HELP!! Trip is now causing anxiety

[Minuet888]

Ok here is my trip plan (and that we have booked)
It’s our 20th wedding anniversary and our 15 year old autistic son is Coming too (party of 3)
Staying at: art of animation resort
Flying from LA to Orlando on Sunday May 16th and doing SOME of Disney springs (because it looks huge and rediculous)
Monday May 17th magic kingdom
Tuesday May 18th epcot
Wednesday May 19 Hollywood studios
Thursday May 20 animal kingdom
Friday May 21 Hollywood studios (really trying for ROR ride)
Saturday May 22 universal studios island of adventure
Sunday fly home

I have no food places booked, I have to figure out how different DAS card is (reading about it in the forums doesn’t seem different) I know we are going to be heartbroken if we don’t get ROR. We bought hopper passes but if the parks are at capacity then we can’t hop right? Then I spent that money for nothing???
There seems to be only ONE restaurant at art of animation resort so I can imagine it’s going to be a fight. And no room service.
I have NO clue how getting between parks works (what monorail or bus to take etc)
Since we’re going in May I worry about wearing a mask in humidity as I am vaccinated but have asthma and COPD but will still wear a mask
(In May of 2003 was the last time I went to DW when I took my choir class and the humidity made me so sick)
We got magic bands
Now I just have anxiety.
where do we go in the airport to grab the magic express bus?
can anyone help with anything?

 

[potterfanatic]

Take a deep breath, it’s going to be ok. As of right now you can hop if the park is sold out of reservations but only after 2pm. So hopping doesn’t really help with ROTR right now. You have time to find your reservations if you have the patience to keep checking or if you want to use a reservation finder (touring plans has one for free but you can only do two I believe). I scheduled my trip for 30 days out and have gotten reservations everywhere I wanted except for Beaches and Cream.

For Magical Express you will get a letter usually the week you leave that has all the information about what you need to know, where it’s located, etc. It is also marked in the airport. It may take a few minutes but you’ll find it.

As for only one place to eat in art of animation, It looks like landscape of flavors does mobile orders. So you can make your order on your device and pick it up.

Also, check out the threads around this board.
They are very very helpful for gathering information. I hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[Calee]

OK. Breathe There have been lots of reports that hopping has been just fine, even at busy times. That time in May is not Super Duper high season (post Spring break, pre summer) so I think you will be just fine on hopping.

PRACTICE on the ROR. Read and follow the instructions of folks here. If you don't get it at 7am get in a good outdoor area and try again for the afternoon.

You have a lot planned and a lot of busy days. With your humidity/mask concerns, I would recommend rope dropping and taking a break in the afternoon.

Make some dining reservations. There is still time. Make one for every day and as it gets closer cancel if you change your mind. However, I am guessing you will welcome the break and the air.

 

[Ensusieasm]

Ok here is my trip plan (and that we have booked)
It’s our 20th wedding anniversary and our 15 year old autistic son is Coming too (party of 3)
Staying at: art of animation resort
Flying from LA to Orlando on Sunday May 16th and doing SOME of Disney springs (because it looks huge and rediculous)
Monday May 17th magic kingdom
Tuesday May 18th epcot
Wednesday May 19 Hollywood studios
Thursday May 20 animal kingdom
Friday May 21 Hollywood studios (really trying for ROR ride)
Saturday May 22 universal studios island of adventure
Sunday fly home

I have no food places booked, I have to figure out how different DAS card is (reading about it in the forums doesn’t seem different) I know we are going to be heartbroken if we don’t get ROR. We bought hopper passes but if the parks are at capacity then we can’t hop right? Then I spent that money for nothing???
There seems to be only ONE restaurant at art of animation resort so I can imagine it’s going to be a fight. And no room service.
I have NO clue how getting between parks works (what monorail or bus to take etc)
Since we’re going in May I worry about wearing a mask in humidity as I am vaccinated but have asthma and COPD but will still wear a mask
(In May of 2003 was the last time I went to DW when I took my choir class and the humidity made me so sick)
We got magic bands
Now I just have anxiety.
where do we go in the airport to grab the magic express bus?
can anyone help with anything?

