Help planning out AK

[disneyboy123]

So deciding to go to AK second week of November with pregnant wife, 16 month old, and the in laws. Haven’t bought tickets yet but when I do it’ll already be within 30 days and all fast passes to FOP are gone. Wife and in laws likely arent able to ride FOP so hoping to enjoy it for them. Is my only option to rope drop? This will likely be the only ride I’ll get to enjoy for me and the rest of the day will be catered to the wife and little one with less intense rides and shows...

 

[SG131]

The other option is going near closing time. Maybe the others start heading back to the room for bedtime while you hop in line if everyone else is ok with that.

 

[disneyboy123]

Unfortunately we will be staying offsite. I haven’t gotten to plan out the rest of the day yet... Baby will be sleeping in the stroller or carrier. Will need to find a good resting spot as I would like to stay at least to see pandora lit up when dark...
If im not mistaken there is no single rider line for FOP? Also child swap still requires to wait in line?

 

[SG131]

Unfortunately we will be staying offsite. I haven’t gotten to plan out the rest of the day yet... Baby will be sleeping in the stroller or carrier. Will need to find a good resting spot as I would like to stay at least to see pandora lit up when dark...
If im not mistaken there is no single rider line for FOP? Also child swap still requires to wait in line?

Correct no single rider line and child swap does require a wait. While you’re waiting you could try refreshing the app over and over to try to get a FOP fastpass. Some people have had some luck with that.

 

[g-dad66]

Either rope drop, or 5 minutes before closing are your best options for shortest waits.

As others have noted, keep refreshing after you complete your pre-booked FPs. A surprise FoP FP could pop up for a party of one.

 

[LSUfan4444]

your best bet is rope drop (arrive to AK at least 1:00 prior to advertised park opening)...not o the way an hour before, like be out of your Uber/car/off the bus, etc and standing in front of security at 7:45 for a 9 am park opening.

Since you're the only one doing FOP what I would do is have the rest of your group arrive later and meet you in the park. Take an uber, taxi, etc by yourself.

They could miss the rope drop insanity, get more sleep then take a more relaxed walk to Pandora and see you when you get off of the ride.

 

[disneyboy123]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m going to have to figure out the logistics of all this...I’m fine waking up early but will need to convince the rest of the family to get to the park by 8am.

My FIL seems interested in riding also. If we wanted to do ride swap at rope drop does that mean while we’re getting our swap tickets people will be passing us getting into the line?
Also, if we get to the park say around 830 and aren’t able to ‘run’ to FOP, what would the typical wait time be by the time we get to the standby line?

And another question, if I was to wait in line is there anything the family can do around to keep busy?

And would the below work? Get a ride swap for FOP, get to point where I get my swap ticket, leave line and go with family to the Navi river journey as I’ll assume the lines won’t be as long at that time, then go back to FOP and use the swap ticket?

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I would Uber extra early by yourself or with FIL so you can be there at least an hour before RD. Then let your wife, MIL and child drive in when they are ready.

Or get in line 5 minutes before closing. If the rest of the family doesn't want to wait they can leave and you can Uber back alone or with FIL.

I know if I were pregnant with a small child these are the two scenarios I would go for if I were in that position. I wouldn't want to get up at zero dark thirty to do a chaotic RD while pregnant and with a toddler for a ride I couldn't even ride. Let me sleep and I'll meet you at 9 am. I MAY be ok hanging out in the evening to watch the tree and see AK at night but it would all depend on how tired I am and if the toddler is behaving.

 

[OB1]

It is common for the gates to already open by 8:30 and people are being held at the bridge into Pandora. Wait times easily exceed 1 hour by this time since all the early arrivers are in line.

While there are things that they could do while you are in line, then you have missed out on that experience.

If you wait for ride swap, you have waited for the majority of the wait time, which really does not solve your issue. The idea to Uber early with FIL is your best way to experience FOP, then enjoy the day with your family.

 

[disneyboy123]

Thanks
Hmmm I guess my choices are limited lol. Maybe I can luck out and get a fast pass...
For ride swap do I need 2 fast passes or just 1?