Importance of Arriving Early in Off-Season? With Reluctant Tripmates

[MrKnight]

Take advantage of both EMH and FP+, if you plan accordingly, book your FP+ early, and take advantage of evening EMH, you can enjoy the park WITHOUT having to be there at rope drop.. There is really no huge advantage to being there that early anymore unless you have zero FP+ booked..

As a previous poster mentioned, contrary to popular belief, later hours and evening EMH is normally the best time to enjoy the parks as most guests leave the park immediately after the nighttime show leaving the park half as empty as it was before.. This means less crows and shorter lines!!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

You can't make them get up if they don't want to, so at least you have time to do what you want after they leave. This is if the group refuses to separate. If they will separate then go early and take anyone willing to get up early with you, let the others catch up at their leisure. Book FPs for the group later to give them time to catch up. Then at least they get 3 attractions preplanned.

At some point you will have to stop worrying about whether they are willing to do what you believe must be done to make the trip more "magical" for them.

 

[conandrob240]

Take advantage of both EMH and FP+, if you plan accordingly, book your FP+ early, and take advantage of evening EMH, you can enjoy the park WITHOUT having to be there at rope drop.. There is really no huge advantage to being there that early anymore unless you have zero FP+ booked..

As a previous poster mentioned, contrary to popular belief, later hours and evening EMH is normally the best time to enjoy the parks as most guests leave the park immediately after the nighttime show leaving the park half as empty as it was before.. This means less crows and shorter lines!!

I disagree with this completely. FP+ only gives you 3 attractions which is nowhere near enough to keep you out of lines especially at MK. If you do rope drop, you can do most of the rides that will get lines later in the day and reserve FP for a few others. Midday arrival means waiting in line for almost everything except your 3 FPs. Rope drop still means getting on at least 6-8 other rides that will form lines later with no waits.

 

[nighttowll]

If you can split up that sounds like a good compromise.

Also, the idea of bribing them with a before opening ADR isn't bad either. You could explain to them all the different benefits it offers: empty park pics, character meal, first in line. etc. And it would only be the one morning where they had to get up early, but then they would be rewarded with a fun breakfast.

If these ideas aren't acceptable, I wouldn't push the issue. Tired cranky people won't be any fun. I'm a huge RD person, but honestly when the parks open as late as 9 to begin with, it isn't a big enough advantage for me to force the issue. I feel you're only really gaining one garenteed hour anyway, maybe 2 if you are lucky. Sometimes 10 can be just as crowded as 11 with most people starting to show up between 10-11. However, when the parks open at 7, it is a huge advantage to be there at RD as you have at least 3 good hours. I wouldn't consider 9 worth fighting over.

Also, check your EMH evening times. I'm not a big evening EMH person because they are usually much more crowded than mornings, but you might be surprised how late the parks are open. The parks are closing pretty early when I'm going in January (5, 7, 9), but despite that, Epcot is open one day until 11 and MK until 2am. Epcot won't be a huge advantage, but doing MK that late should be as most parents with young kids will clear out by midnight.

 

[estherhead]

I have another thing to throw in there which is the parks are also empty as the night goes on. So if everyone is committed to staying on California time then you can just close down the parks. Especially Magic Kingdom is very nice to do late at night. Sometimes it is open until 1-3 am and the wait times dip very low. If you have fp+ for 7 Dwarves coaster you should have no problem doing everything you want to do on just one day from 10:00 pm-3:00 am.

Animal Kingdom also gets slow near the end of it's day. And Hollywood Studios starts having lower wait times during the first Fantasmic.

The only park where early morning works 100% better than late night is Epcot. If you go on two different days and use your fp+ for it then you can get Soarin and Test Track on different days.

If I didn't want to do any early mornings and I only had 4 days I would get hoppers and use my fp+ once at MK, once at DHS, and twice at Epcot. If I was willing to get up one morning I would do Test Track that rope drop and Soarin' FP later that day. Then use my fp+ twice at MK and once at DHS. We find AK the easiest park to skip using FP for when necessary.

