FP strategy help HS (am) or MK (pm)

[Lovetherodent]

So, the plan is to hit HS in the am and spend half day. My kids are not little, so Nemo and Frozen, while fun to see last time, simply aren't must-dos (or even do at alls). Afternoon/lunch break back at the resort and then on to MK for late afternoon/evening and evening EMH. Will probably save Fantasyland for another day, so no need for 7DMT or PP FPs.

I am collecting opinions. With just 4 rides we want in HS, get the FPs and hope for more in the afternoon at MK. Or, just figure we can stand in lines in the am (cuz it's only 4 rides), and get the FPs for MK in the afternoon?

 

[rtbreneman]

I would rope drop Hollywood Studios, hit the things you wanted, and schedule your FPs at MK for as early as possible in the afternoon. Use the FP guide on the main page here for prioritizing, and then hope that you can still find decent options at MK for your 4th, 5th, FPs by refreshing like crazy.

 

[mamamelody2]

I would get FPs for HS, then go for 4th+ at MK. Since there's so many FP attractions, I'm sure you can get something. Refresh is your friend.

 

[senadler]

I think it depends what you want to do at HS. If you want to do both RNR and TSM you will probably have to use FP or wait in a long line for one, even if you RD. If you don't want to do both of those I would save them for MK.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Nemo is not at HS just as an FYI.

Personally I'd definitely do HS FP+.
I'd make them for TSMM, Star Tours, and TOT then RD RNRC and TOT.
Its very likely that you'll be able to get a 4th and beyond FP+ at MK in the afternoon/evening.(for the most popular attractions no but for the semi more minor ones that can get an annoyingly long wait you sure can.)

 

[rtbreneman]

Just as a follow-up to my stance (since it seems I'm in the minority): if you get three FP at HS, you are committing to being at HS for around 2 and half hours. Best case scenario your FP are at 9:05, 10:05, and 11:05 if park opens at 9. So the very earliest you can use that last FP is 11. Plus, you can only get one Tier 1 FP there, so you will be waiting in line for one Tier one ride regardless. If you were to rope drop and then hit the other three you wanted, how long would that take you without FP? My guess is you can do all four in three hours, so you may be saving 45 minutes of "waiting" at HS by using your FP there. Compare that to MK in the afternoon, where waiting for one ride like Big Thunder or Haunted Mansion when you could have used a FP might just save you that much. Sure you might be able to get everything you want in the afternoon by refreshing over and over, but I think you are better off guaranteeing yourself 3 "good" rides at MK without waiting in standby.

If you are not planning on rope dropping, then I change my stance and agree with everyone else - use the three at HS and hope for the best options being left at MK.


Whatever you decide, good luck.

 

[Lovetherodent]

Just as a follow-up to my stance (since it seems I'm in the minority): if you get three FP at HS, you are committing to being at HS for around 2 and half hours. Best case scenario your FP are at 9:05, 10:05, and 11:05 if park opens at 9. So the very earliest you can use that last FP is 11. Plus, you can only get one Tier 1 FP there, so you will be waiting in line for one Tier one ride regardless. If you were to rope drop and then hit the other three you wanted, how long would that take you without FP? My guess is you can do all four in three hours, so you may be saving 45 minutes of "waiting" at HS by using your FP there. Compare that to MK in the afternoon, where waiting for one ride like Big Thunder or Haunted Mansion when you could have used a FP might just save you that much. Sure you might be able to get everything you want in the afternoon by refreshing over and over, but I think you are better off guaranteeing yourself 3 "good" rides at MK without waiting in standby.

If you are not planning on rope dropping, then I change my stance and agree with everyone else - use the three at HS and hope for the best options being left at MK.


Whatever you decide, good luck.

That's the crux of the issue. TouringPlans is showing lower wait times, without FP, at HS in the am, but longer wait times afternoon. But, when I check my dates for last year, TP was way off on crowd levels and wait times. Flip a coin, I guess.

 

[melanielll]

If you aren't looking for Mine Train or Peter Pan, you should have no problem getting a good variety of 4th and higher fast passes at MK. Pan and Mine Train do both pop up, but they are harder to come by. If the 4 rides you want to ride at HS are Toy Story, Tower of Terror, Rockin Roller Coaster and Star Tours, I would fast pass three of those (Toy Story and Rockin Roller Coaster are same tier and can't both be fast passed) and start by riding the 4th one at rope drop. Those 4 lines can build quickly. That's how we have done it many times in the past.