There are signs in the airport directing you to Magical Express.
It‘s in The MainTerminal on the B side on the first floor. There are elevators and escalators to get down to that level. If you come in on the A side, cross over to the B side. Then head down to level one.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Hi! I hope you have registered (at least 10 days in advance) for the Magic Express Service and have received a voucher or remember to bring your magic bands .866-599-0951
The terminal has A side and B side. Your luggage will be retrieved on lower level according to the Airlines. They usually make this announcement at the end of your flight the location to retrieve baggage.
Mickeys Magic Express is Ground Transport Lower Level 1 Terminal B and there will be signs.
When you arrive at your resort ,plan to relax . Art of Animation is within walking distance of POP Century and the new SkyLiner is on the bridge that connects the 2 resorts. You will enjoy exploring and can order food at both locations.
I see you plan to go to Disney Springs but try not exhaust yourselves on arrival day.
Usually the resort TVs have the daily times and basic information on one of the Disney Channels. I hope they are still offering the nightly Happily Ever After Fireowks Replay in the evenings. I think it was channel 72 or 74 starting around 6 p.m. Ask or call front desk to doublecheck.
I am not familiar with DAS but info is available on this site and many others.
You should be within your 60 day window to start booking dining reservations. You also have the option to mobile order at quick service dining.
I hope you study the online Maps because WDW is a lot of territory to cover.
I see you plan to add on Universal on the end of your trip and asked about transport .
Most people recommend Uber or Lyft but Mears Transport also has a service . This might prove to be an option you might want to drop depending on your personal energy levels... So keep the booking flexible Just in case.
And remember you can ask for help from the Dis board anytime.
I hope you have a great trip.

 

[EpcotPhoenician]

Don't be disappointed if you don't get a boarding pass for Rise of the Resistance. Even if you do everything perfectly, that doesn't guarantee you'll get it.

It's best to approach your Hollywood Studios day under the assumption that you won't get one, and then be pleasantly surprised if you do.

 

[ADisneyQueen]

Make your dining reservations ASAP. We are going the week of May 25 and can't reserve yet but just for fun I looked at dining availability for the week before. There isn't much left so reserve something now. When they expand park hours (I'm sure they will) they will add more dining hours and you can change/ add more reservations. There are lots of people on these boards who love to help so keep posting your questions.

 

[Tom_E_D]

Ok here is my trip plan (and that we have booked)
It’s our 20th wedding anniversary and our 15 year old autistic son is Coming too (party of 3)
Staying at: art of animation resort
Flying from LA to Orlando on Sunday May 16th and doing SOME of Disney springs (because it looks huge and rediculous)
Monday May 17th magic kingdom
Tuesday May 18th epcot
Wednesday May 19 Hollywood studios
Thursday May 20 animal kingdom
Friday May 21 Hollywood studios (really trying for ROR ride)
Saturday May 22 universal studios island of adventure
Sunday fly home

I have no food places booked, I have to figure out how different DAS card is (reading about it in the forums doesn’t seem different) I know we are going to be heartbroken if we don’t get ROR. We bought hopper passes but if the parks are at capacity then we can’t hop right? Then I spent that money for nothing???
There seems to be only ONE restaurant at art of animation resort so I can imagine it’s going to be a fight. And no room service.
I have NO clue how getting between parks works (what monorail or bus to take etc)
Since we’re going in May I worry about wearing a mask in humidity as I am vaccinated but have asthma and COPD but will still wear a mask
(In May of 2003 was the last time I went to DW when I took my choir class and the humidity made me so sick)
We got magic bands
Now I just have anxiety.
where do we go in the airport to grab the magic express bus?
can anyone help with anything?

