Going in July; do I need a plan?

[jpeka65844]

WDW vet going to DLR for first time here!!! DH and I and some friends from Folsom and Washington DC will be meeting for a couples trip. We'll be there from June 30-July 5. We're expecting it to be crowded and hot....fine. When it's just the two of use, we're fine with that.

Do we need a plan? We're so used to aggressively planning a WDW trip (what parks/what days/what ADR's/what days) but I'm not feeling a need to be that obsessive about DLR.

Everyone says "go to WDW prepared; do your homework" but is the same true for DLR? Can we go and just wing it?

 

[HydroGuy]

WDW vet going to DLR for first time here!!! DH and I and some friends from Folsom and Washington DC will be meeting for a couples trip. We'll be there from June 30-July 5. We're expecting it to be crowded and hot....fine. When it's just the two of use, we're fine with that.

Do we need a plan? We're so used to aggressively planning a WDW trip (what parks/what days/what ADR's/what days) but I'm not feeling a need to be that obsessive about DLR.

Everyone says "go to WDW prepared; do your homework" but is the same true for DLR? Can we go and just wing it?

Well, you can wing it more than WDW. No real need for ADR's etc. or choosing which park/which day like WDW 6 months in advance. But if you do wing it you will likely miss some things. A little knowledge will go a long way and let you experience much more. Here are some links that may help if you want to get a little more educated.

"Getting The Most Out of a Summer Visit To DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1345319

"A DLR Guide for WDW Vets" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

"Magic Morning (Early Entry) Super Thread" by DLR29 www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1675403

 

[disneedee]

but i am a planner. it is just more enjoyable if you have an idea what is available, what to expect, how to move around the park.

 

[avalon451]

To me, that's like asking, "I'm going scuba diving, do you think I should use bottled air?"

That's a very busy time in the parks, especially around the 4th. Hydroguy already answered your post, and he's the expert-- please read through his whole tips compilation. The ones discussing the differences between WDW and DL will be especially helpful to you. Some of the main points: Get there early, have a plan at least for your morning touring, collect FPs to use later in the day, take a midday break during the worst of the heat and the crowds, then come back in the late afternoon/evening and use your FPs that you collected earlier.

Hope you have a great time exploring Walt's park!

 

[Hound 109]

To me, that's like asking, "I'm going scuba diving, do you think I should use bottled air?"

That's a very busy time in the parks, especially around the 4th. Hydroguy already answered your post, and he's the expert-- please read through his whole tips compilation. The ones discussing the differences between WDW and DL will be especially helpful to you. Some of the main points: Get there early, have a plan at least for your morning touring, collect FPs to use later in the day, take a midday break during the worst of the heat and the crowds, then come back in the late afternoon/evening and use your FPs that you collected earlier.

Hope you have a great time exploring Walt's park!

I agree with the smart scuba diving expert chick from Everett Washington.


Every word.


Have a plan...at least for the first 2-3 hours.....& read HG's tips......& get there early.......& collect 3-5 FPs in the morning for later.......& take a mid day rest......& have fun.

 

[pixiewings71]

You're going to be there over the 4th, it's going to be very busy!!!! Remember that and be sure to use FP and you should be fine. As for making PS (they are priority seating at DL) I'd suggest you make some if you're wanting a sit down meal. IME it's been very difficult and we have been turned away because they are full. You are going peak season over a major holiday, I'd plan ahead.

 

[Funbobbi]

You can definitely wing it. However, I am somewhat of a planner so I like to have a basic plan in place. I generally don't plan as to which days I am going to be at DL or DCA. I do plan beforehand on other activities, (ex: day trips to LA, Universal Studios, San Diego ect...) I also try to plan on meals especially at the DLR restaurants because they are so busy. I would definitely do the Priority Seating depending on where you want to eat because it will be busy. Happy Planning!!

 

[mom2ian]

I think it depends on your personality type too. If you're a planner (like I tend to be), I like to research things/plan things, etc. My dh likes to wing it. On our last trip, we tried it his way. I was surprised to find that I did enjoy myself by not obsessing about stuff like - did we get a fastpass? how many rides can we do in an hour? We spent more time just soaking in the DL atmosphere. We went slower. It was fun.

I went to DL once during the 4th of July week. Boy, it was sure crowded. My advice to you - if you watch the fireworks show, hang around in the park for a few minutes before heading out of the park. There is a mass exodus towards the gates right after the fireworks. I almost felt like I was going to be trampled.

 

[Lakewood]

WDW plan away. D Land I just cruise.... It takes the fun away if you plan everything to a t.