Taking a Break during days when parks close early?

[whitneyv]

Hi all!

I'm a newbie and I have been doing all types of research of my upcoming trip. This will be my fourth trip but my husband's first! I really want to plan a spectacular introduction to the magic of Disney for him.

I've noticed that all of the guidebooks and especially tour guide mike suggest taking 2-3 hour breaks during the day. I've been looking at the past hours (Sept 04 since 05 is not posted yet) and I noticed that the parks (MK especially) had closed at 6 pm during many of the days we'll be there.

Any suggestions on situations like this? I don't know about taking the time for a break when the operating hours are so short.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[DISNEY4FUN]

We usually schedule time at DTD, MGM or Epcot during the evenings. They are open later.

 

[tjmouse]

When we went last September, we spent all day at Epcot, AK and MGM. It wasn't bad at all. The Epcot day was kind of long, but if MK closes at 6:00, AK closes at 5:00 and MGM at 7:00, you can do it. Plus, it wasn't as hot because hurricane Ivan just went through. I say, it depends on the heat mostly. There are a lot of ways to take a break without going back to the resort. Doesn't sound like you have kids so it should be doable. If you have kids, you have to do what they need, which usually means a mid-day break.

 

[whitneyv]

Any suggestions for a mid-day break without leaving the parks? Quiet spots? Shady benches? Romantic ideas?

We'll be there for our anniversery so I want to make sure and have a FUN but still relaxing time - knowing that the next time we get to go we'll probably have a few young ones in tow!

 

[AJR]

I always go to WDW in September and Early December and I do the following. Take advantage of early entry ( or what ever it is called this week) for the parks that close early. Then in afternoon I go back to room and relax and freshen up.
In the evening I will go to MGM or Epcot. I have found that you can DO most of Epcot by going over there around 5 pm on 3 seperate days.

MGM is also great that time of year and you can take in most of the big rides in the evening while the majority of the guest are waiting for Fantasmic. I have also been able to get a seat at Fantasmic 10- 15 min prior to show time, but if you really want to get a good seat show up the 1 - 1.5 hours early.

This works out well for me but I'm usually staying at BWV or BCV.
Hope this helps you and good luck.

Epcot WS and MGM Hollywood and Vine area are very romantic at night. Enjoy drinks from the WS or get a carry out from 50's Prime time cafe and stroll around the parks. WS is full of quite areas ( the England gardens are my favorite spot to get away.

 

[ladysoleil]

Any suggestions for a mid-day break without leaving the parks? Quiet spots? Shady benches? Romantic ideas?

We'll be there for our anniversery so I want to make sure and have a FUN but still relaxing time - knowing that the next time we get to go we'll probably have a few young ones in tow!

Don't know about romantic, but DH and I had a good time last trip with a long lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern and then went to Hall of Presidents to cool down a bit. Nice, cool, and a couple of hours off our feet really made the difference in enjoying the day.

 

[MOMOFMNM]

Any suggestions for a mid-day break without leaving the parks? Quiet spots? Shady benches? Romantic ideas?

We'll be there for our anniversery so I want to make sure and have a FUN but still relaxing time - knowing that the next time we get to go we'll probably have a few young ones in tow!

you could try smootching in the boats on small world just hope you are not in front of my family with my kids yelling "gross!!!"

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

1) The 6PM MK closings are for MNSSHP's. On those nights the MK closes at 6PM and reopens at 7PM for MNSSHP ticket holders and remains open until midnight. This is a hard-ticket event at an extra cost - but you may want to look into it. They are great fun.

2) A break doesn't have to be long or even back at the resort. I often take hour long resort breaks - long enough to shower, maybe change clothes, just freshen up for the rest of the day. Or you can find a quiet spot anywhere to relax. The point of telling people to take breaks is because the parks are at their busiest from lunchtime through the late afternoon so you won't get a ton done anyway, and because people tend to go commando from 8AM to 11PM and not enjoy themselves because they get burnt out. You can avoid this by at least breaking up your day, even if you don't take a specific "rest" period.

Good luck!

N.E.D.

 

[kirbsam]

we have always gotten up early to be at the parks at opening. we go hard for a few hours, and then back to the resort for a swim. a couple of hours out of hte parks and the kids are clamorring to go back. we then decide what park to go to and we are off. makes for a relaxing day. we have done that in october and january when the park hours are shorter also.

 

[cruisin'Mike]

If you have park hopper passes, leave MK in the early afternoon and head to the Polynesian. Take a stroll along the beachand the grounds , then stop in the lounge for a cool drink. Try the one in the pineapple! I don't remember the name, but our server called it Loopy-Loopy. And DW got Loopy-Loopy alright .

When you're done, you can catch the monorail to the TTC and then to Epcot for the evening.

Mike