May conference = Disney Time

[tehSAC]

I have a bit of a conundrum on my hands, a good one albeit.

So in May I will be in Orlando for a conference, May 6th - 11th to be exact. I'm planning some Disney time for sure while I'm in town, as I believe most of us would try to do. Just as a pre-cursor, I spent a few days last year in the MK and AK.

So, I arrive on Sunday the 6th at 7:30 AM and will have my own vehicle. This day I will have the entire day to myself. Honestly I’m not too worried about crowds, as I will be on my own. Here is where my conundrum comes into play, and your advice needed.


First Option – One Park Only:

Sunday I was planning on spending the entire day (9 AM to 9 PM) at EPCOT, casually strolling through the lands and visiting the attractions I enjoy most. The last time I was in EPCOT was in 2012, and that trip I visited world showcase for the second time in my life. Yes I know, it’s a shame. So a lot of the day I would focus on that part of the park.

• Pros: Take my time, relax, and just enjoy EPCOT the way it should be experienced.
• Cons: Only get to experience one parks attractions.

Second Option – Park Hopper for a Single Day:



This has been an itch of mine since I knew I would be attending this conference. I would love to do a little park hopping, though part of me doesn’t want to do this in one day. If I did park hop I think I would visit the MK for a couple of my favorite attractions, and then bus it back to EPCOT, or even bus it over to HS for a personal favorite, Star Tours.

• Pros: Visit two parks and experience multiple attractions.
• Cons: Price (nearly $200 for a single day), not much of an opportunity to relax.

Third Option – Multiple Day:



I actually have a second day that I could visit the parks, which is the Thursday before I leave. I think the only other park that would be valid of a full day at would be the MK. However I spent almost 3 full days there last year.

• Pros: Visit two parks and experience multiple attractions.
• Cons: Price, not sure I want to spend a full day in the other parks.

Fourth Option – Park Hopper for Multiple Days:



Same option as the Second one, but able to park hop over two days.

• Pros: Multiple Parks at a more relaxed pace.
• Cons: At nearly $300 bucks, not including food, this is a tough pill to swallow.

So reading all of that, what would you do if you had this same itinerary/option to visit the parks? Give me some advice/convince me on your choice. I may have already answered my own question typing this out, but I am still curious to what others say.



Also would love your suggestions for meals, whether it be quick service or sit down restaurants.



Thanks,

 

[KenHutch]

I would go with Option 3 that at least give you 2 out of 4 parks.

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

I would go with option 4 because more Disney is better

 

[tehSAC]

More Disney is always great, but my wallet might not think that.

Don't get me wrong, I can afford it, but should I?

 

[starry_solo]

More Disney is always great, but my wallet might not think that.

Don't get me wrong, I can afford it, but should I?

YOLO

 

[bryanb]

I would probably go with option #4 if I had two full days. But you're right, it's really expensive. That's kind of a personal decision.

Are you planning to be back at WDW again soon after this trip? The frequency of visits would probably figure into my calculation too.

 

[tehSAC]

I would probably go with option #4 if I had two full days. But you're right, it's really expensive. That's kind of a personal decision.

Are you planning to be back at WDW again soon after this trip? The frequency of visits would probably figure into my calculation too.

Unfortunately no I don't know the next time we will be back down here. I spent a full day alone in the MK last May, and I have to be honest, I thought of my kids the entire time. I got alot done, but I need to be honest, I did not enjoy myself as much as I did with the kids this past fall.

 

[kwdw]

I've visited Disney during conferences three times now - so I'll add some other considerations.

1) How close is your conference to Disney? What is the drive time between the hotel and the parks?
2) Is there any chance you would drive to Disney during a night or two of the conference? How late in the day does your conference run? Are you going to be heading out with conference attendees for dinner/networking or does that not matter?
3) How exhausted are you during a conference?
4) Is your conference offering "conference day" tickets?

I ask that because I've hopped over to Disney every night during one conference (first session wasn't until 9 am!) - yet both of the other conferences given evening activities expected of me - that was not an option.

If you really have just the Sunday and Thursday - I'd get a 2 day base ticket and pick two parks. If you want to "hop" - go see the resorts or go to Disney Springs. Or the two day hopper - I did that once just to get about 3 hours in AK...... Pricey - but worth it to me for that particular trip. Another idea to get your full Disney fix - just get the one day ticket for Sunday - and plan some meals either at resorts or Disney Springs.

