Overnight at the Yacht Club + Hitting 3 parks - How to do it best?

[blueram]

We ( 2 adults and 5 year old son) are going to Orlando in early May 2022 as part of a larger trip to the US. We've been to Disney World numerous times before but will be the first time with our 5-year old (he's been to TDR and HKDL multiple times though). We have a Marriott timeshare in Orlando so will be spending the week there but since our son is turning 6 and it's his first time, we decided to splurge and booked a package with an overnight stay at YC (Monday and Tuesday) and 3-day park hopper tickets (will use day 3 on Thursday for MK since he's been to 2 castle parks already). We plan to go to Universal and Seaworld as well so really just looking at 2 main days in WDW (and booking on property to maximize the time). This is our first time staying on property and going with a child so wanted to sense check / get some recommendations since it's a really tight itinerary.

First, given it's tight, we do plan to get Genie+ and ILL for the 2 days to maximize as much as we can. 2nd, we know we can't do everything and our child isn't at the age for most thrill rides yet, so we just wanted to do the highlights for each park and enjoy being on property. That being said, thinking of the below itinerary and happy to hear comments and suggestions of maximizing the 2 days in the parks without tiring ourselves too much and also enjoying our stay at YC:

Monday - Drive from Marriott to AK (can we go straight to the park instead of going to YC first to check in? Will we be able to get the free parking and early entry at AK as WDW resort guests without going to YC first?) for early entry. We would just do Dinosaur (kid loves Dinosaurs), Kilimanjaro Safari, Kali River, and the Pandora rides. We would then drive over to YC to check-in / park then walk over to Epcot until the room is ready. Rest at the hotel (maybe enjoy Stormalong Bay?), then go back to Epcot for Harmonious and Extra Magic Hours if available (Will probably want to do Test Track, Frozen, Soarin then I assume the others like Nemo don't have much of a queue).

Tuesday - Breakfast at Cape May or A&C, check-out of YC, DHS via Skyliner for early entry and buy ILL for ROTR, do Slinky and Mickey and Minnie Runaway, Smugglers Run etc. Park Hop to Epcot at 2pm to finish off whatever we weren't able to do the night before. Or is it better to do Epcot first so we have more time to enjoy YC and not rush checking out? Just worried about the wait times / crowds at DHS if we go after 2pm.

I know it's really tight and we don't intend to do everything but happy to hear your thoughts on this itinerary and how to maximize both our time at the parks and our stay at YC. Thanks in advance!

 

[Best Aunt]

Tuesday - Breakfast at Cape May or A&C, check-out of YC, DHS via Skyliner for early entry and buy ILL for ROTR, do Slinky and Mickey and Minnie Runaway, Smugglers Run etc.

I don't think people staying at YC/BC take the Skyliner to DHS for Early Entry. They either walk or take the boat. I get motion sick AND claustrophobic so I won't get near that thing, and haven't been paying attention to the details. But I think if you get on at Epcot, you go to Riviera then Caribbean Beach then DHS. I think you have to get off at Caribbean Beach and transfer. But don't take my word for it, just make sure you get the right answer. Here is an unofficial website which discusses the skyliner:
https://wdwprepschool.com/disney-world-skyliner/
The lovely people on the YC/BC thread probably can answer any YC-specific questions.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...-updated-info-on-page-1-post-1-13-14.3400342/
Please note that you can click on a link here even if it appears that it is still loading.

 

[trivan]

I don't think people staying at YC/BC take the Skyliner to DHS for Early Entry. They either walk or take the boat.

Agree, walking is the fastest unless the boat is right there. I think your plan is doable, but going to be dependent on the lines and wait times. I will caveat this with, I haven't been back to WDW since G+ and LL, but hope the LL will speed up some of the waits.

Have you been on Dinosaur? Some parts are pretty intense and were a bit much for me, hahah. I'm sure many 5 year olds are fine on the ride, but I got sensory overload at points of the ride and had to close my eyes. LOL

 

[Lisa_lvspplmvr]

I’m not sure how you can eat breakfast then checkout before rope drop . Have you thought about rope drop , come back to eat a late breakfast , checkout and swim before going to Epcot ? Also , I agree the boat is quickest in the morning. If you are there on time for the first one they go directly to HS. If you go to Cape May for breakfast be sure to ask for POG juice.They don’t always ask if you’d like it. Also ask for seconds of the food you’d like right away because it takes a while . They usually only bring a small amount of waffles etc .
If you want to enjoy a hot tub with the kids at YC I’d suggest going to a quiet pool . The admiral pool and hot tub weren’t crowded like SAB. Hope you have an amazing time !! Yacht Club is our favorite!!

 

[nycdisneygal]

I dont think there is free parking at the parks as a WDW resort guest unless things have changed. We love yacht club. MY DD opted to choose skyliner for early entry for DHS and I think it was the slowest option - though very pleasant! You switch at carib beac for the DHS line

have a great time.

 

[Best Aunt]

I dont think there is free parking at the parks as a WDW resort guest unless things have changed.

