Tentative Itinerary

[damaris13]

I feel like I'm planning this way far in advance, but that's just the way I am (driving DH NUTS!!! ). We're going June 21st-23rd (Tuesday-Thursday). DD2 is coming with us. We took her to WDW last year, and she LOVED all characters except for Goofy (he was too tall for her, which is hysterical as her "uncle" is just as tall). We hope to knock out a lot of characters with Minnie's breakfast and MTTMM and sneak in a few more along the way (definitely must find Captain Jack Sparrow and slip in to see Pooh and Friends). We are definitely skipping Star Tours, and probably skipping Goofy's Sky School and Little Mermaid, too. They'll be around the next time we go in about 10 years. I will definitely be purchasing RideMax at the beginning of June and running it a gajillion different ways as they determine what will happen because of the 3 new rides.

With all that said, if y'all would take a few moments to look over this and tell me where I'm running into kinks.

Itinerary…Plan A
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
6:15 … Leave hotel to go to the park
6:40 … Be in line for security check (get front gate pictures LATER)
7 … Gates open—head straight back and around Sleeping Beauty’s Castle (past Snow White's wishing well) to FL (stop for pic with Mickey and Disney if can do quickly--mandatory pic from DH)
7-8… Ride as much of the following as possible (in this order):
• Peter Pan
• Dumbo
• Alice
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
• Maybe Snow White/Tea Cups
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Finding Nemo (depending on line)
• Characters in Town Square (maybe)
8:01… I grab a FP for SM while DH and DD head to Indy.
8-9:45… Ride as much of the following…not sure what order yet:
• Indy
• POTC
• JC
• HM
• Winnie the Pooh (w/Character Greet?)
• Tiki
• Tarzan’s Treehouse
10-12… Minnie and Friends Character Meal
12-1… Head into Tomorrowland
• Use FP for SM
• Check line for FNSV (if short, hop on)
1-5… Back to the hotel
5… Enter DCA; head straight to CS to check on FP
5:15-6…Ride any low wait time ride(s) from following list: RCCT, Soarin’ (hahaha), MFW, TSMM, Monsters, Inc, ToT, Muppets, Turtle Talk OR get pictures
6-6:20…scout out viewing spots on the way to dinner
6:20-7:50…Dinner at Ariel’s Grotto
7:50-8:15…ride/picture opportunities
8:15-9…waiting for WOC
9-9:30…WOC
9:30…ride CS, if have FP, and then head back to the hotel.


Wednesday, June 22, 2011
7:15…leave hotel
7:40…arrive at DL security tables
8…enter DL and head straight to Toontown for MTTMM
8:20-9… MTTMM parade and festivities
Note: Grab a FP for RR before leaving unless the line is ultra-short (grab one for good measure, anyway)
9… (or earlier, but NO later), snag FP to SM before leaving DL
9:15… leave DL to stand in line for DCA entry
9:30… enter DCA and go straight to Soarin’
10… I go get CS FP while DD and DH get in line for TSMM
10:30-12…Ride MFW before heading to any of the other DCA rides: RCCT, TSMM, Monsters, Inc, Muppets, Turtle Talk OR get pictures
12…snag a snack and get in line for the 12:40 of Aladdin
1:20…head back to the hotel for a nap.
5:30-6…back in DL
6:30 watch Parade (which way will it head?)
After parade-8…use FP and ride any low wait rides
8:15-8:30…scout F! spots, and claim it (maybe the Tower Trick)
9-9:25…Fantasmic!!! (Getting fixes in bits with my ringtone)
9:25-9:30… against much better judgment, book it into the Hub to crowd and find a good spot to see Dumbo/Tink/Fireworks
9:30…Magical
10…head back to the hotel

Thursday, June 23, 2011
Pack up
Get to the park first chance available
Ride whatever we missed in either park
Leave by about 2 to head to Grandma’s


If you made it this far and are still going to respond...you ROCK!!!

 

[DisneyMomma81]

**whoops**

 

[DisneyMomma81]

7 … Gates open—head straight back through (do not go around) Snow White’s *it's Sleeping Beauty's castle ~ however we prefer to go around the castle *by Snow White's fountain/wishing well - this would be the right side of the castle when you're facing the front - our 1st ride of MMs and non MMs *non for everyone* is always PP and Peter Pan is pretty much right there after you walk by Snow White's fountain*Castle to FL (stop for pic with Mickey and Disney if can do quickly--mandatory pic from DH) *I'd get that foto later on....

