One day (rope drop to 1am) need advice - just back!

[Lm3js]

I am a DL veteren and know all the tricks, but am simply lost with planning WDW and need help from the wisdom of the WDW experts. I have done a good amount of searching and reading, but still lost

Background:
Solo traveler - diehard Disney fan
I have 1 day - Sun, July 20; EMH is MK from 11p - 1a. I do realize this will be peak and hot. I might have the option of 1/2 day on July 19 after 6p, but not sure if it is worth buying a full-day ticket to just go for a few hours? I plan on being at WDW from rope drop until 1am (at DL, my kids are begging me to go to the hotel
I have reservations at both the Dolphin and Pop -- still trying to decide; will cancel 1.
I will buy a MK with Park Hopper so I can visit multiple parks.
I will want to ride the nostalgic Disney rides to compare/contrast to DL (such as space mountain, peter pan, small world, splash), but also want to hit rides we don't have at DL such as test track or 7DMT
I have no desire to ride Soarin, but love ToT and most of the fast/big coasters
I went when I was 12 and the only memory I have is 2000 Leagues Under the Sea and Space Mountain -- I spent majority of time in Epcot at O'Canada and Spaceship Earth. I won't be doing any princess meets nor probably any parades/shows -- am I missing something awesome? We have Fantasmic, World of Color at DL, also have seen the light parade, have seen Aladin, Magical Map...

Questions:
1. Should I bother with FP+?
2. Can I do all 4 parks or should I just try 3, 2? I think AK is my least desired, but am I missing something? If I go for all 4, would the order be AK, HS, Epcot then MK? or do you recommend something else?
3. Should I do a custom touring plan at Touring Plans or is that a waste of money due to crowds?
4. Do I need ADR?

Literally, I am just lost here. Thanks in advance for any recommendations...

 

[xjay]

I'm a DL veteran too but I've been reading these forums every day for the past 2 months for ideas on how to plan my upcoming trip at WDW.

1. I think you should and I'll explain why in the next answer. Only drawback to FP+ right now is that you can only book FPs for 1 park and that might not work for you if you're trying to hit 4 parks in 1 day. They're going to change it to where you can book FPs for all 4 but it hasn't been announced when they're doing it yet.
2. If you aren't really interested in going to AK, then just do 3 parks. It'll be more manageable. However, I have done 4 parks in one day before so it is do-able, but it'll be a lot of work. My suggestion (if you do all 4 parks) would be to go to HS for rope drop and do ToT or RnR. Then maybe around 12, go to AK to ride EE and Kali. Then around 3, head to Epcot to do Test Track. This is where I would recommend doing FP+ because it will be packed at Epcot during that time and I'm sure you don't want to wait 120+ mins for a ride. Then I would head to MK at around 8, or earlier, since you're gonna be there until 1am so you'll have plenty of time to go on rides since I'm sure the crowds will die down after wishes. But I've never been in the summer so it's just a guess. I would also recommend staying at POP and renting a car because the buses to AK and HS can be slow. I waited about 30-45 mins for a bus from Epcot to HS. And if you do stay at POP and rent a car, you can utilize the free parking for resort guests. The Dolphin does let you park at the parks for free but they charge $16 per day to park at the resort. You will also save money staying at POP since it is a value resort.
3. Honestly, I wouldn't do it.
4. I would suggest that you do all QS meals if you're doing 4 parks in one day. You can do a TS meal if you want, but if you want to maximize your time on rides, just do QS.

 

[JeremysDisney]

Questions:
1. Should I bother with FP+?
Yes, but plan wisely. Crowds at DW is worst than DL.
2. Can I do all 4 parks or should I just try 3, 2?
Yes, do all 4 parks. WDW is Walt's masterpiece.
I think AK is my least desired, but am I missing something?
AK is fantastic. A state-of-the-art amusement park.
If I go for all 4, would the order be AK, HS, Epcot then MK? or do you recommend something else?
4 parks/1 day-Rope Drop Epcot, Noon FP+ HS, Post-Parade AK, and Rope Rise MK.
3. Should I do a custom touring plan at Touring Plans or is that a waste of money due to crowds?
I think Touring Plans is a waste of money. Plan using DIS.
4. Do I need ADR?
Yes, if you would like to eat at the best WDW restaurants.

