Please help: feedback on a non-planner's plans!

[ohstarfish]

Hi all! I'm new to posting here (...lurking's another matter altogether...) but not new to Disney World -- I did the College Program in 2008-9, so I'm used to taking my time in the parks and not stressing about getting every single thing done. Now, however, I'm planning my first trip back since the CP (!!!) for this December and I'm bringing my boyfriend, who's been to DL before but never WDW! We were originally planning a longer trip a year or two from now but when we heard the Osborne Lights were going away we decided to do a quick little "sampler" of a trip to see them and then do a big trip later, probably around F&W/Halloween. My DBF is graciously allowing me full rein on the itinerary so I'm trying to hit all the attractions that are important to me and will be (or could be) going away in the near future, filling in with favorites (especially attractions unique to WDW/the holidays!) in between. Because our trip is short I'm trying to pack in as much as possible so, as a non-planner trying to plan, I would REALLY appreciate it if some of you planning veterans could look over what I have so far!

We're going to be taking a redeye flight from Seattle and arriving Saturday morning, 12/13, flying back Tuesday 12/15 in the evening. We're staying at Pop in a preferred pool-view room to be close to the bus stop, since we'll be using Disney transportation almost exclusively. Our first night I'm planning to do HDDR (first time for both of us!) and then the last day will be Disney Springs, but here's what I've tentatively laid out for our two park days:

Sunday 12/14
10:45 breakfast ADR @ Kona Cafe
Explore monorail resorts/gingerbread displays
4-12pm: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!!
Pre-party 4-7pm:

• Be Our Guest ADR — 4:25pm (I know dinner gets mixed reviews but I had to grab the reservation, it was the perfect time and I'm DYING to see all of New Fantasyland!)
• Country Bears
• Seven Dwarves Mine Train (FP+ 5:30-6:30)
• Under the Sea
• line up for Sandy Claws ~ 6:30

During Party:

• Jingle Cruise (I was a skipper for my CP, I'm so excited to see the Jungle all Jingle'd out!)
• PotC
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Haunted Mansion
• Big Thunder Mountain
• More meet & greets (if time)

Party-Specific:

• Sandy Claws 1st thing
• Rapunzel/Flynn Rider (during 1st parade? late at night as lines die down?)
• Fireworks (planning to find viewing spot ~9pm)
• Once Upon a Christmastime Parade (2nd run)

Monday 12/14
Breakfast in POP food court/bus by 8:00
Epcot morning - rope drop 9 am

• Soarin’
• Living with the Land
• The Seas w/ Nemo
• Spaceship Earth
• Ellen’s Energy Adventure

(hoping to be done ~ 12pm)
Park hop to DHS ~ 11:45-12:30ish (bus)
Fastpass+ (plans, not confirmed):

• Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster (12-1)
• Tower of Terror (1-2)
• Star Tours (2-3)

Walk on:

• Great Movie Ride
• MuppetVision 3D

Optional (provided excellent timing):

• Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
• Lights Motors Action!
• Character meet & greets
• or additional walk-ons of any of the above

CS dinner — not sure where?? Would really prefer an ADR for 50's PT or SciFi instead but I'm worried that would eat up too much time...
6pm — Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights!

Park hop to Epcot 7:45-8:15 (walk)
Explore World Showcase

• Grey Goose slushes
• Mexico ride
• IllumiNations -- 9:30

Monorail to TTC/Resort monorail to Poly

• Nightcap at Trader Sam’s!!

Taxi or Uber back to Pop

*****************************

At this time we're not planning to use the dining plan, unless you think it would be worth it. Does this seem somewhat reasonable? Do the fastpass choices seem appropriate? I know that it's important to stay flexible, and I'm sure there'll be plenty of re-ordering and making cuts on the actual days, but we're also determined to get our money's worth for this quick trip so we're prepared to run ourselves into the ground This plan includes pretty much everything I would want to do but as a non-planner this is way out of my comfort zone, especially going back six years after I *lived* there for a year. I feel so out of the loop when I used to be so in the loop! I'd appreciate any feedback you can give me, and TIA!!

 

[sharonabe]

If you're okay with single rider lines, I would do that at RnR and use a FP+ for Toy Story Mania instead. Actually, you need to check the tiering at HS for FP+. I can't remember which rides are in which category. You may not be able to FP+ TSM and ToT or RnR and ToT. Sorry, I don't have the answer for you.

And you don't have Test Track for your EP time. This one also has a single rider line, and I would try to fit it in somewhere in that morning.

 

[siskaren]

Actually, you need to check the tiering at HS for FP+. I can't remember which rides are in which category. You may not be able to FP+ TSM and ToT or RnR and ToT.

TSMM and RnR are both tier one, while ToT is tier two, so you can FP TSMM and ToT or RnR and ToT.

 

[jimandami]

Is there a bus from Epcot to DHS?

ETA: I googled it, apparently there is. I had no idea since we always just walk.

 

[delux]

Is there a bus from Epcot to DHS?

ETA: I googled it, apparently there is. I had no idea since we always just walk.

Or take a boat.

 

[sharonabe]

Is there a bus from Epcot to DHS?

ETA: I googled it, apparently there is. I had no idea since we always just walk.

The bus will take you to the Front entrance; Future World. If you're doing the WD, you'll want to walk or take the boat which takes you to the Back entrance.