And as other's pointed out FP+ makes meeting up with people easy. If your family has different priorities you can use the first FP+ time of the day as your meet up time. Everyone is on their own until such and such time.

 

[ktlm]

So, my questions are:
1) Since we are going in the off-season, is it really that important to get there early?
2) What might we miss out on if we arrive 1-2 hours after park opening?
3) If we have to choose between getting there early and staying until closing, is it definitely better to get there early, or is it about equal?
4) Since we have FP+ for all the big rides, does that change the importance of arriving early?
5) If you were in my position, DISboarders, would you try to convince the family to wake up early, or would you just let them do what they want and face the possible consequences?
6) Any other suggestions or advice?

1. We have had 2 trips since FP+, both in the off season. We are used to a walking on things like POTC, Small World, Buzz, Nemo, Journey into Imagination, Haunted Mansion etc. The most we ever waited for those rides in the off season was about 5 minutes in the middle of the afternoon. With FP+, we find that the standby lines for those rides have significantly increased. We have found lines for ALL of those rides, including even Journey Into Imagination, to be 25 to 30 minutes in the afternoons now. Plus, now there is an inability to get FP for all the things we used to be able to get- or for things we might want to ride twice. Now, you are limited to 3 FP only, with the possibility to get a 4th, if there is anything left that you might want after you use your 3. (And don't underestimate that because with Journey Into Imagination having a 30 minute standby wait, we would up pulling a 4th for that which kicked in 20 minutes after we got it). For us, it is now more important than ever to get there at rope drop. We used to always arrive around 9:15 or 9:30 and that was fine for us- now we try to get there before the gates open.

2. Short lines. 1 hour after park opening will be worse than park opening, but still not horrible. 2 hours after and the lines will have started really building.

3. We do both. We are open to close people. We are not morning people and I prefer late nights to early mornings, but with FP+ the shortest lines are by far in the mornings. If you are going in the off season, you won't have the really late park hours that sometimes result in shorter lines (i.e. MK being open until midnight or even later than that).

4. You can't possibly have FP+ already for all the big rides as you are limited to 3 in advance. Further, at Epcot with tiers you can have either Soarin or Test Track, but not both. At DHS with tiers you can have either TSMM or RNRC, but not both. I did not get to ride RNRC at all our last trip even though it is one of my favorites because with DD, I have to use our FP+ on TSMM. We did not check the RNRC line until about 1 1/2 hours after park opening because we were doing other things for DD, and at that point, the single rider line was 30 minutes. DD will not ride it, and DH did not feel it was fair to take over an hour out of her day for both of us to ride it, and neither felt fair riding it when the other couldn't as we both love it-- so neither of us got to ride it. We checked often during the day, and the single rider line was never below 30 minutes (the regular standby was never below 45 minutes). I think that because a lot of people with small kids have to use the FP+ on TSMM, that more people are using the single rider line than ever.

5. I would explain to them that the lines are the absolute shortest the first couple of hours during the day. After that, it is their choice. It may be that they go late the first day, and then realize they need to get up earlier. If I were you, I would just tell them you will meet them in the park when they get there. You can go ahead and get there at rope drop and do some stuff on your own. Maybe after a day of hearing everything you were able to do before they even got there, they will get up earlier the next day. I will say that I think you can try to get them there by 30 minutes after park opening, and it will not be that bad. I don't think you need to be there waiting 30 minutes before rope drop. We used to enjoy getting there 15 to 20 minutes after rope drop. The transportation would be bad, but not quite as crazy, and we never had trouble getting any FP we wanted to start off with, and I didn't have to stand in the initial long line to get it. That has now all been lost with FP+, and we definitely have felt that we were at a big disadvantage if we arrived 15 to 30 minutes after rope drop which is our old pattern, so now we get there before rope drop.... but for your situation 30 minutes after is better than 2 hours after. I would just strive to get them moving and there as early as you can. What they miss is their problem, not yours. If they prefer to come later, then don't let it stress you out. Just go when you want and meet them when they arrive. So what if they want to ride something that you already rode- I never mind riding things twice! Or you can always separate from them and meet up later for things too.