 

[damaris13]

Haha...I had Snow White on the brain with being convinced to actually give the ride a shot.

Thanks for the corrections DisneyMomma81. BIG help here. I'll work on convincing DH to save the pic to later. He's just figuring the area will be reasonably empty.

 

[skiingfast]

I realize you are saying, "ride as much of the following as possible."

Keep in mind that even a very quick attractions lik Dumbo take a few minutes to load, ride and unload. Some rides like POTC and Nemo take a long time, because they are long rides. You might want to look at youtube for videos and see what the lengths are so you can figure out if you go in order what the minimum time will have been spent as the day goes on. Not lines, walking, bathroom breaks, ect....

Likely you will only get through half of those that you have in those timed windows. I wouldn't want you to be dissapointed if you completely miss attraction.

 

[damaris13]

I realize you are saying, "ride as much of the following as possible."

Keep in mind that even a very quick attractions lik Dumbo take a few minutes to load, ride and unload. Some rides like POTC and Nemo take a long time, because they are long rides. You might want to look at youtube for videos and see what the lengths are so you can figure out if you go in order what the minimum time will have been spent as the day goes on. Not lines, walking, bathroom breaks, ect....

Likely you will only get through half of those that you have in those timed windows. I wouldn't want you to be dissapointed if you completely miss attraction.

Hadn't thought about that! I can't get youtube at work, and sometimes it's a little finicky at home, but I will definitely give that a shot. Do you know of anyplace online that would have ride lengths?

We do have our list of musts and maybes, and we will definitely by-pass a maybe if it means we get on a must.

 

[Hound 109]

Good plan....but be prepared to alter it as characters / food carts / bathroom breaks etc. get in the way.

Comments below:

I feel like I'm planning this way far in advance, but that's just the way I am (driving DH NUTS!!! ). We're going June 21st-23rd (Tuesday-Thursday). DD2 is coming with us. We took her to WDW last year, and she LOVED all characters except for Goofy (he was too tall for her, which is hysterical as her "uncle" is just as tall). We hope to knock out a lot of characters with Minnie's breakfast and MTTMM and sneak in a few more along the way (definitely must find Captain Jack Sparrow and slip in to see Pooh and Friends). We are definitely skipping Star Tours, and probably skipping Goofy's Sky School and Little Mermaid, too. They'll be around the next time we go in about 10 years. I will definitely be purchasing RideMax at the beginning of June and running it a gajillion different ways as they determine what will happen because of the 3 new rides.

With all that said, if y'all would take a few moments to look over this and tell me where I'm running into kinks.

Itinerary…Plan A
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
6:15 … Leave hotel to go to the park Are you walking or driving?
6:40 … Be in line for security check (get front gate pictures LATER) Get in line at 6:20....Security opens at 6:30am
7 … Gates open—head straight back and around Sleeping Beauty’s Castle (past Snow White's wishing well) to FL (stop for pic with Mickey and Disney if can do quickly--mandatory pic from DH)

I would take the partners statue picture & the wishing well pictures on a morning you're NOT wanting to ride Peter Pan. If you HAVE to do it this morning....then skip PP & head directly to Dumbo after these picture stops (& do PP the next morning first thing).

7-8… Ride as much of the following as possible (in this order):
• Peter Pan
• Dumbo
• Alice
• Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
• Maybe Snow White/Tea Cups (Do Snow White & Pinocchio late morning or early afternoon.....head directly to BLAB after Toady/Teacups.)• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Finding Nemo (depending on line) Do it later.....or you'll blow your FP collection start time.
• Characters in Town Square (maybe) Later.
8:01… I grab a FP for SM while DH and DD head to Indy.
8-9:45… Ride as much of the following…not sure what order yet:
• Indy
• POTC
• JC
• HM
• Winnie the Pooh (w/Character Greet?)
• Tiki
• Tarzan’s Treehouse
Agree with others that this is too ambitious....Save JC, Tiki & Winnie for later.
10-12… Minnie and Friends Character Meal
12-1… Head into Tomorrowland
• Use FP for SM Save it for your return.
• Check line for FNSV (if short, hop on)
1-5… Back to the hotel Hop (or at least have a runner hop) to DCA after lunch.... & where is the Hotel?

