Newbie here! Should we follow a touring plan?

[Amanda87]

Hello everyone! I have been lurking for awhile and finally signed up! I love reading all the posts! I am planning our first trip to WDW the first week of june for my 7 year old son and myself. Should we follow a touring plan? If so, what plans do you recommend? We will be there 7 days so we can spend a couple days at different parks. Thanks so much!

 

[Disney_Alli]

I love touring plans. Pick up a copy of the unofficial guide and read through it. Touring Plans is their sister site. I'd follow one of the two day plans for MK and Epcot and the regular one day plans for DHS and AK. That gives you one day off to relax by the pool.

 

[Alesia]

Unless you just adore the idea of standing around doing the whole, "What do you wan't to do?" "I don't know, what do you want to do?" thing, I highly recommend using a touring plan. I find the cheat sheets at easywdw.com to be really helpful.

 

[WendyLou]

2 thumbs up here for touring plans, it's nice to look at the map and plan your day where your not running back and forth across the park all day and can even schedule your lunch breaks depending on which time you'll be near your fave restaurants.

 

[sharonabe]

I also recommend the Birnbaum WDW for KIDS book or Guide to the Magic for Kids. Let your son look through one of those and decide what he wants to do. Make your OWN touring plan based on what you learn from easywdw or touringplans. One plan does not fit all, so don't feel like you have to do what they say to have a good time.

 

[ellie05]

I also think it is a great idea to read through the unofficial guide as mention by pp. There are many touring plans to choose from at touring plans website I am sure you'll find one that will work for you.

 

[think-like-tink]

We have used TouringPlans. Last year we just went by Josh at easywdw. I like his better. He is AWESOME.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Easywdw is your best bet (and it is free). You at least want to have an idea of which rides to hit when on which day so that (1) you can hopefully minimize lines and (2) aren't running back and forth across the parks.

 

[richmo]

Amanda, first of all, welcome...and have a great time!

My opinion on the touring plans goes both ways. I think its a good idea to have some plan, but I'm not a big fan of the very precise touring plans that try to plan every minute of your day.

You're going the first week in June. I went that time last year. There will be plenty of people there, but its not yet the intense crowds seen a couple of weeks later. Also, you might want to see if gay days are going on while you're there. If so, that should have little or no effect on your trip, but from a crowd point of view, you might want to stay away from their "designated park". Also, I'm not quite sure what the dates are, but Star Wars weekends are usually in that time frame, as well. If your son is into Star Wars, you might want to make sure you hit the Studios on a weekend (but keep in mind the park will be busier).

I do think you should do Fastpasses in advance, which is where a touring plan comes in. Usually I use the touring plans (Easy WDW and the unoffficial guide's site) to figure out which parks are going to be least crowded on which days and plan my days, and Fastpasses, accordingly.

Beyond that, and considering that this is your first trip, I'd like to see you mostly step back and take it all in. There is so much to see and do. The other thing I want you to remember is that even with 7 days, you are still not going to see it all.

Allow for spontaneity, especially with a 7 year old in tow. Don't obsess with jamming in as much as you can. Take in things like the Flights of Wonder (bird show) at Animal Kingdom or an acrobat show in China (Epcot). If your son wants to do an extra loop on the monorail, let him. Watch the parades...catch the Festival of Fantasy mid-afternoon at Magic Kingdom. Take in night shows if you're still awake...but don't be afraid to take some down time if one or both of you are getting tired.

Go prepared, but don't overdo it. Main thing....have fun!

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

When we are with adults kids and grandkids, I make up a rough touring plan. While we like an overall plan, it must allow for spontaneity if someone sees something they really want to do. There are times when a ride is not crowded and the kids want to ride it again right after they get off...that answer is always yes, as the line will never be that short again! Sometimes WDW seems like too much of a plan and not enough of a relaxing vacation to me!

