Recommendations on when to go

[Donald is #1]

Well, since I have my '08 WDW trips planned for this year (at least for now ), it is now time for me to start thinking about my '09 trips. So my goal for '09 is to finally visit DL. Of course, now I need to figure out when to go, etc.

I am currently re-reading HydroGuy's tips and I am sure that I will re-read them many times before my trip.

Now on picking a time to go, my current plan is to spend 4 full days in the parks plus travel days and potentially another 1-3 days in the area. I am planning on using my DVC points to stay at one of the Disney Hotels, hopefully the GC.

This will be a solo trip so I don't have to worry about school schedules, holidays, etc. Also I would like to see the night-time shows/fireworks.

So, when do you DL Vets recommend for me to go? Should I go during the summer with the extended hours? Or should I during the school year?


Also, have you used your DVC points for the hotel? If so, how soon in advance did you book and do you understand the new rules on when you can book/travel?

 

[DLR29]

Depends on what type of park touring you like. Personally, I like busy seasons because of longer hours and nightly entertainment. If you are ok with that (waking up early, using FP a lot, running around trying to make the most out of your time), then I recommend:
-President's Week (not weekend)
-March/April (again, not weekend)
-Summer (not weekends)
-Weekends during other months

If you prefer to take it easier with small crowds (some people can not handle crowds at all I understand) then try:
-early Febrary (not President's week)
-weekdays during September
-early December

However if you want to see Fantasmic and fireworks, you will need one or two weekend days if you visit during off seasons.

 

[Donald is #1]

Thanks! Is it possible to see both Fantasmic and the fireworks in the same night without totally going crazy? I definitely want to see both shows. I was thinking off season during the week. But maybe I will need to go during the summer or maybe fly in on Saturday and go to either Fantasmic or fireworks on Saturday night. Then spend Sunday - Wednesday in the parks.

 

[DLR29]

To try and see both fireworks and Fantasmic, in one night, in their entirety (especially watching fireworks from hub, which I highly recommend), is impossible. You will miss at least a little bit of one or both shows. I think your plan would work great. Just see fireworks on Saturday and Fantasmic on Sunday night (or vice versa). And both shows are worth getting good seats for.

 

[mariezp]

I would suggest off season. Since you will be traveling solo you will be able to get plenty done with reduced crowds even though the park has shorter hours. September, early November or early December are wonderful times.

Your plan to arrive Saturday sounds like it could work well. You can always book a tour or make priority seating at one of the better dining places on weekends to help avoid the time spent standing in long lines and then just enjoy less people the rest of the week.

Another great option would be to treat yourself to the PS for Fantasmic. If you don't mind not viewing the fireworks right in front of the castle you can remain in your seats to watch the fireworks from the ROA. (only available for the first showing) Then you get your show and fireworks all in one night.

 

[DLR29]

Also a tip for going solo, the following have Single Rider lines, so that you don't have to waste a set of FPs or waste your time standing in its stand-by line:

DL:
Splash

DCA:
Soarin
Grizzly River Run
California Screamin
Mulholland Madness
Maliboomer

 

[S. S. Columbia]

To try and see both fireworks and Fantasmic, in one night, in their entirety (especially watching fireworks from hub, which I highly recommend), is impossible. ...

I totally agree. Trying to see the 9:00 Fantasmic and the 9:25 RDCT fireworks, in one night, should be avoided.

But if there are two showings of Fantasmic on the same night (9:00 and 10:30), then it's very "doable" for the OP to see the 9:25 RDCT fireworks and then the 10:30 Fantasmic. The 10:30 Fantasmic usually is less attended than the 9:00, so I would think that there's a very good chance of getting a good viewing spot. This calendar has the Fantasmic show times.

HTH

 

[DangerMouse]

I totally agree. Trying to see the 9:00 Fantasmic and the 9:25 RDCT fireworks, in one night, should be avoided.

But if there are two showings of Fantasmic on the same night (9:00 and 10:30), then it's very "doable" for the OP to see the 9:25 RDCT fireworks and then the 10:30 Fantasmic. The 10:30 Fantasmic usually is less attended than the 9:00, so I would think that there's a very good chance of getting a good viewing spot. This calendar has the Fantasmic show times.

HTH

I have seen the 9:25 showing of RDCT and gotten a primo spot for F! at 10:30 on several different trips. It is very doable if you position yourself well near the Frontierland path and have a good exit strategy after RDCT is over.

 

[Donald is #1]

Thanks everyone! So, I don't think that I'll try to see both Fantasmic and the fireworks in the same night. If I ended up seeing both on one night --> bonus! So, I think that I'll try the arrive Saturday so that I can get 2 weekend days in. Now what month to go?

Hmmm, the September suggestion is probably the front runner right now, but I'll have to look at a calendar because April is another possibility. Are the parks crowded in April due to school vacations?

Thanks for the lists of single rider lines. I will definitely use it. I love the single rider lines at WDW.

Weather-wise is there any advantage to April or September?

 

[Leofoenget]

Thanks! Is it possible to see both Fantasmic and the fireworks in the same night without totally going crazy? I definitely want to see both shows. I was thinking off season during the week. But maybe I will need to go during the summer or maybe fly in on Saturday and go to either Fantasmic or fireworks on Saturday night. Then spend Sunday - Wednesday in the parks.

I went solo last year. It was fun. I had a blast the first 2 days alone at both DL and DCA. Gotta tell ya I got lonley the second day at DCA. There isnt' as much to do so I finished early and got bored. That being said, I had a blast alone and DL. Took advantage of single rider lines, I could go as fast as I wanted without having to have a meeting with everyone about what was next. I went to DL on a Thursday and DCA on Friday in late Sept during Halloween time.