Help with first time itinerary

[MedicalCoffee]

My wife and I booked our first trip to Disney World! We are treating this somewhat like a pre-honeymoon since we haven't gone on vacation yet, and we plans to go on a romantic getaway later next year The goal of this trip is to not run around like maniacs trying to see every nook and cranny but at least hit the highlights and get our moneys worth.

We are arriving in Orlando on Sunday, September 29, around 12:00pm. We will leave on Thursday, October 3, around 5:30pm.

We are filling in the details of our trip and need some feedback/answers. We are finding that Disney World is its own world and there are little strategies (that we don't know of) that can help our stay more enjoyable.

Our itinerary is as follows:

Sunday, September 29: Arrive in Orlando at 12:00pm. Take the free transportation from the airport to Coronado Springs. Rent a car at the Walt Disney World Car Care Center ($50 for the day) and relax at Disney Springs, Boardwalk, Outlet, Winter Park, and resort. Worth going to Epcot this day or better to just take it easy and relax?

Monday, September 30: Go to Magic Kingdom in the morning (Deciding Fastpasses but no roller coasters)

Tuesday, October 1: Avoid Magic Kingdom due to Halloween Parade, Go to Universal Studios focusing on the Wizarding World of HP (2 Park, 1 Day Ticket) in the morning

Wednesday, October 2: Go to Animal Kingdom in the morning, Prioritize Flight of Passage, Na'vi River Journey, Safari, Kali River Rapids

Thursday, October 3: Rent a car at WDW Car Care Center, relax outside of the parks, and return car at airport

1. Is our itinerary efficient? If you could make changes, what changes would you make?

2. I know that Florida weather can be fickle. What happens to Disney World and Universal Studio if there is rain?

3. Since we are staying at Coronado Springs, we can start making Fastpass reservations starting tomorrow for September 30. When I go to the MDE app, I see slots already taken. How are rides unavailable already? For example, Flight of Passage is gone for September 30 and there are a few night slots available for the 1st and 2nd of October.

4. My understanding is that Universal Studios does not have a service similar to Fastpass unless you pay extra. What is the best way to tackle Harry Potter, which is the main reason we are going.

5. Which of the 3 parks is most relaxing? We're trying to see the best way to order the parks so we don't get burnt out lol.

6. Does Magic Kingdom close to those without tickets to the Haloween parade?

7. I've seen pictures of Pandora at night. Is it the general section of the park that lights up or do I need to get in line for FOP or the river to see the lights? What other sections of the park are worth staying around for to see at night? We're planning ot do Avatar in the morning and are wondering if we should make the effort to return at night

8. What are some other outside of the park activities other than Disney Springs and Boardwalk?

 

[FCDub]

My wife and I booked our first trip to Disney World! We are treating this somewhat like a pre-honeymoon since we haven't gone on vacation yet, and we plans to go on a romantic getaway later next year The goal of this trip is to not run around like maniacs trying to see every nook and cranny but at least hit the highlights and get our moneys worth.

We are arriving in Orlando on Sunday, September 29, around 12:00pm. We will leave on Thursday, October 3, around 5:30pm.

We are filling in the details of our trip and need some feedback/answers. We are finding that Disney World is its own world and there are little strategies (that we don't know of) that can help our stay more enjoyable.

Our itinerary is as follows:

Sunday, September 29: Arrive in Orlando at 12:00pm. Take the free transportation from the airport to Coronado Springs. Rent a car at the Walt Disney World Car Care Center ($50 for the day) and relax at Disney Springs, Boardwalk, Outlet, Winter Park, and resort. Worth going to Epcot this day or better to just take it easy and relax?