The "restaurant" at Art of Animation is quick service. Pre-Covid, it was a food court where you would go to the various counters to order items and then pay for everything at the registers. Now, it's mobile order. As someone else mentioned, Pop Century's quick-service restaurant is only a short walk away, and you can use that too. It's also mobile order now. If you want table service meals, you'll have to go elsewhere.

There are buses from AoA to all four theme parks and to Disney Springs. Go to the bus stop marked Magic Kingdom for the Magic Kingdom bus. Go to the bus stop marked Epcot for the Epcot bus. And so forth. The bus stops are all at Animation Hall, the main building. There is also the Skyliner gondola system that goes to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. In either case, you catch the Skyliner at the stop between AoA and Pop, which takes you to Caribbean Beach Resort. There, you switch for the gondola to your destination. There will be signs directing you where to go. There is no need to take a monorail or ferry unless you just want to ride one for the fun of it. If you want to park hop directly from one theme park to another, there will be buses for doing so.

Others have answered your other questions.

 

[DL1WDW2]

The last visit to POP & AoA for their quick service, January 2021... they did allow some guests to be seated in the dining area after picking up their mobile order... I do not like to eat in the room at POP .. They also have some outdoor dining tables and chairs. It depends on the “spacing” required for availability and the castmembers are strictly enforcing the guidelines. Good to be prepared for the new different policy.
And don’t be surprised if a castmember knocks on the door to enter for a mid day security check, in case you are not familiar .

 

[nkereina]

Flying from LA to Orlando on Sunday May 16th and doing SOME of Disney springs (because it looks huge and rediculous)

Disney Springs is large (no larger than a park though), but IMO, its worth visiting and checking out as each area of DS has some unique things. Don't rule out visiting DS during an evening after the parks. With the limited park hours, we visited DS 4 times on our 7 day trip when normally we'd only visit once or twice. Its a great option for dinner and relaxing after a busy day at the parks, and you can often book dining reservations on the fly if you're flexible with time and location.

Saturday May 22 universal studios island of adventure

I will caution that Saturdays and Sundays have been significantly busier than week days at Universal. Universal parks often reach capacity on weekend days in the current environment, and only those who are staying on-site at a Universal resort would be able to enter. I would suggest moving your schedule around to do Universal on a week day - perhaps mid-week as a break from Disney? Or, alternatively, consider doing a split stay with a Universal resort so you have priority entry. Some Universal resorts also offer Express Pass as part of your stay, which also makes a Universal resort stay worthwhile. With your concerns around the heat and humidity, Express Passes help to avoid waiting in what can be long, hot lines.

Any particular reason you're not considering Universal Studios in addition to IOA? We always prefer Studios, and you will need a park-to-park ticket if you want to ride Hogwarts Express. IMO, both parks are worth doing if you'll be going there any way. There is a Universal forum here too for any specific questions you may have.

 

[laurenpetro]

WRT your son: does he have food restrictions? if so i would either check the menu at AoA and see if there are things he'll eat or look into a food/grocery delivery service. my 10 y/o son has moderate ASD and that's what we've found to work for us. it's a little more juggling on the front end but it's totally worth the extra upfront effort. and bring the food with you if you can to the restaurants. they are VERY understanding about this.

don't worry about finding Magical Express. there are SO many signs. i promise you won't miss it.

DAS is a great tool. go to guest services first thing your first day in the park and get it out of the way. feel free to ask me any questions about DAS. i haven't been during Covid but we've used it many times for my son.

 

[Minuet888]

I will caution that Saturdays and Sundays have been significantly busier than week days at Universal. Universal parks often reach capacity on weekend days in the current environment, and only those who are staying on-site at a Universal resort would be able to enter. I would suggest moving your schedule around to do Universal on a week day - perhaps mid-week as a break from Disney?

Any particular reason you're not considering Universal Studios in addition to IOA?

universal like Disney world has a reservation system to get into the park which we have already reserved so we will get in. My son having a disability pass with universal helps with some rides (the ones that he will want to ride.
we aren’t going to regular universal because we live in LA and our universal here has everything universal there has it’s only islands on adventure that’s different.