Check out my Disney Easter post in Pre-Trip Plans for some planning ideas.

 

[sharonabe]

Agree with Jeremy up there.

Hit EP first and go straight to TT and then Mission Space. If you're into virtual type things, you may want to try Sum of All Thrills inside Innoventions where you can create and "ride" your own roller coaster. Then do Spaceship Earth on your way out and head to HS. Use FP+ for ToT and Rock N Rollercoaster. Personally, we can't go to HS without seeing the Muppet Show, but that one is up to you.

At this point, it's probably time for lunch. I'd probably take the boat back to EP and grab a TS in World Showcase somewhere. As a single, you SHOULD be able to do a walk-up, but if not, both Morocco and Italy have small wine bars where you can walk-in and get small plates. This gives you a pretty good break/rest. Stroll through WS for a bit, then head to front of EP to grab a bus to AK. If Spaceship Earth was too crowded earlier, you could wait and ride it now.

It will be HOT at AK in the middle of the afternoon, but crowds should be dying down. Check when the last safari is and make plans to be there close to that time. In the meantime, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, and Primevil Whirl would be on my list to do.

Last, but not least, grab the bus to MK and ENJOY the end of your long day. I'm not sure what you'll want to do for your dinner, but QS should be okay. You have lots of options at MK. If you do want another TS, you probably will need an ADR here. My choice would be Be Our Guest.

 

[Lm3js]

Thank you all! I am taking all the advice in for planning. Good news - I found another thread that pointed me to conference tickets (which by the way are for ANY conference in Central Florida and NOT just for those held on WDW resorts) and was able to buy an after 4p ticket for cheap. I now have another 1/2 day in a park. Decisions, Decisions...

 

[The Hendies]

You'd be surprised how much you can do in a few hours, even if you can't get to the park until 6:00 pm.

Don't miss AK, and be sure to ride EE, taking advantage of the single rider line.

 

[dsneprincess]

Agree with Jeremy up there.

Hit EP first and go straight to TT and then Mission Space. If you're into virtual type things, you may want to try Sum of All Thrills inside Innoventions where you can create and "ride" your own roller coaster. Then do Spaceship Earth on your way out and head to HS. Use FP+ for ToT and Rock N Rollercoaster. Personally, we can't go to HS without seeing the Muppet Show, but that one is up to you.

At this point, it's probably time for lunch. I'd probably take the boat back to EP and grab a TS in World Showcase somewhere. As a single, you SHOULD be able to do a walk-up, but if not, both Morocco and Italy have small wine bars where you can walk-in and get small plates. This gives you a pretty good break/rest. Stroll through WS for a bit, then head to front of EP to grab a bus to AK. If Spaceship Earth was too crowded earlier, you could wait and ride it now.

It will be HOT at AK in the middle of the afternoon, but crowds should be dying down. Check when the last safari is and make plans to be there close to that time. In the meantime, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, and Primevil Whirl would be on my list to do.

Last, but not least, grab the bus to MK and ENJOY the end of your long day. I'm not sure what you'll want to do for your dinner, but QS should be okay. You have lots of options at MK. If you do want another TS, you probably will need an ADR here. My choice would be Be Our Guest.

This is spot on for 4 parks. Epcot and Hollywood Studios are "connected" by a walking path (~10 minute walk) or boat ride between International Gate & Studios entrance, so there is no need to wait for a bus between the 2 as someone else mentioned. That would also put you back at front of park & you want to be at back.

