Planning for the Parks

[Melann]

Hi there! Am beginning to get an intinerary together for upcoming trip, and have a few questions, and would like some comments on the plans.

Here go my questions: Parks with early entry--should I skip those because they will be really busy...we are staying a week so we have enough time to visit all the parks (or so we think!)

Now here are my plans:

Saturday (Jan 3)--Check in All Star Sport, head to MGM, catch second showing of Spectromagic at MK

Sunday--Magic Kingdom, catch Wishes and Share a Dream

Monday--PS at Chef Mickey's (B), head to Animal Kingdom, possibly go to Epcot for Illuminations at night

Tuesday--Epcot

Wednesday--KTTK Tour at 9:30, spend day in MK

Thursday--open (maybe Blizzard Beach if warm); PS for dinner at Mama Melrose's

Friday--open; Carriage ride at night

Also, since this is the first week in January, should i make more PS's, or will i be able to find places to eat with normal waiting periods (20-25 min)

Definately will take any comments on this...this is my first trip I am planning (parents were in charge of last one)!

Thanks for your help!

Melissa

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hi Melissa. I am definitely a 'don't go to the EE park on EE day'. But, I am solo, no kids, and find little value in the EE's. That's me. As for PS's, I always recommend them, if you think you may want to go to that restaurant during your planning. You can always cancel. Remember though, I have read that some of the restaurants do now have a $10 no show on PS's.

Enjoy!!!!!!

 

[XStAnt]

Melissa,

I don't see a day for MGM. Was this an oversight? What time will you arrive at MCO on your first day. You may not have as much time at MGM as you think if your flight lands after 11:00 am.

As for EMH, you are going at a time when crowds will be very low. I don't think any extra guests at the EMH park will make a noticeable difference in the lines at this time of the year. My thoughts are that EMH is a tremendous help when crowds are high since it gives you a couple of hours of park time before the crowds swell. But, if you're not going to get to the park just before the EMH opening time you lose that advantage and are better off going to a non-EMH park. (But that applies mainly when the crowds arfe higher. At the time you arfe going I don't think it matters at all).

You don't tell us who is going with you, and their ages, so it's a little tough to give some advice. For example, if you have young children you may want to plan an afternoon break.

I assume you have UPHs since on Thursday you are planning either an off day or a day at BB, but want to eat dinner that night in MGM. If you only have a PH or PHP you will lose an entire day just to go to dinner.

On the other hand, if you have an UPH it may be costing you more that you need. You may be beter off with a 5 or 6 day PHP and not going to Mama Melrose's on Thurs. (You'll need a 6 day if you are going to a park on Friday, otherwise you only need a 5 day, which is even less money). You'll have to price this out. Go to www.mousesavers.com for info on all the ticket prices and options.

As for PS's, I doubt you'll have waits of longer than 20-25 minutes. However, if you know what restaurant you want to eat in on a particular day it never hurts to make a PS. This way you'll only wait about 5-10 minutes. I like to make PS for a couple of meals on a trip to Disney. On other days I will either get counter service or play it by ear. But everyone is different.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[dzneelvr]

The Parks will close early-- you may not have much time at MGM on your first travel day.
I didn't see DD on your itinerary either--the World of Disney and the shops are an experience in themselves.

In my opinion, EE won't really impact your choices at this time of year. After the Christmas and New Year's rush, it slows way down. We used to go at that time and never had a problem. The water parks may be closed or in rehab--check that out before you plan a day there. Also check what major attractions are going to be in rehab so you can deal with your disappointment prior to arriving and it won't be an unpleasant surprise.

The boat ride from MGM to EPCOT is a great option for seeing different resorts and the Boardwalk. Plan some time to dock there and look around for a few hours.
I'd also suggest a dinner or lunch at one of the main resorts, such as Poly, or GF. That way, you can check out the "competition" while enjoying a top rate experience. We always stay at the AS's too, but dine at those resorts for a change of pace. It 's a quick mono ride to any of them the days you spend at MK.

Have a wonderful time!!