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

[wench]

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 (?)

Ok, as someone who tries to hit DL & WDW regularly, I can't resist trying my hand at this for you. Although, it is possible to do all 4 parks in 1 day, I would really not recommend trying it. WDW is so much bigger than DL. With the exception of Epcot & HS, you can't walk between parks, & it's definitely not the 1 minute walk across the Esplanade that you're used to. If dependent on WDW transportation, it could take up to an hour to get from place to place. You could get lucky & have a bus or boat come right away, but you could also just miss one & get stuck waiting quite a while. So, this is what I would recommend....

With your after 4PM ticket I would go to Epcot & just plan to spend the whole evening there. You should be able to easily hit all the things on your list, especially if you make use of FP+. I would also recommend a quick jaunt through The Seas w/ Nemo & Friends. It doesn't take long at all to go through & if the dolphins are out to play it's really neat to watch them for a few minutes. I'd also spend a little extra time going through World Showcase as the pavilions are just amazing. This might be a great time for an ADR to a good table service restaurant too. There are soooo many great ones & you could possibly even snag one at good time & place to watch Illuminations while you eat. I know it wasn't on your list, but it would be a great add on if you can work it out.

For your full day I would start with AK & knock out your list above. You should easily be able to hit all of those attractions in 2-3 hours max. It is a great park to just wander around & take in the ambiance, but keep your objective in mind, so you don't get too distracted.

Next I would head to HS & probably use your FP+ there. I would not recommend the Studio Backlot Tour if you're trying to get a lot done. It's a big time suck & honestly I don't think it's that impressive. I've heard it was great many years ago (before I got to visit), but now it's just a dim shadow of its former glory. For some crazy reason Star Tours is not nearly as popular at WDW as at DL, so the line probably won't be bad. But even if it is, at least check out the exterior & the gift shop as the theming can not be beat. My last recommendation for HS would be that you would not really miss anything if you want to skip TSMM. The ride itself is the same inside. I've been told the queue is better at WDW, but I wouldn't know personally. This is the insanely crazy popular ride at WDW that you have to do at rope drop or get a FP. Last time I was at DL, we walked right on like 5 times in a row. That would never happen at WDW. It's crazy how the tastes differ from one side of the country to the other.

Once your done at HS, head on to MK for the rest of the day. Once again, I think your list is pretty doable, but here's a couple notes if you need them. A Pirate's Adventure is pretty neat, but there are several different adventures. I think 5 or 6 different ones all around Adventureland. You can go through them pretty quickly, but I'd only do 1 if I were you. Otherwise you can spend upwards of an hour running circles back & forth across the land. Cinderella Castle doesn't have a walkthrough like Sleeping Beauty, so it's more just something to look at as you walk by it or through the drawbridge. The Little Mermaid ride is exactly like DL was before the tiny refurb they just completed. However, the building itself is phenomenal. It probably won't have a bad wait, but even if it does, spend a few minutes checking out the exterior. I would say the People Mover is an absolute must do, but sadly it will be down for refurb in July. Stitch's Great Escape is very controversial. A lot of people hate it, but I love Stitch, so I enjoy it. But I can't stress enough, when you hear the words chili dog, cover your nose & do your best to breath as little as possible for the next minute or two. Tomorrowland Speedway is pretty much the same as DL, but not nearly as picturesque without the subs & monorail intertwining through the tracks. And last, but not least, the wild card in your plan....7DMT. By all accounts of the hype this will be extremely busy w/ long waits. You may find a shorter wait during the fireworks or parade, but it's a long shot. The best bet may be to save it until the end of EMH & hope the line is short. But even if it's not, if you're in line before the park closes they should let you stay & ride. So, it might take until after 1:00am, but it would give you a chance to ride w/o having to sacrifice a bunch of other stuff.

