Plan...

[bubba's mom]

So, we're staying at RPR on our trip in late June/early July. I'm guessing there really isn't a "strategy" for the park like you need with WDW? I feel so strange NOT planning a strategy for the parks. I only need to worry about making dinner ressies is my guess. Should I be feeling THIS relaxed?? TIA

 

[macraven]

even though you are staying on site, start early for the parks.
the crowds will be there around 11 ish

why don't you start at the parks 8:20 to be in line and do lunch around 11:15, then go back to the hotel for a swim or rest for the early afternoon.

return to the parks late afternoon.......you will have the fotl so no really long waits in the lines.

see the fireworks in the evening (if you go when they are having them) stop over at citywalk for a dinner before you go back to the hotel.

may people at the on site hotels take their time and wait until lunchtime or a tad earlier to go to the parks. even with the fotl, you will still have crowds in walking around or at time to eat places.

if you go early then take an afternoon break at the resort or city walk, it might still be a relaxing type of vacation.

 

[macraven]

i have been four times in june, mid part of the month, and i did run into crowds and lines for soda, snacks, etc and just walking around.

when it's hot, some smells are not as welcomed to have around.........lol

and when it starts raining, everyone runs into each other trying to take shelter........lol

 

[robvia]

If you are thrill ride fans, the reason you want to show up early is to

1. Get a front seat ride on Hulk with no wait.
2. Get front seat rides on both sides of Deuling Dragons with no wait.
3. Get a ride on Pteranondon Flyers before the kid rule goes into effect.

Basically, you show up at 08:15am, get in line at the front of the gate, go in first, and run to Hulk. Then you continue to PF, and to Deuling Dragons. After that, you do the other rides.

Eating lunch at 11:30am is a great idea, because most people get hungry at noon, and flock to the food places. Same thing with dinner. Everyone goes to the restaurants at 6pm. If you go at 4pm, you get happy hour drinks, and a short wait.

The other reason to go early, is the walkways get very crowded at noon.
I go back to the hotel room, and rest for a few hours, then come back as the tired are leaving.

One more thing, June early July is very HOT. If you sleep in, and show up at 11am, you'll wilt under the sun. The idea is to show up early, take a lap, go back to your room, rest, swim, then come back at night, because the parks stay open until 10pm. You'll enjoy night time the most with your FOTL.

 

[lindalinda]

Above postings are true......but yes....you should relax. You dont have to go commando.

 

[bubba's mom]

Thanks guys! That is normally our strategy at Disney....arrive early, eat earlier than peak times, etc....works well for us. Altho, normally we like to stay in the park all day, but being we'll be there for 5 days , we probably will rest in the afternoon. I had planned on hitting the Flyers early (cuz of no FOTL), and figured hitting the coasters early too for front seat (again, cuz of no FOTL)...but, i know my crew won't want to do that everyday, so, we'll have to pick a day! Pretty much know where we want to eat too...how soon do you make reservations for that?? I know Margaritaville and Mythos are definately on the schedule.... . DH & I haven't been to USO since it was only US ('92..i think ). So, this will be a nice trip for us......anyway, i'm rambling.....thanks guys!

 

[robvia]

The only places that really need reservations are Emirl's and Tchop Tchop.

Mythos is best at 11:30am when they first open. If you show up early, you can get your front seat rides, go on everything else using FOTL, then head over there and eat an early lunch. Two adults can share the Wrap, or if each of you order something, you can take the left overs back to the room and snack on them later. Bring zip lock bags in your suit case to store food. You can take food back from Mythos, they have styrophome containers.
For Margaritaville, show up around 4pm and have a few happy hour drinks. Then order dinner before the crowd shows up. I believe happy hour is from 1-5pm. I think the special is Miller, and 2 for 1 Margaritas (what else?). The kid can have a slushie and watch the volcano, while the parents have the real thing. For Nascar, they sell draft beer cheap all the time. Other places vary.
Again, the parks stay open late, so you'll be using your FOTL keys at night, which will give you a huge advantage. You won't have to go commando at night, but in the morning, it pays off.

 

[bubba's mom]

Thanks.....guess I SHOULD be this relaxed........very weird......we are looking forward to it. Just going to take soooooooooo long to get here!