Help me narrow down “upcharge” events...

[MacMama0930]

While our trip is kind of a “go big or go home” kind of trip, I’m feeling like I’m reserving too many upcharge events. This is our families first trip to WDW. We’re CA residents and DL vets.

So far this is what I have...

7 nights in a TPV room at the Poly, CL. As a side note, I booked this room specifically because I wanted to see fireworks from my room AND because I want to take advantage of the CL FP trial program.

Ok, so, Sunday I have EMM booked at MK. I also have Pirates and Pals fireworks cruise that night. Do I book my CL FP this day? At MK or go to a different park?

Monday I was a CL FP day with a morning to AK. I have Tusker's House booked for lunch. I also have HEA Garden View DP booked that. Again, I'm worried about packing too much in with a family that isn't necessarily commando park goers.

Tues. We really only have MNSSHP. Well and character breakfast at the Grand. But I thought this would primarily be a resort day. I'm trying to figure out whether I want to do the DP (if they ever release the reservations!). The fireworks are my favorite part of the HP here at DL so it's high priority. Especially if it comes with parade viewing again this year. But again...another up charge...

Wed. I was thinking would be out HS day which I would use as a CL FP day. We have Sci Fi dinner, no other events, but I wanted to do the Star Wars DP if they were going to release the reservations. I think my family would love the show and I want good viewing!

Thurs. Don't know what park to do, or whether I could fit 6 CL FP into this day?? We have a horse carriage ride at Fort Wilderness followed by the premium seating for Return to Sleep Hallow event.

Fri. We have character breakfast at Crystal Palace booked but I'm not sure I want to do MK again. Because it's relatively similiar to DL, I wanted to focus on parks we don't have here. So I was thinking EPCOT? This is our last night so I wanted to do something special this night.

So...I'm torn because with some of the upcharge events, I'm wondering if I really need to purchase the CL FPs? And also, I booked this room because I wanted to ease of seeing fireworks from our room but I pretty much have every night booked with something....

This is my first time planning for a WDW trip so I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. There's so much to offer, which I love as DL doesn't have these options, but I think I'm trying to fit too much in. Or is it all doable?

HELP ME!

 

[holden]

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.

 

[MacMama0930]

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.

Thank you for the replay. I should mention that I just got back from WDW with my mom last month. It was primarily for a work conference so I hardly got to do and see anything but I did do the Ultimate Night of Adventures tour and the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party. So I have somewhat of an idea of what to expect but my family hasn’t been and I’ve planned for a full fledge vacation like this.

We’re going in October. I really want my kids to see HEA in a good viewing spot but it really only works out for one or two nights of our trip due to the Halloween party and the sleepy hallow event.

 

[SG131]

I was under the impression that along with the extra fastpasses you also get premium seating for the nighttime shows. So the day you have the ak fastpasses you’re giving up a club level viewing at rivers of light to pay for the dessert party at mk. If you do HEA and club level fastpasses all at MK on the same day you could eliminate the need for dessert party.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

And also, I booked this room because I wanted to ease of seeing fireworks from our room but I pretty much have every night booked with something....

From someone who has stayed in that room category a few times, this pretty much sums up what I was thinking reading almost all of your post.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Also, mind if I ask... how many people and ages? Do you need resort/rest time, or can you charge on for much of the day?

 

[MacMama0930]

Also, mind if I ask... how many people and ages? Do you need resort/rest time, or can you charge on for much of the day?

Husband and I and our two kiddos, ages 10 and 7, both of which will require some downtime during the day. Since we are coming from CA, I’m not worried about them hanging tough for the nighttime events but the mornings may rough, at least at first.

 

[MacMama0930]

From someone who has stayed in that room category a few times, this pretty much sums up what I was thinking reading almost all of your post.

So you think chill out on all the nighttime events?

 

[djc9699]

You can do AK CL FP and use your night time viewing for HEA instead of paying for the desert party. We are using our CL FP at HS in the morning and viewing HEA that night.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I would skip the EMM. You have enough days and with the CL FPs, you will be fine. And you don't seem too concerned about having enough MK time

I'm not a fan personally of paying for views of the fireworks or theme parks when you can walk outside and see the same thing in a minute. I'm not familiar with the Poly, but if there is Club Level there without TPV I would do that and save that money

Sounds like you're happy and excited for your DHS day, so I would keep that as is

I think DAK in the morning and HEA at MK at night is fine, especially if you are close by at the Poly. I would drop the HEA party since you have the CL viewing area

I would skip the Pirates and Pals party but that's just me

You should do a day at Epcot if it's your first WDW trip

You can meet Tigger and Pooh in MK for free, so unless someone really likes Eeyore or Piglet, maybe drop Crystal Palace

I would drop the Fort Wilderness stuff. You have a lot going on at night already!

I would think about keeping a whole day completely free in the middle. Your kids (and you) might need a day of downtime. You can always go do stuff if you are up to it but it's nice to have space in the schedule.

Hope this helps!

