Just back from last minute trip...no FP? No problem

[Sophie_2003]

just back from a last minute (under 3 days of prep) trip to Disney!

A few notes!

We booked fastpasses 48 hours in advance, got mid morning Soarin, spaceship earth and mission space at Epcot. Rode FEA at rope drop, which went great. Speed walk to the ride, under five minutes waiting. It was a non EMH morning, recommended park. Rode test track right after, used single rider line since wait time was up to 45 minutes by 9:20. Walked on sum of all thrills, then waited about 50 minutes for Joy and Sadness, 20 for Baymax. After riding our fastpasses had lunch at via Napoli. We got all,dining reservations one day before each meal (when other people cancel). Used FP for illuminations, great viewing spot!

MK day we had FP for space, splash and pirates. Rode 7dmt at rope drop. Very civilized walk behind an actual,rope, rode on the very first train Saturday morning. Many rides had under 20 minute wait until 11. Staked out a spot for MSEP/fireworks about 20 minutes before the parade.

DHS was our last day, rode rnr coaster twice (EMH morning), had FP for tsmm, star tours, tower of terror. All the Star Wars stuff was awesome, the meet and greets were awesome. Kylo Ren is very intimidating. Staked out a spot for fireworks 20 minutes before with no problem.

Stayed at all star sports. Great value for the price we paid. Buses were amazing. Didn't wait more than 10 minutes, ever, including park opening and closing.

Weather was supposed to be terrible. We had exactly one rain shower a day, mid afternoon.

Looking forward to doing it again soon!

 

[kappyfamily]

Well it doesn't get much better then that! Glad to hear you had a great trip, thanks for sharing!

 

[JerseyJanice]

Sounds awesome! Welcome home. Glad to read such an enthusiastic report.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

The parks have been very uncrowded (relatively speaking) the last five days we've been here. Rope drops have been especially uncrowded, but middays have been pretty unstressful too. Yesterday, I think I had 9 FP+ for the day. My original three at AK, and then six more at MK, one right after another, including three immediate ones on Space Mountain in the mid-afternoon, scheduling the next FP+ for 10 minutes later as I walked down the FP line inside the mountain after scanning my MB. It was unreal.

 

[TheInvernessie]

See I just got back a day ago, FP were super simple to get EXCEPT for one. The entire 6 days that I was there, I could not get a FP for SDMT at all. It irritated me so much.

 

[buzzrelly]

Awesome! So happy to see such a positive post!

 

[OB1]

Great info. Thanks for sharing. It obviously pays off to plan ahead, but you certainly proved that a great trip can be experienced with a moments notice. Sounds awesome.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

See I just got back a day ago, FP were super simple to get EXCEPT for one. The entire 6 days that I was there, I could not get a FP for SDMT at all. It irritated me so much.

Our experience as well. 7DMT also isn't available as one of your selections for an anytime FP+ (the ones you automatically get when a ride you have a FP+ for stops running.)

 

[jerseygal]

just back from a last minute (under 3 days of prep) trip to Disney!

A few notes!

We booked fastpasses 48 hours in advance, got mid morning Soarin, spaceship earth and mission space at Epcot. Rode FEA at rope drop, which went great. Speed walk to the ride, under five minutes waiting. It was a non EMH morning, recommended park. Rode test track right after, used single rider line since wait time was up to 45 minutes by 9:20. Walked on sum of all thrills, then waited about 50 minutes for Joy and Sadness, 20 for Baymax. After riding our fastpasses had lunch at via Napoli. We got all,dining reservations one day before each meal (when other people cancel). Used FP for illuminations, great viewing spot!

MK day we had FP for space, splash and pirates. Rode 7dmt at rope drop. Very civilized walk behind an actual,rope, rode on the very first train Saturday morning. Many rides had under 20 minute wait until 11. Staked out a spot for MSEP/fireworks about 20 minutes before the parade.

DHS was our last day, rode rnr coaster twice (EMH morning), had FP for tsmm, star tours, tower of terror. All the Star Wars stuff was awesome, the meet and greets were awesome. Kylo Ren is very intimidating. Staked out a spot for fireworks 20 minutes before with no problem.

Stayed at all star sports. Great value for the price we paid. Buses were amazing. Didn't wait more than 10 minutes, ever, including park opening and closing.