6. Have a great trip!!! When we travel with others, our best advice is don't force them into your schedule, but do not cave to their schedule either. You do not have to be together all day every day. In traveling with the inlaws, we learned after one miserable (not WDW) trip- that the best thing to do is to be together when you can, but not to be afraid to separate and do your own thing at other times. That first trip we caved to the inlaws schedule and felt like we were in a fun city and didn't get to do much of anything- no one was happy. Now, we plan a meal together every day when we travel together. Other than that we tell the inlaws- we plan on doing A, B, and C and the times we plan on doing them- if you want to come we would love it, but if you want to do your own thing that is fine too. They do the same for us. If there are things we all want to do and the times don't mesh, but we can work it where they do and can all go together, then either side can adjust schedules. Usually we wind up spending the meal and some part of the day together, and then other times we go our separate ways to go do what we are interested in (the inlaws often go rest- as they are kind of sitters, and we are kind of doers). We have not had a bad trip since. We have had fun traveling with them on every trip after that first one, including at WDW, because no one is trying to force anyone into a schedule they are not happy with.


Oh and as a non-morning people family- I would not advise bribing with the pre-park opening ADR as others have suggested. Especially if you are using bus transportation to get to that park, you have to get up ridiculously early to get there on time. We did the pre park opening ADR one time and discovered it absolutely was not for us. We were all miserable. It was way too early. It caused much stress trying to get everyone up and there on time, and everyone was just totally cranky once we got there. It was not good....at all. We have not done a pre-opening ADR since. If the family has already stated they don't even want to have to get there by rope drop- the pre-park opening ADR is not the way to go.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

I went Dec. 13-21. The first 2/3 of the trip should be off-season and even the rest not full crowds but i found it as busy as when I went in late July when it was during the crowded season. I think because of free dining and the parks don't operate as many rides on each attraction I don't think there is much difference in wait times anymore. That being said, I am on dialysis and wanted a second day at MK on Dec. 17. I had to be leaving the park by 11:45 am so I got there just after 8 am. I was able to ride 5 rides in the first hour and fifteen minutes (Big Thunder, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Small World and Under the Sea). Pirates and Splash were down all morning. After doing that I did a lot of walking around and right before leaving did Carousel of Progress. It definitely pays to get there early. Or stay until closing if you arrive later.

 

[rwdavis2]

I'd just tell them that you are a very early riser by nature and may chose to head over earlier if they want to sleep in. Tell them to call you when they are headed over and meet them.

I like this too. Besides, once they do it their way once and see how long the waits are they may decide to try it your way. There are still significant waits in "off season".

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

It wont feel like the off season on Jan. 18 and 19. Set up as many FPs as you can and hope for the best. Meet up with them later if that is what you need to do to keep the peace...its not worth it. Maybe after fighting crowds on Jan 18, they will take your advice on jan 19. After that...hopefully the crowds will die down. They usually start to at that point....

 

[mickeyluv'r]

It is had to answer this for people I have not met, but you've basically described parts of my extended family. I also try to take them when there will be plenty of late night hours, so we have that consolation. They are often pretty good about night hours.

What I have found is that most folks don't really know what they want until they get there and see it for themselves, which is part of what I think bites about the new system. It is absurd to have to know what time you're going to get hungry for dinner six months from now, or to pre-order a meal a month before you eat it. (Okay, I suppose I did order my holiday meat a week in advance, but that's kind of an exception.)

One idea you could try is booking their FP+ starting about 10am. That way - they really only HAVE to be in the parks by 11am, and even then they could rebook. I used to book a 10am Breakfast ADr the first morning to get my crew up on the first day.