I think you're wrong:
"Standard theme park parking is included for registered Guests of Disney Resort hotels and select Annual Passholders"
That's from the official Disney website.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/parking/

 

[blueram]

I don't think people staying at YC/BC take the Skyliner to DHS for Early Entry. They either walk or take the boat. I get motion sick AND claustrophobic so I won't get near that thing, and haven't been paying attention to the details. But I think if you get on at Epcot, you go to Riviera then Caribbean Beach then DHS. I think you have to get off at Caribbean Beach and transfer. But don't take my word for it, just make sure you get the right answer. Here is an unofficial website which discusses the skyliner:

Please note that you can click on a link here even if it appears that it is still loading.

Thanks for the tips! Noted on the Skyliner, seems like consensus is it's best to walk to DHS or take the boat if it's right there. Will check out the YC / BC thread on hotel advice. Thanks again!

 

[blueram]

Agree, walking is the fastest unless the boat is right there. I think your plan is doable, but going to be dependent on the lines and wait times. I will caveat this with, I haven't been back to WDW since G+ and LL, but hope the LL will speed up some of the waits.

Have you been on Dinosaur? Some parts are pretty intense and were a bit much for me, hahah. I'm sure many 5 year olds are fine on the ride, but I got sensory overload at points of the ride and had to close my eyes. LOL

Yes, I enjoyed Dinosaur as a kid, was a bit scary but my 5 year old is obsessed with dinosaurs so think he will have a blast... I hope lol

I’m not sure how you can eat breakfast then checkout before rope drop . Have you thought about rope drop , come back to eat a late breakfast , checkout and swim before going to Epcot ? Also , I agree the boat is quickest in the morning. If you are there on time for the first one they go directly to HS. If you go to Cape May for breakfast be sure to ask for POG juice.They don’t always ask if you’d like it. Also ask for seconds of the food you’d like right away because it takes a while . They usually only bring a small amount of waffles etc .
If you want to enjoy a hot tub with the kids at YC I’d suggest going to a quiet pool . The admiral pool and hot tub weren’t crowded like SAB. Hope you have an amazing time !! Yacht Club is our favorite!!

Great suggestions about doing Early Entry then heading back for checkout, late breakfast, and time in the pool. I assume even if we checkout of the room, we can still use the pools and there's lockers / showers available?

I think you're wrong:
"Standard theme park parking is included for registered Guests of Disney Resort hotels and select Annual Passholders"
That's from the official Disney website.

Thanks for this. To follow-up on this and my other query, I assume I don't need to go to YC first to check-in and that we can head to DAK directly, show our tickets on the MDE app and head in? Thanks.

 

[MickeyMice]

i'd consider switching out YC for swan/dolphin if it would save you cash, unless you're sure you'll make time for SAB. (i just bought in at BCV so i'm a huge fan - as long as you have time to enjoy it.)

either way, i would do as you and others have said - rope drop AK day 1 and walk to for HS for rope drop day 2, make time for SAB each afternoon, and head to epcot both afternoons/evenings. just be ready to book attractions at HS especially at 7am or you may not get early returns time (or any at all).

i had no issues using pools and showers after check out. and i assume you wouldn't need to check in before parking but i have no experience with that.

 

[MinMou]

.....
We would just do Dinosaur (kid loves Dinosaurs), Kilimanjaro Safari, Kali River, and the Pandora rides. We would then drive over to YC to check-in / park then walk over to Epcot until the room is ready. Rest at the hotel (maybe enjoy Stormalong Bay?), then go back to Epcot for Harmonious and Extra Magic Hours if available (Will probably want to do Test Track, Frozen, Soarin then I assume the others like Nemo don't have much of a queue).

We took our 4 yr old to Dinosaur and it was WAY too intense for him near the end of the ride. We went in the evening, so that might have had something to do with it. And he was a daredevil.
Have you considered TriceratopsSpin? It may seem too tame for you, but he might think it's great. And just being in DinoLand and seeing all the theming would probably be fun for him. Also, leave some time for the Boneyard!

 

[Donna M]

Monday - Drive from Marriott to AK (can we go straight to the park instead of going to YC first to check in? Yes
Will we be able to get the free parking and early entry at AK as WDW resort guests without going to YC first?) for early entry. Yes Do online check-in.

We would just do Dinosaur (kid loves Dinosaurs), Kilimanjaro Safari, Kali River, and the Pandora rides. We would then drive over to YC to check-in / park then walk over to Epcot until the room is ready. Rest at the hotel (maybe enjoy Stormalong Bay?), then go back to Epcot for Harmonious and Extra Magic Hours if available (Will probably want to do Test Track, Frozen, Soarin then I assume the others like Nemo don't have much of a queue).

Tuesday - Breakfast at Cape May or A&C, check-out of YC, DHS via Skyliner for early entry and buy ILL for ROTR, do Slinky and Mickey and Minnie Runaway, Smugglers Run etc. Park Hop to Epcot at 2pm to finish off whatever we weren't able to do the night before. Or is it better to do Epcot first so we have more time to enjoy YC and not rush checking out? Just worried about the wait times / crowds at DHS if we go after 2pm. Looks like Cape May breakfast starts at 7:30. You will not make early entry eating at that time. If you can access HS at 8:30 then you should be there by 8 at least. On Feb 2 we were not able to get SD or ROTR for before 2pm. We rope dropped ROTR instead.

I know it's really tight and we don't intend to do everything but happy to hear your thoughts on this itinerary and how to maximize both our time at the parks and our stay at YC. Thanks in advance!