need help/suggestions for a touring plan!

[GilesFamily]

I've read the UG cover to cover. We are going to MK in late September on a EMH day as a non-resort guest. Staying at a Disney resort is not an option (cause hubby said), and changing our visit to MK to another day isn't an option either (cause we will only be in Orlando one day) Should we bother even trying to following a touring plan? The UG guide recommends that either A) get there when the park first opens, that is, as a resort guest so you can be there at 8 or B) avoid the MK altogether if just a day guest. I'm just wondering if we get there at the 9:00 official opening when all resort guests are there at 8, would'nt a touring plan be ineffective then?

 

[swilphil]

I wouldn't try the touring plan, per se, but do take some of the advice as far as fast passes and times of day when you should do certain things. Get Fastpasses for your favorite ride ASAP: Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain or Splash Mountain. Get a second fast pass as soon as the time is available.

 

[Lora]

Definitely work out a plan based on the UG. I'm assuming you're talking about the morning extra hour for your day. When you get there before 9 am, you should still be able to get to some of the attractions that are just opening at 9:00 with everyone else. With the use of the fast passes at a couple other key rides throughout the morning, you should be fine - especially at that time of year.

If you have kids, how old are they? Are they going to want to do Fantasyland? Dumbo may not be a walk-on at 9:00, but it's probably still going to be better at 9:00 than it is at 11:00. Are you staying for the whole day?

We're going to be there at the same time. We're staying our first night at the All-Star Music resort. It's only $67 (with discount - either AP or AAA- not sure which one they used). I think it was about $77 with the discount. Whatever you're saving in hotel costs, you're going to pay in parking, gas, and frustration, imho.

 

[GilesFamily]

Hi Lora and thanks.

Yes, we have a 6 year old and planning on staying the whole day.

We have a free hotel stay at International Drive, and we aren't driving, so the only cost for us is a taxi ride. It's hard to beat "free".

I guess it will still be worth getting there at 9 am then?

 

[Lora]

I guess it will still be worth getting there at 9 am then?

SO worth it! Bright and early is best. I always feel so bad for the families who enter the gates at 10:00 or later. The masses are coming in with them and we've already done several things.

With a 6 yo, you're probably not going to be too worried about the mtn's, so a Fantasyland start (getting a FP for Winnie the Pooh) followed by the later opening of Toontown might be your best bet. You can always take the train to Future World to get a FP at Buzz Lightyear. Don't count on doing the Speedway unless you want to stand in line for a long time.

In the afternoon, you can do the indoor things like Country Bears and Hall of Presidents (some don't like those, but I do) and then get a spot for the parade. I like to go along the Diamond Horseshoe side of the path to Frontierland. If you grab spot and then one of you goes to grab some snacks, it makes waiting much easier. Also, while you're waiting for the parade, get a fast past for Splash Mtn. or something else near-by. (I'm the "runner" of our family - I take everyone's park passes and walk quickly to the fast past machine and back while everyone else holds the spot for the parade or whatever.)

With one day, as I'm sure you know, you'll have to skip some stuff. Decide on your must do's and check the UG for their recommended times to see them.

Have fun!!

 

[Goofy4]

SO worth it! Bright and early is best. Have fun!!

I agree! Go for a fast pass first thing, skip to the 3rd or 4th item in the plan (perhaps skip to the next 'land') and use the fast pass later on.

 

[Eeyore2003]

When you get there before 9 am, you should still be able to get to some of the attractions that are just opening at 9:00 with everyone else.[/QUOTE]

My feelings exactly. Adventureland and Frontierland do not open until 9:00, so I would be there ahead of opening and head straight for Splash Mountain and Big Thunder. That would be two of your biggies done. Then I'd send someone to get Fastpasses for Peter Pan, and do Haunted Mansion. They are close together. Peter Pan, Pooh, Space Mountain, Buzz and Stitch will probably be the FP's you will gradually have to get throughout the day. While waiting for them you can do Mickey's Philharmagic, Hall of Presidents, usually Pirates is not too crowded, Swiss Family Treehouse, Tom Sawyer Island, Mickey's Toontown Fair, Small World etc.

Yes, I definitely think it would still be worth getting there early. I guess I'd also plan a nice long lunch break at some point. If you're watching your pennies Plaza Restaurant is nice, you could also get out of the park for a while which might be nice and eat at Kona Cafe or Grand Floridian Cafe. While not as inexpensive as counter service, these are very nice moderately priced resort restaurants.

 

[lentesta]

Hi GilesFamily,

Thanks for reading the Unofficial Guide. What touring plan in the book comes closest to having the attractions you want to see? Let me know, and I'll see if we can come up with some advice for your situation.

My initial thought is that Eeyore2003's idea makes sense; start in Frontierland, and do a sort of roughly clockwise tour of the park. You might run into some difficulty in Fantasyland (especially Dumbo), but let's see what attractions are your priority before deciding what to do.

Oh, and if someone needs to run to get FASTPASSes for the family, I'd make your DH go.

Sincerely,

Len