Park planning with out using Park Hoppers

[Bugsmom73]

Any suggestions. I can't remember the rules of what we are supposed to avoid when. For the first time ever, we won't have park hoppers and with our friends budget, I can't see it being added.

We are a party of 8. 4 adults -2 WDW newbies- 4 kids (age at trip time) 2 boys aged 9 and 6. 2 Girls ages 9 and 7. Both boys have special needs, the nine year old is ADHD the 6 year old is on the spectrum.

We have only one chance to nail this right and I need to make sure I don't screw it up.

Thanks.

 

[disney*mom*82]

We never use park hoppers and we feel like we get to see and do most everything we want to each time we go to Disney. How many days are you going? Are you going to all parks? Waterparks? What about dining? IDK if you are looking for the do not miss in each park or just what to do in general? Are the children capable of staying out late or going early, so you can take advantage of EMHs? Im sure you can get plenty of tips from here and Ide be glad to help, if I know what you are looking for.

 

[VeroBeach]

Usually with park hoppers, and if you are early risers, many will suggest you go to the Morning Extra Magic Hours and then hop to another park once the park starts getting too crowded; otherwise, the suggestion is to visit a park the day after it has EMH as the crowds should be lighter....

 

[jillk]

One strategy would be: go to a park that doesn't have am EMH; be there at rope drop and do as much as you can before it gets too busy or you need a break; optimize your fastpass gathering, accumulate as many as possible; return to the same park in the evening for fireworks/parades if desired and to use the fastpasses you got earlier. Never heard of anyone having trouble using a fastpass that is past the return time.

 

[Schmeck]

Make sure the 6 year old diagnosed on the spectrum has a stroller - great for limiting sensory issues, using it as a safe plce to hide, etc.

9 year old with ADHD - that's what WDW is for - so much to do and see around every corner, it will be great for someone with a lot of energy and a short attention span.

 

[Planogirl]

You tour pretty much exactly the same as if you had hoppers except that I agree that it's wise to avoid the park that has EMH if you can. It depends on the parades and fireworks that you want to see and how they're scheduled at that time. I would start with these when I work out my plan. But otherwise you still get to the park of the day before it opens and you still leave to take a break if you feel the need for one. Then you just return that evening to the same park.

Plan your ADR's accordingly or eat outside the parks at some convenient location. It's not difficult to do this, it's just not as much fun to some.

 

[2MOdisneyfans]

We have never had park hoppers, and I don't feel that we miss out. We are going in June, and stay off property (2nd time). We are planning on going to the parks that don't have EMH. We did this last time, and we really never had long waits for rides. We have also stayed onsite 3 times without hoppers, but we went in Sept. so not really crowded at all.

I would get a Guest Assitance card from guest services, for the boys. If you have more questions about the card, just google. There is also information on allears.net. There might even be more on this website.

 

[bsjs0708]

Ditto here...
we avoid EMH and we haven't park hopped in years...Planogirl,Julie here from Frisco...where abouts do you live?Plano or Frisco? feel free to pm me it's fun to know there is a Diser close by

 

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

We took our first trip without hoppers over Thanksgiving. I was suprised to say that we really didn't miss them. I would adhere to touringplans.com's crowd calendar regarding the park to visit and avoid.

Good luck and I hope you all have a great vacation!