If you have extra time to fit stuff in at MK it's a nice nostalgic nod to check out Country Bear Jamboree & Carousel of Progress. And Winnie the Pooh is one of the few rides that I think WDW has the better version. And if you can catch it with a short wait time (which isn't really likely), try to check out Enchanted Tales with Belle. The show itself is more geared for kids, but it's pretty short. The special effects & animatronics leading up to the show are incredible & not to be missed.

Whatever you end up doing, I'm sure you'll have an amazing & magical time!

 

[MattRyan]

I could never imagine going to WDW without seeing IllumiNations, it is my absolute favorite show at Disney World. I would suggest just spending the first night you are there at Epcot.

 

[DHSbutcher]

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

AK:
Safarimust do
EEDo this after Kali. Dries you off completely. But I would not bother with fast pass, single rider line definitely if you can hit in a somewhat off time
Jungle TrekThis is okay if you have time, but with such a long day in the park any extra walking just sounds exhausting.
DinosaurI really enjoy this ride.
PWhirl (I have no idea what this is)Ditch- just like goofy's sky school
Using FP in AK is a tough decision, if you hit the park in the morning or late afternoon there is no need for fast pass except for kali river rapids, which is a lot like grizzle river run, same style ride, although the que is fantastic. If you do hit AK in the peak 1pm time, I would recommend FPing Kali, Safari, and Dinosaur, and doing single rider on EE. If the Fast passes are exactly in a row, that will get you in and out of the park within 3 hours. If time permits, I recommend catching the finding nemo show.

DHS:
Star Tours (though we have this at DL so I could skip if line is long)Same as DL, I would skip.
The Great Movie RideThis is a long, 25 minute ride not including the wait, be sure to allow time for it.
The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrowskip it, not worth it.
TSMMexact same as DL.
RNRmust do
TOTsame as DCA pretty much, but it is such a classic
Studio Backlot Tour (?)If you have time and need a rest, I typically sneak a box of popcorn on this ride in my purse and will sit through this one, but if you're in a hurry it's never ending feeling might drive you crazy.

Epcot:
Innovations (E & W)A lot of really cool things in here, but mainly children's games.
Mission Spacenothing like it, must do
Spaceship Earthsuch a classic, the line can ebb and flow with its length, try to catch it when it is very short, less than 15 minute wait, otherwise I would not bother or get a FP for it.
Test TrackVery similar to RSR at DCA, same style technology, but of course I would recommend this. There also is a single rider line.
Grand Fiesta Tour Cute ride, not quite a must see attraction
Maelstroma little overhyped for me, if the wait is over 20 minutes I would skip and spend that time better exploring world showcase and the different pavilions.
My tip about epcot is just when you think you've seen the inside of all the pavilions, theres probably 5 more areas you've missed. The stores are never ending, and there is a lot of really cool things in some of them. You can walk around the lake in 3 minutes or so without stopping, but do not do that. I'd recommend at least 2 hours to peek at the pavilions and make your way around world showcase, longer if you have more time.

MK:
Jungle Cruisebetter than DL
POTCYou WILL be disappointed compared to DL, extremely dissapointed
A Pirates AdventureI honestly have no idea what this is and I've been in the magic kingdom twice this week so far...(WDW local)
Cinderella Castlebeautiful tile work on the walls depicting the story, they do close it off during the shows, but there are pathways on either side to get you to the opposite side of the castle.
Small World
Mad Tea Partysame ride, but this one has a roof
7DMT- plan this for the end of the night like another use suggested, hop in line right before the park closes and you will be able to ride it even if the clock hits 1am.
Little Mermaid (could skip this, but I heard it is better at WDW than DL) it is the same.
Splash Mountainmuch much much better, this is a must do
Haunted Mansion
Space Mountaincompared to DL, you might be disappointed, I associate our space mountain more to the matterhorn, but not as bumpy and in the dark.
Stitch's Great Escape (?) do it, you might like it, you might not, but you won't wait long in line.
Peter Pan
People Mover (?) great way to relax but it will be closed.
BTMR (though DL has just reopened. going to DL in June)
Tomorrowland Speedway (?)

