How can I plan a relaxed first Disney trip with FP+?

[Mkrop]

I would make FP+s. If you find yourselves too stress trying to keep up with them, you can try to switch or just let them go. But it is harder to get them when you are there now esp the time you are going. If you like the ease of FP+ and like the lines you are skipping then it was a good choice, if you dont no big deal.

 

[SmithSmith]

We're staying at the Yacht Club resort. We're visiting Universal December 21 and 22. We won't be staying at a Universal resort we'll get there by shuttle. I think our main concern was trying to run around the parks and make different deadlines (fastpass and dining reservations) when it's our first time at Disney World and we don't know where we're going. We just don't want to be too stressed out. But you guys are right, my family will also be happy when they don't have to stand in long lines either. I feel kind of torn because I'm the planner. We have a travel agent too though. But I'm the one that does all of the communicating with her. They pretty much just let me handle everything. Lol!

Not FP+ related, but my advice to building touring confidence and to mitigate that sense of feeling lost, is to study the park and resort maps before your visit. Commit them to memory and you'll never be that family huddled over a park map. You can utilize YouTube as well, it is great for this because there are channels like iThemepark that film complete walkthroughs of the parks for both WDW and Universal.

Hope that helps!

Have a great trip!

 

[caroline1851]

I didn't read every reply so not sure if anyone mentioned this or not, but......you should get an app for your phone that shows wait times for rides. This way if you starting checking it out now, you'll have an idea of what time of the day different rides have the longest waits. Honestly, I don't think its possible to have a completely relaxing trip to Disney. IMO, you MUST get to parks for rope drop; no other options if you want to ride stuff with minimal waits. But if you do that then have fp+ set up, it's MUCH more relaxing then sleeping in and then winging it. If you do that, you'll spent your ENTIRE trip waiting in line. We went in early June and for example, went straight to Soarin at RD. rode it quickly. By the time we got off, the line was 60 min.....

 

[BalooFan]

I agree that you definitely need to take advantage of FP+. When you make your choices, make every effort to schedule them in a logical order to avoid excess walking. For instance, at Magic Kingdom you might want to book Space Mountain first, then Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and then then Splash Mountain (just examples - I know you aren't roller coaster fans). This would take you one way, from Tomorrowland to Fantasyland to Frontierland. On the other hand, if you scheduled Space Mountain, then Splash Mountain, then SDMT, you would be crossing the park, then doubling back. Personally, the non-coaster rides I always try to get FP+ for are Peter Pan's Flight, Toy Story Midway Mania, Soarin', and Kilimanjaro Safaris. I agree that you should also study the park maps so you have a general idea of where you are going.

 

[mickyminnie890]

I definitely recommend you use the FP+. Especially with the popular rides that usually always have a 40-60+ minute wait and that rarely have a dramatic change in wait time. What I usually do to check the wait time before I go is checking on the MyDisneyExperience app (available on iPhone & Android). I check on there daily or every couple days just to see which rides are most popular. Another tip is to go on sites that recommend you what FP you should get for each park, and it is designed with the new FP+ system. This really helped and and when I went to Epcot during spring break we were able to go on all the rides, and then after that relaxed and took our time to roam around at the different countries. I would also recommend you do the bigger parks first like MK, then hollywood studios, then Animal Kingdom, and Epcot. This way the next day you don't have to feel rush and need to do a lot.

 

[subtchr]

There is the regular express pass ($39.99) where you can go on each attraction once, and then there is the unlimited pass($59.99) where you can go on each ride as much as you want with the pass. Also, you can you the express pass at each park Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Orlando.

Sorry, but this information is not correct.

The prices of the Express Passes change depending on the date of your visit. Busier days are more expensive. And there are three different prices -- one for just Universal Studios, one for Islands of Adventure, and one for both parks on the same day. For example:

December 16:
Regular Express Pass -
US - $59.99
IOA - $49.99
BOTH - $69.99

Unlimited EP -
US - $79.99
IOA - $69.99
BOTH - $89.99

December 22:
Regular Express Pass -
US - $99.99
IOA - $84.99
BOTH - $119.99

Unlimited EP -
US - $129.99
IOA - $99.99
BOTH - $139.99

And to be clear, these are in addition to the admission ticket price.

 

[JimmyV]

December 22:
Regular Express Pass -
US - $99.99
IOA - $84.99
BOTH - $119.99

Unlimited EP -
US - $129.99
IOA - $99.99
BOTH - $139.99

And to be clear, these are in addition to the admission ticket price.

Wow! Per person! No reason not to get a throwaway room even if you remain on Disney property on the nights you visit Universal.

 

[bumbershoot]

We're visiting Universal December 21 and 22. We won't be staying at a Universal resort we'll get there by shuttle.

That's going to be painful. Seriously painful.