Monday, September 30: Go to Magic Kingdom in the morning (Deciding Fastpasses but no roller coasters)

Tuesday, October 1: Avoid Magic Kingdom due to Halloween Parade, Go to Universal Studios focusing on the Wizarding World of HP (2 Park, 1 Day Ticket) in the morning

Wednesday, October 2: Go to Animal Kingdom in the morning, Prioritize Flight of Passage, Na'vi River Journey, Safari, Kali River Rapids

Thursday, October 3: Rent a car at WDW Car Care Center, relax outside of the parks, and return car at airport

1. Is our itinerary efficient? If you could make changes, what changes would you make?

2. I know that Florida weather can be fickle. What happens to Disney World and Universal Studio if there is rain?

3. Since we are staying at Coronado Springs, we can start making Fastpass reservations starting tomorrow for September 30. When I go to the MDE app, I see slots already taken. How are rides unavailable already? For example, Flight of Passage is gone for September 30 and there are a few night slots available for the 1st and 2nd of October.

4. My understanding is that Universal Studios does not have a service similar to Fastpass unless you pay extra. What is the best way to tackle Harry Potter, which is the main reason we are going.

5. Which of the 3 parks is most relaxing? We're trying to see the best way to order the parks so we don't get burnt out lol.

6. Does Magic Kingdom close to those without tickets to the Haloween parade?

7. I've seen pictures of Pandora at night. Is it the general section of the park that lights up or do I need to get in line for FOP or the river to see the lights? What other sections of the park are worth staying around for to see at night? We're planning ot do Avatar in the morning and are wondering if we should make the effort to return at night

8. What are some other outside of the park activities other than Disney Springs and Boardwalk?

Welcome to the DIS!

2. Outdoor rides will close. Indoor rides will still operate.

3. Guests arriving earlier with long trips have booked FPs for those days. Just like you’ll be able to book FPs for the entirety of your trip, overlapping with someone arriving later than you. Those staying onsite can book their entire stay at once, not day by day.

5. Normally I'd say Epcot, but since Food & Wine will be happening, odds are it will be very crowded on a Sunday. Animal Kingdom has lots of walking trails and animal exhibits to spend time in, along with shows like Lion King and Finding Nemo to get some shade and A/C.

6. Yes, if you do not have a Halloween party ticket, you’ll be escorted out of the park on MNSSHP nights.

7. Both NRJ and FOP are inside, so nighttime makes no difference on experience. The entire outside land is lit up and is worth seeing.

 

[Paula25]

I probably won't be able to address every issue, but here are a few thoughts:

Changes to your itinerary -

9/29. If you plan to visit all those places, I'm not sure "relax" would be a good characterization. Remember you will take up a significant amount of time in transition, especially considering you'll be going to four different places. My experience is that the transitions always take longer and are more of a hassle than I think they will be.

9/29 - It looks like you are not choosing the Park Hopper option. If that's the case, I would recommend doing ONLY Epcot on 9/29 and touring the non-park areas (Disney Springs, etc.) on Day 2 or later. Since your goal is relaxing, you could have a great time leisurely touring the World Showcase, and stay for the Fireworks. If you're so inclined, make your fastpasses for Soarin' at Epcot in the afternoon, soon after you think you'll arrive at the park. I always allow at least 3 hours from touchdown at the airport to entering a park using Disney bus transportation. I don't think the Frozen ride is worth the Fastpass, and if you're looking to relax, you can't beat Soarin'. Make reservations for an evening dinner somewhere in World Showcase.

9/30 - Based on looking at crowd calendars, I would suggest moving your visit to Universal up a day. I love HP at Universal. If I were you, I'd get there before the park opens, and go straight to Gringotts once it does. After exploring Diagon Alley (which is fabulously themed, and a real treat for HP fans), take the train to the other park and visit Hogsmeade. Ride Forbidden Journey if you can. I'm not a huge fan of the rest of either Universal park, but exploring is fun.

10/1 - Magic Kingdom will be much less crowded on this day in the morning BECAUSE the party is that evening. My suggestions for fastpasses would be Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Without roller coasters, I'm betting you'll be "done" with MK by early afternoon - plenty of time to take a bus to Disney Springs and relax for the rest of the day.

10/2 - Great plan for Animal Kingdom. I'd save Kali River Rapids for close to the time you are leaving, because you might be very wet. You'll be happy, but you'll be wet.