Traveling long distance is likely going to be tiring. Then again, it might have the opposite effect- they might have much more energy than they think. I've seen that as well! They may be too excited to sleep.

The challenge for me, wasn't just arrival time, but the importance of arriving a little early for something like FOTLion King Show (Easter week 2006). The group was chatting post lunch and thought me rude for saying, "Hey, please, we gotta go now if we want to see it. We can chat some more on the way." Really, I didn't see why they wouldn't be just as happy chatting while walking, but I have not forgotten the look of evil I got for suggesting it was time to go. (and that was coming up on 9 years ago.)

Then, not everyone sees the value in going commando. Some folks get excited to see all the parks have to offer, others don't mind paying $90/day admission to go on two rides.

I think that's the part you, as the tour guide, have to wrap your mind around. You can make suggestions, but can't control their choices. when they won't move, take a deep breathe.

the beauty of WDW is that - though the big rides are fun- there are also lots of non-wait things to do. Epcot has many fun, no wait activities in Innoventions, Imagination has some really fun watr fountains (up by the Capt. EO theater exit), the WS has gift shops galore (JAPAN!). Appreciate the landscaping.

Even MK has a number of short wait attractions: the Peoplemover, Philarmagic, Monsters, INC....

Your guests will probably delight in those items as much as anything else. Also the fun dining.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

+1 late risers can meet up with everyone else... Really the jet lag is not that bad..

this works for folks who know the parks, it is much harder for first timers, unless you really make an effort to meet the at the gate.

You can also waste a LOT of time waiting around when trying to meet up.

As others have said, ten am is not bad. On extended family trips we've arrived at ten am many times and pretty much been able to do all (except the two days it will be busier), except you'll maybe have to choose Soarin' w/FP or TT w/FP and TSM with FP or RNRC w/FP. We skp which ever one we don't FP, usually Soarin' and we single rider RNRC.

When we go just ourselves, we generally aim to arrive at the parks by 9:30am. that is plenty early. The parks are at peak by 11am.


then again....you maybe aren't thinking at all about weather. Weather will also have a BIG impact. f it is cold, the locals don't go to WDw, and crowds will be low. If the weather is nice, you group will be more motivated. Last Jan, it was SO cold, we had frost! Also, if it is cold, your family might be too cold to be motivated. Some nights we really have to bundle at WDW to have fun!

 

[ZoZo]

As a previous poster mentioned, contrary to popular belief, later hours and evening EMH is normally the best time to enjoy the parks as most guests leave the park immediately after the nighttime show leaving the park half as empty as it was before.. This means less crows and shorter lines!!

Unfortunately, the OP is going in late January. I just checked the WDW web site, and the parks close anywhere between 5:00 pm (AK) and 9:00 pm most of the days of her trip, pretty much every night except for MLK weekend. So the "later hours" strategy won't work during the off-season. Since the evening fireworks and parades happen right before closing, you don't have the advantage of the "mass exodus" that happens during the busier times of the year.

 

[ironz]

Other than the MLK long weekend, I bet you will be fine. We went the 2nd half of the week following MLK day one year, and it was very quiet.

I like the idea that other posters have said--if you go a little later on your first day (due to jet lag), and find that you are missing out on some things, try to get started earlier the next day.

 

[SeilerBird]

I am a local with an AP and I go several times a week. I arrive before rope drop and usually stay until around noon. At noon time the temperature starts heating up, the crowds increase and the chance of rain increases dramatically, so I leave and get McDonalds lunch on the way home. If I stay much beyond noon the crowds just become obscene. I can usually do 6 to 8 rides before noon.

 

[Rebekkap]

I disagree with this completely. FP+ only gives you 3 attractions which is nowhere near enough to keep you out of lines especially at MK. If you do rope drop, you can do most of the rides that will get lines later in the day and reserve FP for a few others. Midday arrival means waiting in line for almost everything except your 3 FPs. Rope drop still means getting on at least 6-8 other rides that will form lines later with no waits.