Expedition Everest will have a single rider line. Dinosaur is very similar in "ride" to Indy at DL, obviously different story. If you didn't want to wait, self guided animal trails are unique. Do not miss safari!!! If you didn't go back to Epcot to eat, FlameTree BBQ is probably your best quick serve choice between HS & AK.

MK usually clears out at night, so hopefully it will for you. Peter Pan does tend to back up, but later is better there. Best QS at MK, I would say Columbia Harbor House. If I had 1 day, I wouldn't do table service, but I am anti-table service for a 7day trip. I get too tired and drag once I sit down and eat, ymmv.

I would choose POP over the dolphin, esp. if you will have a car as there is a parking fee. We were also charged a daily resort fee at dolphin and I love POP. To get around WDW, POP is located with perfect access by car to pretty much everywhere.

We did the 4 parks, 1 day tour once a Christmastime to see all the holiday highlights, with a 4yo......it can definitely be done!! Have fun!

ETA: I would suggest a frogg togg chill pad to deal with heat.

 

[Upon a Star]

I want to know who can walk from Epcot to Hollywood studios in under 10 minutes!!

 

[dsneprincess]

I want to know who can walk from Epcot to Hollywood studios in under 10 minutes!!

It does takes me about 10 minutes from HS bus drop area to International Gate by following path along boardwalk in February. I suppose time of year might make in slower, but it wasn't a bad walk or crowded. Worst part is the rise towards the end up & over the bridge. YMMV. Oh, and this is usually my first day and I am still energized with "new" feet.

 

[BlueFairy]

Thank you all! I am taking all the advice in for planning. Good news - I found another thread that pointed me to conference tickets (which by the way are for ANY conference in Central Florida and NOT just for those held on WDW resorts) and was able to buy an after 4p ticket for cheap. I now have another 1/2 day in a park. Decisions, Decisions...

If you have 2 evenings and are ending your long day at MK, then I would definitely use that conference ticket for an evening at Epcot. World Showcase (really the whole park) is unlike anything we saw in California. It would be nice to take time to experience the different countries at a slower pace and watch the entertainment in them. Illuminations probably doesn't compare to WoC, but it's a great show if you're hanging out anyway.
If your conference ticket is a hopper, it might be worth considering starting with FP+ at HS at 4pm and move to Epcot after.
Be sure to do RnR at HS. Also very unique to Florida.

 

[BlueFairy]

It does takes me about 10 minutes from HS bus drop area to International Gate by following path along boardwalk in February. I suppose time of year might make in slower, but it wasn't a bad walk or crowded. Worst part is the rise towards the end up & over the bridge. YMMV. Oh, and this is usually my first day and I am still energized with "new" feet.

Even if it's 20 minutes it's still faster than a bus or boat unless the bus is waiting for you when you exit the park. The boats make 3 other stops and that takes awhile.

 

[Lm3js]

Thanks! I do not have a car so I'll be relying on feet and WDW transport.
I believe my after after 4 conf ticket is one park only. I didn't think I'd want to hop with just a few hours.

The Dolphin is pricier than POP for sure so I'm still trying to decide whether the extra $$ is worth it to have more than bus option (I hear you can walk/boat from Dolphin to Epcot) and the extra luxury. I also get Starwood points with Dolphin. Though I think I get Magic Express with POP which will help for my return flight. I have to cancel by July 14 so I have some time yet...

So far, here is my wishlist from the WDW planner (in no order, YET). What am I missing or what should I ditch?

AK:
Safari
EE
Jungle Trek
Dinosaur
PWhirl (I have no idea what this is)

DHS:
Star Tours (though we have this at DL so I could skip if line is long)
The Great Movie Ride
The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow
TSMM
RNR
TOT
Studio Backlot Tour (?)

Epcot:
Innovations (E & W)
Mission Space
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
Grand Fiesta Tour
Maelstrom

MK:
Jungle Cruise
POTC
A Pirates Adventure
Cinderella Castle
Small World
Mad Tea Party
7DMT
Little Mermaid (could skip this, but I heard it is better at WDW than DL)
Splash Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Space Mountain
Stitch's Great Escape (?)
Peter Pan
People Mover (?)
BTMR (though DL has just reopened. going to DL in June)
Tomorrowland Speedway (?)