 

[MacMama0930]

I would skip the EMM. You have enough days and with the CL FPs, you will be fine. And you don't seem too concerned about having enough MK time

I'm not a fan personally of paying for views of the fireworks or theme parks when you can walk outside and see the same thing in a minute. I'm not familiar with the Poly, but if there is Club Level there without TPV I would do that and save that money

Sounds like you're happy and excited for your DHS day, so I would keep that as is

I think DAK in the morning and HEA at MK at night is fine, especially if you are close by at the Poly. I would drop the HEA party since you have the CL viewing area

I would skip the Pirates and Pals party but that's just me

You should do a day at Epcot if it's your first WDW trip

You can meet Tigger and Pooh in MK for free, so unless someone really likes Eeyore or Piglet, maybe drop Crystal Palace

I would drop the Fort Wilderness stuff. You have a lot going on at night already!

I would think about keeping a whole day completely free in the middle. Your kids (and you) might need a day of downtime. You can always go do stuff if you are up to it but it's nice to have space in the schedule.

Hope this helps!

Thank you. That’s all very helpful information.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

While our trip is kind of a “go big or go home” kind of trip, I’m feeling like I’m reserving too many upcharge events. This is our families first trip to WDW. We’re CA residents and DL vets.

So far this is what I have...

7 nights in a TPV room at the Poly, CL. As a side note, I booked this room specifically because I wanted to see fireworks from my room AND because I want to take advantage of the CL FP trial program.

Ok, so, Sunday I have EMM booked at MK. I also have Pirates and Pals fireworks cruise that night. Do I book my CL FP this day? At MK or go to a different park?

Monday I was a CL FP day with a morning to AK. I have Tusker's House booked for lunch. I also have HEA Garden View DP booked that. Again, I'm worried about packing too much in with a family that isn't necessarily commando park goers.

Tues. We really only have MNSSHP. Well and character breakfast at the Grand. But I thought this would primarily be a resort day. I'm trying to figure out whether I want to do the DP (if they ever release the reservations!). The fireworks are my favorite part of the HP here at DL so it's high priority. Especially if it comes with parade viewing again this year. But again...another up charge...

Wed. I was thinking would be out HS day which I would use as a CL FP day. We have Sci Fi dinner, no other events, but I wanted to do the Star Wars DP if they were going to release the reservations. I think my family would love the show and I want good viewing!

Thurs. Don't know what park to do, or whether I could fit 6 CL FP into this day?? We have a horse carriage ride at Fort Wilderness followed by the premium seating for Return to Sleep Hallow event.

Fri. We have character breakfast at Crystal Palace booked but I'm not sure I want to do MK again. Because it's relatively similiar to DL, I wanted to focus on parks we don't have here. So I was thinking EPCOT? This is our last night so I wanted to do something special this night.

So...I'm torn because with some of the upcharge events, I'm wondering if I really need to purchase the CL FPs? And also, I booked this room because I wanted to ease of seeing fireworks from our room but I pretty much have every night booked with something....

This is my first time planning for a WDW trip so I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. There's so much to offer, which I love as DL doesn't have these options, but I think I'm trying to fit too much in. Or is it all doable?

HELP ME!

Sunday - I would consider dropping EMM. Did you say you are coming from CA the night before? If so, that would mean EMM starts at 4 am, your time, on your first morning. Especially if you are doing the extra CL FP+, MNSSHP and you have a 7 and 10 year old. IMHO, you just don't need to ride 7DMT, PP and Winnie the Pooh over and over again at, essentially, 4 am with kids that age. Plus, you've essentially already paid for breakfast in the Poly CL lounge. Honestly, I would also drop Pirates and Pals. If you do MK with the extra CL FP+ that day, you also get premier viewing spots for a nighttime show which could be HEA (or just go back, relax and view the fireworks from your TPV room - grab some desserts in the Poly CL lounge and you've just created your own dessert party).

Monday - AK CL FP+ with Tusker House sounds awesome. Why not just spend this night enjoying your TPV room and the resort? Or, do you have PH? If so, after AK, relax at Poly in the afternoon and use this night to see HEA with premiere viewing.

Tuesday - MNSSHP - you don't need the dessert party. We did the dessert party at MVMCP last year and discovered it was completely unnecessary. We also did MNSSHP without the DP and found great parade spots and, quite easily, found great spots in the hub for the fireworks after the parade. The MNSSHP DP did not come with parade viewing last year, so I wouldn't count on it this year.

Wednesday - again, with the CL FP+, you wouldn't need the Star Wars DP for a good viewing spot as it would come with the CL FP booking.

Thursday - maybe just enjoy the Poly this day and then go to Ft. W in the evening. If you want something more special, consider going to HDDR before your carriage ride if you can fit it in.

Friday - I would definitely go to EP. Get the CL FP+ and see Illuminations with the premiere viewing that comes with the CL FP+. EP is completely different than DL (except for Soarin'), so I wouldn't miss it.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

I have no specific advice for you. Just wanted to say, wow. You are doing more in 1 trip than I have done in 4. I would suggest paring down somewhat though. I find going from scheduled event to scheduled event at Disney exhausting sometimes. I would build in more downtime if you aren't commandos.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a great trip.

