out of the world for 10 years! help!

[lmw9767]

Was a disney pro back in the day. Planning a may trip for hubby, son, sons girlfriend and self. Staying off property but have done, Dixie landings, wilderness and GF. What major changes do I need to be aware of? Doing 3 day with park hopper. Planing on heading into parks at 3ish and staying late. Mk, epcot and AK are top choices
Son and GF are 19 and 20.

 

[prudence64]

You need to read up on magic bands and booking fast pass online ahead of time. If staying off site you can book your fast passes 30 days prior.

 

[mymermaid]

The crowds have gotten much larger since 10 years ago, so just be aware of that. They are still manageable in May, but nothing like crowds were in the early 00's Also make sure that you get your FP+ 30 days before arrival. That way you will at least have something secure.

 

[emldrl]

I recently started planning our trip, and I've never done this before. Our last trip was in 2004, and I did no planning for that. I started with the Disney website, then started searching the web, which is how I found the Dis. This is a great place to get help/info! Start with checking out the different boards, and reading up on all the new technology. Then check out the restaurant boards, if you plan on eating at any sit down restaurants. Next, search for the fastpass plus threads, but be warned, a LOT of people here don't like it. If you have specific questions, just post again and ask. I have found that there can be a LOT of info, so take your time and don't get too overwhelmed!

 

[ghtx]

If you're not planning on arriving at the parks until 3, I wouldn't bother buying a hopper. Just stay at one park until close.

Getting there that late (so no RD) and staying off-site (so no 60-day FP window) means you will not be able to ride the headliner rides without long waits.

 

[wareagle57]

If you're not planning on arriving at the parks until 3, I wouldn't bother buying a hopper. Just stay at one park until close.

Getting there that late (so no RD) and staying off-site (so no 60-day FP window) means you will not be able to ride the headliner rides without long waits.

I'd argue that not getting there til 3 is all the more reason to get a hopper. AK will close at 5 or 6 most likely, depending on when they are going. They could do park 1 until it closes and then hop to MK until midnight or whatever park closes the latest each night.

 

[sharonabe]

AK will be a problem. It looks like it closes at either 6 or 7 most nights, with a couple of 5s in their as well. There is NO late EMH at AK at this time. If you wait until 3 to get to this park, you won't get much done. Is there any way to get there earlier just for this one?

You don't mention HS, but in case you decide to go there too, be aware of the Star Wars Weekends that begin mid May. If you're into Star Wars, it can be a lot of fun, but it is VERY crowded and requires a plan. If you're not into Star Wars, then avoid HS on Fri/Sat/Sun.