- At least have a runner go grab a FP for Soarin'
- (or if the whole family hopped).....do Monsters Inc. too.
- THEN back to the hotel.


5… Enter DCA; head straight to CS to check on FP Nah....do the single rider at CS while one parent & kiddo rides Triton's Carousel next door.....I'd first nab a FP at ToT, then do TT (& monsters if you didn't do it earlier).
5:15-6…Ride any low wait time ride(s) from following list: RCCT, Soarin’ (hahaha), MFW, TSMM, Monsters, Inc, ToT, Muppets, Turtle Talk OR get pictures
You won't be able to do them all.
6-6:20…scout out viewing spots on the way to dinner
6:20-7:50…Dinner at Ariel’s Grotto
7:50-8:15…ride/picture opportunities
8:15-9…waiting for WOC
9-9:30…WOC
9:30…ride CS, if have FP, and then head back to the hotel.


Wednesday, June 22, 2011
7:15…leave hotel
7:40…arrive at DL security tables
8…enter DL and head straight to Toontown for MTTMM
I would do PP, Casey Jr. & possibly Storybookland before entering MTTMM
8:20-9… MTTMM parade and festivities
Note: Grab a FP for RR before leaving unless the line is ultra-short (grab one for good measure, anyway)
9… (or earlier, but NO later), snag FP to SM before leaving DL
9:15… leave DL to stand in line for DCA entry
9:30… enter DCA and go straight to Soarin’
10… I go get CS FP while DD and DH get in line for TSMM
10:30-12…Ride MFW before heading to any of the other DCA rides: RCCT, TSMM, Monsters, Inc, Muppets, Turtle Talk OR get pictures
You're skipping Flik's Area.....& the Redwood Trail area....both great areas for the kid.
12…snag a snack and get in line for the 12:40 of Aladdin
1:20…head back to the hotel for a nap.
5:30-6…back in DL
6:30 watch Parade (which way will it head?)
After parade-8…use FP and ride any low wait rides
8:15-8:30…scout F! spots, and claim it (maybe the Tower Trick)
9-9:25…Fantasmic!!! (Getting fixes in bits with my ringtone)
9:25-9:30… against much better judgment, book it into the Hub to crowd and find a good spot to see Dumbo/Tink/Fireworks
9:30…Magical
10…head back to the hotel

Thursday, June 23, 2011
Pack up
Get to the park first chance available
Ride whatever we missed in either park
Leave by about 2 to head to Grandma’s

If it was me, i would dump WOC & instead do many of the fun DCA attractions in the early evening of both nights prior to hopping back to DL.

If you made it this far and are still going to respond...you ROCK!!!

I'm exhaused.

 

[OregonDisFan]

Since DD is only 2, keep in mind the single rider line and baby swap for rides that can do that (Indy, Splash, California Screamin, Tot) etc. That could save you a lot of time and save your fast Passes for rides that all 3 of you can go on together.
After your first morning in DL, you might consider stopping by DCA before you head back to the hotel and picking up Fast Passes for something that you could use when you get back that evening.
RideMax will help you with the durations of each ride... wikipedia lists durations for some rides too. Have fun planning. We'll be there the same week. So excited!

 

[mermaidwannabe]

Ridemax is going to be a huge help to you. You can play with different orders of rides and see how it completely changes your day. Why don't you start playing around with Ridemax now? Isn't there a 90 day?
It's so hard to not stop and get pictures on the way to the rides. We have a tough time doing this too, so if it's your first morning, I would just plan on you getting those pics if you think it will be too hard to skip.

You will have so much fun!!!

 

[DLR29]

I don't understand the idea of completely avoiding the new rides. They're gonna be great rides. And for Goofy's Sky School and Star Tours, you can use FP. Ariel's shouldn't be too hard either because the line will move quickly because it's going to be a continuous loading ride.

Also, one note, you can't ride CS at night because it closes for WoC and doesn't reopen in between shows. You will have to use your FP before WoC.

