Frustrated with ride stradegies and fast passes..

[bigsky]

I"m getting very frustrated trying to figure out which ride to go on when...using fast passes...crowds..

We'll only be at the parks for three full days at Thanksgiving time cuz we're going on the cruise afterwards.
Trying to get the most out of my days. Doing EE each day except MK. Will do the after we do AK the same day.

Anyways, I want to hit the main rides, that is the most popular ones. I"m reading about going to this ride first then that one.
Since we've never been there and not sure what to do first, then second.

Any suggestions?? It will be VERY crowded.
We just want to get the most out of our time and have fun. I'm feeling so overwhelmed of trying to figure out things before we leave. I feel like I'm just going to be running around like a chicken with his head cut off...(not a good thing) This is supposed to be fun!!

I'm not going to be running around trying to get it all in, cuz it can't be done! But understanding the fp's would help too.

Should we get fp's for popular rides while the others are in line to go to another popular ride? Can they hold my spot while I go get fp's?? And we can use expired ones too? This is what I've heard. If that's true, why not use them later?

ok..I need help!!!
Get the point?

Laura

 

[afsi3838]

Aw don't worry so much. just keep in mind that this is suppose to be fun. Trust me, last trip i played the fast pass dictator and the boyfriend was about to kill me (even though we finished all of MK in one day!!!). my best advice for you would be to get the passes for the crowded most popular rides. In between waiting times i would go on the less popular rides or get something to eat. Also, there is nothing wrong with waiting in line for one ride while sending someone else to go get a fast pass for another. The fast passes are here to help us not to add difficulty. Just have fun, and tell us about your strategies when you get back. Have fun!

 

[nzdisneymom]

Should we get fp's for popular rides while the others are in line to go to another popular ride? Can they hold my spot while I go get fp's?? And we can use expired ones too? This is what I've heard. If that's true, why not use them later?

Just a couple of comments about fast passes. Yes, you can use them after your "window" has closed, so don't feel like you have to rush back and forth.

We always check the fast pass return time before getting a fast pass - if it is further away than the stand-by time (for example, stand-by line is 20 min, FP return time is 30+ minutes from now), we'll decide if we want to just do stand-by, or get the FP and do something near. For example, we'll do the TTA while waiting for our FP return time for Buzz or Space Mountain. If I recall correctly, you have to wait 45 minutes between getting FPs unless your FP time comes in less time than that.

As for one person going off to get FPs while others wait in line somewhere else, I'll just caution you that you may get lots of *frowns* from people in line behind your party as you make your way through the line, particularly if it isn't a line where it is easy to jump in. It's fine to do that, but just be prepared. FWIW, we usually don't do that because it's not worth the negative feelings from other guests. Just our experience, BTW. However, we will send one person off to get FPs while the rest go to the restroom or stand in line for a meal if we're doing counter service.

Hope this helps.

 

[bigsky]

Well, I feel a little better. Yes, my whole family would kill me if I dicatate everything! As it is, I'm planning EVERYTHING. They have NO idea what I'm planning or anything. THey're just going a long for the ride.

I do want to have fun. The more I've been reading, I was almost dreading it. But I"m sure it will all work out.

I don't think I'll try and get back in line. I'll get my feelings hurt too quickly for it to be worth it.

We'll just play some of this by ear.

Thanks!
Laura

 

[WDWguru]

One absolute KEY thing is to get to the park early! Get there before the scheduled opening time or take advantage of early-entry if you're staying on site. Keep in mind the rides that are "must-dos" and do them first, starting from the one geographically farthest from the opening and working your way forward. You'll be amazed how much you can get done, even during crowded times. I'm continually astonished that no matter the time of year, starting about 10:30 or 11:00 in the morning the crowds dramatically increase. I'm not a big morning person, but at WDW it makes a huge difference. You'll appreciate the less crowded park time much more than the extra few hours sleep.

 

[NCLinda]

Laura, I am right there with you. We are also at the parks for the three days and then doing the same 4 day cruise. I am planning and planning - almost too much.

Would love to discuss and compare strategies with you. Email me at sevenup@topsailnet.net

Linda

 

[georgina]

With only three days at Thanksgiving time, I would probably skip AK altogether. Of course, that's easy for me to say, since we've been there before. I know our first time at WDW, we spent two full days at MK. You didn't say the ages of your family, I guess some of it depends on what they would like to do. Doing AK and MK in one day sounds tough.

