Is a 1 day visit to MK crazy?

[sharona]

Hi All. We've been to WDW several times, the last being in 2010 when my daughter was 8. Spent 10 days and did everything we wanted and more thanks to the great planning info on the DIS.

We're heading to Universal in April. It's our 3rd trip there this year as we have aps and we really love the hotels and parks there. But....we haven't been to MK since the changes to FL so thinking of taking just one day to spend at MK. It would be 4/25 or 4/26 (Sat or Sun). This is the end of the New England school vacation week so I would expect crowds to be pretty big. We're ok with that I think.

With the new (to me) FP+ system in place, would it be crazy to expect to be able to ride the new Snow White coaster, BTMRR (hopefully more than once), Space, Splash and HM throughout the course of the day without spending our entire day in line? Is it still a breeze the first hour or so after park opening? I saw something about FP+s for the parade and Wishes? Is that for real? I assume we can still queue up for a decent spot if we're willing to get there early enough? Should I base our 1 day on whichever day doesn't have early entry for Disney hotel guests? Any other tips or advice?

We'd like to take our time and really enjoy the atmosphere, shop on Main St, get some pictures, see a parade and maybe the fireworks. We would be arriving at opening and would probably take a rest break back to our hotel then return for the fireworks and parade after dinner.

Just an idea that I had today, not much time researching yet but thought I would start with some informed opinions from the experts.

TIA for your advice!

Sharona

 

[Laketravis]

I'm surprised the experts haven't jumped in yet so I'll try to help

It sounds like you'll be buying a 1-day ticket onsite? If so, that could represent a huge challenge on a crowded weekend in terms of FP availability, as same-day guests are the last ones in the food chain when it comes to reserving theirs - they can't and have to proceed to a kiosk to obtain them. The likelihood of any FP's for the most popular attractions being available that weekend the day of is going to be pretty darn low.

Mesaboy has a good thread on FP strategies and tips here: FP Tips and Tricks

I've started a thread where I've been setting up a plan to visit Universal and WDW on the same trip and how I configured my FP's: Park Strategy

I'd definitely use the first 3 FP's for the rides you mentioned and just seek out a good spot for parades/fireworks. The problem you will run into is not being able to make your FP reservations 30 days in advance, and frankly that's a pretty expensive gamble I probably wouldn't take. But there may be others who can chime in who know how to make it work for you.




.

 

[sharona]

I would buy my ticket online in advance and reserve my 3 FPs 30 days out.

 

[Laketravis]

There ya go. So far over spring break I've found availability to be pretty decent for 7DMT (the new coaster), BTMR, SM, and HM. I'd definitely reserve an FP for 3 of those, plan on early standby for the rest if you can, and just pick a good spot for parade/fireworks.

Make sure you reserve them at the 30 day mark, though, as I've already had some trouble trying to re-arrange them and found that there are no more 7DMT when I do at around 3 weeks out.

 

[CaitlinMarie13]

I would buy your ticket, try and reserve some fastpasses, and just enjoy the atmosphere! You will be able to get some good food, the Festival Of Fantasy parade is my favorite parade ever, and do whatever other rides you have time for!

 

[sharona]

Talked to my DD about this idea tonight. She is on board with a relaxing one day visit that is more about the sights than the rides. We'll have express pass at US so we can get plenty of rides in on the other days. In fact, it will be nice not to need a dramamine for one day! We both get horrible motion sickness and have to dose up at US, especially for the screen rides like Minions and 2 Harry Potter rides. The WDW rides like Splash and BTMRR are not an issue for us.

Getting excited about this idea!