Only 1 day at each park...

[CrystalS]

We are going in Sept with free dining.
It will be my DH(27), DS(2.5) and myself(24), and my mom(48) and brother(20) will be coming as well.

We are on a tight budget so could only stay for 1 day at each park (base ticket, no hoppers).

Should we pick all the MUST do attractions and do a blitz around the parks or should we just accept that we won't get to everything and just take it slow?
Any tips to avoid lines? Best times to see shows, etc?

Thanks!

 

[singnring]

We are going in Sept with free dining.
It will be my DH(27), DS(2.5) and myself(24), and my mom(48) and brother(20) will be coming as well.

We are on a tight budget so could only stay for 1 day at each park (base ticket, no hoppers).

Should we pick all the MUST do attractions and do a blitz around the parks or should we just accept that we won't get to everything and just take it slow?
Any tips to avoid lines? Best times to see shows, etc?

Thanks!

First thing would be to utilize the fastpass system. While you wait for your FP time, you can hit 1-3 other rides, then head right for your FP ride.

The other thing would be to pick the rides you REALLY don't want to miss. Have an idea of what rides are most important and what ones, not so much.

Then make sure you start with your fav's and work your way down the list.
That way if you run out of time, you have at least hit the rides you care most about.

 

[MSSANDRA]

you can get a lot done in September but don't worry about seeing it all. Enjoy what you can see. If you are staying on site, use the extra magic hours and get there at rope drop to avoid crowds or take advantage of late hours. If you are staying off site, avoid the EMH parks to reduce crowds.

Have in mind what you "must" see and then go from there. It took us about three trips to slow down and enjoy the ride.

 

[squirrel]

That's what I did for my first two trips. You don't need hoppers when it's your first trip.

Plan to hit the things that are your must see/do. Use the fastpasses as often as you can-send a runner to get one for everyone.

Don't know how much fast paced touring you can do with a 2 yr old, but if you are doing the cruise after WDW, then you know you can relax in a few days.

 

[TinaLala]

We're going in August and we're not doing a hopper. It just takes some planning. Figure out what parks you want to go to and on what days, then look to see what attractions you want to do and go from there. I understand your concern - my family is know for hitting all parks in a day from breakfast to dinner to night show - a different park each thing. So one park a day will be tough, but i you do some good planning you can do it and not sacrifice your trip.

There are attractions that you're just not interested compared to other people. So the must dos during the day and then follow up with other things in the afternoon and the go back to your favorite things at night.

 

[brekin67]

Plan your schedule around which park will be open late that night. Have fun.

 

[tinkmom2]

You can plan the attractions that are a must see for you at Disney.com and make a map of them. I have been to WDW 3 times and still haven't seen everything I wanted to see. I would take it slow. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy your surroundings I agree fast passes are a must. We also planned which park we were going to by the extra magic hours. If you wait until then you don't have long waits on most attractions like the "Haunted Mansion" Also snag your spot on Main Street about 30-45 minutes before parade time. That way you can snag a seat on the curb.
We took my Mom with us this last time and let me tell you it was an experience. By the end of the trip we were all exhausted and arguing lol! So the best advice I can give you is take a break and go back to the hotel and rest mid day. It helps avoid meltdowns

 

[squirrel]

Since your in the same time zone as me, I would stick with the park that is open late also. EMH evenings can be good or not that great depending on the park and how many other people decide to go.

I found my niece was still on our time zone, even after many days at WDW. I don't sleep much so I could have been up at rope drop any day, but there is no way she would be up and happy.

 

[HappyPeach]

Try to take advantage of the parks that are open late to get the most bang for your buck. And I may get a lot of disagreement here -- but, I'd skip Animal Kingdom in favor of a second day at Magic Kingdom since your son is only 2.

 

[Trip2007]

Definately go at rope drop for MK so you can hit Fantasyland. You can get many rides done in a short amount of time!