10/3 - You might save some of your non-park excursions for your last day, since you won't have a hotel room to go back to and you'll be on your way to the airport anyway. Since you are leaving so late in the day, you could even re-visit something you missed at one of the other Disney parks.

2 - Rain. No big change except some outdoor rides and attractions, like TestTrack, may close until the danger of lightning has passed. We love it when it rains because people leave the parks and the lines get shorter. Carry a disposable rain poncho - I promise you won't melt, and it will create a great memory.

3 - People staying at a resort are able to make fastpass reservations for their entire stay. That's why some are gone already. People arriving ahead of you and staying through your dates got them first.

4 - As I suggested in my itinerary comments, arrive early. Expect long lines, and rather than be frustrated, take a book or a game or something else to occupy you in line (but there's some great stuff to see in the Forbidden Journey line so don't miss it all!)

5 - My vote for most relaxing is World Showcase in Epcot. Stroll at your own pace, lots of things to see without having to wait in line, etc. And nothing beats relaxing with an adult beverage before a great meal at one of the restaurants.

6 - I think you are referring to the Halloween Party, not just the parade, and yes, they do close to people without tickets. However, you may want to consider that many people avoid visiting MK on Halloween party nights because the park closes early for the party. If you only plan to visit MK in the morning, a Halloween party day may actually be your best bet. They start letting people in for the party at 4 pm, so there is an overlap of 2-3 hours until the park closes for only party-goers. You would be gone by then anyway.

7 - Sorry, I've never seen Pandora at night so can't comment.

8 - We have enjoyed miniature golf and the water parks. But YMMV.

Have a wonderful, memorable, fantastic time! Hope these comments help!

 

[MedicalCoffee]

Thank you! I see passes for FOP at like 6pm or so on the 1st and 2nd of Oct. Is it worth reserving FP or should I get there an hour early before park opens and use the FP on the Navi River ride?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Thank you! I see passes for FOP at like 6pm or so on the 1st and 2nd of Oct. Is it worth reserving FP or should I get there an hour early before park opens and use the FP on the Navi River ride?

Yes, you should snag a FP+ for FOP if you can get one. Standby lines for Nav'i are always much shorter and you may be able to snag Nav'i as a 4th, 5th, etc. FP+. You could certainly do Nav'i at RD - that line will still be shorter at that time than FOP.

My wife and I booked our first trip to Disney World! We are treating this somewhat like a pre-honeymoon since we haven't gone on vacation yet, and we plans to go on a romantic getaway later next year The goal of this trip is to not run around like maniacs trying to see every nook and cranny but at least hit the highlights and get our moneys worth.

We are arriving in Orlando on Sunday, September 29, around 12:00pm. We will leave on Thursday, October 3, around 5:30pm.

We are filling in the details of our trip and need some feedback/answers. We are finding that Disney World is its own world and there are little strategies (that we don't know of) that can help our stay more enjoyable.

Our itinerary is as follows:

Sunday, September 29: Arrive in Orlando at 12:00pm. Take the free transportation from the airport to Coronado Springs. Rent a car at the Walt Disney World Car Care Center ($50 for the day) and relax at Disney Springs, Boardwalk, Outlet, Winter Park, and resort. Worth going to Epcot this day or better to just take it easy and relax?

Monday, September 30: Go to Magic Kingdom in the morning (Deciding Fastpasses but no roller coasters)

Tuesday, October 1: Avoid Magic Kingdom due to Halloween Parade, Go to Universal Studios focusing on the Wizarding World of HP (2 Park, 1 Day Ticket) in the morning

Wednesday, October 2: Go to Animal Kingdom in the morning, Prioritize Flight of Passage, Na'vi River Journey, Safari, Kali River Rapids

Thursday, October 3: Rent a car at WDW Car Care Center, relax outside of the parks, and return car at airport

1. Is our itinerary efficient? If you could make changes, what changes would you make?

2. I know that Florida weather can be fickle. What happens to Disney World and Universal Studio if there is rain?

3. Since we are staying at Coronado Springs, we can start making Fastpass reservations starting tomorrow for September 30. When I go to the MDE app, I see slots already taken. How are rides unavailable already? For example, Flight of Passage is gone for September 30 and there are a few night slots available for the 1st and 2nd of October.

