Please help me decide the best strategy!

[dsmith72]

I need help with this one. We are going to DW for our 2nd time ever in May. My DS7 and DS5 are going on the pirate cruise on Thursday am from Grand Floridian. (We arrive Sunday-leave Saturday-no park hopper just base tickets) We were planning on doing Epcot that day when the kids are done b/c based on last time Epcot was 1/2 day for us. We have dinner reservations at Garden Grill and plan to stay for Illuminations that night. I REALLY want to ride Soarin' this time because we didn't last time (DS5 was too small). My problem is I am afraid that if we don't get to Epcot until 12 noon all the Fastpasses will be gone and the wait will be ridiculous. So would you and your spouse head over to Epcot while kids are on the cruise and do Soarin' by yourselves and hope for the best that the kids can ride with you again later and leave all other plans intact? Or would you change dinner reservations for Friday(the day before you leave) and just make Thursday a 2nd day at MK? I figure if we did this DH and myself might take monorail over to MK while the boys are on the cruise and ride someting the boys couldn't or wouldn't ride. This is the only instance where a park hopper would be beneficial to our family but I really dont think I want to spend the extra money just for this one situation. So sorry this is so long but I just can't decide and knew you guys would be very helpful.

 

[foxfire]

What time does the Pirate cruise leave? If you have time, maybe you could all go to Epcot, pass through the turnstiles just to activate all the tickets and then leave to head on over to the GF. Then, after the cruise departs, you and your DH could take your DS's park tickets, go back to Epcot for FPs for all of you & the two of you could even sneak in an extra ride while you're there. Lots of running around I know but at least you wouldn't have to rearrange your other park and dining plans.

 

[dsmith72]

Unfortunately, the cruise is from 9:30-11:30 AM. We have to be there at 9 am and that is what time Epcot opens.

 

[foxfire]

Well, phooey...my plan won't work then. Too bad Epcot isn't having EMH that morning. That would give you some wiggle room. I hope you get it all figured out...good luck!

 

[dsmith72]

Any help evryone can give me, I would really appreciate it!

 

[ms mouse]

We have had to wait a couple of times for soaring because FP were gone. The wait is long but worth it.