If you do end up picking 2 parks - I think the Nomad's Lounge in AK is a great place to soak in AK and get a drink and a light bite to eat as a solo and it's not something you would do with your kids. And I love heading over to Sanaa frequently before a flight home. I order their bread service - which is just a huge volume of food for a solo - yet unless I order a couple alcoholic drinks - not pricey.

I'm not one to suggest restaurants in Epcot - every one I've been to is over hyped. Lots are fun, decent. But the only WOW food I've ever had at Epcot has come from a food cart!

 

[bryanb]

Unfortunately no I don't know the next time we will be back down here. I spent a full day alone in the MK last May, and I have to be honest, I thought of my kids the entire time. I got alot done, but I need to be honest, I did not enjoy myself as much as I did with the kids this past fall.

It's interesting that you say that. Although I don't have kids, I think of Epcot and Animal Kingdom as being a bit more solo friendly than MK. That's not to say I can't have a great time solo at MK, but it feels a bit more family and group-oriented than the others. So it sounds like you have some favorite attractions at MK, but you wouldn't necessarily want to spend the whole day solo there? If that's the case, then it sounds like you'd have more fun with hoppers and it might be worth the expense -- especially if you don't plan a trip back anytime soon.

 

[tehSAC]

It's interesting that you say that. Although I don't have kids, I think of Epcot and Animal Kingdom as being a bit more solo friendly than MK. That's not to say I can't have a great time solo at MK, but it feels a bit more family and group-oriented than the others. So it sounds like you have some favorite attractions at MK, but you wouldn't necessarily want to spend the whole day solo there? If that's the case, then it sounds like you'd have more fun with hoppers and it might be worth the expense -- especially if you don't plan a trip back anytime soon.

Yea that’s where this itch comes from. However the wallet also says “hey save the extra and put it towards a family vacation.”

With the MK yes I saw all the families and wished mine was there. Almost left the park and added a hopper just to go to another park.

I've visited Disney during conferences three times now - so I'll add some other considerations.

1) How close is your conference to Disney? What is the drive time between the hotel and the parks?
2) Is there any chance you would drive to Disney during a night or two of the conference? How late in the day does your conference run? Are you going to be heading out with conference attendees for dinner/networking or does that not matter?
3) How exhausted are you during a conference?
4) Is your conference offering "conference day" tickets?

I ask that because I've hopped over to Disney every night during one conference (first session wasn't until 9 am!) - yet both of the other conferences given evening activities expected of me - that was not an option.

If you really have just the Sunday and Thursday - I'd get a 2 day base ticket and pick two parks. If you want to "hop" - go see the resorts or go to Disney Springs. Or the two day hopper - I did that once just to get about 3 hours in AK...... Pricey - but worth it to me for that particular trip. Another idea to get your full Disney fix - just get the one day ticket for Sunday - and plan some meals either at resorts or Disney Springs.

If you do end up picking 2 parks - I think the Nomad's Lounge in AK is a great place to soak in AK and get a drink and a light bite to eat as a solo and it's not something you would do with your kids. And I love heading over to Sanaa frequently before a flight home. I order their bread service - which is just a huge volume of food for a solo - yet unless I order a couple alcoholic drinks - not pricey.

I'm not one to suggest restaurants in Epcot - every one I've been to is over hyped. Lots are fun, decent. But the only WOW food I've ever had at Epcot has come from a food cart!

Thank you for your reply. Last year I had my evenings, after 5 PM, to do as I chose. Each evening was spent on Disney property checking out disney springs or a particular resort. At the end of the trip was when I visited the MK. I’m not terribly far from the parks. No more than a 20 minute drive. My hotel is near the Orlando Eye. My day is pretty light. Plenty of sitting and learning, so I typically head to my room, change, and I’m on Disney property by 6:00 at the latest.

The conference doesn’t offer tickets so that’s out of the question.

 

[kwdw]

It's interesting that you say that. Although I don't have kids, I think of Epcot and Animal Kingdom as being a bit more solo friendly than MK. That's not to say I can't have a great time solo at MK, but it feels a bit more family and group-oriented than the others. So it sounds like you have some favorite attractions at MK, but you wouldn't necessarily want to spend the whole day solo there? If that's the case, then it sounds like you'd have more fun with hoppers and it might be worth the expense -- especially if you don't plan a trip back anytime soon.

