Planning Input Please! Short Trip

[DisMomMT]

We will be at the DLH checking in 5/31 and checking out 6/2. It will just be me and DD(8) and DS(11) as DH will not be able to come this trip. It will be my first time ever traveling solo with the kids. We had expected our last trip 2 years ago to be the only time we were going to take our kids so we spent 4 days at the GCH, did WOC dessert party, BB Fantasmic, Fireworks and MSEP Package, Goofy’s Kitchen Breakfast and experienced manageable crowds to do pretty much everything - it was amazing!

This trip is a bonus, we are adding these days on to a trip for a family event so not able to extend or move days and not wanting to break the bank quite as bad. SWGE opening is pure coincidence for us but DS(11) is a BIG Star Wars fan and DD(8) likes it too... I like happy kids and Disney but would not say I am a StarWars fan. Our SWGE reservation is 8-12 on 6/1, but I am not opposed to calling and moving it if people here think another time would work better for an overall plan.

We won’t arrive until around noon on 5/31 so I am debating about if we should even go to the parks that day or just do the pools at the hotel and maybe dinner at Goofy’s kitchen? I am debating about if we need Park Hoppers or not (we will probably leave around noon on 6/2). Would love all input / ideas!

My kids are mildly interested in the characters - they enjoy them but not enough to stand in a line to meet them.

We hit most of our “must-dos” last time and the only things we really want to make sure we hit this time are PP, dark rides in FL, Animation Academy, Frozen, Philharmagic, Lincoln (if open) and SWGE. I am debating about using our EMH in Fantasy Land and going in a tad late for our SWGE reservation since I hate to give up that precious time in the park to stand in line. I plan to be at the gates by about 6:45 or so but I am not at all concerned about being “first in” to anything.

I love these boards and read them constantly! Thank you everyone for all of your help!

 

[Whistlebee]

I would definitely add a day to your tickets for your arrival day (assuming that it’s in the budget). You have a very short trip planned during what may or may not end up being a really busy time at the parks. We usually arrive between noon and two and we always go to the parks on our arrival day if possible. I’d add park hoppers to (if it’s in the budget). It just gives you more flexibility

 

[DisMomMT]

The budget has some flexibility so we can add another day if we choose. It is more a question of if it will be worth it for 5/31 being a Grad Nite, 1st day of SWGE, last day for Deluxe AP holders, etc. I hate to stay at DLH and not spend some time at the pools so when would you recommend we do the pools? Would you still do an afternoon break on 6/1?

 

[loloandstitch]

We can't really predict how the opening day of SWGE will affect crowds. Some people might be scared away from the park at the idea but yes, capacity will increase. California Adventure will probably be most affected by Grad Nite. If your budget allows it, I would add the arrival day ticket. However, if you really only care about pursuing those rides you listed, then it can be done without the 5/31 ticket.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I wouldn’t go late to your SWGE reservation! I would make sure to be there early in fact!

 

[DisMomMT]

Ok, so we will do 3 day tickets and (somewhat reluctantly) give up some of EMH to be in-line for SWGE. Any other thoughts / suggestions? Do you think we would regret doing just 1 park / day passes rather than hoppers and if so which park would you recommend for 5/31? Obviously we would be doing DL on 6/1 and I am thinking to still do DCA on 6/2 since we would have EMH.

 

[mfleeting]

We are having the same conversation about park hoppers since we are only going for 3 days as well. We have decided that park hoppers will probably be needed. If there is stuff at DCA you want to do and your already limited on time park hoppers will help. We buy from Last minute ticket club and with park hoppers it’s about the same price as Disney’s website

 

[DisMomMT]

We buy from Last minute ticket club and with park hoppers it’s about the same price as Disney’s website

Thanks for the tip. I am still struggling a bit with getting the value out of the 5/31 tickets when we are arriving so late on such a busy day so this may help!

 

[DisMomMT]

Realistically on a super-busy day arriving into the parks at say 2-3pm and wanting to get to bed at a decent time so likely leaving by about 9pm at the latest how many attractions should we expect to fit in?