Planning Help

[Chumpson]

Okay so I have been reading all the FP+ stuff, the dread and all, but I am going and need to figure out what to do to make it the best. If I could go back, perhaps I would go to DL again, we have been 3 times over the past six years and I have used these boards to nail the touring at that park. People that went with me were amazed at what they were able to do and that is thanks to the these boards. Knowing this I need help for this summer. I am going with my wife and kids 16, 14, 11. This will be our first trip to DW and might just be our only family experience with DW. I need your help...

I have bought and read the Unofficial Guide and will likely start reading it again.

Here is our plan currently...
We are staying off site, need to save the money.
We will be arriving June 18th. Touring DW 19-22nd.
23rd we will be taking a day off, we do have 5 day passes, so perhaps we use FP+ and just hit the parks for those. We do have Hoop-de-Doo Revue tickets that night.
24th and 25th we will be going to Universal, staying onsite to get there fastpass type thing.

So, I am wondering where I should look for touring plans, how to set up FP+, which parks on which days and what is not to be missed. I am thinking we might not need to see so much in Magic Kingdom as we have done DL so much, is that the wrong thinking?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[vicki_c]

Try easywdw.com for park recommendations and some touring plan cheat sheets.

 

[Chumpson]

Thanks, that website should help. Any other help or suggestions? Looking for things not to be missed and how best to make sure I see them. Trying g to make the best trip I can.

 

[jmddcj]

We just returned and stayed offsite, due to family size, cost etc. I used the Unofficial guide extensively and easywdw for crowd levels. It sounds like they will start allowing offsiters to prebook FP soon. Our strategies worked perfectly even though the spring break crowd levels were at 8. We have younger children so spent the majority of our time in Fantasyland. I hate to say it but, have you checked out Universal?? My DS 16,19 absolutely love it!! Let me know if I can help you out at all with some $$ ideas, or touring help!!

Single most important .... Arrive early, before RD!! Even my "hard to wake" teens realized how important this tip is. Unbelievable how much you able to accomplish in the early morn!

 

[Kate and Family]

Thanks, that website should help. Any other help or suggestions? Looking for things not to be missed and how best to make sure I see them. Trying g to make the best trip I can.

From what I am reading the FP kiosk are horrendous. There are two things I have read that might help you.
- At least some of the parks have CM's with an IPAD at rope drop. So if you plan to do rope drop - get there a little bit early and find one of those CM's. Much better chance of getting FP that you want, as well as not spending actual park time waiting in one of those long lines.
- Also some of the kiosks are much, much more crowded than others. The maps show the kiosks. Look for ones a bit more off the beaten path.

BTW, for many, many years, People on this board have recommended that you be there at rope drop. There is a very good reason for that. Huge increase in crowds coming in about 11:30.

 

[Chumpson]

I hate to say it but, have you checked out Universal?? My DS 16,19 absolutely love it!! Let me know if I can help you out at all with some $$ ideas, or touring help!!

Single most important .... Arrive early, before RD!! Even my "hard to wake" teens realized how important this tip is. Unbelievable how much you able to accomplish in the early morn!

I would love some suggestions, I will PM you as well. We will be spending our last two park days at Universal. With the unlimited "Fastpass" it made a lot more sense to say onsite there and do that at the end. Figured they might not want to go back to DW after that experience.

Sure...what money tips and touring advice do you have?

 

[Chumpson]

BTW, for many, many years, People on this board have recommended that you be there at rope drop. There is a very good reason for that. Huge increase in crowds coming in about 11:30.

Sounds like the offsite people will be able to make FP+ selections 30 days out, so that will help quite a bit.

We have always done RD at DL, so I know for sure we will be doing that at DW as well. That tip is HUGE!! We will also be going back to the room for naps/pool in the middle of the day. Have to say I am surprised how early the parks close. I was thinking they would be open till 11 or midnight...interesting.