I'm laughing a bit here - because MK is my favorite park solo because there's no fighting with others when I'm alone. My least favorite park solo AT NIGHT is Epcot because I miss my significant other because it feels so couple-like to me. Though - Epcot is nice as a solo when you want to spend time exploring the countries without non-shoppers and easily bored kids in tow.

 

[tehSAC]

I'm laughing a bit here - because MK is my favorite park solo because there's no fighting with others when I'm alone. My least favorite park solo AT NIGHT is Epcot because I miss my significant other because it feels so couple-like to me. Though - Epcot is nice as a solo when you want to spend time exploring the countries without non-shoppers and easily bored kids in tow.

My favorite park and my family's favorite is the Magic Kingdom. So being there alone isn't as fun as it is when I am there with them. We all enjoy the same attractions so we never have an issue on what we want to do in that park.

However my wife and daughter wasn't huge fans of EPCOT the last time we visited, however it has always been a second favorite for me. I'm not much of a shopper, I enjoy the theme/design over anything else.

Right now I'm leaning towards Option 3, as I think a day alone in Animal Kingdom to explore would be pretty fun.

 

[clutter]

For your first day - Epcot. It's the flower and garden festival! You haven't been for a while, so there is so much new to do there. Plus explore the countries. That said - if you find yourself feeling like you at finished, you could add the park hopper while there. And if you add a hopper, then go to HS, and do Star Tours. Then, of course a second day, but you could decide that and add on, right? Animal Kingdom is definitely a place to spend a day by yourself. I'm with you that I'd miss my kid too much to do MK alone. And my kid is grown. So I could go with someone else, but after all my great memories of my kid growing up, I just don't think I'd want to do MK alone. To me, none of Disney is about the rides. It's all about the magic, so MK magic I prefer to share.

 

[tehSAC]

I must add that I will be visiting at least one resort and Disney Springs while im in town.

@kwdw suggested Sanaa and well I've already made a reservation.

 

[tehSAC]

I've done quite a bit of thinking and it looks like its just going to be one day in the parks. A full Sunday in EPCOT. Thursday is no longer in the mix as I will be headed home earlier than planned.

Now, I just need to figure out where I should eat in Epcot.

 

[LaurenT]

I wouldn’t even hesitate on taking option 4!
Your company is already paying for your transport and hotel ... so even with a multi day hopper the visit is dirt cheap. In fact, I’d probably just get an AP and plan a second visit within the coming 12 months. Then you get free parking and discounts and your admission for your next vacation is covered.

 

[LaurenT]

I must add that I will be visiting at least one resort and Disney Springs while im in town.

@kwdw suggested Sanaa and well I've already made a reservation.

Love Sanaa! I eat there every time! There’s a tortoise I always say hi to when checking in.

 

[tehSAC]

I wouldn’t even hesitate on taking option 4!
Your company is already paying for your transport and hotel ... so even with a multi day hopper the visit is dirt cheap. In fact, I’d probably just get an AP and plan a second visit within the coming 12 months. Then you get free parking and discounts and your admission for your next vacation is covered.

An AP is out of the question. Right now that isn't in the budget and we are vacationing else where this fall, so it wouldn't be a viable option. Plus with me leaving early on Thursday now, one park is the best I can do this visit.

Love Sanaa! I eat there every time! There’s a tortoise I always say hi to when checking in.

I will look for him and say hi as well.

 

[kniquy]

More park days is always a plus, so i would do the 2 days. Make your first day Epcot. While you are there Flower and Garden is going on -- it makes Epcot even more beautiful. There are outdoor kitchens all around world showcase, so you can sample your way around the countries. If you feel you have had your fill of MK then i would pick AK for your other day. There are some great rides, good food options (Satuli) and lots of animal viewing. The only down side is that the new Pandora rides will not have FP available as those get eaten up by resort guests 60 days out. Stand by lines for those are usually very long unless you are hitting right at rope drop or at park closing.

 

[Mom2Stitch]

For where to eat in Epcot - F&G is going on with the food booths-I say eat everywhere

Oh and I love your avatar...cause if you're not first, you're last!