 

[disneyjunkie]

If I only had 3 days, I'd give MK and Epcot one day and do MGM and AK the same day. (start with AK so that I could catch Fantasmic)

If you go to MK after AK, the park may be packed and all of the FPs may be gone for the day.

 

[tjmw2727]

Personally I would say - just relax - and have fun enjoying the magic. Instead of trying to do and see everything just have everyone pick one or two things they really want to do or see. Make sure you use fp for those things or arrive early for shows, fantasmic or wishes. Once you hit the "musts" then you can relax more and enjoy the rest.

Don't be in such a rush to ride Dumbo that you miss the sights, smells and sounds of just walking down main street. Don't be in such a hurry that you miss playing around with hook and smee or the talking trash can.

There are lots of ways to plan your day, we always split our day and park hop. Our fav early parks are MK and AK and our fav afternoon night time parks are Epcot and MGM. This trip we will do at least one evening at MK for Spectro and Wishes.

For us a relaxing day enjoying everything we do is much better than a stressed out day where we can say "we did it all but remember almost nothing" KWIM? You can still have a loose plan, make good use of fast pass and wait times without being on commando mode.

Have a wonderful vacation - and just let the magic happen.

TJ

 

[Chicago526]

Get there early! If opening is at 9, be there at 8:30. Try to get an idea of who wants to to what rides. Then organize the rides by probable wait time. For instance if everyone wants to do Space Mtn, then do that first, if only two want to to Splash Mtn, then pull a fast pass for them and ride something else. Just being somewhat organized and having an idea of what everyone wants will give you a leg up on the competition, and make sure everyone gets to do the rides they like most!

By the way, you may want to pick up a copy of the "Unofficial Guide to WDW" They have pre-made tour plans telling you what to do when. I picked up their guide for DL and haven't had a chance to try it, but they put a lot of time and effort into seeing what order of rides works the best for minium waiting and maximum rides, especialy for short visits. This type of plan doesn't work for everyone but it's worth a look.

Have a great trip!

 

[scrump]

It is very overwhelming. I have been to WDW a couple of times, but it's STILL overwhelming sometimes.

I think things will start to click once you get there. You'll get a feel for what to do, and how to gauge the activities and how to hop around, even given your limited schedule. Don't worry and have a LOT of fun!!!

 

[bigsky]

I'm trying to relax. But now rethinking our itinerary. (again) I'm thinking maybe we should do MK first thing in the am, then go over to AK. I still don't want to miss some of the good rides at the MK.
Our kids will be 13 and 15...both birthdays are just before we leave.
I haven't had ANY input as to the planning. So they don't even know what's there since we've never been there. They have a better idea of what's at MK.

I hope we'll still enjoy AK in the afternoon?

We're going to have to go back to MK in the evening though.

Ok..
THanksgiving- Epcot
Friday- MK then AK...MK in evening
SAT. MGM..

What do you guys think??
NOW, the only EE is MGM..
I hear STAY AWAY FROM MK ON thANKSGIVING!!! So should we even attempt it in the am..then go over to AK??

Then Friday do Epcot..
SAT..MGM

Ok people..I"m confused. I thought I had this planned.

Laura~

 

[juliesue]

RELAX!!!!RELAX!!!!

Remember, the point of vacation is to have fun together. Spend the first 10 minutes you are in each park looking at the map and finding out what each person HAS to do. Then work in anything else you can/want to do.

Again, remember the point of vacation is to have fun together. You have to go with the flow and let the magic happen! I have been there many times and believe me, if you let it happen, it will!

 

[bigsky]

I know I need to. I have print outs of the maps so we can figure that out. I think whatever day we go, it will be crowded. Just will try and have a idea of what we want to do, and use our fp's as wisely as possible.

I think that's why I enjoy cruising so much. Less decisions to make.

But I know we'll have a great time!

Laura

 

[avsfan]

You are right in that you can't possibly do it all in 3 days, so don't try. Enjoy the time you have and just hit the must do attractions or the ones you and family really want to do.

Definantly get to the parks early. It always takes longer to get there than you think so whatever time you choose to leave then leave 30 min. earlier.

Take advantage of the early opening for resort guests. That extra hour can make a difference in how many things you get to ride or see.

If it was me, I would plan it like this.
Thursday--Magic Kingdom (early entry day)
Hit all the major rides, attractions, etc. By late afternoon it will be pretty crowded and you should have done most of the must do stuff by then. Hop on the monorail to Epcot. You will still have time to hit some of the major rides and enjoy some of the countries in World Showcase before time for Illuminations (night-time laser and fireworks show)

Friday--Animal Kingdom (early entry day)
You can hit all the major attractions at AK in a half-day. Then head to Epcot to hit all the must do attractions that you missed on Thursday, or even ride them again. Then you can catch Illuminations again at night. Yes, it is good enough to see twice.