 

[Lm3js]

Oh shoot, I just saw the Fantasmic Dining package. Man, I am such a hot mess with WDW!

 

[Lm3js]

I am now at my 60 day out and starting making my FP+ reservations. I just thought I'd update you where I was now in my planning. This board is so helpful.

Sat - 6/19 After 4pm Single Park ticket
I have decided to use it for DHS (open until 10p and I'll knock out 1 park)
FP+ Reservations:
5:30pm - The Great Move Ride
6:35pm - Tower of Terror
7:45pm - RNR
might do the late show of F!

Sun - 6/20 ParkHopper
Rope Drop - Epcot
AK FP+ Res:
1:45pm - EE (figure if I am having fun at Epcot, I can let this one go and use SR line later)
3:05 - Kali (cool down)
4:35 - Safari (dry off)
Hop back to Epcot for Dinner ?
Then MK for rest of night until 1am EMH

How does this itinerary look?

 

[sharonabe]

That possible hop back to EP for dinner will take a lot of time. The bus ride, dinner, and then monorail to MK will take at minimum 2 hours (if QS), but could take a lot more if you just miss the bus or just miss the monorail. I'd skip it and head to MK.

 

[shocker]

Man, I am such a hot mess with WDW!

Agreed!!

You need to FOCUS instead of .

You have 16 items on your wish list for the MK alone. That is nearly one full day by itself.

The transportation and entrance time into each park is significantly higher at WDW than DLR and you're planning to do 3 in one day. At DLR you do one bag check and enter the plaza and can spend all day hopping back and forth between parks. At WDW you have to commute between each park and line up at each for bag checks (unless you plan to go hands free). Plan 1/2 to 1 1/2 hours from the time you finish your last ride at one park to the time you step into the line to wait for your next ride at the next park (read huge time eater). The walking distances are MUCH greater between attractions at WDW than at DLR.

If you want to do 4 parks in a day and half, pick 2-3 things in each park you'd really like to accomplish and IF you make it to anything else consider it a bonus.

Keep in mind that at RD you will manage maybe 2 things before lines build (scratch that entirely if you choose 7DMT as a RD and not a FP item). Until about 9pm expect waiting, waiting, waiting to get to anything you want to see. MK from 12-1am should be very easy to ride too (but never count on 7DMT NOT having a line).

Yes, you want to compare rides from both parks but you don't have the luxury of a week to accomplish that. You may have to chalk a few things up to "seen that at DLR already" and try to hit some things that are unique to WDW.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news: YOU will not see EVERYTHING that WDW has to offer in 1.5 days.

Reassess what is truly a priority and book from there.

May I suggest making a relaxed ADR at a resort restaurant for a time that you will not be on your "ticket" time, then you can have quicker meals whilst keeping your frenetic pace.

Good luck to you.

 

[Lm3js]

Thanks! I will look at pushing back my FP for AK to stay at Epcot later and then go straight from AK to MK.

 

[mcbrideluo]

I found another thread that pointed me to conference tickets

 

[Lm3js]

mcbrideluo - did you ask me something about the conf tickets as I didn't see the post?

shocker - no worries - I am going to be happy with whatever I get to do. I'm one who likes to plan and am also spontaneous so will go with the flow when I get there if I find my plan sucks (or I find the beer stall). Though I am solo so might move faster than families/groups and will be bag-free... everything I need will fit in a pocket.

I probably won't sleep these 2 days

 

[Lm3js]

Well, I went ahead and moved my AK FP+ later, but now I'm thinking of skipping AK altogether again. I really don't have a big desire to do Safari and it seems like a lot of time wasted on travel... I'm sure I'll change my mind a few thousand times in the next 60 days. Serious First World Problems