Please review my INSANE touring plan!

[bakers3]

OK. I know this is a ridiculously long and exhausting day and that we may need to abandon the plan at some point and just wing it.

Here is the scoop. This is our first trip to WDW and we only have 2 days. I doubt we will have another chance to go any time so so we really want to make the most of it. It is DH, myself and 10 year old daughter. We will do MK the 1st day (morning EMH and MVMCP) and Epcot (evening EMH) the 2nd day. We are meeting family on the coast for Christmas so will have time to relax and rest after this punishing 2 day tour.

We have no ADRs - we will just snack and do counter service. Our MK/MVMCP day is Thursday the 21st. Here is the much worked on touring plan for that day - is this timing possible? Have I allowed enough time for each area including lines, walking, train, etc? I would really appreciate any insight, feedback and/or advise you might have!

Be at gate by 7:30. Stash 2nd backpack in locker with evening (warm) clothes, change of footwear, extra water, etc.

8:00 (EMH) FANTASYLAND Dumbo, Pooh, Peter Pan, Tea Party, Philharmagic. Send runner for SM FP while doing carousel/re-rides.

9:30 FRONTIERLAND Ride Big Thunder Mountain RR. FP window open yet? Not riding Splash (long story)

10:15 ADVENTURELAND Jungle Cruise, Pirates (left line), Aladdin.

Walk back to Frontierland, use or get BTMR FP, take RR back to Toontown stop, use path to TL.

11:30 TOMORROWLAND Use Space Mountain FP. Get another? Astro Orbiter and Buzz. Have lunch at Cosmic Ray's then do TTA, Carousel of Progress, re-rides. FP our favorite TL ride for later if time not too far out.

Walk back path to TT and take train to Main Street. Access locker for new footwear if needed, water, etc. Get back on train and continue to Frontierland. Walk to LS using the walkway down by the water. If past 2:00 then walk straight to Adventureland

2:00 LIBERTY SQUARE Haunted Mansion. Must be across parade route by 2:30

2:30 ADVENTURELAND (quiet in Adventureland 2:50 to 3:25 because of 3:00 parade) Get FP for JC? Dole Whips! Pirates, JC. If time: Tiki Room, Treehouse.

4:30 FRONTIERLAND FP/ride BTMRR, Have dinner at Pecos Bills. Tom Sawyer Island? Swing into Liberty Square on way to FL and ride HM and/or River Boat?

(MVMCP)

6:30 FANTASYLAND/TOMORROWLAND - may need to choose just one. If both, use RR between Toontown and TL. Re-ride favorites only.

8:45 We need to be on train from TT to Main Street to get coats, etc out of locker or plan on walking and getting there by 9:15 at very latest.

9:30 HOLIDAY WISHES Watch from far end of Main Street. See Santa? Last chance for food - hot dogs at Casey's? Snag parade seats and eat. Runner for cocoa/cookies for parade?

10:45 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade, explore Main Street a bit more?

11:40 Celebrate the Season Show Castle Stage

Still with me?

Thanks for reading! Is this humanly possible?

 

[HMHunters]

Have you checked out the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World? They have different touring plans spelled out based on their research to get you on the most attractions in the least amount of time. They are very specific and have different options for each park depending on how much time you have, who you're touring with, etc. I'm not trying to sell you one; I just check it out of the library when planning our trips! Have a great trip!

 

[bakers3]

HMHunters - thanks! I'll see if my library has the Unofficial Guide.

 

[rlovew]

By 11:30 am touring Tomorrowland will result in some very long lines- expect at minimuim of 1/2 hour on both Buzz and Astro-orbitor (that would be on a slow day).

Also to maximize FP send a runner for SM FP while the rest of you take care of the locker. Have them meet you at Dumbo- must be first ride to make best use of time. You will then be able to get another FP by 10am at the latest.

Pirates has been very crowded as of late- expect a 30 minute line even at that time of day- many people are now going there first and it was backing up on our last few trips.

If you finish Fantasyland early do Tommorowland or parts of it instead of reriding unless you don't want to do all the rides.