If it were me going, this is what I would do:
Use you after 4pm pass to the MK. Ofcourse, if you can score a FP for 7DMT, do that and plan around it. But if you can't, schedule fast passes for 4pm Space mountain, 5pm Splash Mountain, and 6pm BTMR. BTMR does give our more FP than the others so this is easier to find last minute in the park. You can get 4th+more fast passes after you use these 3. This can be used to re-ride additional rides or ride more. It is a very busy and hot time of the year, and now with FP+, riding standby on everything just isn't an option. Today I was in MK and received 4 FP within the 5 o'clock hour. Things had slowed down and I walked right on to a ton of rides. Make a not in your phone of the rides you want to hit, and once in the park compare standby times and keep making more and more FP+ selections, you will easily hit everything on your list, and accomplish the magic kingdom. Plus, you can catch wishes, and the projection show on the castle. Watching the fireworks while riding BTMR is the best, especially during the last 5 minutes or so, truly disney magic. On day 2, your full day, this is when I would hit the other 3 parks. RD AK, hit safari, Kali, then EE. You should be able to manage all of this by 10:30. Usually the first nemo show is at 11, this is worth a watch for me. I would FP Safari for 9-10, Kali 10-11, and Dinosaur 11-12. You will finish the nemo show at 11:45, and dinosaur is a 3 minute walk. Remember you can use your FP 5 minutes early and 15 minutes late and it is okay and still works normal. From there I would grab lunch at flame tree BBQ, or another quick service that suits your fancy, and head to HS. You should arrive here around 1pm. RnRC has a single rider line, but sometimes they don't use it. This is where the 4th, 5th, 6th, and so on FP really comes in handy. Since you are traveling by yourself getting FP for just you is very easy. I am often in the parks alone and have never had a huge problem getting FP for just myself. I would try to get a FP for RnRC for asap, followed by ToT. While you are waiting for these, I recommend the Great movie ride, indiana jones show, and the beauty and the beast show, or even the studio backlot tour. I would spend about 4 hours in this park, and head over to epcot around 5. Epcot at night is truly the best, world showcase comes alive, you can eat, drink your way around the world, and really explore. Illuminations is great, and a great closer to what is going to be an exhausting day. Or, if you still and energy you could take the monorail over to MK and enjoy your EMH, since illuminations will be around 9-10 and the park closes shortly after. This also gives you time in epcot to explore future world, although a warning, a lot of attractions such as inventions closes at 7pm.
I hope you have a wonderful visit, and if you have any questions please feel free to message me

 

[Lm3js]

Thank you! You all are amazing.

DHSButcher, you and I seem to have similar thoughts on attractions based on your comments.

Wench - I have been debating my first day as either drinking around the world at Epcot or DHS so you have given me more fuel.

The biggest thing I'm worried about is wanting to go back to Epcot again on my full day if I choose that as my half day, where I know I won't want to revisit DHS...

 

[wench]

Thank you! You all are amazing.

DHSButcher, you and I seem to have similar thoughts on attractions based on your comments.

Wench - I have been debating my first day as either drinking around the world at Epcot or DHS so you have given me more fuel.

The biggest thing I'm worried about is wanting to go back to Epcot again on my full day if I choose that as my half day, where I know I won't want to revisit DHS...

There is definitely a risk of falling in love & wanting more Epcot! It totally sneaks up on you, but there is something special about that park. I would worry that if you go to HS the 1st night & then try to do Epcot the next day, you'll feel cheated. Then you'd be doing Epcot on the same day as 2 other parks & you'd be so rushed. HS has so much repetition to DL & DCA that I don't think you'd feel you missed as much keeping the visit short.

