Only 1 day @ MK - need planning help

[audrey2580]

The good news: I'll be making my 1st ever WDW trip Nov 23rd (two days before thanksgiving).

The bad news: Since we are visiting my in-laws (and leaving our soon to be born 1st child with them) we will only be able go to the MK for one day.

Where I need Help: I could use some help planning our day so we can try and get as much done as possible BUT without running around the crazy people.

Its only myself (28) and my husband (32) and we are both VERY familiar with DL. My Husband is a FL native and has been to WDW a handful of times. We would like to hit all the top attractions and especially the ones they don't have in Anaheim. We are not interested in parades or fireworks. And we won't make it back to the MK again until probably 2006.

So anyone with a game plan suggestion? Also any suggestions for a nice relaxing lunch? I'm thinking I would like to take the boat over to the Polynesian at some point but worry it will be a huge time waster.

Thanks!!

 

[kilee]

You could try for lunch in the Castle. It isn't a character meal, but the theming is great. It's going to be a little busier due to Thanksgiving week-- but you should still be able to manage a pretty full day just fine.

I would try to arrive at opening. So much can be done within those first 90 minutes. You will probably be able to get 2-3 of your top attractions done in this time frame. Deciding ahead of time what are must-do's will eliminate the "what to do next" in the middle of the park. That can waste a lot of time.

Wishes (the evening fireworks) doesn't usually run until close to closing of the park. They are like nothing I have ever seen (and the song is a tearjerker-- well I'm over-emotional anyhow). I for one would highly recommend trying to fit them in.

Also, remember to use FP to your advantage if it is really busy.

So first thing is to decide which rides/attractions are top priority.

 

[April76]

Since it's only the two of you, you shouldn't have any problems doing it ALL! (With the proper planning, of course)

Definitely be there when the gates open! Go straight to the major attractions (you don't have to RUN, but a brisk walk in the a.m. can be quite nice )

Get FP's for the 3 Mountains (Splash, Thunder, Space) -- First thing in the morning you can usually get your next FP about 1/2 after getting the first, etc. Even though you could "walk-on" these rides, I would get the FP's and come back later.

Usually by noon, the major attractions will have long lines and the FP return times will be for much later in the day.

(Hint: Use the steam train to get from Main Gate to Frontierland and then to ToonTown (next to Tomorrow Land)

Now you'll have plenty of leisure time to enjoy strolling around the parks in the middle of the day while everyone else is stressing and dealing with long lines .

Don't miss Mickey's Philharmagic and Buzz Lightyear

Most importantly -- take some time to SIT in view of the castle and "people watch" (we usually do this over hotdogs at Casey's Corner).

Have a great trip!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RyMickey]

Since you're going before most kids have off for Thanksgiving break, it might not be too crowded, however, the hours may be scaled back.

Disneyland has all three mountains that WDW has, so who knows if you'll wanna do them. I would definitely recommend Buzz Lightyear (and by that time, the new Stitch Encounter will be open). I've heard Mickey's Philharmagic is wonderful, too. Some others on the board might be able to help you a little better with the actual planning in the park.

However, if you really want to get in a trip to the Poly, I would recommend going to 'Ohana's for dinner. Great food and a pleasant atmosphere. Plus, after that, you could simply walk to your car (which unless you're staying onsite will be at the Transportation and Ticket Center). Plus, this way, it wouldn't eat into your day at the park.

RyMickey

 

[audrey2580]

Great ideas! Keep 'em coming....

 

[f16]

Even though you're mainly interested in the "non-Disneyland" attractions, there are some surprising differences between some of the "same" attractions in the two parks. For example, the Magic Kingdom's versions of Splash Mountain and Peter Pan are far superior to the Disneyland versions, IMO!

On the other hand, Pirates is better at Disneyland (again, IMO), so you could probably safely skip that one.

 

[lentesta]

Hi audrey2580,

The Magic Kingdom One-Day Touring Plan for Adults in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World is the most efficient comprehensive tour of that park available. I'd suggest giving that a try. I wrote the computer software the Guide uses for its touring plans, so let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Len Testa

 

[audrey2580]

We will definitely still do the Disneyland attractions - my favs are Big Thunder, Pirates and Peter Pan and I can't wait to see how they differ from DL to WDW.

Thanks lentesta - I'll take a look at it right now

 

[lentesta]

[edit: duplicate post removed]