Ride Plan for Magic Kingdom in mid-August ??

[palmtree345]

We'll be in the Magic Kingdom on a Monday in mid-August (this is not a Magic Early Hours day). I've been searching for a free ride planner/itinerary. I know about tourguidemike.com, ridemax.com, and the one with the "Unofficial Guide to WDW". Can you recommend a free ride planner (with details)? I also searched a few Disney web sites looking for individual recommendations but I only found general plans. If there are no free ride planners, which one of the "pay" web sites for ride planning do you like?

This will be our first time to the Magic Kingdom. It will be 2 adults and 2 teenagers (boys who like sports and roller coasters). Also, we've visited Disneyland several times so we've been on many of the Magic Kingdom rides already. I've already made dining reservations.

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

Quick Breakfast at room ....head to MK.....

At MK....walk down Main Street savoring the sights and sounds.....Head Right to Tomorrowland....take in "Monsters Laugh" and "Buzz Lightyear" based on lines/FP's.... I'm not sure if Space Mountain is still closed or not....
Check out PUSH the walking talking trash can.....eat lunch at Cosmic Rays....

There is a BACK way to the Disney Railroad...back behind Space Mountain. Ride to Frontierland. At Frontierland....Ride One/FP another: Splash Mountain / Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ...mix in Haunted Mansion if times don't work out.... (Splash Mountain should get you wet...so either plan on this/ poncho it/ or save till later).

Head to Fantasyland and see Mickey's Philharmagic....eat early dinner at CRT.... ride any rides with short waits....these are NOT must-see's with Teen Boys...

Head to Pirates of the Carribean....Jungle ride is iffy....Find a good place to view WISHES.....

Let me know if you need plans for other parks....

Our last visit was July 08 with (THEN) DS16, DD15, and DD14.....DS has been there 10 times...me....18.....So I can help...

(((DISNEY HUGS)))

Mary

 

[stace1214]

I don't know of any free WDW planners, but have used Ridemax three times and would use it again in a heart beat. When we went in August we had very little wait time and did everything on our agenda without rushing through the parks. I don't think I would use Ridemax if going with small children, as there's no way to build in time to ride Dumbo a few times in a row or anything else that happens to pop up with little ones, but with teenagers it would be fine.

 

[5boyz]

If you dont mind me asking ..... how much does ridemax cost?

 

[kimgof]

I would love to know this also and where do you get it from? I keep hearing about it but not really sure how it works.

 

[WDWAtLast]

I haven't used Ridemax (still debating) but it is $18.95 for a 90 day subscription. www.ridemax.com

 

[erinch]

We'll be there second week in August. Many previous visits; me, DH, DS21, and DD13 and BESTFRIEND13.

Our plan is: eat breakfast in villa; arrive for rope drop; walk up mainstreet enjoying the "first views" of castle and all. (DBF13's first visit). Be really happy that we don't need to get a stroller, or get in line for autographs (we hope!!) or do Crystal Palace for breakfast first thing.

We will turn left at crystal palace, go through frontierland to Splash Mountain and BTMRR, and get a FP for Splash and ride BT. If the line is short, we'll ride it twice. Then go ride Splash, which DH won't do as he doesn't want to wet.
We will then send someone for FPs for Jungle Cruise, ride Pirates, and go over to Haunted Mansion, which we'll ride twice, unless the line is long. then back to Jungle Cruise and through Swiss Family Treehouse. We will skip Aladdin's carpets, and skip Tiki Room and Country Bear for now. (won't be our only day. DD wants to show DBF everything).

At some point in there, around 11:30, we'll stop for a quick light lunch, since we have 5:00 dinner reservations at LTT. Casey's would be our first choice, but we might end up at Pecos Bills if we're in that vicinity. We will also save Hall of Presidents for second day.

We'll then head over through Fantasy land, and see how the FP situation for Peter Pan is. (This part would be skippable for you, but is a must for us). We'll do IASM, Philharmagic, and probably save Snow White unless the line is short. Pooh just makes us mad because it's not Mr. Toad and it's cheesy. We'll skip unless line is short.

