Newbie needs help

[ute_fan]

First time visitor to WDW looking for some planning help. I'm attending a conference that will be getting out around noon time on Friday, and my DH will be joining me for a short vacation. We'll have from noon or so till closing on Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.

Our current plans are to go to MK, Epcot, and MGM. First question -- is a park hopper pass going to be worth the extra $$$ for the 2 1/2 day time frame. Second -- any suggestions on which order we should hit the parks in. Since I've never been there, I don't know which ones require the most time.

We're mid 40's age, no kids with us, but do love amusement park rides. My DH is more into the "wild rides" than I am, and he's planning on going to IOA on Thursday while I'm still in my conference. Friday - Monday we're staying at Port Orleans Riverside, if that makes any difference.

TIA for any help!

 

[MonkeyPants]

since you've never been and its going to be a short trip, dont bother with the extra $$$$ for the hopper option, there is so much to see (especially since you've never seen any of it) that you wont be hoping. As for what order to hit the parks in...make sure you spend your longest day in the MK

 

[MonkeyPants]

and BTW I love POR (used to be Dixie Landings) Hope you enjoy it.

 

[Tsi2quick]

Last year was our first trip to the World and although we had the hopper option on our tickets we only used it our last day when we hopped from Animal Kingdom to MGM. There is just so much to see at each park, especially MK, that it will probably take you all day at most parks. The day we split up our visits to AK and MGM was our "best" day in terms of how we felt at the end of it. After leaving AK we came back to the room for a quick nap (basically just laying around) and then after feeling a little refreshed we headed back out. We felt MUCH better after taking a break from the parks.

I know I haven't helped you any as I see the benefit to hopping, even for newbies, but also realize why the added expense may not be worth it in your case. Either way you are gonna have a great time!

 

[MonkeyPants]

can always go back to the hotel for a nap and then back to the same park...tho if you take it slow and easy and take the time to soak in the magic, you might not feel totally exhausted after a full day in the parks

 

[Goofy4]

Are you going this week?

Couple thoughts: You might want to catch the morning EMH at MK on Friday.
OR if you want to catch Spectro, you'll want to wait 'till Saturday.

 

[ute_fan]

It's actually next weekend -- Sept. 23 - Sept. 25. Thanks for all the responses!

 

[Luv4Disney]

You will also need a whole day for Epcot so you can explore all the countries and do everything in Future World. Just remember that Future World closes before the countries. Have a great time! You're going to have a blast!

 

[ute_fan]

I'm getting SSOOO excited! We've been to Disneyland several times since it's so much closer to Utah, but never to FL before. I hear DS/MGM is smaller -- does it make sense to do it on Friday then?

 

[staci]

MGM is definitely smaller than Epcot. But if you have been to Disneyworld before many times, you may not need to spend as much time in MK either. Definitely plan on one full day for EPCOT. You will need it. To decide on the other two days, consider your personal preferences and the park schedules for those days. Since you are staying on property, check and see if either park is opening early, or staying open late on those two days.

POR is lovely, it is where I spent my honeymoon. Take the boats to dtd at night. we did every night and it was a relaxing way to wrap up the evening.

if you are planning on any sitdown meals you really need to get those adr's set up before you go. many people book at the 90 day window. if you need to make ressies, you will need to finalize your schedule soon.

hope this helps you. happyplanning

 

[ute_fan]

Follow-up question: Since there are evening EMH at DS/MGM on Sunday, should we plan to go that day, or is it more likely to be crowded?

Right now, I'm leaning towards going to MK on Friday (since we've been to Disneyland several times), Epcot on Saturday, and DS/MGM on Sunday. Does this sound like a good plan?

 

[staci]

Follow-up question: Since there are evening EMH at DS/MGM on Sunday, should we plan to go that day, or is it more likely to be crowded?

Right now, I'm leaning towards going to MK on Friday (since we've been to Disneyland several times), Epcot on Saturday, and DS/MGM on Sunday. Does this sound like a good plan?

I would think that you would be fine with this plan. The parks do get busy with the EMH, so if you are a late sleeper and not planning to take advantage of the early entry I would NOT do MGM on Sunday. But as long as you get up and get there for opening, you will be able to get quite a few things in before it gets busy. Then, when all the people start to show up, you will have already done many of the attractions and you can relax, eat a good meal, maybe even go back to the resort for a mid-afternoon nap, etc.

 

[DisDon]

Hey ute_fan!! Takes one to know one!! Too bad we lost last night, tough game, seems like the officials had a little to do with it. I'm the same, growing up in Utah I've been to DL many times, but we're planning our 1st trip to WDW this December. Wife works for JetBlue or we may never have gone, airfare for 7!!
Have a great trip!

 

[ute_fan]

I like the photo in your signature line!

I'm getting excited -- I actually fly out on Sunday, but will be in a conference until Friday. Any last minute hints?????