 

[Tom_E_D]

universal like Disney world has a reservation system to get into the park which we have already reserved so we will get in. My son having a disability pass with universal helps with some rides (the ones that he will want to ride.
we aren’t going to regular universal because we live in LA and our universal here has everything universal there has it’s only islands on adventure that’s different.

Universal Orlando does not have a park reservation system like Disney World's. Unless your son's disability status gives you special privileges, I think you may be confusing a date-based ticket with a park reservation. They are not the same thing. At Disney World, you need both. Don't assume that because you bought date-based tickets for your days that you also have park reservations. If you haven't made your Disney park reservations yet, do so as soon as you have tickets. All Disney theme parks are now fully available for all days of your trip. That may not be true six or seven weeks from now. At Universal, all you can do now is buy the tickets, which you have apparently already done. On May 22, get to Islands of Adventure early. I don't think the park will fill to capacity on that day (it may be a Saturday, but May isn't that busy a month), but you never know. If it does fill to capacity, you may still be allowed in later, after people leave, but I'm sure you don't want to wait.

If you think I'm wrong, look at whatever "confirmation" you think you have and see if it specifically says you have a reservation for Islands of Adventure on May 22.

 

[plutolovr]

Ok here is my trip plan (and that we have booked)
It’s our 20th wedding anniversary and our 15 year old autistic son is Coming too (party of 3)
Staying at: art of animation resort
Flying from LA to Orlando on Sunday May 16th and doing SOME of Disney springs (because it looks huge and rediculous)
Monday May 17th magic kingdom
Tuesday May 18th epcot
Wednesday May 19 Hollywood studios
Thursday May 20 animal kingdom
Friday May 21 Hollywood studios (really trying for ROR ride)
Saturday May 22 universal studios island of adventure
Sunday fly home

I have no food places booked, I have to figure out how different DAS card is (reading about it in the forums doesn’t seem different) I know we are going to be heartbroken if we don’t get ROR. We bought hopper passes but if the parks are at capacity then we can’t hop right? Then I spent that money for nothing???
There seems to be only ONE restaurant at art of animation resort so I can imagine it’s going to be a fight. And no room service.
I have NO clue how getting between parks works (what monorail or bus to take etc)
Since we’re going in May I worry about wearing a mask in humidity as I am vaccinated but have asthma and COPD but will still wear a mask
(In May of 2003 was the last time I went to DW when I took my choir class and the humidity made me so sick)
We got magic bands
Now I just have anxiety.
where do we go in the airport to grab the magic express bus?
can anyone help with anything?

This is why a travel agent would have been helpful. They would guide you through all of this.

 

[Sirenitas]

We like to book a TS lunch to get out of the heat for a bit. At MK Skipper's, DHS Sci-Fi (keep checking since it is a hard to find one), AK Yak & Yeti. Epcot has many good ones, we like Via Napoli.

The DAS is basically the same as at DLR, but instead of going to the gst svc stands you go to the actual ride for a return time.

Check out the MCO website for a map, I found one that shows the terminals, baggage claim and where the Disney buses are - my mom is flying in with my nieces and was worried about losing a bag...or a kid

 

[stephk1981]

As a previous poster said, make your dining reservations asap! Make sure you have the MDE app downloaded for mobile orders and a credit card or gift card linked so you don't have to reenter each order. We have never had a problem getting a BG for ROR, you are able to ' practice' ahead of time. The heat and humidity are definitely hard with a mask. Take advantage of the relaxation areas if needing a mask break. My son has asthma and in the heat/ humidity he lasts maybe an hour before he NEEDS a mask break. Bring several back up masks to change....they definitely get sweaty. Have plans for early morning park time and after 5pm, but take midday breaks for pool time etc. This unfortunately isn't a great time to do all day in parks with mask wearing and the heat! Have a great time, and just try to go with the flow.