Especially since it sounds like you're going for Harry Potter. Even if you buy Express Pass, EP is only good for Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff. The ONLY help you have for the other HP attractions is Early Entrance, and that's only for those staying onsite (or with a *package* at one of the offsite places through Universal Orlando).

They're excited about the end result not about the planning part.

So don't have them help you plan. You keep them in mind while making the plans, and each time anyone stops to look at a map or say "what next?" *have an answer*. "Oh let's go on THIS right now!" "Ooh we just happen to be standing right in front of the ride that we have a FP+ for, how did THAT happen?" etc.

No one in your party needs to worry about "running around" because it is going to be wall-to-wall people.

So true.

If you ever needed to use FP+---it is during this time!

Very true.

The nice thing about FP+ is that you don't have to go to the FP machine, get the FP, then wait for the FP window. You do it from home or on your phone or at a kiosk. There's no running around just to GET the FP anymore. That's the (one) nice thing about FP+.

Is that true for the first 3 or 4 days of the OP's trip? I've only been in December back in the dark ages of Jolly Holidays, and back then the crowds didn't swell until around 12/20. Is it really crowded now from 12/16-12/20?

2010 we *left* on the 15th if I recall correctly, and every day it was getting busier and busier...

Sorry, but this information is not correct.

The prices of the Express Passes change depending on the date of your visit. Busier days are more expensive. And there are three different prices

100% true.

No reason not to get a throwaway room even if you remain on Disney property on the nights you visit Universal.

They will have to check the price for their stay. 3 adults and 2 16/17 year olds in a deluxe at Universal on the 21st isn't going to be cheap.

I use this site to check prices. http://uo.loewshotels.com/en/booking/uo?hotel=UEPBH,UEHRH,UERPR

The good news for the OP is that just staying at one of the 3 deluxes on the 21st would give them unlimited EP and Early Entrance for both the 21st and the 22nd. They'd have to get there and do the checkin process early on the 21st, of course. (OP, at both WDW and Uni you can do the checkin process as soon as the computers switch to the next day, which is usually at about 6am...after doing that and until midnight of checkout day you are a guest of the hotel and can take advantage of most benefits)

And OP wouldn't even have to check out of their WDW hotel; they wouldn't have to actually stay at the Uni hotel. IF it works out that staying at Uni on the 21st is cheaper than buying EPs for everyone, it's just a cheaper way to get UEP and EE.

 

[JennyDrake]

Is that true for the first 3 or 4 days of the OP's trip? I've only been in December back in the dark ages of Jolly Holidays, and back then the crowds didn't swell until around 12/20. Is it really crowded now from 12/16-12/20?

I have not been 12/16-12/20 since 2010 BUT I am there every year for 5 days during Dec 2-11 every year since and I can tell you with absolute confidence that the crowds are thicker every year even *that* early in the month. December 2014 at DHS waits were 45-60 minutes for RnRC and ToT at 11 am, Soarin and TSM never got below 70 minutes, and it seems like MK is mayhem every, single day after 11 am.

Crowds WILL be less 12/16, but I would not consider them to be light and they will increase every day.

 

[lroger01]

You have lots of time before your trip. I suggest you plan some day trips together this summer/fall. Don't tell them it's "practice" for Disney. But while you're at the zoo, festival, museum, local theme park, etc. watch how everyone handles things. Who get's cranky when hungry? How far can everyone walk before needing a break? Do some walk too fast or too slow? Can everyone get going on time? How do you feel after a long day out? Could you do that again the next day? and the next?

Disney for the most part is an "active" vacation - like going skiing, hiking, rafting, and so on. If you want to be sure to relax, you'll have to plan for it. I suggest for most days, keep mornings "scheduled" know what you want to ride, and the order you want to do it in through lunchtime. After lunch is free time. Relax then, mosey through shops, go back to hotel, split up and so on. To make this work means your table-service meal will need to be at lunch and your FP+'s will need to be early.

Later in the trip you can switch to late days since you've been to each park once already. On those days sleep in, focus on shows, fireworks, shopping and "extras" such as the Agent P adventure in Epcot or Sorcerers of the Kingdom at MK. Use your 3 FP+ to ensure you get on at least 3 headliners on those late days.

Lastly, get in shape! You will walk a lot. It's a mile just to walk around World Showcase - and that doesn't include actually exploring the countries! I think you need to make it clear to your travel companions that Disney is not a "relaxing" vacation. Trying to make it so is a mistake, especially for a first visit. Or at least those wanting "relaxing" need to be willing to return to the hotel or people watch on a park bench as needed without expecting the others to do likewise. For example, it may be enough for some to just take part in table service meals, Fastpass rides and some shows with the group, and relax the rest of the time. You can't do much at Disney without being on your feet.

 

[subtchr]

They will have to check the price for their stay. 3 adults and 2 16/17 year olds in a deluxe at Universal on the 21st isn't going to be cheap.

