlier than the night before your park day? If not, getting a FP for FoP at 60+1 may prove difficult, which may seriously undermine the efficacy of Scenario 1.
3) If you can't get a FP for FoP then we would rather have 3 FastPasses at MK than at any other park purely from an enjoyment perspective.
4) If you want to ride Rise of the Resistance, and assume that the wait times for that will be generally prohibitive most hours of the day, then I would much rather get in line for that immediately before park close so you aren't burning 2-3 hours of park time on a 4-park day waiting in line. You could do everything else on your list, including experiencing Galaxy's Edge at night which is awesome, and just get in line at the end of the day and the wait time wouldn't cut into any of your other park activities.

That's my 2 cents. Have a fun day whatever you decide.

I like the way you think. My rationale for Scenario 2 was the exact same. That's what I'm leaning toward!

 

[meremac]

Have you considered the Ultimate Day of Thrills tour? It hits the major thrill rides at MK, lunch and Soarin at Epcot, and the major rides (minus GE) in HS. It is done by 3:30, leaving you time to visit GE then move on to AK for evening FPs. It’s only on certain days, so it depends on what day you are going, and it’s not cheap, but it might help you accomplish your goals.

We have considered that before! Honestly, we don't really care what we ride other than FoP, EE, and at least one of the SWGE attractions. We were just there last week, and we'll probably be back again later in 2020. So this is just for fun.

 

[meremac]

Here is list of parkeology list of rides for there challenge. They have a whole list of rules but main one is not allowed to use extra hour ticket like vilians night. Lots of rides. I think most first timers don't complete one day challenge
Magic Kingdom

1. Main Street Vehicles
2. Walt Disney World Railroad
3. Jungle Cruise
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Magic Carpets of Aladdin
6. Splash Mountain
7. Big Thunder Mountain
8. Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island
9. Liberty Belle Riverboat
10. Haunted Mansion
11. It’s a Small World
12. Peter Pan’s Flight
13. Prince Charming Regal Carousel
14. Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
15. Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid
16. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
17. Mad Tea Party
18. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
19. Barnstormer
20. Tomorrowland Speedway
21. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
22. Space Mountain
23. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
24. AstroOrbiter
25. Carousel of Progress

Epcot

1. Spaceship Earth
2. Mission: SPACE
3. Test Track
4. Gran Fiesta Tour
5. Journey Into Imagination
6. Soarin’
7. Living with the Land
8. The Seas with Nemo and Friends
9. Frozen Ever After

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

1. Toy Story Midway Mania
2. Star Tours
3. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
4. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
5. Slinky Dog Dash
6. Alien Swirling Saucers
7. Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

1. Kilimanjaro Safari
2. Wildlife Express
3. Kali River Rapids
4. Expedition Everest
5. Dinosaur
6. Primeval Whirl
7. TriceraTop Spin
8. Flight of Passage
9. Na’vi River Journey

THIS. IS. AWESOME. I would love to do this someday.

 

[meremac]

Thanks for all of the advice everyone! I think I've come up with a rough plan (as an aside, our park day is our last day of a substantial onsite stay, so I think the MK FP+ are doable):

Park One: Animal Kingdom (MEMH)
* FoP
* EE
* Minnie Van to MK to save time

Park Two: Magic Kingdom
* 7DMT: 9:30am-10:30am (if for some reason we don't make it for this, it won't be the end of the world ~ but I think we should be ok)
* Space: 10:30am-11:30am
* BTMR (or whatever the kids want): 11:30am-12:30pm (try to move up)
* Snack at MK somewhere in there
* Get another FastPass, do an Anytime Attraction, or whatever we have time for. Leave for Epcot by 12:30pm.
* Monorail to Epcot

Park Three: Epcot
Get FP for whatever we can. Thinking we'll be able to get one for either Soarin' or Test Track if we keep refreshing. Start looking for a Studios FP mid-afternoon (anything we get will be a bonus). Catch the new BatB show. Hoping to score a lunch ADR at Space 200 (right now, we have a 3:25pm Rose & Crown, just in case). Skyliner to HS.

Park Four: Studios
If we have a FP to use real quick right when we get there, great. If not, that's fine too. Head to SWGE (thinking it will be around 6pm). Try to ride Smugglers (if not, no big deal). Get in line for RotR right at the end of the night.