But in the end, it's all going to come down to your gut feeling of what you think you'll enjoy more. Maybe you should check out YouTube. There is this guy (well I think it's a guy) named iThemePark who does amazing walkthroughs of the parks. He even does the resorts as well, if you want to see them. He doesn't talk or anything, just silently walks around with his camera & takes in all the buildings. You can hear all the music in the background & it really sets the mood. I think it's a good way to get a feel for the parks & see which one hooks you more. Plus it's a good fix to hold you over between trips while going through Disney withdrawals. We junkies need our fix! Fair warning though, the music in FutureWorld at Epcot will get stuck in your head for at least a week after watching that video.

 

[mare1203]

Don't skip DAK.

For some reason it seems to be less loved than other parks, but this week when I had one day to go to the parks I chose DAK (and then hopped to MK b/c I couldn't bare to not see the castle while in Florida). The detail in this park is amazing and I think it's really starting to come into its own. I could actually spend the whole day in DAK. I never do, but I could. You don't have Festival of the Lion King on your list. It should be re-opened by the time you go and if it is, I think it's a must-do. Best show in all of WDW.

 

[MrsDuck]

Hi OP! I just copy and pasted your list to make some comments; take it for what you will!

EDIT: I would skip ADRs entirely and just do QS so you can see the parks!

AK:
Safari
EE
Jungle Trek
Dinosaur
PWhirl (I have no idea what this is) - skippable. It's fun but there are better attractions to see!

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 - skippable.
TSMM
RNR
TOT
Studio Backlot Tour (?)

Epcot:
Innovations (E & W)
Mission Space
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
Grand Fiesta Tour - cute but skippable if necessary, IMO.
Maelstrom

MK:
Jungle Cruise
POTC
A Pirates Adventure - skippable
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 (?) - skippable!
Peter Pan
People Mover (?)
BTMR (though DL has just reopened. going to DL in June)
Tomorrowland Speedway (?) - 100% skippable. In fact, avoid!

 

[johde]

I'm a long time WDW traveler who's been to DL once. If I had a day and a half in the parks, here's what I'd do. Starting from you're list and rearranging


July 19th
Epcot:
Innovations (E & W) Consider Skipping
Mission Space FP+
Spaceship Earth FP+
Test Track Single Rider
Grand Fiesta Tour
Maelstrom FP+ or add Soarin' for your Tier 1 FP+
Imagination
Nemo
Illuminations

Shouldn't have much trouble today, I skip Innoventions to have more time in World Showcase.

July 20

DHS: 9:00 - 12:00ish
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
TSMMRD - or skip as identical to DCA except Queue
RNR Single Rider line
TOT RD after TSMM
Studio Backlot Tour (?)

TSMM is the biggest issue here. If you can get there right at RD I would ride it first, otherwise hit ToT first and skip TSMM unless you get through everything else quickly

MK: Part 1 1:00 - 4:00
Late Lunch at BOG
7DMT FP+ 2:30
Splash Mountain FP+ 1:30
Peter Pan FP+ 3:30
Fill in with "anytime" ride Make 4th evening FP+ before leaving
3 FP+ and lunch shouldn't be a problem. Might consider also making a FP+ for BOG. Might consider filling inbetween rides with Tiki Birds or Country Bear Jamboree

AK: 5:00 - Closing
Safari Watch time of last Safari is 6:45
EE
Jungle Trek
Dinosaur
PWhirl (I have no idea what this is)

Jungle Trek is the biggest question mark here. Being a walk through.

MK: Part II 8:00 - 1:00 a.m.
Jungle Cruise
POTC
A Pirates Adventure
Cinderella Castle
Small World
Mad Tea Party (Could skip as like DL)
Little Mermaid (could skip this, but I heard it is better at WDW than DL) Only Queue is Different from DCA the ride is virtually Identical
Haunted Mansion
Space Mountain Hope for FP+ or get in line right before closing
Stitch's Great Escape (?)Could skip if time is a problem
People Mover (?)
BTMR (though DL has just reopened. going to DL in June)
Tomorrowland Speedway (?)[/QUOTE]
Main St. Electrical Parade - I'd consider riding during Wishes if you need to it's similar to one of DL fireworks

Taking full advantage of EMH this should be possible.

