Planning first trip to US/IOA

[Lisacope]

We have been to WDW many times (We did an awesome VR there in 2008!) and are planning our next visit for Xmas (Dec 19-26) and we would like to make our first trek to US/IOA. We will be staying at the BWV but I have booked a room-only ressie at the RPR for Dec 22nd so we can take advantage of the Express pass and early entry on the 23rd for the WWOHP. Questions: how much time will we really need for the US/IOA parks? Should we plan on getting there at opening on the 22nd or should we mosey over from BWV around noon? How long should we plan to stay on the 23rd? Will we be done with WWOHP early enough that we can make plans for the afternoon back at WDW?

 

[Metro West]

We have been to WDW many times (We did an awesome VR there in 2008!) and are planning our next visit for Xmas (Dec 19-26) and we would like to make our first trek to US/IOA. We will be staying at the BWV but I have booked a room-only ressie at the RPR for Dec 22nd so we can take advantage of the Express pass and early entry on the 23rd for the WWOHP. Questions: how much time will we really need for the US/IOA parks? Should we plan on getting there at opening on the 22nd or should we mosey over from BWV around noon? How long should we plan to stay on the 23rd? Will we be done with WWOHP early enough that we can make plans for the afternoon back at WDW?

You should allow two full days to do everything and not have to rush...which isn't a good idea since this is your first trip. Since you will have unlimited Express access, you can ride as many times as you like on the participating attractions but you still shouldn't rush through anything.

 

[Planogirl]

ITA. I would get there at rope drop the first day and get the HP thing out of the way. If you do it the first day then you have the option of going again the next day if you really like it. Then you can enjoy the other IOA attractions as much as you wish and escape to the RPR or HRH pool if you want to cool off for a while. You could rest or go to Citywalk or whatever that evening. The next day I would head for rope drop again to either revisit WWofHP or to tour the Studios. Then you can ride to your heart's content and leave whenever you're satisfied.

That's just one possible touring plan.