 

[rie'smom]

The FP runner to SM is excellent. Another thought would be to have a mid-afternoon meal at Pecos Bills-take it out and sit on the benches in front of the trading post for the 3 o'clock parade-you'll probably need to do this about 2 o'clock. We do this all the time and the meal boosts much needed sugar levels for a second wind. There are a few shops nearby-DH will walk around with DD and her friend while I save the benches.
You might want to give RideMax a try. I used it during Thanksgiving in addition to TGM. TGM helped me to find the least crowded parks per day and RideMax helped me to utilize the FP machines to the best advantage.
If you arrive early enough and you will according to your plan, you should knock out most of these things fairly early. Your plan is doable. Have a magical time!!!!!

 

[Cass]

Not riding Splash (long story)

This I need to hear!

 

[Praying Colonel]

Definitely agree with the advice to follow the UG touring plan. We never go without it.

Normally I'd say you're crazy for not programming in a rest break during the day, but if you're only going to be there 2 days you should be able to get it in and hit the wall the day after you're finished.

My only advice is to not be afraid to deviate from a challenging touring plan if it stops being fun. Too many folks take the approach that everyone's going to have fun, no matter what! When the kids get exhausted, the "no matter what" starts getting in the way of the fun.

Enjoy! It's 28 degrees this morning here in Louisville, so I'm really envying those of you going to the Florida warmth.

 

[bakers3]

Thanks for the feedback and ideas - some good ideas to consider!

About Splash - long story, short and all that....

My daughter (now 10) had a really bad experience on the log ride at Silver Dollar City a couple of years ago. She is really afraid to do Splash and neither DH nor I really feel all that strongly about it - there are other rides we would much rather do so we decided as a family to skip it.


Also....we really don't want to get wet in December with such a long day ahead of us.

Praying Colonel: Thanks! I am totally prepared to set the plan aside if it isn't working and just wing it. The main objective is for everyone to have a fun and magical day!

 

[Cass]

Ahh, so the log ride she had a bad experience on was not Splash Mountain? oh well, maybe she will change her mind one day. I know what you mean about getting wet though, I avoid Kali for that reason.

 

[dgaston]

At one point during MVMCP you have ride railroad from TT to TL. I think you're better off walking the sidewalk that goes from TT to TL. And why are you in TT? Barnstormer, Judges Tent? Does your DD really want to visit Minnie's House? We often skip TT.

 

[MJMcBride]

At some point, you're gonna need alcohol

 

[dis-happy]

I didn't see Buzz on your list, but it's a family favorite that we never miss.

Also, Tom Sawyer's Island closes early, by 5 at the latest in the winter (due to sunset). If you decide you want to go try to go a bit earlier in the day.

Don't be afraid to take a break now and then, even if it's not scheduled! Also, with the larger crowds that week you will probably find the Unofficial Guide touring plans invaluable.

If you do get on Splash Mountain (and the theming is terrific!) ask to sit in the back---it's the front row that always gets so wet. You could also wear a poncho.

 

[Cool-Beans]

8:00 (EMH) FANTASYLAND Dumbo, Pooh, Peter Pan, Tea Party, Philharmagic. Send runner for SM FP while doing carousel/re-rides.

9:30 FRONTIERLAND

You are planning to ride Dumbo, Pooh, Peter Pan, the Teacups, the Carousel, see Mickey's Philharmagic in an hour and a half?!

It might be humanly possible, but I don't see how. I know I couldn't do it. Good luck trying!!!!!!

Quick, like a bunny, get yourself an Unofficial Guide.

And have a great trip!

 

[kerri0616]

I love an ambitious touring plan! We do Fantasyland exactly like you...send a runner (Oh, that would be me!) to SM while everyone re-rides something!

Just be wise about your Fast Passes and be willing to deviate from your plan. I bet you'll have a great day. At least it will be memorable!! I'm glad you're making time for the MVMCP parade--love it!

You could hope for a slightly drizzly day that might keep wimpy tourists away!

Have fun and take lots of pictures!

Kerri

 

[byoung]

Have a great 2 days.

 

[Deb & Bill]

What day are you actually going? Depending on which day, you could get stuck with some long lines on a bunch of your rides. Peter Pan gets very long. I think your plan is very ambitious and don't set yourself up for disappointment if it doesn't go as planned. I think you will be surprised at how much time some of your scheduled activities really take.