As far as changing day, I swapped DHS for Epcot because in my mind Illumination is better than Fantasmic and DL's Fantasmic is better than DHS Fantasmic. So I went with something new over something.

As far the July 20th goes, I'm just guessing but in my mind 7DMT is probably the most valuable FP+ and there are easily 2 more valueable FP+'s at the MK. I've done RD at DHS, Closing at DAK and Closing at MK that day. Hitting the MK twice let's you enjoy lunch at BOG and get's you closer to closing time at DAK when the lines drop.

 

[Lm3js]

This is so much great info. Thanks! I am still toying with my first night park. Epcot closes at 9p and many attractions close at 7p. If I don't get to the park until ~6...that doesn't give me a lot of time. DHS closes at 10 (11, if I do late night F!) and MK closes at 11.

But since I know I love Epcot, maybe 3 extra hours there is the right thing and just plan on maybe foregoing either DHS or AK the next day if I get sucked into the 'right now' space.

I definitely think that Epcot and MK are my top priorities... Though of, course those are the two I have been to before...albeit 100 years ago. .

Ak is definitely my lowest priority as I have heard it is super hot and the # one attraction there (Safari) is a long ride and possible long wait for a chance at seeing hiding animals... I don't love the rapids ride at DL either...

I have decided to not go for TSMM. We never ride it at DL either as the lines are too long and it isn't my favorite. I prefer theme and thrill over shootem/interactive. I hardly ride astro blasters either. My DH and sons go while I run for FP at DL...

SM is under refurb at DL when we are going this year so it will be a must do at WDW. When I went with my brother when I was 12 and he was 14, SM and small world, 2000 leagues under the sea are the only rides I remember... I think we spent about 4hrs in MK, thought it was for babies and spent rest of trip at Epcot. Oh how my opinion has changed...

 

[SRUAlmn]

I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK and have fun We will also be at MK PM EMH the night of July 20, so if I see you starting to fade I'll be sure to bring you a Mickey bar

 

[Lm3js]

Well, complete bummer, sort of. The EMH changes are throwing a wrench in my plans.

July 19 - (my after 4pm ticket) emh pm MK 11-1a
And July 20 - my all day emh am AK 8-9a

So. I had to change my FP+ and plans:
1/2 day - MK ~6p
FP+
Splash Mountain 7:20p - I know odd time as it is evening and may be awkward to be wet, but oh well.
Space Mountain - 8:20p
7DMT-9:20p

Full day
AK emh 8am and be there at RD - no FP here

Next DHS
FP+
Tot 1:20p-2:20p
RNRC 2:30p
Star Tours (which I will probably try to change) 4:15p

Next Epcot
And if I still am standing, MK until midnight.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Well, complete bummer, sort of. The EMH changes are throwing a wrench in my plans.

July 19 - (my after 4pm ticket) emh pm MK 11-1a
And July 20 - my all day emh am AK 8-9a

So. I had to change my FP+ and plans:
1/2 day - MK ~6p
FP+
Splash Mountain 7:20p - I know odd time as it is evening and may be awkward to be wet, but oh well.
Space Mountain - 8:20p
7DMT-9:20p

Full day
AK emh 8am and be there at RD - no FP here

Next DHS
FP+
Tot 1:20p-2:20p
RNRC 2:30p
Star Tours (which I will probably try to change) 4:15p

Next Epcot
And if I still am standing, MK until midnight.

We had the same issue, and also changed our plans to accommodate the new EMH. The good news is, it's only a change of 1 hour. The EMH on Saturday go until 1am and the regular hours on Sun go until midnight.

 

[Lm3js]

This actually might work out better as it is more time at all parks, just a pain to change my plans. I just wish Epcot stayed open later...