Saturday--MGM (early entry day)
Some of the best attractions in all of Disney are here. Must do include Tower of Terror and Rock N Rollercoaster. Toward the end of the day you can choose to stay and see Fantasmic or even head back to Magic Kingdom to ride your favorites again and catch the fireworks show there.

Just my opinion.

FastPass is a must if it is crowded. Very easy to use. Just get a FP for the ride you want. It will give you a return time (usually a one-hour window). While waiting for your return time you can go ride something else, or get something to eat. When you return to use your FP you get in the designated FP line and head right to the front of the line. Keep in mind you can't get another FP until you either use the first one or the ride time on it has expired.

Remember to take some time and just enjoy where you are. We have been to WDW about 7 or 8 times, and some of my best memories are the little things that may go un-noticed if you spend your whole day running from ride to ride. Take time to notice some of the little details Disney has thrown in, they are amazing.

If you have any specific questions I will try to answer for you.

Avsfan

 

[bigsky]

First of all Avsfan, Thank you for making your first post to answer my ?'s!

It looks like a real good plan. The ONLY think I'm concerned about is if I hit Epcot in the afternoons, is it usual for all the fp's to be used up so I can't get them.

Other than that, it looks good. Not sure if we want to spend twice there to watch the fireworks. We're staying at the Dolphin, and can see them from there. Easier not to have to fight the crowds that way.

I do want to see Wishes I know that.

Anyways, thanks for answering me. I really appreciate it.

Laura

 

[tjmw2727]

Hey AVS - awsome advice - perfect planning and if it were me that's what I would do.

OP - the only FP you may miss at Epcot in the afternoon/evening will be Test Track. If there are enough people in your party try using the single rider line. If you have younger riders (but at least 7yo) put them in the middle of the pack. This way you can meet at the exit. This would be the only "bump" in Avs' plan. I always do MK and AK in the morning and Epcot in the evening. If you could tweak a little I would also say you could do most of MGM in the afternoon evening as well. If you were to skip a park this trip as its a bit short IMHO skip AK. Again I would say don't try and do it all - make a list of must do's at each park and then just relax and enjoy.

Don't forget its VACATION, sometimes planning a day at WDW is more complicated (although much more fun) than a day at work - lol.

TJ

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I will chime in with avsfan, do Extra Magic hour. You will be amazed how much you can see in that first hour! Especially at MK. With your kids ages I would guess they would enjoy Space Mountain. During the first hour they can ride 3 or 4 times, later in the day it will have 30 - 40 min waits. As for Epcot, the only FP that is really helpful is Test Track and you can just plan to wait for that one in the afternoon/ evening time. It will likely be open until 9. While you can see the fireworks from the pool (really fun ) you can not hear the story or music, so it is not the same. You'll love the Dolphin by the way.

 

[jann1033]

lots of good ideas already posted, my only suggestion being going to spectro and wishes in MK friday rather than illum. twice...I think there were 2 parades and1wishes so get there before the first parade, ride during it go to wishes and then the second parade.

 

[avsfan]

As far as FP being used up before you get there, only once have I ever seen it so crowded that they were gone and that was on a Sunday night with some special convention in the park. A possibility though.

The good thing about going to Epcot in the afternoon/evening is that the park is open later than the other parks so you can extend your day a little longer that way. This park seems more magical at night than during the day.

I agree with the other poster about the Wishes at MK. From what I hahve read it sounds like something to definantly see. Also, the parades at MK have always seemed more special to me than at the other parks, so plan on checking the schedule so you can see at least one of them. Check the schedule, you may be able to see Wishes at MK and catch the monorail to Epcot for Illuminations. Although you can see part of the fireworks from your hotel, it is not the same as being there. You lose too much.

Also, if you feel too stretched trying to hit all 4 parks, I agree that AK is the one to pass on. At least until 2006 when the new Expedition Everest ride opens! If you go to AK, you can do it quickly hitting the best rides and head to another park. At AK you should hit Kilimanjaro Safari, Dinosaur, It's tough to be a bug, and The Lion King show. Beyond that there is more to do but not what I would consider "must do". If you do AK in the morning hit the Safari ride first. It can get crowded.

Don't forget about Downtown Disney and DisneyQuest. You can head there in the evening after the parks have closed for some shopping, fun at DisneyQuest, or more fun at PleasureIsland.