Our daily plan always begins with Rope Drop. We stay on site and try to maximize using EMH. We target a popular ride or two to start off with and then immediately following that we do the rides close by, one after the other. We skip rides/attractions that seldom have much of a line, saving them for later in the day. We then move on to the next nearby area, trying to avoid wasting time walking back and forth across the park. I find that the parks often don't get crazy crowded until around lunch, and we try to ride like crazy until then!

We always start the day with a good breakfast and everyone including the kids carry a couple of prepackaged snacks. I go to Costco and get a variety of prepackaged peanut butter crackers, fruit gel snacks, granola bars, etc.

 

[The Rovang 5]

If you were going at a low crowd-level time of year, it would be easier to wander around and do things you find along the way. June is pretty crowded, though, and personally I think you'll be grateful of a touring plan no matter which you choose.

 

[BayouMickey]

in moderation... Some people use it as their bible for their trip. Example, I have this friend who goes regularly like me, but didn't know anything about touring plans. Well slap my wrist for showing her it. She planned every second using a touring plan, she got carried away. Her husband told me it was his worst trip and wasn't sure if he would ever go back. So when he relented to another trip, I sat her down and showed her how to use touring plans in moderation and the trip went alot smoother. I personally don't use them, but I like spontaneity. I will glimpse to see what days are best for a certain park, but that's my extent.

 

[JZCubed]

In general, I have a few 'Rules' I follow.

--Unless there is a reason to stay out at night with a young child (Fantasmic!, fireworks), plan on starting your day at a Park and try to be there for the opening - known as Rope Drop. Your ability to accomplish most 'must-do' attractions will come with little wait if you arrive at the Parks early. Utilize FP+.

--"The hotel swimming pool," was the most common reply when children answered the question of their favorite thing at Disney World. Leaving the Park before a meltdown is preferable to the alternative.

--Most children have about 4-hours to give inside a Park. For some children, this might even include travel time and meals. Expecting to spend morning, afternoon, and past dinner in the Parks is not an ideal vacation over 7-days, but maybe once or twice.

--Avoid crowds by eating early/late lunch. A typical dinner hour for children can sometimes be exhausting for them, and your best laid plans can cost $10/person in cancellation fees.

You do not need a touring plan to the degree that some of us have it down to the near minute.

But having an idea where you might start and which direction you might turn after one attraction or another will help tremendously in your leaving as if you did as much as you wanted AND made time for some enjoyment that may or may not be inside a Park.

Resources include:
--Direct questions on DisBoards
--Birnbaums for Kids
--EasyWDW (look at Cheat Sheet to understand each Park)
--TouringPlans after looking at books and other websites.

 

[Nancyg56]

In general, I have a few 'Rules' I follow.

--Unless there is a reason to stay out at night with a young child (Fantasmic!, fireworks), plan on starting your day at a Park and try to be there for the opening - known as Rope Drop. Your ability to accomplish most 'must-do' attractions will come with little wait if you arrive at the Parks early. Utilize FP+.

--"The hotel swimming pool," was the most common reply when children answered the question of their favorite thing at Disney World. Leaving the Park before a meltdown is preferable to the alternative.

--Most children have about 4-hours to give inside a Park. For some children, this might even include travel time and meals. Expecting to spend morning, afternoon, and past dinner in the Parks is not an ideal vacation over 7-days, but maybe once or twice.

--Avoid crowds by eating early/late lunch. A typical dinner hour for children can sometimes be exhausting for them, and your best laid plans can cost $10/person in cancellation fees.

You do not need a touring plan to the degree that some of us have it down to the near minute.

But having an idea where you might start and which direction you might turn after one attraction or another will help tremendously in your leaving as if you did as much as you wanted AND made time for some enjoyment that may or may not be inside a Park.

Resources include:
--Direct questions on DisBoards
--Birnbaums for Kids
--EasyWDW (look at Cheat Sheet to understand each Park)
--TouringPlans after looking at books and other websites.

