Schedule and hours not out for May....How do you make PS's ?

[cruisnfamily]

Probably a silly question but we'll be at WDW the week before Memorial Day. I'm trying to plan our days so I can make Luau reservations, possible book an illuminations cruise and figure out which PSs we might want. How does one do this without the hours and schedules posted?

 

[Baloo]

Follow this link http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/hours.htm

put your dates in here and you'll find the PROJECTED hours for the dates of your trip based on what they were last year.Disney seems to pretty much stay by the same schedule year to year,although it can vary a bit.

Hope this helps!

 

[cruisnfamily]

Wow Baloo! That was really helpful.

The only thing it didn't tell me is about scheduling for things like Spectro. Oh well, I can guess it will be on the days MK is open later like TUes and Sat. Is wishes every night? Wishes is the fireworks now, right?

So, anybody want to help me make a plan?? Here's the facts:

Arriving late on Tues The 25th so it will be check in and go to bed.

Wed Park closing times:MK 8pm, Epcot and Studios 9pm, AK 5pm. Epcot is early entry.

Thurs Park closing times:MK7pm, Epcot and studios 9pm, AK 5pm. MK is early entry.

Fri Park Closing Times: MK 7pm, Epcot & Studios 9pm, AK 5pm. AK is early entry.

Sat Park Closing Times: MK10pm, Epcot & Studios 9pm. AK 5pm. Studios is early entry.

Sunday we head home.

Here are my questions:
1)Which day would you book the Luau?
2)Which day would you try to get an illuminations cruise?(Or else just see it at Epcot if I can't get the cruise)
3)Which day for Fantasmic?
4)Any recommendations on best days this particular week for which parks?
5)Should we bother trying to see Wishes/Spectro? We are not big on crowds or sitting around for an hour to get a spot.

Thanks to anybody who wants to help compose my plan!

Baloo that link was very helpful!

 

[Atotty]

I strongly suggest that you check out Tourguidemike.com and think about getting his service.

We went the week before Memorial Day last year (and we will be there this year, too). He has advice for which park is best for AM and PM for each day and thee reasons why...he numbers them in order 1-4 so you can decide what's best for you, suggestions on what rides to ride in AM, Afternnon, PM, Any time...all kinds of itenaries that'll tell you get a FP and ride this and this then it'll be time for your FP return time. The longest we spent in line was about 15 mins last year...for Dumbo.

He also tells you where to sit for each parade and when to get there. For Spectro, we went on Sat night (something he doesn't suggest you do)...people were lining up on Main Street and it was still 2 hours before parade time. We went and rode things from the Ride Anytime list, went to the spot he suggested 30 mins before the parade...no one in front of us...no one behind us...it was awesome.

He also gives you hints on where to sit for each show/ride for the best experience.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Thanks for the suggestion but I dont' think we need tour guide Mike. I can plan all of this on my own and we don't need to do things in a "commando" way. I just love to hear other people's suggestions so I like to ask for opinions on these boards. I've gotten some really great tips and ideas here. Sometimes someone will think of something you haven't thought of and it really helps but I can plan it myself too.

 

[DebbieB]

I am going May 2 to 7, I made my PS's earlier this month based on last year's hours. The only thing that might be variable is the nights Spectro & Wishes are showing. I planned on Tuesday, if they aren't shown that night then I have to do some switching (I made a Crystal Palace dinner PS). The other park's hours are pretty much the same year to year.

 

[tjkraz]

Given that EVERYONE is in the same boat (hours not released yet) I doubt that there is any big crush to get PS at this point in time.

If you're that paranoid of missing something, make a best guess now and change your ressies later. Personally, I think that's overkill.

 

[disney4us2002]

Well, I'm a planning nut and I've done my own schedule for Christmas '04 already about 6 times so I'll give a shot at yours, lol.

You don't say but I'll assume for this purpose that you are onsite and have kids.

Wed: EE at Epcot, stay til tired, pm at MGM w/Fantasmic

Thurs: EE at MK, stay til tired, pm at Epcot or cruise for Illuminations.

Fri: EE at AK, afternoon of swimming at hotel, Luau at 8pm but arrive at Poly by 6:45 to view Wishes from beach at 7:15 (approximation given park hours from last year), then walk to Luau cove.

Sat: EE at MGM, afternoon break if needed, final night at MK.


This is what I would probably do. If you aren't an early riser or onsite, then you should not go to the parks with EE. I realize MK is very crowded Saturday nights but we always begin and end every WDW vacation at MK. You should hit your favorite on your last night. I'm not big on parades but like the fireworks in the parks. Ok, I think that answered all five of your questions, lol. I believe they do show Wishes every night.

 

[skiwee1]

I am also going in May and have made all of our PSs at the 90 day mark. I must be the only one that doesn't take in to account the park hours! We decide where we want to eat and then make a PS. When it is time to eat, we leave the park and go eat. I think the luau will be difficult to get at this late date though. I made our reservations for this show 6 months ago and have heard it sells out early. The Illumination cruise also sells out on the day it becomes available to make the reservation so that may be too late already. I would just make the PSs at the places you really want to try and then go to them when the time comes.

 

[n2mm]

Going the first week of May and have yet to make my PS. I have been working on my list and days to fine tune it. I tend to avoid parades and Fantasmic, so working around them are not an issue for us. I often will call a restraurant and ask what the last available seating time is. They will tell you, so you can work it around that. Once I get times set, I often will call from my room or go to the front desk if I need to modify a time. The only time I call 90 days out is for character meals, i.e., Chef Mickey's. I have my calendar marked to call 90 days out for my July trip for that. And, of course, if you plan to do anything special on Mother's Day you should also call early. I'm assuming that the May hours will show up towards the end of Feb. This has been the pattern lately, so am hoping on that. I checked daily for the hours and e-ticket nights and will post if I see any new info.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by disney4us2002
You don't say but I'll assume for this purpose that you are onsite and have kids.

Thanks disney4us!
You're right, we're onsite and we have kids ages 8 & 11.

I really like your plan and may use that as a starting point and modify it somewhat. The one part we definitely won't do is:

Sat: EE at MGM, afternoon break if needed, final night at MK.

...because we don't ever go to MK on a Saturday no matter what. Nothing is worth fighting those crowds!

I actually like doing the planning. I just like lots of input too. DH is no help, he'll go where I tell him to but has no opinion of which is better or worse or what does he want to do until we arrive on property. From that point on he leads us based on the plans I've already made. But to get any input beforehand, forgetaboutit. So, I come to you my dear Disney Planning Friends and get your input, insight and wisdom.

Thanks to all!