 

[trishadono]

Ok here is my trip plan (and that we have booked)
It’s our 20th wedding anniversary and our 15 year old autistic son is Coming too (party of 3)
Staying at: art of animation resort
Flying from LA to Orlando on Sunday May 16th and doing SOME of Disney springs (because it looks huge and rediculous)
Monday May 17th magic kingdom
Tuesday May 18th epcot
Wednesday May 19 Hollywood studios
Thursday May 20 animal kingdom
Friday May 21 Hollywood studios (really trying for ROR ride)
Saturday May 22 universal studios island of adventure
Sunday fly home

I have no food places booked, I have to figure out how different DAS card is (reading about it in the forums doesn’t seem different) I know we are going to be heartbroken if we don’t get ROR. We bought hopper passes but if the parks are at capacity then we can’t hop right? Then I spent that money for nothing???
There seems to be only ONE restaurant at art of animation resort so I can imagine it’s going to be a fight. And no room service.
I have NO clue how getting between parks works (what monorail or bus to take etc)
Since we’re going in May I worry about wearing a mask in humidity as I am vaccinated but have asthma and COPD but will still wear a mask
(In May of 2003 was the last time I went to DW when I took my choir class and the humidity made me so sick)
We got magic bands
Now I just have anxiety.
where do we go in the airport to grab the magic express bus?
can anyone help with anything?

We had no problems hopping last week when parks showed at capacity,

The bus TO wdw has been long lines so we have done uber/cab. Going home we use the ME and that works great. We pick up rideshare/cab on same same level as ME. It’s outside just before the ME area. Really it’s easy to find. Knowing you have that as a back up will help. Prices 50-70 but wow it’s fast!

Go read up page 1 of AOA thread and then usually I start 10 pages back and see what is current. That will help huge, tThen ask questions as needed.
Oh you can walk across the bridge to pop century and eat there too. We liked their menu better.

 

[Little E]

Hi there! Your trip sounds fantastic! I hope you enjoy every minute! My Disney family includes my DH and two DS teens. Kid #2 is on the spectrum and a high anxiety dude, and we have found the DAS to be an amazing support. Definitely hit guest services the first day you hit the parks and make your request for the DAS. You will love AoA...it's an awesome resort. The Cars area makes you feel like you're walking right into the Cars movie!

The only suggestion I would make to your overall plan is perhaps skip Disney Springs? I say this only because you have it scheduled for your arrival day. DS is amazing, but it's primary focus is restaurants and shopping...two things my guys really don't care much about. Certainly, if there are shops that your family is anxious to check out or if there are must do restaurants there, then by all means check it out! We have found that it's a ton of walking and not a lot of places that my guys are interested in. Instead, on the first day at WDW, my guys would prefer to explore the resort and swim. A perk to AoA is that it's a quick walk over a bridge to Pop Century, so you can explore that resort too.

I hope you have a fabulous trip! Happy anniversary!

 

[nkereina]

universal like Disney world has a reservation system to get into the park which we have already reserved so we will get in. My son having a disability pass with universal helps with some rides (the ones that he will want to ride.
we aren’t going to regular universal because we live in LA and our universal here has everything universal there has it’s only islands on adventure that’s different.

As PP said, Universal does not have a reservation system. A date-based ticket does not guarantee you admission. If you plan on arriving at IOA at park opening, you should be fine, but I would caution against arriving later or leaving the park and trying to return later because its very likely the park could reach capacity and you would not have the same priority entry that an on-site guest would. May isn't the busiest of months traditionally, but with limited capacity, the parks reach capacity quite often on weekends in the current environment. I'd expect that to become even more frequent by May, as more people are vaccinated and traveling, and presumably limited capacities are still in place.

As far as the main differences between Universal Orlando and Universal Hollywood, keep in mind that Orlando has Diagon Alley. You also would need a park-to-park ticket to ride Hogwarts Express. If anyone in the group is a Potter fan, Universal Orlando is a must IMO. If you're not, then I can understand skipping the Universal side.