Haven't been in TEN years...many questions!

[goldcupmom]

It looks like it will work out that DS16(turning 17 on trip), DD14 and I will be able to accompany DH in July. He is going to a conference at the Omni Champions Gate. We get to have fun!!

I LOVE WDW parks and we haven't been in 10 years. Kids prefer the thrills at Universal. So, I really want to go this trip and have many questions.

1. I think we can do 2 days - what is the best price on the 2 day ticket? I can get 2 day hopper thru the conference for $159 and DQ for $25. Is that good?

2. W/ the 2 day, is is 1 park/day, or could we hit highlights in 2 parks each day?

3. Will the crowds be totally horrendous? After FOTL at Universal(staying onsite) kids are spoiled and not good line waiters.

4. Disney Quest is a definite Must - we went there about 2 years ago. I've heard rumors that it is closing. Would it be safe to pre purchase tickets?

5. W/ the 2 day hopper, can you leave and come back later in the evening?

6. Is there any MUST DO thing for a guy turning 17 while we are there? I'm looking for anything SPECIAL in Orlando for him to do.

TIA - I'm sure I'll have more questions!!

 

[Bob P]

Hi Julie,

Here's my take:

2. If you have a park hopper pass you can hit as many parks as you want in one day.

3. Yes, July is VERY crowded. But if you arrive early and use FastPass (new since the last time you were there) you can minimize your waits.

4. DQ has no plans to close. Disney did open DQs in cities around the country some years back and then closed those.

5. With a hopper you can leave any park any time and return to the same park or any other park at any time that same day.


Have fun!

Bob

 

[cuff10126]

If your kids like the thrill rides they should check out Expedition Everest in AK, and Rockin' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror in MGM.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I typed a long response to this and for some reason it wouldn't post.

But here are some of the points I made: Conference tickets can be after 4 tickets - check. Otherwise join the mousesavers.com newsletter and use her link for ticket prices.

I think the parks will be crowded at that time of year. If you must condense to two days, I'd do MGM/Epcot, and AK/MK. I'd eat on the go - all QS - and at off times. Use peak meal times to take advantage of shorter lines. I'd also skip the parade,a dn maybe the fireworks if you want to hitmore rides. I'd stay onsite and use EMH hours. I'd be at the gate before the parks open.
I'd stay until closing. Otherwise, I'd consider just doing two parks. No way will you come close to seeing everything. I'd skip most of the shows, if you're into thrill rides - except maybe the Lion King Show at AK. It's pretty amazing!

If you've only got two days to do four parks, I wouldn't take a break in the afternoon, but that's me. I'd also move as quickly as I could, but I do that anyhow. But yes, that's what a 'hopper' means. The only exception would be if a park filled to capacity.

You could also do a park in the evening of your DQ day. At least we didn't spend an entire day there. Otherwise, maybe consider a concert at HOB for your son (If there is something going on that he'd like - check out their website). A birthday dinner that night a the luau (sp?) show at the Poly. Or maybe Marakesh at Epcot (belly dancer could be fun for a 17 year old!) Also, the rainforest cafe has a cool dessert for a birhtday - the volcano.

Must see items would be EE, Space Mountain, and consider a getting a button from guest services for the day of his birthday (You can request this the day before, on your way out of the park). You could also get him a haircut with funky styling at the barber shop on MS in the MK, but with only two days, this might not be worthwhile.

 

[goldcupmom]

You all are AWESOME!!!

The tickets I can buy thru the conference can be either after 2 pm or the normal hoppers. What is EE?

Is fast pass something you buy, or is it first come in kiosks like Universal?

Also, has anyone been to Orlando Paintball? DS is a big paintball fan.

TIA

 

[Bob P]

Julie, FastPass is free. Here's everything you need to know about it:

http://allearsnet.com/tp/fastpass.htm

Bob

 

[Robo]

What is EE?

Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom.

Newest attraction at WDW.

Thrilling coaster and more.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

The after 2 tickets can be a good deal, and sometimes they will let you ina little before 2, sometimes not. If the conferece attendee wants to join you in the pm's, it might be a good choice, but if the rest of you want to maximize your two days, I'd choose the regular tickets.

 

[ajcolorado]

For two days in July, I would really suggest having a good park "plan of attack".

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World is in book form and has touring plans - I don't know how well these work for Park Hopping on such a short trip. DH is a WDW fanatic and keeps extending the length of our trips to WDW.

We used Tour Guide Mike's (online service, about the same $ as a guidebook)planning suggestions for our trip last June and never waited more than 20 minutes for anything. Most of our waits were much shorter. He's now the corporate sponser for this site and there is a banner with the link for a $3 discount.