 

[MacMama0930]

Sunday - I would consider dropping EMM. Did you say you are coming from CA the night before? If so, that would mean EMM starts at 4 am, your time, on your first morning. Especially if you are doing the extra CL FP+, MNSSHP and you have a 7 and 10 year old. IMHO, you just don't need to ride 7DMT, PP and Winnie the Pooh over and over again at, essentially, 4 am with kids that age. Plus, you've essentially already paid for breakfast in the Poly CL lounge. Honestly, I would also drop Pirates and Pals. If you do MK with the extra CL FP+ that day, you also get premier viewing spots for a nighttime show which could be HEA (or just go back, relax and view the fireworks from your TPV room - grab some desserts in the Poly CL lounge and you've just created your own dessert party).

Monday - AK CL FP+ with Tusker House sounds awesome. Why not just spend this night enjoying your TPV room and the resort? Or, do you have PH? If so, after AK, relax at Poly in the afternoon and use this night to see HEA with premiere viewing.

Tuesday - MNSSHP - you don't need the dessert party. We did the dessert party at MVMCP last year and discovered it was completely unnecessary. We also did MNSSHP without the DP and found great parade spots and, quite easily, found great spots in the hub for the fireworks after the parade. The MNSSHP DP did not come with parade viewing last year, so I wouldn't count on it this year.

Wednesday - again, with the CL FP+, you wouldn't need the Star Wars DP for a good viewing spot as it would come with the CL FP booking.

Thursday - maybe just enjoy the Poly this day and then go to Ft. W in the evening. If you want something more special, consider going to HDDR before your carriage ride if you can fit it in.

Friday - I would definitely go to EP. Get the CL FP+ and see Illuminations with the premiere viewing that comes with the CL FP+. EP is completely different than DL (except for Soarin'), so I wouldn't miss it.

This was super helpful and reminded me that all the upcharges aren’t necessary. I’ll probably look to drop one or two. Thank you! My wallet thanks you!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

@MacMama0930 - @DisneyWishes14 covered a lot of my thoughts almost exactly how I would have said it as well. Really great advice, in my humble opinion.

 

[djc9699]

Wednesday - again, with the CL FP+, you wouldn't need the Star Wars DP for a good viewing spot as it would come with the CL FP booking.

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

 

[ChristineOH]

I would not do EMM. It's really early, and you can ride those rides without it. I would not do Pirates and Pals or the HEA dessert party. Use your club level viewing area privileges to watch from inside the park and your room to watch from outside the park.

Definitely go to Epcot. I personally probably would scratch all of the Ft. Wilderness stuff too, but if that's really your thing, and it's your one and only trip, then go for it.

Or, if you really want to do all of those special events, switch to a regular room. No sense to spend all that money for club level and theme park view if you won't in the room to enjoy it. You'll be just fine without the extra FP.

 

[fhtpdw20]

Whatever you decide make sure you build enough travel time into your plans. It could take an hour or more between locations. Most have multiple ways to travel by boat, monorail, or bus. When I plan, I try to stay in one park for the day to cut the wasted travel time. Also keep in mind that you can only schedule the first three fast passes in one park at a time.

If fireworks are your thing, CAN NOT miss Illuminations at Epcot. It has fireworks, laser lights, fire barges, lighted fountains, torches, and the globe. Not to add another expense but an Illumination Cruise would give you an unobstructed view. The Food and Wine Fest will be going on in October. For the kiddos there are the Kidcot Stations and Remy Scavenger Hunt which they have had the last two years. Animal Kingdom has become a full day park.

The only thing I would do is Hoop Dee Do at Ft. Wilderness (it is very similar to the Grand California so you won't miss much).

I am not sure when you could watch fireworks in your room. All the parks have their "goodnight kiss" around the same time. I would drop Pirates and Pal since they are the same fireworks you have for the HEA dessert Party.

 

[MacMama0930]

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?

 

[MacMama0930]

Whatever you decide make sure you build enough travel time into your plans. It could take an hour or more between locations. Most have multiple ways to travel by boat, monorail, or bus. When I plan, I try to stay in one park for the day to cut the wasted travel time. Also keep in mind that you can only schedule the first three fast passes in one park at a time.

If fireworks are your thing, CAN NOT miss Illuminations at Epcot. It has fireworks, laser lights, fire barges, lighted fountains, torches, and the globe. Not to add another expense but an Illumination Cruise would give you an unobstructed view. The Food and Wine Fest will be going on in October. For the kiddos there are the Kidcot Stations and Remy Scavenger Hunt which they have had the last two years. Animal Kingdom has become a full day park.

The only thing I would do is Hoop Dee Do at Ft. Wilderness (it is very similar to the Grand California so you won't miss much).

I am not sure when you could watch fireworks in your room. All the parks have their "goodnight kiss" around the same time. I would drop Pirates and Pal since they are the same fireworks you have for the HEA dessert Party.

Yes, I spent a lot of time on transportation when I went there for work conference. Didn’t love that aspect. That’s a main reason we’re staying on the monorail loop and I plan on utilizing the Minnie Van services for all other travel.