Strategy for an on-the-fly August short trip?

[BlueFairy]

Hi,

Last summer we spent 5 days in DL with our 2 DDs. We tried to have a good plan with TPs every day and I truly felt like it all went out the window. Since then, DH and I both feel that we're going to change the way we spend time at WDW from now on. In fact, DH isn't really interested in going at all. We had a great trip, but commando just isn't going to work for us for now.

So, then I get to missing WDW and think maybe I can go with the kids for 3 nights before school starts (early August, value season) just to be in the resorts and parks and soak up atmosphere. DDs are 6 and 9, and really seem to have more fun in pools, watching shows, shopping and meeting characters rather than riding rides.

What does everyone think of a late afternoon arrival on a Sunday, leaving late afternoon on Wed (5pm departure at MCO). Spend 2 days in MK or MK and Epcot (not opening to close) and at least most of the 3rd day by the pool at our resort. We would be trying to hit maybe 2 must-dos a day plus parades and maybe fireworks. I'm not interested in using FP+ for anything more than the most necessary things. DDs aren't interested in the mountains.

Is this even possible/realistic anymore with constant high attendance and longer lines due to FP+? Is it a ridiculous idea? I'm interested in hearing from people who travel in August in the last few years, and people with kids our ages, especially those familiar with MDE and FP+.

Thanks so much! Fire away with opinions.

 

[RookieLady]

Have your kids been multiple times? If so, I think it sounds like fun.

We have been on two day trips before, but my kids knew their way around the park as young as 7. They know what they want to do and what they don't want to do. For example, my older boy wants to ride the roller coasters and then play at the pool. The other kid likes the more laid back rides and then wants the pool. We rope drop to get one kid's stuff in, play at the pool and hit the late evening for the other little man. We do not try to do everything, and the kids know that. But, they also know that they hate the people mover, so there is no whining about not having tried something. But it does mean mom has to give up rides I like such as the people mover. On a short trip someone has to give, and I make that person me.

The kids will have a great time and you will too if you accept you wont be doing everything, this time.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

You can make it work, but realize that early August is not value season. The parks are going to be crowded in early August.

 

[WDWPolyFan]

By mid August, the parks start to thin out (a littel bit) due to the fact that the southern schools are back is session. We've always had a great time on short August trips. Have fun!

 

[Kate and Family]

Rope Drop! Can do more at one time, and it is cooler.

 

[wiigirl]

Rope Drop! Can do more at one time, and it is cooler.

 

[lillygator]

schools in FL don't go back in until the 18th. we are going the week before.

 

[flutterby3744]

We are going last week of July/first of August and plan to utilize RD to the full extent! Planning out our day ride by ride just isn't our style. We plan which parks and a loose idea of what area to start in, and let her rip. Our major plan most days is RD, afternoon resort time, back to the parks after dinner.

 

[BlueFairy]

Thanks everyone.

Have your kids been multiple times? If so, I think it sounds like fun.

We have been on two day trips before, but my kids knew their way around the park as young as 7. …
On a short trip someone has to give, and I make that person me.

The kids will have a great time and you will too if you accept you wont be doing everything, this time.

This is my philosophy, so I'm thinking we could pull it off. No HM or Pirates for Mom.
Oldest has 4 big trips under her belt. Youngest only 2, but really I'm not sure she's aware of what she'd be missing. Add to that their skittishness over big rides and things get easier.

Also, we would have some single-parent ground rules - Everyone gets one goal for today, everyone goes everywhere together, if one person doesn't want to ride, then no one rides, etc.

You can make it work, but realize that early August is not value season. The parks are going to be crowded in early August.

I guess I should clarify. For the resort pricing, mid July until 8/17 is listed as "Value 2" pricing. "Value 1" begins 8/18. We return to school (in the south) on 8/11. I'm wondering what the crowds feel like during that "Value 1" period.

Rope Drop! Can do more at one time, and it is cooler.

We would do at least one park day with rope drop. That's what we're used to. Problem is that we can never tear ourselves away to get that afternoon rest. Maybe with only one late night in the parks an afternoon break wouldn't be quite so necessary.


Any thoughts on how FP+ would affect us? Since this is sort of a quickie trip I was going to wait and get our tickets right before we go in case we need to cancel. That would mean missing out on any MDE planning for FP+ at the 60 day mark. Looking at the list, we really would only need FP probably for Fantasyland attractions (not 7 Dwarves), Enchanted Tales, and princess M&Gs. Further, we may not even try another park and could space these out over 2 days at MK.