I use this site to check prices. http://uo.loewshotels.com/en/booking/uo?hotel=UEPBH,UEHRH,UERPR

The good news for the OP is that just staying at one of the 3 deluxes on the 21st would give them unlimited EP and Early Entrance for both the 21st and the 22nd. They'd have to get there and do the checkin process early on the 21st, of course. (OP, at both WDW and Uni you can do the checkin process as soon as the computers switch to the next day, which is usually at about 6am...after doing that and until midnight of checkout day you are a guest of the hotel and can take advantage of most benefits)

And OP wouldn't even have to check out of their WDW hotel; they wouldn't have to actually stay at the Uni hotel. IF it works out that staying at Uni on the 21st is cheaper than buying EPs for everyone, it's just a cheaper way to get UEP and EE.

Great input!

Out of curiosity, I checked using that link, and a room at RPH (the least expensive of the 3 hotels that offer UEP) for 12/21 for 3 adults and 2 kids is $429.

UEP purchased separately for 5 people for the 21 and 22 would be $139.99 x 10, or $1399.90!

Now, you might not get unlimited, or both parks, but almost any combination of EP for those two days would be more than $429. And as others have said, I wouldn't go to Universal without EP and early entry, for the HP areas, for that time of year.

 

[Spyells]

Thank you for all the reply's. I've read all of them. I feel like I have more direction now.

 

[ZoZo]

One thing to remember is that there's no such thing as a "perfect" trip. If you drive yourself crazy trying to make everything perfect, you'll only end up frustrated. I think you're doing a great job already (and your family is lucky to have you and your mad planning skills, whether they realize it or not!).

As others have said, you're going during a really busy time of year. Plan what you can, realizing you won't be able to do everything. Figure out your priorities, decide what you can skip, DEFINITELY use FP+ (three per day), make at least one ADR per day, get to the parks at least 30 minutes before opening so you can maximize the lower lines during the slowest time of the day, then go with the flow and enjoy the wonderful holiday atmosphere! Realize that a few glitches will happen, and keep your sense of humor! Enjoy your time with your family!

 

[g-dad66]

Definitely schedule FP+s. Just because you have them scheduled doesn't mean you have to end up using them (if you're too tired, if it rains, if you change your mind about what you want to do at the time, etc.)

With 11 days for Disney and Universal, you are going to have enough time to do a lot. But you will also discover that you will need some good chunks of time for rest and relaxation (and letting your feel cool off!).

If I were you, I would plan as much as you can for your first three days (Wed, Dec 16 through Fri, Dec 18). Those will definitely be the three least crowded days of your trip. Come the weekend, the crowds will start arriving, and by then you will want some down time anyway.

By the last 3 days of your trip, crowds will be massive, so don't plan on doing a lot on those days. But be sure to schedule 3 FP+ for each day, as that will at least guarantee you 3 fun attractions for each day without huge waits for them.

 

[Colleen27]

Is that true for the first 3 or 4 days of the OP's trip? I've only been in December back in the dark ages of Jolly Holidays, and back then the crowds didn't swell until around 12/20. Is it really crowded now from 12/16-12/20?

Because of the way Christmas falls this year the real craziness will start on 12/19; the 18th will be most schools' last day before the holiday break, so the peak crowds will show up the next day. Making the 19th worse will be the fact that it will be the first day the holiday shows and fireworks are available with a regular park ticket, rather than only during MVMCP. But a significant number of people will pull their kids out of school for those last days before break, either to get a head start on the crowds or to get their trip in and still be home or visiting family on the holiday itself.

The most crowded I have ever seen a Disney park was the Magic Kingdom 12/19 in 2009, when the days of the week fell the same way they do this year. It was quite literally wall to wall people for most of the day, and the crush on Main Street during the evening parade and fireworks was rather terrifying (and I don't usually have problems with crowds). That was the last day of a 10 day trip for us and the crowds started to really build starting on Wed before Christmas break, which is the day the OP is checking in.

 

[Nancyg56]

Is that true for the first 3 or 4 days of the OP's trip? I've only been in December back in the dark ages of Jolly Holidays, and back then the crowds didn't swell until around 12/20. Is it really crowded now from 12/16-12/20?

It was not on our Christmas Season trip. Christmas fell on a Wednesday and the parks were very easy to tour until the Friday night before, Actually, the park was fine, it was the transportation to dinner from the park that was nuts.

 

[mickyminnie890]

Sorry, but this information is not correct.

The prices of the Express Passes change depending on the date of your visit. Busier days are more expensive. And there are three different prices -- one for just Universal Studios, one for Islands of Adventure, and one for both parks on the same day. For example:

December 16:
Regular Express Pass -
US - $59.99
IOA - $49.99
BOTH - $69.99

Unlimited EP -
US - $79.99
IOA - $69.99
BOTH - $89.99

December 22:
Regular Express Pass -
US - $99.99
IOA - $84.99
BOTH - $119.99

Unlimited EP -
US - $129.99
IOA - $99.99
BOTH - $139.99

And to be clear, these are in addition to the admission ticket price.

