Sudden trip- please help!

[lilasmom]

I’m in a pickle- we may have take a trip on the third week of July- yes, this July. We have Southwest vouchers that must be used or we use them.

So we decided WDW! I’m very hesitant and overwhelmed at the moment, but I need to dip my foot in the water.

Little background- we’ve been to WDW 6 times, starting around 2012. So much has change since then. Magic bands were brand new then!
I would NEVER go in July and without more time to plan, but I can’t change it so I need to make it the best as possible.
I used to view EasyWDW for touring plans a crowd levels, but I was devastated to learn he had passed away..

We won’t know our exact dates until we can confirm my Sons football camp schedule- GO IU!! But, we’re so far behind I need to start reviewing now.

What’s changed, everything! ha ha?? Try and rent points and stay on site? Magical Express is gone? What’s up with Fast Passes? EMH? Star Wars? Dining plan? OMG, I feel like I’m starting all over

Best advice? Where to start?
Thank you so very much

 

[coolbrook]

How fun! You can have an amazing vacation!
I use Touringplans.com.
Mears connect worked just like Magical Express without the cartoons. You have to tote your own luggage these days.
Given a choice we always stay onsite. Not sure if it's too late to rent points.
If you can afford it pay for Genie+ (Fast pass) and either rope drop or pay for the individual lightning lane for the one biggie in each park (Rise of the resistance etc.)
On-site gets 30 extra minutes in the morning daily in every park. If you qualify, use it.
Deluxe (and DVC) gets 2 extra evening hours one day a week at MK and one day at EP. If you qualify, use it.
No dining plans are available right now. Use this opportunity to share meals, order apps as entrees, etc.
As soon as you know your trip dates, get tickets and then GET PARK PASS reservations!
You can park hop (If you have hopper tix), but only after 2pm.

Happy planning!

 

[coolbrook]

Also, we are in the same situation with Southwest vouchers that expire in August if we don't use them, so of course we are going to Disney World even though we always say never again in summer. We are planning afternoon breaks when rain is most likely and pool time some mornings when rain is less likely. We could only get two days at a time at DVC resorts we wanted, so we are doing a three-resort split and want to spend some time at each pool if possible.

 

[HopperFan]

MOST IMPORTANT - the minute you have dates you have to buy your tickets and make park reservations! I suggest you look at park availability right before you buy the tickets to make sure you have options good for you.

NOTE: Universal does not require reservations. The highest level hotel includes the rides express pass.

 

[lilasmom]

Thank you! All excellent advice!

 

[Prissyms]

Well, excited that you guys are going to WDW in July!!! Here you :
Check WDW site to see if the dates you're planning to go have park reservations available. (Don't think it would let you purchase tickets if there are no availability)
Purchase your ticket
Reserve your park reservations
Reserve your dining reservations
Update everything on MDE app

There are no more EMH. There is ETPE (early theme park entry) where you enter the park 30 minutes early. Deluxe resorts and DVC can stay 2 hours later in the evening
If you purchase the Park Hopper Option, you can't park hop until 2:00PM
There is no more Dining Plans
There is no more Magical Express. You can use Mears/Lyft/Uber. Think Mears maybe cheaper then the car services
There is no more FastPass. The new thing is Genie+ which if you want to use it, I would add once you purchase your tickets. Basically, you're paying to skip the line.
As far as crowds, where your patience! It will be crowded! Of all the things, that's the only one that is consistent
Hope this was helpful!
Enjoy your Trip!!!