Staying off property

[silasmarner]

We're going to Disney in June. It's our 8th trip but our first time going in the summer when school is out. I'm really worried about the crowds, especially since we won't have access to the FP+ because we're staying off property. Is it worth going to Disney at all, or should we just go to Universal instead? I don't want to feel like a second class citizen, and I don't want to spend $200 to wait in line for several hours and only experience a few attractions. On a scale of one to Mardi Gras, what should I expect?

 

[Gr8t Fan]

You will still have access to FP+ even if you don't stay onsite. You must purchase tickets and then link them to your MDE account and you can make FP+ reservations beginning 30 days prior to your trip.

 

[staceyeileen]

I'm really worried about the crowds, especially since we won't have access to the FP+ because we're staying off property.

Good news for you, they've changed this aspect of FP+! You'll be able to book FP+ 30 days prior as long as you've purchased tickets, so you may be able to do so already?

 

[MomofKatie]

Unless I am mistaken, you DO have access to fp+ even if you stay offsite. You can make your reservations starting 30 days before arrival. As for crowds, it won't get terribly crowded until the end of the month. Many schools around the country don't get out for summer vacation until then. It won't be empty, but it won't be anywhere near 4th of July, Easter, or Christmas crowds. Probably a 5 or 6 on a scale of 1-10.

Make a plan, get yourself to Disney.com and create your account, and make your fp+ reservations. You will be fine!

 

[CAS239]

You've never HAD to stay on property to be able to get FP+. Only difference is the amount of time in advance you can book. Which 99.9% of the choices are still available for all times at the 30 day mark. I normally book my FP's 2 weeks in advance and never have a problem

 

[mokeefe127]

If you want to do any princess or Frozen character meets and greets you'll want to reserve them first because they fill up quickly and the stand by lines can reach up wards of 200 min and this was in late April.

 

[silasmarner]

That's great news! When I read about the FP+ program a while ago, they had only opened it up to resort guests. I didn't realize we could access it. I'm so relieved. I'm going to set that up right now. Thanks, everyone!

 

[Disney_Princess83]

You've never HAD to stay on property to be able to get FP+. Only difference is the amount of time in advance you can book. Which 99.9% of the choices are still available for all times at the 30 day mark. I normally book my FP's 2 weeks in advance and never have a problem

During earlier testing and when the Legacy Machines were still there, only people staying on site had access to FP+. Those offsite or anyone who didn't have a Magic Band, couldn't prebook FP+ I'm fairly sure it was like that until January this year?

 

[staceyeileen]

Those offsite or anyone who didn't have a Magic Band, couldn't prebook FP+ I'm fairly sure it was like that until January this year?

It was like that until 3/31, so it's actually a fairly recent change

 

[Disney_Princess83]

It was like that until 3/31, so it's actually a fairly recent change

I know the prebooking was recent. Earlier than that, anyone off site or without a Magic Band couldn't book FP+ at all, they could only use the Legacy FP. We are AP Holders and actually stayed onsite one night just to get a Magic Band.

 

[disnut8]

That's great news! When I read about the FP+ program a while ago, they had only opened it up to resort guests. I didn't realize we could access it. I'm so relieved. I'm going to set that up right now. Thanks, everyone!

Just to let you know the availability of FastPasses, we had an issue with my husband's MagicBand (we are annual passholders) and I didn't realize I didn't need to wait for the actual band to make FastPass reservations. Plus, work got in the way so the best time for me to make the reservations were the Thursday evening before we left for Disney World the next day. This was over Memorial Day weekend and the parks were more crowded than we've seen in a long time. But, I was able to get Rock N Roller Coaster, Twilight Zone, and Star Tours that Thursday night, two days before the Saturday reservation. I was also able to get the Safari, Kali River Rapids, and Expedition Everest for Sunday.

 

[POOHsie]

Off-site guests can also purchase Magic Bands for 12.95 + tax, but they aren't necessary for using FP. Your RFID ticket will do the same tap things that MB does.

 

[dissupermom]

we just left WDW on 5/27! it was a great time! even at the last minute, we were able to book several attractions for FP+. by last minute, I mean a few hours before we wanted to do them. that includes the parks most coveted A&E and SDMT passes! the only thing I would have to say is that you need to be flexible. it may not be when YOU want to do it, but I found that the later the better. we only had a 7 minute wait for A&E as opposed to the posted 200 minute wait.
I know most people say to get there early in the morning, but don't discount closing down the park. most attractions have a 5 minute wait immediately after the parade/fireworks, as most people are leaving the parks. the 5 minute wait is really the 5 minutes in takes to walk from the front entrance, through the ropes, and to the ride! as long as you are in line by closing they will let you in. almost even better , they may let you ride again with having to get off! lol!