 

[dptabrown]

Just an FYI... we will be there during the same time you are and I've been keeping my eye on the events calendar...... all of the weeks so far in June, the Wednesday and Thursday schedules are pared down.
The biggest thing that is messing up my itinerary is that none of the DCA shows like Aladdin or Pixar Pals seem to be running on Wed or Thurs. And I noticed you were planning to do Aladdin on Wed (as I was as well!). I'm REALLY hoping that it will change the week we're going! Now just to wait for them to put up the calendar... just a few more days!

 

[damaris13]

Thank you all for all the help so far! I knew I put this itinerary up here this early for a reason. So you don't think I'm TOO insane and overly ambitious, those lists of rides that I put in blocks of time were to ride as many as possible (not ALL of them!)...I know from experience at WDW that sometimes we get a bunch in and have time to do more. We have our favorites and we're going to make sure those get in during those windows. And y'all have helped me figure out so far which ones will be best to save until later.

DEFINITELY getting Ridemax, but DH is always leery about these things and wants me to do it within the 30 day money back guarantee deal, so end of May /beginning of June it is.

New rides: Goofy's Sky School--we've ridden Primeval Whirl and all the Six Flags versions of this. DD2 can't go on this, and we're going to step away from her as little as possible. As for Little Mermaid, still debating. Star Tours...correct me if I'm wrong (and then we might add it in), it's still the big car that bounces around while you watch a big screen. I was thinking the reimagined part of it was the actual video portion. If so...both of us even skipped that ride 10 years ago as we'd ridden that plenty of times when we were kids. We'll hit it again in 10 when we go back and DD can ride with us.

I'd completely ignored single rider lines for some reason! I even have those noted in my planner...what was I thinking!

I'm still trying to convince DH that the partner picture can wait until AFTER MM hours are over, but it's difficult going...even after he's read notes from vets. We'll get there. I may compromise with telling him we'll stop on the way over to Indy.

DCA: hopping in to get a FP for later that day makes sense. I can always run in while DH heads back to the hotel with DD, too. I always forget about the carousels, and we'll have to see how she does on them. Tried it last year and hated it, for some odd reason. RCCT is the Redwood Challenge Course Trail--I LOVE these sorts of things, and we are NOT missing it (although it seems to be in a secluded area of the park). bugs land...we have so many priorities that it doesn't look like that will happen, unless Aladdin isn't showing Wednesday. May have to do Aladdin Thursday before leaving for Grandma's.

Thank you ALL so much for your help! I can only imagine how exhausting that was to go through it with a fine-tooth comb!

 

[dptabrown]

You're definitely not crazy for planning this early! I totally am cuz I needed to make dining reservations right when I was able to!
Oh and if Aladdin stays on the trend of the weeks before... Not only is it not showing on Wednesday, but also not Thursday either! I really hope this changes for our week!!!!

 

[jdb in AZ]

pics -- when our kids were little we wanted to get their pics taken at Disneyland, and planned to use the pics for Christmas cards mos later. So we decided to do them first thing while their hair looked presentable, but the kids were so anxious to go on the rides they didn't want to smile for the pics. Here's hoping your kids will be more willing.

Did you know that only one out of seven dwarves is Happy?

 

[damaris13]

pics -- when our kids were little we wanted to get their pics taken at Disneyland, and planned to use the pics for Christmas cards mos later. So we decided to do them first thing while their hair looked presentable, but the kids were so anxious to go on the rides they didn't want to smile for the pics. Here's hoping your kids will be more willing.

Did you know that only one out of seven dwarves is Happy?

I just finished putting Happy into the ABC book I'm making for DD. Many pics will be taken in the morning as I know how cranky she gets as the day goes along. At least this year we'll be able to go back for a nap instead of trying to nap in Hall of Presidents and the ferry ride between HS and Epcot. Can't remember where she napped at AK.

Determined to have Mickey Christmas cards this year.

 

[Hound 109]

Thank you all for all the help so far! I knew I put this itinerary up here this early for a reason.

My mind works the same way. Gather a bunch of ideas & info & then start whittling them down.


So you don't think I'm TOO insane and overly ambitious, those lists of rides that I put in blocks of time were to ride as many as possible (not ALL of them!)...I know from experience at WDW that sometimes we get a bunch in and have time to do more.

You're thinking correctly. Sometimes blocks of time open up & this way you'll be ready for it. It's just that we have lots of WDW vets who get snippy when their plan blows up & we try to caution them to not be too ambitious....plus it's good to have some "smell the roses" (or picture taking) time built into any "plan" at Walt's park.


