New to WDW

[scarlos]

I will be going to WDW w/my 13 yo son for the 1st time next week. How do I fit in the most fun at all 4 parks in 3 days??? Also, we are staying at TYC--any helpful review of this resort?

Thanks a bunch.

 

[DisneyMom5]

Try to know what attractions you absolutely have to do, would like to do, and can skip, so that you have a bit of a plan in place.
I would say plan one whole day for both Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Use fast passes as much as possible. If rides are a priority, skip parades and fireworks, or vice versa.
Then get to Animal Kingdom BEFORE it opens, get in as much as you can, plan on leaving around lunch time, then go over to MGM and get in as much as you can there.
Try to figure out what days you will be where, and make dining reservations if you need them.
You will have a great time, even if you don't see everything. The best part is that your 13 yo won't need to go back to the hotel for a nap! LOL
(of course, if you're like me, YOU will probably need one!)
Have a great time!

 

[jswalker1981]

Make sure to use fastpass! Get a fastpass with the quickest return time. For example, if you get a fastpass with a return time that is only thirty minutes away, then thirty five minutes later, you will be able to get another fastpass. I did this for Tomorrowland, as I got a FP for Buzz and the return time was within 30 minutes, so I waited 35 minutes, got a FP for Space Mountain and then hopped on Buzz. If I would have got a FP for Space Mountain first, then I would have to wait at least two hours to get another fastpass because the longest you have to wait to get another FP is 2 hours, and that is if the return time is longer then two hours away. So if you use the FP the right way, then you will never have to wait very long at all, I spent all day at MK, and I waited no longer then 20 minutes for a ride/show all day.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

The best advice I can give is not to try to do too much in such a short stay. You will be overwhelmed by the size of WDW and not have as much fun. Pick out now what you absolutely want to do. It will be hot and crowded so be prepared. Get to the parks before opening. You can get a lot done in the first two hours. Absolutely use Fast Passes.
If TYC means the The Yacht Club you will love the hotel and the area. It is so convenient to both Epcot and the Studios. You can walk to both or take the boat.
Have a great trip!

 

[cami89]

I was just going to add the same - you can combine Animal Kingdom and MGM, but definitely give yourself a full day for the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. If you can get your hands on guides for each of the parks early on, you and your DS can vaguely plan what each of you are interested in seeing/doing and get a feel for the layout - that helps a lot. Hope you guys have a great trip and don't forget to take time and enjoy all the little touches that make WDW so magic

 

[scarlos]

Thanks for your help. I guess I'm still a little confused as to how the fast pass works but I can figure it out once I'm there . Now I'm worried because I hear reports that the tropical storm will hit FL when we're there--will the parks still be open???

 

[qtwns]

I can't speak for tropical storm weather, but if it is "just raining", put on your rain ponchos and keep going. The crowds thin during rainy times and you'll be able to get a lot done--most ride lines are under cover anyway so just keep plugging along! And most rides are inside, so with the exception of very few, the rides will be open for business. Rain or shine, have a great trip!

 

[cleo]

Unless there is a hurricane directly over Orlando it's likely the parks will be open so go and have fun anyway!

I have to second the opinion not to try to do so much in a short stay. Being July, it's going to be packed, hot, and somewhat difficult to get around. If you do AK and MGM in one day you're going to spend a lot of valuable touring time in transit. I'd choose between AK and MGM and have a good reason to return again at a later date, if possible. If not, I'd do AK in the morning and MGM in the afternoon and evening.

If your son likes the 'thrill rides' I'd be inclined to skip AK this time around and concentrate on MK, Epcot, and MGM.