 

[Lm3js]

I am back and I just wanted to Thank everyone for your contributions and advice. I had this up on my phone to reread as I was in the parks and it was invaluable.

Here is a quick recap of everything I did for you to see how close I came to all your suggestions:

Hotel - POP Century - 4th floor in building 10 which was super close to transportation. This was perfect hotel for my needs and they were very nice there.

July 19 (after 4 ticket and MK emh open until 1am)

• Arrived MK at ~6pm and caught the end of the Move It, Shake It parade
• Went through the castle to Fantasyland and got a little lost (forgot to pick up a map and phone map is confusing). Loved the tilework!
• Jumped the Train to Frontierland for my 7:20 Splash Mountain FP+ (which was temporarily closed), but it wasn't time yet anyway.
• Rode Haunted Mansion (slightly better than DL)
• Rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Rode Splash Mountain (it reopened and used my fp+) - better inside than DL ,but DL has steeper/faster drop?
• Went to Tomorrowland for my 8:20 fp+ on Space Mountain (got beat up on that ride, DL has you beat with this one).
• Grabbed a bite to eat at Pecos Bill and caught the Electric Parade
• Last Fp+ for 7DMT (awesome, loved it)
• Rode Teacups
• Rode Little Mermaid
• Rode Barnstormer
• Rode Aladdin Carpets
• Fireworks
• Rode Jungle Cruise (much better at WDW than DL)
• Rode POTC (longer at DL)
• Second Fireworks
• Rode Peter Pan (tie, DL has stars, but this is closer up and can see more)
• Rode Buzz Lightyear
• Did Monster Laugh Factory
• Went shopping
• Closed out night with Castle Magic colors

July 20 Parkhopper

• Arrived AK at 8am (emh) and had problem with ticket as the previous day magic band used my hopper instead of my after 4 conf ticket. Got that resolved at customer service and was given a free fp on any ride
• Rode Safari (walk on, loved it)
• Rode EE (walked on, AWESOME and then bought Yeti souvenirs)
• Rode EE again since no line and finally noticed big Yeti
• Rode Dinosaur
• Rode Kali
• Rode EE again since had FP
• Jungle Trek walk
• Ate pulled pork and mandarin lemonade at FlameTree
• Tree of Life pics
• Divine

Bus to HS for 1:20 fp+ on Tower of Terror

• Arrived HS at 12:15p
• Walked around to get bearings
• Rode Great Movie Ride (weird that is is narrated)
• Rode TOT w/Fp+
• Rode TOT again as there was no line
• Rode Rock n Rollercoaster (AWESOME)

After I left RNR, it was pouring rain and lightening. I took shelter as to not get electrocuted then high tailed it to Epcot. I didn't care much for HS but did love RNR

• Arrived Epcot in still pouring rain ~3:30/4 pm
• Rode Mission Space
• Rode Spaceship Earth
• Rode Test Track (once it reopened)
• Rode Nemo and saw seacow
• Rode living with the land
• World Showcase - Drink around the world
• Rode Mexico boat ride and had Jalepeno margarita @ la cava
• Picked up Perry Platypus for world stamps
• Had Mexican food outside by river (made my stomach upset)
• Rode Maelstrom, got Norway stamp
• Looked at Terracotta Figures in China, got stamp
• Franziskaner beer in Germany, got stamp
• Italy stamp
• USA stamp and U2 coverband
• Japan stamp and picked a pearl (loved this)
• Morocco stamp
• France stamp and running out of time
• UK stamp and beer
• Canada stamp
• Illuminations (awesome)

Did shopping and left Epcot right at close. Went back to hotel and then hopped in pool for a bit. I didn't have energy or desire to go back to MK as I had done everything I really wanted to do. Plus had 4:00 am bus to airport next morning.

Thank you again, it was wonderful! I took a ton of pictures and met fun people along the way.