4. My understanding is that Universal Studios does not have a service similar to Fastpass unless you pay extra. What is the best way to tackle Harry Potter, which is the main reason we are going.

5. Which of the 3 parks is most relaxing? We're trying to see the best way to order the parks so we don't get burnt out lol.

6. Does Magic Kingdom close to those without tickets to the Haloween parade?

7. I've seen pictures of Pandora at night. Is it the general section of the park that lights up or do I need to get in line for FOP or the river to see the lights? What other sections of the park are worth staying around for to see at night? We're planning ot do Avatar in the morning and are wondering if we should make the effort to return at night

8. What are some other outside of the park activities other than Disney Springs and Boardwalk?

1) I'm a little confused as to why you are renting a car on your first and last days. As PP mentioned, your list of things to do on your first day to relax, is not very relaxing! WDW is gigantic (think size of Manhattan or San Francisco) and traveling around WDW (or offsite once you are there) takes a TON of time. Personally, I would ditch the car rental on your first and last day and pick one or two of the onsite options you've listed - for example hang out at your resort and then go to the Boardwalk OR go to EP for the afternoon/evening which can be quite relaxing - get a FP+ for Soarin' as PP suggested, also Spaceship Earth and one other Tier 2 ride, walk around WS, see Illuminations. On your last, I would do DS if you don't want to go to a park. Neither of these options require a car rental (you can use Disney transportation to visit DS, Boardwalk, EP) and you'll still be able to utilize ME on both days (included in your resort stay)

3) If you can see FP+ times open for the days you are planning to visit the parks, it means your FP+ window is open. I would start making reservations now. 60 days prior to your check-in date is today, so the window for your entire trip is now open.

5) IMHO, MK is the least relaxing. It has the most rides, so, depending on what you want to do, it can take quite a bit of time to get through the park.

7) All of Pandora lights up and you do not need to be in a ride line to see the land light up in the evening. You could also consider watching the "awakenings" of the Tree of Life at night, which is quite spectacular and Rivers of Light, which is pleasant, but not the most stunning of the evening shows, IMHO.

8) In addition to the Boardwalk and DS, you could consider touring the monorail and other MK resorts. Poly is fun to visit and they have a really fun lounge called Trader Sam's Grog Grotto. You could do a whole monorail loop and then take the boat from Contemporary to Wilderness Lodge and Ft. W to visit those resorts as well. You could also go mini-golfing at Fantasia or WinterSummerland or even rent a boat at one of the resort marinas.

 

[NJ Goofy]

Get the FOP FP+, the ride is amazing and getting there an hour early won't guarantee a short wait. The Navi River ride is nice but it's basically a standard Disney boat ride.

 

[MedicalCoffee]

For the day when the Halloween Party happens, I'm okay with going early in the day if it's less busy due to the Halloween party at night. But that would mean no fireworks and the night view of the castle and stuff right?

FYI, for the "relaxing days", we don't plan on seeing everything but rather whatever we feel like doing which means staying at the resort and just walking if that's what we feel like.

 

[mesaboy2]

For the day when the Halloween Party happens, I'm okay with going early in the day if it's less busy due to the Halloween party at night. But that would mean no fireworks and the night view of the castle and stuff right?

FYI, for the "relaxing days", we don't plan on seeing everything but rather whatever we feel like doing which means staying at the resort and just walking if that's what we feel like.

Correct, at least from inside MK.

 

[sethschroeder]

we plans to go on a romantic getaway

Oh you mean to Disney World again? I had looked everywhere in the western hemisphere and decided on Disney for our honeymoon and this was after not going for over 15 years to a Disney location.

Just going to say when you go Disney you never go back.