last-minute trip - would it be worthwhile?

[ewasilau]

Debating a quick weekend birthday trip for my soon-to-be 16 year old daughter (she turns 16 on Leap Day). She thought she wanted a party, now she doesn't, and I figure that the party money (about $1000) might cover a big chunk of a 2 or 3 night trip for the two of us the weekend of Feb 29. We would use miles to fly to MCO, then either stay completely offsite or at the Dolphin (much cheaper than the current WDW offerings), arriving either 2/27 (Thurs) afternoon, Thurs night or Fri 2/28 but early. Departing Sunday on the last flight out, I think it's at 8 pm. Obviously, we will have missed the 30 FP window, so would have to take what we get. Could get basic 4 day ticket, 1 park per day, or 3 day base tickets (only $10 less!) or 3-4 day hoppers. (We love hoppers, but expensive for a short trip). Or just get 2-day hoppers and find other stuff to do on Sunday. My daughter loves coasters, all rides, all characters and princesses and would want to do as much as possible (would probably really want to do Toy Story land - we last visited right before it opened - but might be ok to skip new Star Wars stuff). Would she find this trip fun? Or frustrating? i am very good at FP refreshing but I had the advantage of a 60 day window and our last trip was in early May so not bad crowds. Would Feb 27-March 1 be crowded? Any advice welcome!!!

Thanks!

 

[MulanMom]

What a fun and memorable way to spend her 16th birthday! I'd say go for it. She only turns 16 once! I'm a planner but those spontaneous trips can be the best.

Have fun!!!

 

[Asnell]

Debating a quick weekend birthday trip for my soon-to-be 16 year old daughter (she turns 16 on Leap Day). She thought she wanted a party, now she doesn't, and I figure that the party money (about $1000) might cover a big chunk of a 2 or 3 night trip for the two of us the weekend of Feb 29. We would use miles to fly to MCO, then either stay completely offsite or at the Dolphin (much cheaper than the current WDW offerings), arriving either 2/27 (Thurs) afternoon, Thurs night or Fri 2/28 but early. Departing Sunday on the last flight out, I think it's at 8 pm. Obviously, we will have missed the 30 FP window, so would have to take what we get. Could get basic 4 day ticket, 1 park per day, or 3 day base tickets (only $10 less!) or 3-4 day hoppers. (We love hoppers, but expensive for a short trip). Or just get 2-day hoppers and find other stuff to do on Sunday. My daughter loves coasters, all rides, all characters and princesses and would want to do as much as possible (would probably really want to do Toy Story land - we last visited right before it opened - but might be ok to skip new Star Wars stuff). Would she find this trip fun? Or frustrating? i am very good at FP refreshing but I had the advantage of a 60 day window and our last trip was in early May so not bad crowds. Would Feb 27-March 1 be crowded? Any advice welcome!!!

Thanks!

Two years ago I had a last-minute trip with about a week’s notice. We were going to be in the Orlando area, and the second half of our business trip got cancelled. Changing our flights would have been quite expensive so we stayed and spend 2 1/2 days at WDW, visiting one park per day with non-hopper tickets.

With only that much notice I was able to get FP and ADRs for everything we wanted to do by checking on my phone whenever I had a spare minute ... waiting in line, commercials on tv, etc. We got FP for 7DMT, KS, FEA plus a bunch of others. ADRs included BOG.

The point is, you can totally do this if you want to.

 

[tzeitel]

I would totally do it! Even without ADRs or FPs booked in advance it would be a fun way to celebrate.
Check the resorts board, the discount section has a Priceline thread with last minute deals. People have been finding Disney resorts and Swolphin for really great rates.

 

[5kidsmommy]

I would totally do it. I am sure it would be memorable. Just know if you want to do the popular rides you might have a long wait. You'll have a ton of fun I'm sure.

 

[4fordisneyworld]

We have literally planned a trip the day before we left! It is so much fun! Do it!!

 

[ClapYourHands]

Especially with a party of 2, you should be able to grab some great FP even if you decide to go tomorrow,

 

[Leigh L]

What a fun way to spend a 16th birthday!
I would totally do a last-minute trip

 

[cgattis]

My daughter and I did this exact thing and had a blast!! Totally do it.

 

[Disneykate605]

That sounds exciting! I would totally do it! Any day in WDW is a great day!! Have fun!

 

[AndreaDM]

Do it! How's this for last minute? Yesterday I found r/t flights from Ohio to MCO for $48 pp! Yeah on Spirit, but so what, we live less than 10 min. from the airport. We are flying down next Saturday and back Sunday night (late flight home). We have ONE day to spend in the parks lol, we're just trying to decide whether we want to attempt DHS and that madness or check out Epcot's Festival of the Arts. Either way, a one day ticket is $$$, but couldn't pass up the opportunity to get out of the cold even for 24 hours. Taking fiancee who's only ever been to MK on a half day work ticket (I know, right?!), so he's pretty much up for anything. I've been trying to get him to a festival at Epcot for the 5 years we've been together, so hoping this sprouts his love for all things Disney.

 

[Miffy]

Yes yes yes and yes! Do it! Sounds perfect to me. This is way better than a birthday party!

 

[Darcy03231]

I'd do it. Even if you can't get the headliner rides in there's plenty of other things to see/do.

 

[nkereina]

DH and I did a similar trip back in October over Halloween. We would do it again and thought it was worthwhile. We arrived early Wednesday morning and left on the last flight Saturday night. We opted to only go to Epcot and DHS, and then spent the rest of the time in the pool, at Universal for Halloween Horror Nights, CityWalk, and Disney Springs. Because of this, we only bought 2 day base tickets to save money. We opted not to do in-park TS meals to save time. I was able to pre-book some decent FPs, and managed to get a lot of things as 4th FP day of. The only one I couldn't snag was SDD, so we opted to wait in the standby line for it.

In your case, if the price difference is negligible and you want to do all 4 parks, I would buy 4 day base tickets and try to arrive Thursday morning. You could do one park each day Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun. You'd just have to decide which parks take you the shortest time and plan to do those Thursday and Sunday. Since its just one park per day, I don't think it would be particularly tiring or fast paced. Lots of time you can maximize.

 

[alliecat523]

I had to check and make sure I didn’t write your post. This is exactly what we are doing to celebrate my daughter’s 16th. Same weekend. Used miles for flights. All of it! So far I’ve had plenty of dining options and FP has not been an issue. Obviously we aren’t getting FOP but we’ll keep checking. Her birthday was earlier this week and her jaw dropped when she opened the gift.

 

[WRLeGrand]

Absolutely you should. My wife and I did a last minute for our son's pre-K graduation with about 10 days notice. We were able to get a lot of great meals and some nice FP+ too. As long as your are not expecting to get a FP+ for Mine Train or something like that...go and have a blast!

 

[princess jasmine 76]

Yes! If staying at the Dolphin, which is at the end of the Boardwalk, I would consider hoppers. It's so convenient to walk to and from, or take the friendship boat to and from the resort to Epcot & Hollywood Studios.

 

[sponica]

I bought 2 day park hoppers the day before we went to the parks, we had fun.