We have our favorites and we're going to make sure those get in during those windows. And y'all have helped me figure out so far which ones will be best to save until later.

DEFINITELY getting Ridemax, but DH is always leery about these things and wants me to do it within the 30 day money back guarantee deal, so end of May /beginning of June it is.

New rides: Goofy's Sky School--we've ridden Primeval Whirl and all the Six Flags versions of this. DD2 can't go on this, and we're going to step away from her as little as possible. As for Little Mermaid, still debating. Star Tours...correct me if I'm wrong (and then we might add it in), it's still the big car that bounces around while you watch a big screen.

Correct. It's the small 3-4 row theatre room & the chairs feel like they're moving while you watch the amusing video.

I was thinking the reimagined part of it was the actual video portion. If so...both of us even skipped that ride 10 years ago as we'd ridden that plenty of times when we were kids. We'll hit it again in 10 when we go back and DD can ride with us.

Sounds logical to me....especially since it will be VERY popular during your visit.


I'd completely ignored single rider lines for some reason! I even have those noted in my planner...what was I thinking!

Absolutely count on the Screamin' / King Triton "two step" for your small family. They are side by side. One adult goes on Screamin' while the other does Triton with kiddo....then switch places. It's a quick way to do this, CS rocks, & Triton is cute. Then go next door & do TSMM (maybe send kiddo & parent over to the TSMM line after your "switch"?)

I'm still trying to convince DH that the partner picture can wait until AFTER MM hours are over, but it's difficult going...even after he's read notes from vets. Absolutely do the pics....Just don't do it on PP day. (maybe on toon town day?) We'll get there. I may compromise with telling him we'll stop on the way over to Indy.

DCA: hopping in to get a FP for later that day makes sense. I can always run in while DH heads back to the hotel with DD, too.

(Have him take pics in the esplanade while you run in & snag the Soarin' FPs & meet back up with them....it'll take 3-4 min. tops.....& are you staying at a DLR hotel or a Harbor hotel?)


I always forget about the carousels, and we'll have to see how she does on them. Tried it last year and hated it, for some odd reason. RCCT is the Redwood Challenge Course Trail

I don't even have the abbreviations down. Yeah...it's fun for the little ones, & a nice area to get away from the crowds.

--I LOVE these sorts of things, and we are NOT missing it (although it seems to be in a secluded area of the park). bugs land...we have so many priorities that it doesn't look like that will happen, unless Aladdin isn't showing Wednesday. May have to do Aladdin Thursday before leaving for Grandma's.

You need to be aware of Flick's area & when an hour opens up in DCA, go check it out (& ride Heimlich for sure). The area is cute as heck....plus it's right in the center of DCA....not a pain to get to.

Thank you ALL so much for your help! I can only imagine how exhausting that was to go through it with a fine-tooth comb!

Keep fine tuning.....but realize that when you're there, 30-50% of your "plan" will go out the window as things open up, characters appear & "stuff" happens.

But i believe that for strategists like you & i, making plans helps us LEARN about the parks & reading about the way vets "work" the parks gives us good "big picture" strategies to use. Then the little details often take care of themselves.

 

[dptabrown]

Woohoo! Did you see? Aladdin is playing every day starting the week we both are going! Yay for not having to change plans!

 

[damaris13]

Woohoo! Did you see? Aladdin is playing every day starting the week we both are going! Yay for not having to change plans!

I saw, and then I toyed back and forth with actually using our time to go. We're still torn, and think we're going to see it, but it will all depend on DD at that time of day. I don't think we're going to have too much trouble fitting everything in, at least not as much as I thought we would. We don't have to/want to ride everything in the parks, and that helps. Especially when we know we don't need to/want to ride some of the newer rides--Goofy's Sky School, Star Tours, ToT (sadly it even has lost it's sparkle at HS for me, even with the new random drops...we just use our time to go on Aerosmith again and again). We'll keep an eye on Little Mermaid, but we probably won't lose any sleep if we don't hit that, either. It will be around in 10 years when DD will actually remember it.

But I am so glad they finally have the schedules up. It was becoming frustrating not knowing what to work around.

Thank you everyone for your help! I think I'm into Itinerary D now.