Then, back to the part you'd be doing probably, Teacups, skip Toontown and autograph madness thank god, and on to Tomorrowland. FP for Buzz, do the gawdawful Stitch/Alien counter thing (DD commands), grumble about Space Mountain and TTA being closed, see how the line is for the Monsters LF, and see if Carousel of Progress is open.

Should be about time for dinner; we'll decide whether to ride the train or walk back to LTT. After that, we'll make a swing through to pick up the things we've missed, and see how the day is going. This leaves mostly likely Tom Sawyer for a second day, as well as repeats of favorites.

 

[dbaker375]

We'll be there second week in August. Many previous visits; me, DH, DS21, and DD13 and BESTFRIEND13.

Our plan is: eat breakfast in villa; arrive for rope drop; walk up mainstreet enjoying the "first views" of castle and all. (DBF13's first visit). Be really happy that we don't need to get a stroller, or get in line for autographs (we hope!!) or do Crystal Palace for breakfast first thing.

We will turn left at crystal palace, go through frontierland to Splash Mountain and BTMRR, and get a FP for Splash and ride BT. If the line is short, we'll ride it twice. Then go ride Splash, which DH won't do as he doesn't want to wet.
We will then send someone for FPs for Jungle Cruise, ride Pirates, and go over to Haunted Mansion, which we'll ride twice, unless the line is long. then back to Jungle Cruise and through Swiss Family Treehouse. We will skip Aladdin's carpets, and skip Tiki Room and Country Bear for now. (won't be our only day. DD wants to show DBF everything).

At some point in there, around 11:30, we'll stop for a quick light lunch, since we have 5:00 dinner reservations at LTT. Casey's would be our first choice, but we might end up at Pecos Bills if we're in that vicinity. We will also save Hall of Presidents for second day.

We'll then head over through Fantasy land, and see how the FP situation for Peter Pan is. (This part would be skippable for you, but is a must for us). We'll do IASM, Philharmagic, and probably save Snow White unless the line is short. Pooh just makes us mad because it's not Mr. Toad and it's cheesy. We'll skip unless line is short.

Then, back to the part you'd be doing probably, Teacups, skip Toontown and autograph madness thank god, and on to Tomorrowland. FP for Buzz, do the gawdawful Stitch/Alien counter thing (DD commands), grumble about Space Mountain and TTA being closed, see how the line is for the Monsters LF, and see if Carousel of Progress is open.

Should be about time for dinner; we'll decide whether to ride the train or walk back to LTT. After that, we'll make a swing through to pick up the things we've missed, and see how the day is going. This leaves mostly likely Tom Sawyer for a second day, as well as repeats of favorites.

Sounds like a great plan! Mind if my DsD14 and DH44 use this in a couple weeks!?! It is their first visit to the World and my 10th (I think), but, it has been 6 years since enjoying the World as a vacation and not a business trip. I was concerned about crowds and wait time as we'll only have one day at MK, one day at EP and a day to split between DS and AK. We have a really late flight and plan to use that day as a "clean up" day or resort day.

Any other suggestions!?!?

 

[erinch]

Use away! If I were you, I'd be hoping that DsD doesn't want autographs, as that would totally throw off the day. do you have meal reservations -- where and what time? That would affect what you do when as well.

 

[Praying Colonel]

We'll be in the Magic Kingdom on a Monday in mid-August (this is not a Magic Early Hours day). I've been searching for a free ride planner/itinerary. I know about tourguidemike.com, ridemax.com, and the one with the "Unofficial Guide to WDW". Can you recommend a free ride planner (with details)? I also searched a few Disney web sites looking for individual recommendations but I only found general plans. If there are no free ride planners, which one of the "pay" web sites for ride planning do you like?

