MK Plan of Attack

[Bigwands]

We're heading to Universal for a Con at the end of the month and could only squeeze in one Disney Day, so we're doing MK because Wishes. Wishes is actually the entire reason I insisted we go. I can't be so close and not see it.

Anyway, Boyfriend hasn't been since he was a kid and he's never been with a Disney fanatic, so we're sort of treating this as a "first time". I haven't been since 2011, and again, that was a brief visit. I know there's a lot that's changed since then so I wanted people's opinions on our best plan of attack.

I don't need a blow-by-blow itinerary (I'm actually really looking forward to having the freedom to just decide to jump on a ride this trip since I wont be with my whole family), but any tips about the best way to handle the big rides would be great. I'm used to have a GAC, but since them, I know I'm in for far more Line-time than I'm used to. We're just going to skip all character signing "attractions", and absolutely no Frozen things (though I think those are in EPCOT?) - can't stand it. I know he loves the roller coasters though and will probably want to do Space Mountain, which I have no experience with.

tldr, How do a Coaster Fanatic and a coaster-phobe get the most of their 1 day at MK?

 

[kayli2299]

We have both of these in our family. A fanatic, and a phobe.

Well, if you aren't a very big fan of big rollercoasters I would definitely try the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This ride can be a bit slow, but if you sit in the back it is so much more fun. The carts sway from side to side and you go through the Dwarfs Mine! The wait time for this ride is usually 70-90 minutes in the summer, and it gets like that within the first hour of park opening. I would ride this first thing when the park opens if it sounds interesting to you.

As for Space, there is nothing to be afraid of. It may seem scary before you get on, but once you get going it is so much fun. I was deathly afraid of rollercoasters a few years back and that was the first one I rode trying to crush my fear, and it worked! It's dark so you can't see anything, and the sounds around you make the ride even better. It is definitely a must do. This line can also get pretty long, so I would suggest a FP for this ride.

Maybe try having lunch at BOG. Amazing. The strawberry cupcake is to die for.

Basically, the big rollercoasters always have the longest waits.. and also peter pan... ?

I hope this helps! (And I know how you feel about the frozen stuff.. love the movie.. but it's a bit too much)

Have a great trip!!

 

[Bigwands]

Still not going on Space Mountain. People tell me things like that for nearly every roller coaster. I don't think people get just how much I do not like them and it's not worth the stress of waiting for the first drop to find out.

We have dinner "reservations" at BOG. That was a must-do as it wasn't done last time I was down there. I think we'll head straight to this 7 dwarves thing though.

Thanks

 

[tobikaye]

I am usually the only rider on some of the "thrill" attractions. If I am going to ride them, then we split up. I get in line and the non-rider(s) find something to do while I ride. Sometimes this is getting a drink or snack. Other times, it is shopping, riding another attraction, or visiting a character.

It might be a good time to have separate FP+ items. Get him a FP+ for an attraction you do not want to ride and then get a FP+ for yourself for an attraction he might not enjoy. Or, you can stay in line with him until you get to the end and take the exit.

 

[Cando86]

I would head right to SDMT at rope drop if that's something you want to do. You could also just make a FP for that one and skip it during the morning rush to SDMT that occurs. I think the attractions that are most important to hit in the first two hours of opening are these: SDMT, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Peter Pan's Flight, and Space Mountain. I saw that you don't like coasters so for you you could hit Jungle Cruise, Pirates, Journey of the Little Mermaid, Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World, and Buzz Lightyear. Of course there are so many other attractions I love that I would recommend but for one day I think those are the big ones. During the afternoon, when waits get high you can hit some of the attractions that don't typically have long lines like: Carousel of Progress, Dumbo, Mad Tea Party, Philharmagic, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, and Tomorrowland Transit Authority.

I would probably do the above in this order:
SDMT (if not getting a FP)
Peter Pan's Flight
Space (or FP this for later)
Buzz and then take railroad to Frontierland
Big Thunder (or FP this for later)
Splash (or FP this for later)
Pirates
Jungle Cruise
Haunted Mansion
It's a Small World
Journey of Little Mermaid
Then hit the attractions that don't typically have long lines during the afternoon that I listed above

With all that being said, I think the single most important thing for you to do if you're trying to get a lot done is make sure you are there for rope drop, arriving by 8:15 or so for a 9am opening or 7:15 for an 8am opening. You can get SO much done in those first two hours before the biggest crowds arrive.

Oh - and HAVE FUN!!!

 

[Bigwands]

I would head right to SDMT at rope drop if that's something you want to do. You could also just make a FP for that one and skip it during the morning rush to SDMT that occurs. I think the attractions that are most important to hit in the first two hours of opening are these: SDMT, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Peter Pan's Flight, and Space Mountain. I saw that you don't like coasters so for you you could hit Jungle Cruise, Pirates, Journey of the Little Mermaid, Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World, and Buzz Lightyear. Of course there are so many other attractions I love that I would recommend but for one day I think those are the big ones. During the afternoon, when waits get high you can hit some of the attractions that don't typically have long lines like: Carousel of Progress, Dumbo, Mad Tea Party, Philharmagic, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, and Tomorrowland Transit Authority.

I would probably do the above in this order:
SDMT (if not getting a FP)
Peter Pan's Flight
Space (or FP this for later)
Buzz and then take railroad to Frontierland
Big Thunder (or FP this for later)
Splash (or FP this for later)
Pirates
Jungle Cruise
Haunted Mansion
It's a Small World
Journey of Little Mermaid
Then hit the attractions that don't typically have long lines during the afternoon that I listed above

With all that being said, I think the single most important thing for you to do if you're trying to get a lot done is make sure you are there for rope drop, arriving by 8:15 or so for a 9am opening or 7:15 for an 8am opening. You can get SO much done in those first two hours before the biggest crowds arrive.

Oh - and HAVE FUN!!!

Ahhhh I love your getting engaged story. That's sort of my dream scenario and bf isn't as good at keeping secrets as he thinks he is...