Questions for Unofficial Guide fans/experts

[awatt]

Have used the UG for the past 5-6 years and it has worked great. We typically would go to the EMH park in the AM ,take an afternoon break and then go to another park later in the day.

Having both AM and PM EMH really confuses me as to what is the best choice. Avoid the EMH parks altogether on any given day? This would for us eliminate the need fro park hoppers. Also, with small kids I don't see us using the evening EMH, its just too much. Or continue to do AM EMHs and park hop later that day?

I noticed on the touring plans site it seems MK would be an OK choice for our Saturday arrival day. Again I'm confused because I thought MK was to be avoided on Saturdays. Anyone have experience with this?

BTW we'll be there 11/5-10, styaing onsite. Am trying to get an itinerary worked out so then I can plan for teh ADRs.

Thanks to all for your help.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

This confused me, too, because there's no allowance in the book for evening EMH parks. My guess is, since you're going during a time of year where visitation is low, I'd continue to hit the EMH park in the A.M., clear out when it gets crowded, and visit a non-evening EMH in the afternoon (since you won't be staying late, anyway). Plan your dining around that.

 

[kelleigh1]

I just pre-ordered the 2006 Guide and hopefully will have it in a week or two. I'm guessing that because EMH night hours were introduced this year, there isn't much info in the previous books. I'm hoping that the 2006 guide has more info. I'll try to remember to post what I find once I get the new book.

 

[Brian Noble]

Here is what the UG authors have to say about the new EMH schedule:

http://www.touringplans.com/UG_EMH1.html

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Here is what the UG authors have to say about the new EMH schedule:

http://www.touringplans.com/UG_EMH1.html

I see here that they recommend the evening EMH over the morning...and personally, I'd prefer evening hours as well, since there are quite a few rides open, and more hours available. But I believe the OP wasn't as interested in staying up late to take advantage of the evening hours, and was more interested in seeing whether to avoid the eve. EMH park because of crowds. In this case, I'd avoid the eve. EMH park and hop to another, although at the time of year the OP is going, the visitation level is the lowest it's likely to get, and I wouldn't be so concerned about crowds.

As to the Saturday recommendation, I believe that they try to give you one day of your vacation in all 4 parks, and if Saturday is the best option for your trip, that's the one you should go. For many people, Saturday is a travel day, and so they wouldn't be arriving in the parks until later. If you're already onsite for Saturday, and can get there before opening, this may be a best bet for you.

 

[lentesta]

Hi awatt,

Thanks for reading the book. The book's (and website's) recommendations do take evening EMHs into account. Let me know what kind of recommendations you'd like to see (e.g., morning/afternoon suggestions, etc.), and I'll see what we can do.

As for Saturdays being busier at the MK, that idea deserves it's own episode of Mythbusters (assuming they can incorporate Buster and/or blow something up). We've measured the wait times at all the popular MK attractions every 30 minutes for more than 60 random days this year, and Saturday's wait times are, on average, second- or third-lowest.

BNoble, where you been hihding?

Hope this helps!

Len

 

[Loriannf]

I'd have to agree with Saturday's wait times being short. We arrived at the park on Saturday July 16 for a 9:10 CRT, and were in the park before 10:00. The only time we waited more than 15 minutes was to see Arial (Big Waste of Time) as she was there, then not, then back, over the course of about an hour. We were following the 4-8 year old girl touring plan: heavy riding in Fantasyland, then over to Frontierland for BTMRR and SM. Turns out our DD (almost 4) thereafter pretty much only wanted to ride the mountains. So on the other days we were at the park (Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday) we would be there at opening, ride a couple rides like Buzz and Winnie, then head over to spend time riding and fast passing the mountains. The plans really work well if you get there at opening. On the days other than Saturdays, though, the lines did appear to be much heavier as the days wore on. So if you can get there (MK) early on Saturday, DO IT!!

Lori