This will be our first time to the Magic Kingdom. It will be 2 adults and 2 teenagers (boys who like sports and roller coasters). Also, we've visited Disneyland several times so we've been on many of the Magic Kingdom rides already. I've already made dining reservations.

You can check out the Unofficial Guide from your local library. The plans are in the back--just xerox the plan appropriate for the ages of those in your group and # of days in the MK.

 

[dbaker375]

Use away! If I were you, I'd be hoping that DsD doesn't want autographs, as that would totally throw off the day. do you have meal reservations -- where and what time? That would affect what you do when as well.

Fortunately at 14, I think she's out of that stage of wanting autographs and character meet/greets. I was afraid to book a character meal for that very reason because I thought she'd think she was too old for it.

Lunch at 1:50pm at CRT on Saturday, 8/1...that's my bday. No dinner plans, probably CS or going back to GF for the snacks in the club.

Friday is EP... noon lunch at Chefs de France and 7:10pm dinner at Rose and Crown to hopefully be able to see Illuminations (plan to wait for a table outside).

 

[erinch]

Are you getting fastpasses for your birthday, or the gift card? Fastpasses would make the day much less stressful in terms of getting on things when you want to.

My bday is Aug 15, and we're debating whether to get them for MK, or for DHS, in order to ride TSM (which we've never done!).

What's your plan for AK and DHS in the same day? Have you figured out your "must dos"?

 

[dbaker375]

Are you getting fastpasses for your birthday, or the gift card? Fastpasses would make the day much less stressful in terms of getting on things when you want to.

My bday is Aug 15, and we're debating whether to get them for MK, or for DHS, in order to ride TSM (which we've never done!).

What's your plan for AK and DHS in the same day? Have you figured out your "must dos"?

Happy Birthday to you too!! I was thinking that the FP would be the best bet for the bday gift since our package includes tickets and we think we got a really good deal. I purchased RideMax and have just started using it; not sure how to get it to work with the bday FP, though. And, I haven't gotten to AK/DS day yet.

But.... I was thinking rope drop at AK, doing EE, the Safari, Dinosaur, It's a Bugs Life, Nemo show. I had a brief visit (3 hours the first of February) there in 2006. Am I forgetting anything good?

Then switch to DH. We currently have a 4:15 at Mama Melrose using the Fantasmic package. I've never seen that and from what I've read, the dinner package is the way to cut down on wait time so it seemed worth it. Tower of Terror, RnR, TSM, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Little Mermaid. I'm sure DH would enjoy the Stunt Show.

 

[palmtree345]

Thank you for all your suggestions.

I carefully read the "Unofficial Guide to WDW" and that's how I knew about "ride plans/itinerary". Unfortunately, their itinerary at the Magic Kingdom is for a family with young daughters. I'm looking for one for a 13 and 17 year old boys. That's why I was hoping to find a free one that we can follow for teenagers.... like when to pick up a FP or when to just stand in line for a ride.

We'll be skipping the rides in ToonTown and Fantasyland. But should we go on Stitch's Great Escape or is it for little kids? It sounds like most of the rides are the same between Disneyland and MK so it might be nice to go on a new ride (although I've read not to use FP on this ride).

We have dinner reservations at Liberty Tree. My conclusion is that MK does not have all the "fun" places to eat like at Epcot or Disney Studios.

What do you recommend for lunch? My kids would want pizza or grilled cheese... Perhaps a place with ambience?

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

All 3 of my teens say : "SKIP STITCH!!!".... (...and I do too!)

Cosmic Rays has the hugest selection for CS in MK....

I am not familiar with liberty tree.....we always eat at CRT....

Have a magical visit!

Mary

 

[erinch]

dbaker375:
If you are going to use the fastpass at MK (it sounds like that is your bday day, then you will be able to get on SplM, BTMRR, and one of those again, or Peter Pan, plus Buzz, Jungle Cruise, and Buzz again (is what we would do, unless PhilharMagic line is long) so you should have a great, relaxing day.