Weather was supposed to be terrible. We had exactly one rain shower a day, mid afternoon.

Looking forward to doing it again soon!

GOOD FOR YOU! QUESTION, Regarding FP for Illuminations, one of our Epcot days, I have 2 FP booked, 2nd one I think is 12:00. Does ANYONE know if when we get in the FP line at 12:00, what will be the chances to grab a FP for Illuminations that evening at around 12:00 noon, think there will be any left? If NOT, not a big deal, will just get a spot. TIA!

 

[loves to dive]

So glad you posted this, I've been saying for a long time you don't have to book ADRs 180 days out and FPs 60 days out to have a good time. We are like you, we book FPs the night before and ADRs the day of.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

So glad you posted this, I've been saying for a long time you don't have to book ADRs 180 days out and FPs 60 days out to have a good time. We are like you, we book FPs the night before and ADRs the day of.

So right about ADRs if you're flexible. You could swing a cat and hit a TS restaurant or ten with availability last/this week.

 

[RLGNC]

GOOD FOR YOU! QUESTION, Regarding FP for Illuminations, one of our Epcot days, I have 2 FP booked, 2nd one I think is 12:00. Does ANYONE know if when we get in the FP line at 12:00, what will be the chances to grab a FP for Illuminations that evening at around 12:00 noon, think there will be any left? If NOT, not a big deal, will just get a spot. TIA!

Illuminations was one of the only same day FPs we were able to get, and I picked it up in the early afternoon. I think there's a good chance you can get it. (And it is a great viewing spot.)

 

[elaine amj]

That's awesome! I'm a month out and still trying to get FEA FP+. I have everything else all set. Not sure if I will just skip it this trip...

Your post has me debating doing FEA at rope drop but it sounds like such a hassle and such a super long walk. After which, we will have to backtrack to cover Future World again anyway. Haven't ridden it yet, but considering skipping it until next summer when I return with my family. This is a quick trip with my girlfriend who has never been to WDW before. (and doesn't plan in advance - hence why I don't have those coveted FEA FP+ booked 60 days out LOL!)

 

[jerseygal]

Illuminations was one of the only same day FPs we were able to get, and I picked it up in the early afternoon. I think there's a good chance you can get it. (And it is a great viewing spot.)

THANKS!

 

[tlmadden73]

I went this exact same time last year and found it pretty uncrowded too. Besides the possibility of super heat and humidity (on top of potential daily thunderstorms) .. I think it is a great time of year to go. Your report seems to second that!

 

[LENNON500]

That is a really fantastic and inspiring review there, thank you! We love taking spontaneous trips too.
One really quick question; did you think your resort room was clean and well kept?

 

[Sophie_2003]

GOOD FOR YOU! QUESTION, Regarding FP for Illuminations, one of our Epcot days, I have 2 FP booked, 2nd one I think is 12:00. Does ANYONE know if when we get in the FP line at 12:00, what will be the chances to grab a FP for Illuminations that evening at around 12:00 noon, think there will be any left? If NOT, not a big deal, will just get a spot. TIA!

We got our fp around 2pm. It was a Friday, non emh. I had checked and they seemed available mid afternoon most days that week

 

[Sophie_2003]

That is a really fantastic and inspiring review there, thank you! We love taking spontaneous trips too.
One really quick question; did you think your resort room was clean and well kept?

It was perfect. Only downside was the small beds(double), and the pool was a little drab compared to moderates

 

[Sophie_2003]

That's awesome! I'm a month out and still trying to get FEA FP+. I have everything else all set. Not sure if I will just skip it this trip...

Your post has me debating doing FEA at rope drop but it sounds like such a hassle and such a super long walk. After which, we will have to backtrack to cover Future World again anyway. Haven't ridden it yet, but considering skipping it until next summer when I return with my family. This is a quick trip with my girlfriend who has never been to WDW before. (and doesn't plan in advance - hence why I don't have those coveted FEA FP+ booked 60 days out LOL!)

I actually suggest you go and do it. It was a nice walk and seeing a quiet world showcase was fun. If you go on a day that's not too busy you can probably get tt as a 4th fp if it's just st the two of you

 

[Atlanta WDW Fan]

Great trip report! To say we are ready for our vacation would be a horrendous understatement. All these reports of lighter crowds has us excited, just hoping for good weather. Thanks!