Yes to all this, except FP + doesn't only give you three attractions - it gives you an initial three plus as many more as you can organise after that. I'll still get there at rope drop every time, because that gives you additional headliners without long waits,but last trip I think I managed at least nine FP + in one day at Magic Kingdom, and I didn't even stay very late - maybe 9pm? I do remember four were for Space Mountain (my favourite ride, though the Anaheim version is better).

 

[OB1]

I vote for the idea that you get them to go early 1 day. Then they can compare. Maybe the 3rd day, especially if it was busy on some previous days.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I am a local with an AP and I go several times a week. I arrive before rope drop and usually stay until around noon. At noon time the temperature starts heating up, the crowds increase and the chance of rain increases dramatically, so I leave and get McDonalds lunch on the way home. If I stay much beyond noon the crowds just become obscene. I can usually do 6 to 8 rides before noon.

Perhaps this poster has not seen the other end of the day.

Most likely, on your slow days, most attractions won't have long waits.

Even on a slow week, the parks still have emh. Epcot is ALWAYS 9am-9pm, and AK is mostly 9am-5pm - year round. so saying AK closes at 5pm, isn't much of a big deal. Even arriving at 10am, we cover the park by 3pm.

Jan 18- MK to 1am
Jan 19 MK to 11pm, HS to 10pm (with EMH)
Jan 20 - MK to 9pm, AK to 5pm, Epcot to 9pm, Hs to 7pm
Jan 21 - MK to 8pm, Epcot to 9pm, HS to 7pm
Jan 22 MK to 9pm
Jan 23 - Epcot to 11pm with EMH, MK to 9pm
Jan 24 - MK to 2am (with EMH), AK to 7pm, HS to 8pm

If you do the underlined, that's four reasonably late nights. It would be very easy to have a late dinner on the three middle nights, followed by hanging out at/near that resort. Take your pick: listening to live music at GF, Using night vision goggles to see animals at AKL, walking the Bwk/BC/Swan lagoon.

Another late night option almost always available if you are staying mod or deluxe- a late night dip in the hot tub! If you are staying on the monorail loop, take one evening to appreciate the water parade. If you are at a mod, take an evening to enjoy the live music. (at least at POR)

Still one more evening activity, for any night is visiting DTD (or perhaps even Disneyquest, a movie, or bowling)

Another huge potential option- if you have a car- an offsite dinner. It is very easy to spend an evening strolling Celebration.

So maybe the 20 or 21st, you encourage this family to make the effort one special morning. Otherwise, I really think they will be fine taking advantage of the late hours that do exist that week.

 

[eXo]

If you have a touring plans account, you can easily see the wait time for any given ride for any day of the year. Show him the wait times for a group of rides at rope drop versus at 2pm and go from there.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

One reason I love going solo. Not dependent on others.

 

[hops&dreams]

We've been on a 7 day trip in January 2010 and a 9 day trip in late Jan/early Feb 2012, and have yet to make it to a rope drop. We have ridden every single thing we've wanted to - even TSMM - twice! We've never waited in a line longer than 40 mins. (and that was for Splash on a weekend day).

We generally get to the parks between 10-11. Make the most of it - eat at off times and ride the headliners when everyone else is eating. Skip parades and ride during those.

All 3 of us, DH, me, and DD (who was 6, 8, and will be 11 on our next trip) are night owls and have lasted well from whenever we get there until after the parks close.

Now, please take what I've said with a grain of salt - the experiences we've had were those of old FP days... we'll experience the new way of doing things (FP+) in 31 days - squee!! It's been 3 years since we've been, but we loved the lowness of crowds when we've been before. For example, here's a pic of us on a Sunday afternoon at DHS in 2010. It was about 5 in the evening. Not too many people around.