This is exactly how I fee.

I use a plan to get us started, and since FP+ is not part of planning, I think the plan is even more helpful.

I agree that if something better comes up on the "tour" drop that baby like a rock and have fun!

I try to book meals a little later then we would eat at home simply because we generally head back tot eh resort for a break in the afternoon, and let DGD swim. SOme of us tend to nap a bit too, so later means we do not need to rush anywhere.

Most of all, looking at touring plans forces you to have an idea of the park layout, and this is really helpful when you are actually there.

Have FUN!

 

[JZCubed]

This is exactly how I fee.

I use a plan to get us started, and since FP+ is not part of planning, I think the plan is even more helpful.

I agree that if something better comes up on the "tour" drop that baby like a rock and have fun!

I try to book meals a little later then we would eat at home simply because we generally head back tot eh resort for a break in the afternoon, and let DGD swim. SOme of us tend to nap a bit too, so later means we do not need to rush anywhere.

Most of all, looking at touring plans forces you to have an idea of the park layout, and this is really helpful when you are actually there.

Have FUN!

We have tried to eat later with our child, but that does not work for her.

She'd rather we drop her at 'Camp' for the 2-hours it takes for her parents to have a nice dinner.

Planning on going back into the Parks has not worked that well either. Once the child falls asleep, no rides. But it is a good opportunity to shop for things she never sees (until delivered by Santa).

Ya'know, it's all good - but having some type of plan is best - no matter your touring style or preferences.

 

[Nancyg56]

We have tried to eat later with our child, but that does not work for her.

She'd rather we drop her at 'Camp' for the 2-hours it takes for her parents to have a nice dinner.

Planning on going back into the Parks has not worked that well either. Once the child falls asleep, no rides. But it is a good opportunity to shop for things she never sees (until delivered by Santa).

Ya'know, it's all good - but having some type of plan is best - no matter your touring style or preferences.

I agree that knowing your family is key. Our first trip back was when my DGD was 4. She was a night owl, and a bit of a pill to wake early. We did not try to change her habits, but opted to follow her habits. It made for a much more pleasant trip than making changes that would have been disruptive in the long run.

I love "camp"! I am the Nana on our August trip, and I think this one I will be the "camp counselor" for the two little ones we are bringing, while the other adults and my 13 YO DGD head back out. My DH has said that if he can join us he is tossing them all out and we will keep the girls with us, swimming, snoozing or watching Disney movies. WE figure the parents will have a good time and so will we and the girls.

I have watched how making changes to kids schedules backfired, and it was not pretty.

 

[Amanda87]

Thank you all for so many responses! I'll check out the sites you recommend and get a general idea of what we are going to do but not exact plans. This trip is a surprise for my son and would like for him to choose which ways to go at times.

 

[Greenfield1984]

In short: yes.
More detailed answer: For all that is good and decent and for the sake of your child yes use a touring plan to navigate the treacherous, soul crushing, crowd infested jungle that is Disney World.

Oh and have a good first trip

 

[wdwjeffc37]

Get a plan, but don't feel like you have to stick to it exactly. Use the plan as a outline to help you plan your days. Don't freak out if you miss something on the schedule. We used one years ago and found that after about 10:00 we couldn't keep up with the schedule. For a first time visitor a plan will help you make the most out of you time especially the morning hours. Know that you cannot do everything. Don't over schedule because you can miss some of the little things that make Disney so special. Take some time to soak up the atmosphere, especially at the Magic Kingdom. Have a great trip!!

 

[tlmadden73]

I'm a "wing it" type of person.

How do you think these touring plans get made? Someone learned by experience.

So take the experience .. and enjoy. Grab a map plot out a logical course .. and just go what suits you and be sure to STOP and smell the roses. Stop and see those shows in the street. Check out a store if you are in the area.

Just remember .. you cant' do it all and just enjoy what YOU want to do.