Hopping to a different park in the afternoon

[HeadintoWDW]

I am wondering about park hopping, as this is a strategy we will probably use on our trip. I don't want either DH or myself to get exhausted, so I was banking on a trip back to the hotel to nap in the afternoon on some of our days. Most likely we would then head back to a different park from the one we were at in the morning.

My question: will this strategy be a good use of our time? If not, what would be a better way to plan?

We only have 5 days in the parks and this is DH's first trip. While I know we can't see everything, we will probably want to hit the most popular attractions in each park. My fear is that we will hop to a different park only to find FASTPASSes all gone and long lines. We will be there the 3rd week in May, if it makes a difference.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations!

 

[Jamieb]

I think in 5 days, even with breaks you can see most of it. We went last July over the 4th of July and managed to see most things in four days even with breaks but the parks were open later.

We usually plan a day at each park and if we have extra time in the evenings we head over to Epcot for a nice dinnner or something.

We always make sure to plan at least a full day at MK and Epcot but AK and MGM can sometime's be done in under a day depending on the crowds. Just make sure to utilize Fastpass as much as possible and you should have a great trip.

 

[XStAnt]

With two adults in May I don't think you necessarily need an afternoon break. Children need the pm break because they tire out, are used to naps, and can get cranky/overstimulated. Adults can handle it better.

In May, the parks will probably not be open too late. If this is true, you may not want to take a mid day break since it wastes valuable park time. If the parks are open later than that's a different story.

Also, the crowds should be low at that time of year. You should be able to get a lot accomplished in a day.

With that in mind I'd plan a full day for MK, Epcot and MGM. At AK you'll probably finish by late pm (especially if you get an early start and do the safari first). After that you can hop to another park (Epcot is usually open latest, or go to MGM for Fantasmic) or you can just make that an early day and go back to the hotel to rest. I'd plan a few late mornings or early nights (no PI every night) if you're worried about being tired. However, if you're only there 5 days and you want to see a lot I'd go a little on the full tilt side and recover after you get home.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Kaycee]

Children need the pm break because they tire out, are used to naps, and can get cranky/overstimulated. Adults can handle it better.

It depends on the adults. I know plenty of adults (us included!) that really need that afternoon break. I don't usually take a nap on our afternoon breaks, but my DH does. And we both enjoy that little bit of down time before heading back to the parks. The only time we didn't really take an afternoon break was in December when the parks closed so early.

 

[XStAnt]

I guess I should clarify my comment about adults not needing afternoon breaks. I agree with Kaycee that adults sometimes need those breaks.

I suggested that the OP and her DH don't need the breaks for several reasons. First they are only there for 5 days. Since DH has never been and if they want to accomplish a lot then they should probably do a little commando style touring. They can "recover" from the exhaustion when they get home.

Second, in May the parks are not open as late as they are during peak times like Christmas week, summer time, etc. Taking a 2-3 hour break in the middle of the day takes away a lot of park time. There may be major attractions they don't get to see if they take the break.

If they'd rather go a little more relaxed and don't mind possibly missing some key rides, then by all means take the pm break.

 

[HeadintoWDW]

Thanks for your advice everyone!

I think what I might do is tentatively plan on no breaks. If it were up to me, I would definitely NOT take a break. I don't tire easily and I know just how much there is to see! But DH is a napper and gets cranky if he gets tired and headachy (I know, he's such a little kid! ) We are in the parks Mon and Tues, and then out for a day so he can golf. I think we will try Mon and Tues without breaks and if we need them, we can stick them in.

Incidentally, the park hours for May are great! Better than I expected. I am hoping that doesn't mean a mob scene as far as crowds are concerned. MK is open until at least 8:30 every night, even later on a couple others.

In any case, thanks for your tips and experiences! I'm always interested in hearing what has worked for others.

 

[susy]

We have been many times and can tell you, you will need a break. 5 days of running around is a good way to get good and sick! May is VERY hot and humid in WDW (and I am from south FL!)

My strategy advice for two adults who want to get a lot done in 5 days is to:

Do the EE park (have breakfast in your room) and then eat an early counter service lunch when they open (about 11:30- no lines, plenty of tables). During EE you should be able to hit a lot of major attractions and get the rest of your must-sees done before lunch (that's a good 3 and half hours of touring).

After lunch get out of there!!! My BEST overall tip is to leave the park BEFORE you get tired. Head back to your hotel, change into a swimsuit, hit the ppol bar, and relax (you'll be thanking me then).
We usually hang out at the pool about a half hour to 45 min. and then lay down (nap or just rest). Get up and shower and change into fresh clothes(this plan requires two outifts per day).
We head out about 5pm (to a different park) and hit our "B" rides (you won't need fastpass). we usually tour more relaxed at night, since we got a lot done in the morning. Have a nice dinner at a sit-down rest. Our nights are the most fun part of the trip-we walk around, eat and watch fireworks. Best of all-we are rested and fresh.

On the third day, you may want to consider sleeping in and just hanging out by the pool. Then go to a park in the evening.

Just have fun and don't worry about seeing it all or gettting your money's worth-THAT will NEVER happen!

 

[cruisnfamily]

Instead of planning a break back at the hotel, we plan a break in the park by scheduling one nice sit down lunch every day. Lunch is cheaper than dinner so we save money, plus, we get off our feet and waited on in an air conditioned place for 1 hour. This is usually plenty to rejuvinate us all and get us going again.

Obviously, you can't nap in a restaurant so if actual sleep is what you're looking for you'll need to go back to the hotel but I'm guessing an hour in air conditioning will be enough to get you going againl.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by HeadintoWDW
I am wondering about park hopping, as this is a strategy we will probably use on our trip. I don't want either DH or myself to get exhausted, so I was banking on a trip back to the hotel to nap in the afternoon on some of our days. Most likely we would then head back to a different park from the one we were at in the morning.

My question: will this strategy be a good use of our time? If not, what would be a better way to plan?

We only have 5 days in the parks and this is DH's first trip. While I know we can't see everything, we will probably want to hit the most popular attractions in each park. My fear is that we will hop to a different park only to find FASTPASSes all gone and long lines. We will be there the 3rd week in May, if it makes a difference.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations!

I think that is moderate attendance, you should be fine? Are you driving yourselves or using Disney transportation? I find that things go faster when driving ourselves.

Another possibilty is instead of napping, take breaks in the park. Stop into a resteraunt for a snack, or just stop and watch a show where you can sit for a while. There is plenty of places to sit back and relax.