Planning help for young newlyweds!

[dfb]

Trying to help a young couple (early 20s) plan a trip. They are getting married this December in Tennessee and honeymooning at WDW and Universal 15 - 23 Dec 2024. Neither have been to WDW ever, but they are disney fans, grew up on Disney movies etc.

Not sure what days they'll specifically go to WDW but will investigate the days for any events, parties, etc. They probably won't stay on property?? No passes just tickets purchased for the dates (probably 3-4 days). They recently graduated college and have pretty good jobs but still will be on a typical young couple's budget.

I just realized I have been DVC and a passholder for so many years, I am in some unfamiliar territory on how they will be park going. There are the obvious dos and don'ts but any thoughts / suggestions would help especially with new rules. I haven't been down since last year. I know if you purchase tickets for the date you don't need to make park reservations, I'm not a Genie+ user so I need to investigate more on that and what rides use virtual ques, etc. I'll look up when the last Christmas party is. Do they still do the full Christmas parade during the day, after the last party?

Any help is greatly appreciated!!

 

[hes122]

- After the last Christmas Party, the parade, fireworks and holiday overlays are part of the normal daytime happenings in MK.
- I'd recommend watching some YT videos (Mammoth Club is a good resource IMO) on maximizing Genie+, but make sure they know it'll be $$$$$. You can do the parks without it, but you just need to manage your expectations about what you'll be able to do and how long you'll have to wait.

 

[rwdavis2]

Give them a copy of the Unofficial Guide and send them to specific forums here to tell them how to schedule rides. If they say they will just wing it then give them the book and let them learn on their own.

I tell people that a trip to WDW is like an Everest expidition: it requires money, stamina, and planning.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Keep an eye out for when Disney drops discounts for the holidays & check Swolphin periodically. They might be able to stay on site and being in the bubble does make life easier.

 

[glocon]

Doing both WDW and UO in the same trip is an expensive way to do it. Have them look at what prices would be if they just did one or the other.

Otherwise, I would suggest they do stay onsite at both places (maybe an all star or pop at WDW for 4-5 days and Royal Pacific at UO for 2-3 days for the included unlimited EP).
It makes visiting the parks so much easier when using the park transportation, especially if they are celebrating with adult beverages.
If they really want to stay offsite, maybe budget in for Ubers.

I’ve only been once since the genie+ started, but I would recommend to them to budget that in each day for shorter lines.

Also, since you are DVC, maybe you understand the rental market for this better than some and can give them some pointers on how to get a good deal for a DVC room. We’ve never done that so idk anything about that.

 

[_19disnA]

If their first time @ Disney, they won't know which parks/rides/shows they will like best. Each of the 4 parks is different and appeals to some more than others. I would have them look at a map of the 4 parks and realize the place is HUGE and with large crowds/long ride lines, they likely won't be able to do everything in one day. Extensive planning won't make the parks any less crowded. They should go and look around and see what things they like best. My best advice would be to see/do the things they like in one area/section of a park and then move to the next area. Zig-zagging all over the place to supposedly save a few minutes on some ride line will eat up a lot of time and likely you will get exhausted from all of the extra walking.

Never been a fan of virtual queues since all they seem to do is give you the illusion you aren't waiting in a long/slow-moving line, but depending on how much advance notice you get, have to hang around that area to avoid missing your assigned time.

 

[dfb]

Thanks everyone for the help. I will employ these ideas with them. I am going to encourage them to stay on property even if a value resort. Parking, transportation and experience do make a difference even with the cost. Because this is a special time in their lives, I am pushing very much to just go and relax and have a good time and approach it with a "smell the roses" take on it. That time of year will definitely be crowded and I will explain the importance of pre planning and show them the tools to do so. But I would plan for a few things and take others as they come. Maybe plan a let's do "everything" trip later.

Again, thanks for the help!

Woops, almost forgot to ask- If they can swing an on property stay, what value / moderate resorts are a good stay these days. I say that because I stayed at All star - music?? I think?? several years ago for two nights and it was not in good shape or a good experience.

Thank you!

 

[glocon]

For value, I’ve only stayed at Pop, and really enjoyed it.
For a mod, we loved the Gran Destino Tower at CSR. It’s like a deluxe resort!

 

[Mouse Tracker]

I would suggest any of the All Stars. A bus ride no matter where they go.
I like Pop for the skyliner but that might confuse them with no bus to HS / Epcot and only buses to MK /AK.
Newlyweds and WDW beginners, should be a good test of compatibility
They should get comfortable with going through the WDW website, looking at resorts, parks, restaurants, etc.

 

[only hope]

Most of the All-Star rooms have been renovated within the past few years. Better functionality but also a bit sterile/boring now imo.

 

[holden]

Genie+ can be challenging and a little confusing. I'd encourage them to watch some videos and play around with it before their trip. It also drains the phone battery, so bringing a portable charger is a good idea.