Help me narrow down “upcharge” events...

[ConnecticutNonna]

What time of year are you going? The summer weather is brutal, and I find it takes a lot out of me. I can't cram as much into one day when it's that hot.

Instead of all the CL FP+ days, have you considered a VIP tour? We did the Day of Thrills tour which covered many of the thrill rides (11 total) in several parks. Maybe do a VIP tour and cancel some CL FP+ days? Just a thought...

I would recommend doing the CL FP+ on your DHS day. With the new Toy Story land, you can easily fit in 6 FP+ that are for high demand rides.

I wouldn't do a dessert party on a day when you have a dinner reservation. I'd book a sit down lunch instead, snack around dinner time and then go t to the dessert party.

The room sounds like it fits the bill if you want to watch fireworks from there. It sounds like you will not be in the room much, so is the CL necessary? Will you be able to take advantage of the food/drinks?

You should visit Epcot. You can easily fill a whole day there.

Understand that you will not see everything in one trip. WDW is so much larger than DL it will blow your mind. WDW is the size of Manhattan. We enjoyed DL when we went there but were amazed at how tiny it is.

WDW is 43 Square miles, it's TWICE the size of Manhattan and is equal to the size of San Francisco! Lol

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

I’m seeing a commonality on here to give up the Ft.Wilderness stuff. But I read such great things about the Return to Sleepy Hallow event. And then I just thought the horse ride would be a nice introduction to the event. It’s only 20 mins. So we need to be there at 7:00pm. So we still have all day for other stuff. Does that change anyone’s opinion? Or is the Sleepy Hallow thing a waste of time?

Do you realize that you can (and should, you're paying a premium for it) enter MK at around 3:50 - 4:00 pm on your party day? You are also allowed to schedule 3 fast passes in that time period with a hard party ticket. So you could conceivably arrange a 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30 pm FP BEFORE the party even begins. I wouldn't wat until 7 pm to show up at the party.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

And you DO get premium seating/viewing for your CL fast passes. You do not lose one of your FPs for it. It's an additional perk and the areas are really good!
I agree you should can the EMM your first day. You're on California time and you will be tired.
If you are using your CL FPs that first day, I would either change or cancel Pirates and Pals, it's really fun, but you do NOT see the cool projections on the castle walls from the water. I would use my CL priority seating for that. The nice thing about having 6 fast passes in one day is you don't have to be at the park at rope drop. You can relax a bit that first day and not be crazy rushed.
We cannot do it all! As much as we try, it's just too big with too many choices.
Relax into it. You've got a fabulous room with late night cordials and desserts to enjoy on your balcony at CR. Take advantage of that!!!
It sounds like a dream trip. Enjoy!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

The Star Wars fireworks are not available for CL reserved viewing. It is Fantasmic that can be booked at HS.

Good to know! OP, in that case, you may want to keep the Star Wars dessert party on the list.

I’m seeing a commonality on here to give up the Ft.Wilderness stuff. But I read such great things about the Return to Sleepy Hallow event. And then I just thought the horse ride would be a nice introduction to the event. It’s only 20 mins. So we need to be there at 7:00pm. So we still have all day for other stuff. Does that change anyone’s opinion? Or is the Sleepy Hallow thing a waste of time?

You will see the Headless Horseman at the start of the MNSSHP parade, so unless you really want to watch a movie in the stable at Ft. W, I would drop the Sleepy Hollow event.

Do you realize that you can (and should, you're paying a premium for it) enter MK at around 3:50 - 4:00 pm on your party day? You are also allowed to schedule 3 fast passes in that time period with a hard party ticket. So you could conceivably arrange a 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30 pm FP BEFORE the party even begins. I wouldn't wat until 7 pm to show up at the party.

I think OP was referring to being at Ft. W for the Sleepy Hollow event at 7 pm?

 

[holden]

WDW is 43 Square miles, it's TWICE the size of Manhattan and is equal to the size of San Francisco! Lol

Yikes! It's Manhattan squared!

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Yikes! It's Manhattan squared!

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

The Star Wars dessert party was by far our favorite! You get to meet Chewy, have great desserts AND savories, and the viewing spot was awesome. You could spread out and be comfortable!
Loved it!
Imho, I would not get a TS meal before it. Maybe a lunch, and then a snack. There's a TON of food.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

@DisneyWishes14
You're correct. I misunderstood that she was going to FW BEFORE the MNSSHP. Thanks for pointing that out!

 

[ministrychick77]

Speaking as a DL vet, MK & HS are so much bigger out there than here (DL & DCA). I did so much more walking, especially at MK.
Did the Star Wars dessert party. The snacks were really good (this reminds me to try to track down the vodka drink recipe I had while I was there), and they had a good balance of sweet & savory. You could also take a drink/snacks with you to watch the fireworks. And unless they changed the viewing area, there are no actual seats. And when we were there, it was pretty cold. It's a pretty cool show though. It's very heavy on videos projected on the buildings, lasers & some pyro. Worth it though. The waits to meet the characters were fairly low, and it was fun.