Please Help With Planning Aug. Trip

[Camping Disney]

We are doing Disney for 7 days in August. We will be on the Military 5-day Ultimate Park Hopper Plus Pass. The 5 of us, DH, Dd 10, Ds 9 and Ds8 have never really "been" to WDW. One day trip and that is about it. I have NO IDEA what parks to visit when, what not to miss and where to find info on the Extra ride times etc. I have read these boards until I am blurred and would just love some real expert advice!!! We are going on the Disney Magic August 2 and arriving at Fort. Wilderness on the 9th thru 16th of August. Any sample itineraries......all info on what to do with kids, what not to miss...anything really special......will all be sooooo greatly appreciated.

Thank-you so very, very much for all of your help!

Michele

 

[deputy disney]

http://wdwig.com/ look under planning. A great place to start you WDW trip planning. Have a great time!

 

[DancingBear]

You are at the right place, but you will find that more specific questions get better answers. However, a few thoughts about what to look for at wdwig.com, or at wdwinfo.com (the home page for the DISBoards):

--Utilize the Early Magic Hour. Find out which parks are on which days. Get the family up and go! You'll get so much done in the first couple of hours this way.

--Read about how FastPass works. Learn it. Use it!

--Plan at least one of your "off" days in the middle of your trip. Two or three days in a row will wear you out and you'll be ready for a bit of a break. There is plenty to do--swim in the pool, rent a boat at the FW marina, resort-hop, shop at DTD, etc.

--Study what you can use your plusses for. Waterparks are generally the best "value" use of the plusses--go to one on one of your "off days" from the parks.

--When August hours become available on the official website, see if Spectromagic and/or MK fireworks are only offered on certain nights while you are there--you may want to plan around those. And keep checking the hours, as lately they change right up to the last minute (generally for the better).

As you develop other questions, come back here and ask!!

 

[donna in Oz]

Here's a link to specifics on Early Magic Hour to get you started:

http://wdwig.com/emhour.htm


Have fun planning . . . the anticipation is nearly as much fun as being there. OK, so not really . . . .

 

[KSgirl]

We traveled to Disney for the first time (with our children...husband and I had gone many moons ago, on our honeymoon) last November. At the time they were 2, 6, 7, and 9. We also stayed at Ft. Wilderness, in the cabins, and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere very much after a hard day at the parks. We did return for breaks mid-afternoon. Here are my tips from our personal experience:

~our kids enjoyed MK and MGM more than Epcot and AK
~we really didn't try to commando our trip, but by the end of our stay, the kids were exhausted (the husband too). Definitely plan a looser, less strenuous schedule towards the end of your stay.
~research thoroughly before you go...you'll be glad you did. I did a lot of planning, and things went very smoothly, and we were able to see quite a bit. The best reward was when my 7 year old said on the last day, "Mom, thanks for planning a great vacation!"

Have a great time, and remember to relax and enjoy it all!

 

[mmmcq]

If you can afford it, buy a "Passporter" guide. http://www.passporterboards.com.

I've bought all the guides in past years and last August had all the guidebooks with me, but this time I'm only bringing a Passporter. This late in the season the guide is a bargain too. I just ordered mine for our July trip. It'll help you plan your own itinerary. And no matter what you do, you'll have a great trip.

I'll think about some specifics for you tomorrow....now off to sleep for me.

 

[Planogirl]

You might also want to look through an Unofficial Guide to WDW when you have a chance. This book has some good itineraries that are useful even if you just follow them loosely.

Remember that the biggest timesaver is to get to a park before it even opens, at least for a few days during your visit. I suggest going through the list of attractions, restaurants, parades and so on and listing those that you consider vital. Also note parade and fireworks times and plan around those. Allow plenty of time just to rest and goof off too. Finally, be willing to try anything and everything. Some of the little attractions may end up being someone's favorite and you just never know what you personally may enjoy the most.

 

[KatelynnsAuntie]

Just wanted to say I'll also be there the 9th-16th of August!! Staying at All Star Movies! I'll be looking for lime green!

The one thing I would not miss are the night time shows (Fantasmic, Illuminations & Spectromagic)! They are all awesome...

 

[Camping Disney]

I AM SOOOOOOOOO OVERWHELMED!!! In a good way!! You all have given me such incredible and wonderful advice. I have been studying and just taking it all in...this is truly going to be sooooooo magical!! LIME GREEN it is for me in the parks! Thank-you to everyone!!

Michele

 

[bobcat]

You have great advise so far. It can be overwhelming planning your first trip. Just remember you can't see it all in one visit. Decide what you and your family want to see/do and make a priority list. This way each person gets to see what is most important to him/her. My kids and I make one each year.

Second look at guide books, buy one if you wish. The library usually has them and the Unofficial guide has great, if a bit cynical, descriptions of the rides and shows. For your kids I suggest Birnbaums official guide for kids. It's a great way to prepare them for the trip. If you are a planner buy the Passporter. It is a great way to organize all your plans and has great info as well. You can also make your own notebook with info from here and other web sites. I did this before I bought a passporter.

Keep asking questions here. Someone knows the answer or where to find it.

As for August it is my favorite time to visit WDW and we have been there twice during your time frame. You will notice crowds getting lighter as your trip progresses since many school are already back in session. It is very hot and humid so pace yourselves, take air conditioned breaks, keep yourselves hydrated. I recommend a misting fan, buy at Walmart so you don't have to pay $16 in the park. It is great for when you are waiting for a parade or waiting in line.

Use Fast Pass!!!!! It makes the trip way more enjoyable!

And last of all have fun. Notice all the details and enjoy being with your family. My family has a rule that there is no fighting on vacation. It works most of the time. It's really funny when one kid reminds the other that they can't fight with him/her because they are on vacation. It's really hard to fight with yourself. LOL

 

[DancingBear]

Originally posted by bobcat
Just remember you can see it all in one visit.

I would assume bobcat meant to say "can't" (so don't worry about trying to).

 

[wdwnutze]

I have been in August before and my biggest advice would be take advantage of EE. We were able to accomplish quite a bit in the 1st few hours of the morning. By noon time the heat and humidity was intense and we would go back to the resort and take advantage of the pool for some relaxation. Use the afternoon to explore you r resort and take a nap if needed. We made our way back to the park about 4:30-5:00 when the heat had subsided a little and the crowds were thinning.(parks were open late when we were there). Also take advantage of E-night if it is offered during your stay. You will be able to go on all the thrill rides at MK with no lines, no crowds and much more comfortable temps. Pace yourself and enjoy!

 

[bobcat]

Typo fixed! The brain runs faster than the fingers!

Again prioritize! It will make for a more enjoyable trip.