From the disney untangled site explaining the bday fastpasses:

The FASTPASS attractions are divided into two groups. The most recent list is as follows, but are subject to change. You will receive a list of the attractions with the FASTPASS card:
Donald: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan's Flight, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain
Daisy: Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Jungle Cruise, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Stitch's Great Escape!

As of right now, the word is that we can pick 3 from Donald and 3 from Daisy (and why does the guy automatically get the E ticket rides is what I want to know )

 

[erinch]

But.... I was thinking rope drop at AK, doing EE, the Safari, Dinosaur, It's a Bugs Life, Nemo show. I had a brief visit (3 hours the first of February) there in 2006. Am I forgetting anything good?

The Festival of the Lion King show? We love the bird show (Flights of Wonder; but you probably won't have time). You could really, really hustle through the jungle treks. Will they mind missing Kali?

Then switch to DH. We currently have a 4:15 at Mama Melrose using the Fantasmic package. I've never seen that and from what I've read, the dinner package is the way to cut down on wait time so it seemed worth it. Tower of Terror, RnR, TSM, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Little Mermaid. I'm sure DH would enjoy the Stunt Show.

For us, Muppets and the Great Movie Ride are must sees. Indiana Jones is okay, but we'd take the other two and miss it. If your DD likes Beauty and hte Beast, you might want to try to make that, if you have time.

 

[erinch]

Thank you for all your suggestions.

I carefully read the "Unofficial Guide to WDW" and that's how I knew about "ride plans/itinerary". Unfortunately, their itinerary at the Magic Kingdom is for a family with young daughters. I'm looking for one for a 13 and 17 year old boys. That's why I was hoping to find a free one that we can follow for teenagers.... like when to pick up a FP or when to just stand in line for a ride.

We'll be skipping the rides in ToonTown and Fantasyland. But should we go on Stitch's Great Escape or is it for little kids? It sounds like most of the rides are the same between Disneyland and MK so it might be nice to go on a new ride (although I've read not to use FP on this ride).

We have dinner reservations at Liberty Tree. My conclusion is that MK does not have all the "fun" places to eat like at Epcot or Disney Studios.

What do you recommend for lunch? My kids would want pizza or grilled cheese... Perhaps a place with ambience?

Touring Plan: If you follow the one I posted a bit ago (eliminating Fantasyland) it will work pretty well for you. If both BTMRR and SplM are of interest, ride them standby and get FPs until the standby line gets long.

The only part of Stitch that is interesting is the animatronic bits, particularly in the pre-show. If they like watching stuff like that work, then it might be of interest. The "encounter" itself is singularly stupid.

Lunch: the only place that I know of that does pizza (and it is not good pizza) is at Pinnochio Hause in Fantasy Land. If you do the Adventure/frontier land side first, since SM is closed, then you might see if you can stir up some interest for pecos bills or columbia house.
menus here: http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm#mk

 

[dbaker375]

dbaker375:
If you are going to use the fastpass at MK (it sounds like that is your bday day, then you will be able to get on SplM, BTMRR, and one of those again, or Peter Pan, plus Buzz, Jungle Cruise, and Buzz again (is what we would do, unless PhilharMagic line is long) so you should have a great, relaxing day.

From the disney untangled site explaining the bday fastpasses:

The FASTPASS attractions are divided into two groups. The most recent list is as follows, but are subject to change. You will receive a list of the attractions with the FASTPASS card:
Donald: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan's Flight, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain
Daisy: Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Jungle Cruise, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Stitch's Great Escape!

As of right now, the word is that we can pick 3 from Donald and 3 from Daisy (and why does the guy automatically get the E ticket rides is what I want to know )

Erinch,

Thanks!! I have to read up on how the bday fastpass works..meaning, how we get them, at each ride? It just shows how long it's been since visiting the World.....Fast Passes had just appeared!!!

 

[MelanieC]

We pick our park for the day, have reservations for dining and then take it as it comes