Thank you for correcting me! I will remove that portion from my post.

 

[Nancyg56]

One thing to remember is that there's no such thing as a "perfect" trip. If you drive yourself crazy trying to make everything perfect, you'll only end up frustrated. I think you're doing a great job already (and your family is lucky to have you and your mad planning skills, whether they realize it or not!).

As others have said, you're going during a really busy time of year. Plan what you can, realizing you won't be able to do everything. Figure out your priorities, decide what you can skip, DEFINITELY use FP+ (three per day), make at least one ADR per day, get to the parks at least 30 minutes before opening so you can maximize the lower lines during the slowest time of the day, then go with the flow and enjoy the wonderful holiday atmosphere! Realize that a few glitches will happen, and keep your sense of humor! Enjoy your time with your family!

This is so true! There is no perfect trip, but there can be a perfect vacation, so that is how I would look at this.

You are going at one of the lovliest times of year. The parks are all dressed up in their Holiday Finery, the resorts are gorgeous. There are special shows and events throughout the parks, especially in Epcot. Disney is all decked out for the Holiday and you are there!

I would plan the 3 FP for each park. If you don't use them, no harm no foul, they are free. My family generally plans them earlier rather than later in the day, but that is just how we tour. When we plan a late arrival in the park, we schedule the FP for about an hour after we get there. I would suggest that you come up with a rough touring plan for each park day and then plan FP for the area you are in. This is especially helpful in MK, because the FP attractions are scattered throughout that park.

Make the most of the first days of your trip, they will be the least crowded, and you will manage to complete a lot during that time. AS your trip progresses you will notice the uptick in crowds, so if that is the time you are planning a little more downtime, that would be good. Make sure that any parks you plan to visit have your FP in place. That way you will not be wasting 90 minutes in line for Soarin' and 60 for Tower of Terror.

Take some time to resort hop. You are in the perfect spot fot that, the Epcot resorts are beautifully decorated, with spectacular displays. Also try to hit the monorail resorts as well. The Grand Floridian is especially beautiful, and WIldeness Lodge is like a Christmas movie come to life. The displays all have Hidden Mickeys and we can take so much time just searching for them! Family favorite!

If you want to attend the Candlelight Processional, consider a dining package for that. It is pricey, but the show is a event that my family does not miss on Holiday visits. ALso, if you are planning !Fantasmic, plan a dining package for that one as well. It is one credit on the DDP, and includes an appetizer. You will avoid that long wait for the show, and can eat right in the park, so no time wasted looking for dinner.

FP+ is a mindset. You are not obligated to meet the window. It is an aid to planning your day, and can be used to help you tour effectively. Whatever you do, make your FP plans and if you want to toss them out when you arrive, you can, but you know you have your spot in place if you want it.

 

[ChimCher-ee]

Also, it really depends on what you don't like about roller coasters. I normally don't like them, but I LOVE them at Disney. 7DMT and BTMRR are pretty calm.

I agree completely. I don't like roller coasters that take you up a long incline and then drop you straight down, throwing you forward. However, I love most Disney roller coasters because while they take you up the incline, they drop you into a curve instead of straight down afterward.

Plan for the FPs even if you cancel them later. I always FP Peter Pan, Soarin', and the Great Movie Ride!

As for being called a drill sargent, I'm used to it. But it's all in the execution. I've never had a complaint about striding right past long lines and getting to everything that everyone wants to do--thanks to a great plan!

 

[larryz]

We're staying at the Yacht Club resort. We're visiting Universal December 21 and 22. We won't be staying at a Universal resort we'll get there by shuttle. I think our main concern was trying to run around the parks and make different deadlines (fastpass and dining reservations) when it's our first time at Disney World and we don't know where we're going. We just don't want to be too stressed out. But you guys are right, my family will also be happy when they don't have to stand in long lines either. I feel kind of torn because I'm the planner. We have a travel agent too though. But I'm the one that does all of the communicating with her. They pretty much just let me handle everything. Lol!

So here's your compromise solution.

Schedule your FP+s for the afternoon and early evening. Spend the mornings walking around the parks from left to right, exploring every nook and cranny you find in each area. Leave no stone unturned. Set your lunch ADR at the restaurant that suits your culinary fancy closest to the mid-point of the park, or where you expect to be at 1100 or 1300 (avoid trying to eat between 1130 and 1230 unless you have an ADR in that window -- that's when the lunch crowds are usually highest). In the MK, for example, that's usually Columbia Harbor House for my crew.

The afternoon, then, becomes your playtime, with your FP+s sandwiched around your dinner ADRs (no pun intended).