It has been ten years since we have been.... We used to be regulars, but kids grew up, went to college etc.... Now we are going back with the next generation... We are taking our son, his wife and our grandsons ages 6 months and almost 3. My daughter in law and of course the grandkids have never been. A lot has changed in ten years at the parks and also on these boards. I have some questions and need somme help with planning.
Welcome back! Sounds amazing.
The last week of January always was a great time to go... Now crowd calendars are showing 7's and 8's... I guess I was kinda expecting 5 or 6's. I know it's always crowded in Disney now... but given all the construction going on do you think these are accurate? We used to go in January and it was great.
Yes crowd patterns have shifted in the last 10 years. I think summer has become less popular and other times more popular. Plus WDW does a better job filling the gaps with special offers and group packages. Late winter has alot of school and competition groups now, plus things like marathons, holiday weekends and special events mixed in. Sometimes even international packages to fill the gaps (Brazil, etc).
If you’re looking to give yourselves the best shot regarding crowds, some things that have helped me: booking the end of one month into the next. More often than not a little dip happens there where it is lower than surrounding weeks. Also, generally Wed and Thursday are not as crazy as the other days in any given week (outside of MK during fall party seasons). So I try to take advantage of those when possible.
Sometimes higher attendance means better experience, and that is because park hours get expanded, more showtimes are added, more characters and live entertainment, which altogether make for a pleasant day and a trip easier to overall navigate.
We are planning on purchasing
lightning lane for all the parks. Do you think this is necessary?
Not necessary but very helpful! Take some time learn about optimization. The LL threads here can leas you in the right direction. I don’t love spending this money, lol. But they way I look at it is we are already spending a big budget at WDW. The cost of some LL days might add only 5 or 10% to the cost of a trip, but it will improve it by way more than that. To offset we cut down on character meals and pricey souvenirs.
This of course depends on what kind of trip you are planning. When our kids were toddlers we just bopped around their schedule and interests, and didn’t care how many attractions we missed. Then LLs might make less sense. But if the adults are interesting in seeing as much as they can? Then yes to LLs.
Unsolicited advice: there have been many grandparent threads here discussing common challenges. Popular consensus is to go in with a family plan around when you will helping with the kids and when you’d like some time for yourselves.
We are staying 7 nights and doing 6 park days so we can have time to come back and take breaks etc... given that we are traveling with little ones. No park hoppers, so I figured 2 days at MK and HS and one day each at EP and AK. I actually prefer a second day at AP, but I feel like HS would be the better choice in this case.
Sounds good!
We are doing the regular dining plan. We aren't drinkers... Can we substitute virgin drinks? Like could I get a virgin pina colada in place of a coke? We are staying at Coronado Springs which is a first for us... I just couldn't pass up the price and I feel like the pool and play area is a good option.
Yes there are many mocktails and specialty drinks that are not alcohol included in
DDP. The more challenging part is your meal credit will need to be used at one place. It’s a balance of finding the better food options that sometimes don’t have great drink options, or vice versa lol. Best is to take a look through the different menus to get an idea of which places you are most interested. Also - mobile order for food is fantastic! I just stayed at Coronado for the 2nd time and it’s lovely. No doubt you all will enjoy.
I think there is one big conference going on there the last couple days of our trip. How much does that impact the bus transprtation, pool etc?
I don’t know much about buses because DH always needs a rental car. It’s like a comfort blanket for him
Pin trading... my boys used to be so into that. Is that even done anymore?
Yes! It’s back in full swing. Each park has 2 areas, but you’ll also find in many stores and restaurants, and within the resorts as well. Good idea is to buy a small lot on e-bay to trade with. For the most part nobody is really trading the expensive store ones. Still fun.
Worth it to buy magic bands? They used to be included.... and if we do get them should we get one for the little one even though he isn't ticketed... just so it can interact with the shows etc?
I loved magicbands but they are no longer necessary. Everything can now be done through Magic Mobile which is in the
MDE app. DH wears the newest version Magicband+ but they do not work for my small wrists. If you have old ones, they can still be used at tap points (like to enter parks, rides, enter your room and even chargeback to your room. They don’t need the battery for anything on touch point, just for further away things like ride photos which your phone can now do. As far as interaction? It’s cute but personally I don’t think worth it just for those. The lights go off and it may vibrate. There are some interactive games but those are more for repeat visitors. Vast majority never bother because too busy trying to get everything else done.
Are there many restrictions on the dining plan? Thought about going to Trex our first day and saw that the steak is excluded....
Typically no that’s not very common. Whether you go with QS or TS dining plan, a good idea is to save up some snack credits to use at the Festival of Arts food booths. Not everything is included as a snack credits but there will be many great options. It’s nice to make a meal out of trying a bunch of different things and sharing together.
Wondering if that is the case at many places... Let me know your tips and tricks. I am so excited to be going back and I feel like I know a lot... but also like I am starting over. I know it will not be easy with two kids this age... but I have been wanting to go back for ages... and they are free haha... So we are just going to take it one day at a time! Hit me with your thoughts!
It’s a wonderful adventure. It looks like you are well versed so just keep on this path. Planning and learning about all the newest things is half the fun!
