Theme Park Touring Advices or Suggestions

[davidc1]

I will be at WDW with my girlfriend for 2 weeks in September after labor day. 10 day base tickets - I have 3 days at MK 3 days at Epcot 2 days at both HS and AK. How should we tour the parks? Any advice or tips are welcomed!

What are the headliners and not to be missed rides at each park? (if you guys can give me the park name and the attraction name that would be great!)

Is a touring plan necessary in September?

How are the crowds?

 

[MHSweb79]

Please pick up a good guidebook - like the Unofficial Guide. It will answer ALL your questions!

Birnbaum's is another good one, although the UG offers much more depth and detail, as well as touring plans in the back of the book.

 

[PSUGuy]

Please pick up a good guidebook - like the Unofficial Guide. It will answer ALL your questions!

Birnbaum's is another good one, although the UG offers much more depth and detail, as well as touring plans in the back of the book.

Ditto, and these and other are to be found in most public libraries.

Bill From PA

 

[Chellymouse]

Historically, this is one of the least busiest times of year. Ride waits are usually quite short, however, this is during free dining and you may want to make sure that any headliner restaurants, you have made your ADRs to avoid missing out. Also, it's possible that MNSSHP will be starting during your trip. If your budget allows, I would really suggest doing the party. It's amazing with the best fireworks, parades and characters along with very short ride lines and trick or treating. Definitely worth it!! Also, don't forget about the water parks. Again, short waits and a nice time of year to visit those also.
As for headliners at each park, I would recommend ordering the free planning dvd from Disney. Here's my "short list"
MK:
POTC
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder
Space Mnt
HM
Peter Pan's Flight
Epcot:
TT
Mission Space Orange
Soarin
DHS:
TSM
RNR
TOT
ST
AK:
EE
Kilamanjaro Safari
Dinosaur

 

[davidc1]

Thank you for the responses. The reason why I ask this question is that I like reading people's opinion rather than from a book. There is more diverse opinion and advice I can find here rather than looking in a book. Is there anyone else that can help me? Feel free to respond!

 

[rannxerox]

I agree with the others. Doing a 10 day Disney trip without being prepared and well informed is a good way to waste time and money. Its like a college class, you need to do your homework first before coming to class and asking questions. Its not that the book will answer all your questions but that you can ask very specific ones from information you have gathered from the book.

I too suggest the Unofficial Guild. Because it is not produced by Disney, you get a more honest opinion on things. And if you buy the book, for $5 more you can subscribe on their website and generate touring plans with maps and get a very good wait time app to use while in the park.

 

[kaligal]

If you want to see and do as much as possible, you should pick up a UG, read it and follow the advice.

If you don't care about seeing and doing as much as possible, then don't worry. A plan is not required. You'll not be put in front of the firing squad for not having one.

It's your vacation - you should do it your way. Have fun!! That's what vacation is for!

Have a great trip, whatever you do!

 

[davidc1]

Historically, this is one of the least busiest times of year. Ride waits are usually quite short, however, this is during free dining and you may want to make sure that any headliner restaurants, you have made your ADRs to avoid missing out. Also, it's possible that MNSSHP will be starting during your trip. If your budget allows, I would really suggest doing the party. It's amazing with the best fireworks, parades and characters along with very short ride lines and trick or treating. Definitely worth it!! Also, don't forget about the water parks. Again, short waits and a nice time of year to visit those also.
As for headliners at each park, I would recommend ordering the free planning dvd from Disney. Here's my "short list"
MK:
POTC
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder
Space Mnt
HM
Peter Pan's Flight
Epcot:
TT
Mission Space Orange
Soarin
DHS:
TSM
RNR
TOT
ST
AK:
EE
Kilamanjaro Safari
Dinosaur

Thanks for your response will keep this list on me. Any other ideas? Is it possible to do everything at least once within two weeks? Is a touring plan really necessary for the month of Sept? And how is the weather? I have been in late June and thought that it was extremely humid and hot. Hows Sept?

 

[Wings3496]

Thank you for the responses. The reason why I ask this question is that I like reading people's opinion rather than from a book. There is more diverse opinion and advice I can find here rather than looking in a book. Is there anyone else that can help me? Feel free to respond!

I would also highly recommend picking up the Unofficial Guide. They survey people after they return on Disney and compile those results (paired with detailed reviews and their own research) for their ratings/recommendations - so it's sort of exactly what you're looking for, a diverse selection of opinions.

Additionally (and I think, most importantly) they have "touring plans" in the book which give optimized plans for the parks to save time. We used these on our trip last year (along with their #1 tip - arrive for park opening!) and we hardly waited in any lines at all, it was great! This book it totally worth the money, and really answers every question you might have about Disney. I actually picked it up at my local library first, then ending up buying it.

 

[btk2333]

To answer one of your questions about whether it is possible to "do it all" in two weeks, the answer really depends on what you mean by "do it all." If you mean ride every ride once, then yes you could probably do that if you toured smartly. There is so much to do at Disney that I've been upwards of 20 times now in my life and I don't feel like I've "done it all" yet, which is what keeps bringing me back! There is so much to explore, from resorts, to special events, to tours, to holiday events, to restaurants, to the festivals that there is always something else to see.

You are going with your girlfriend I see, I've done 5 trips with my gf and now wife so we have some experience in your shoes. We always make an itinerary with at least one ADR every day planned around the parks we are going to be in that day (don't forget about the resort restaurants, they are some of the best and often can be just as convenient as the park restaurants). I'd be happy to give you some advice for good restaurants if you're looking for them. Are you considering the dining plan? If you are going for 10 days you may also consider purchasing an annual pass to get the room discount (saved us 35% on three rooms this March) as well as get the ability to purchase the Tables in Wonderland card for $75 which will get you 20% off all table service restaurants as well as some quick service (mainly the value food courts and a couple QS at DAK). As you can tell food is a big part of our trips!

You will be nearing the first MNSSHPs which are a separate hard ticketed event. I've never attended one but you will want to consider that in your planning.

My wife and I tour by going to RD, getting the headliners done and then touring the parks at a slower pace from then on (at least with the new FP system anyway...). I recommend a mid-day break to relax/nap/swim and then park hopping to a different park (we spend many nights at EPCOT due to the food and drink options at the park!) I recommend touring plans for crowd calendars as well as touring plans themselves. You are not necessarily going at the most crowded time of the year; however, the touring plan will still give you an idea of the kind of rides you have to hit first. We never follow touring plans to a t, even during busy seasons (our last three trips have been Spring Break X2 and Christmas once); however, we always have a plan of the attractions we want to hit first.

Finally, I would also recommend getting your hands the the UG. There is simply too much information and too many different ways to tour effectively for you to get all the advice you need in this format. We can give you guidelines and feedback on how we plan vacations, but you will have to decide for yourself what works best for you and your girlfriend!

 

[heyitsmejosh]

you are going at one of the least busy times of the year, you will be able to do whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it (except really TSM). when we are talking that time of year you dont really need any plans or anything like that because you will be able to do what you want to do..

just do some research before you go, figure out the things youd like to do and dont want to miss and just go with the flow and enjoy yourself. there is no reason to stress yourself out by over planning since you will have more than enough time just have fun and explore.

are you going to the other parks in the orlando area as well?

 

[davidc1]

To answer one of your questions about whether it is possible to "do it all" in two weeks, the answer really depends on what you mean by "do it all." If you mean ride every ride once, then yes you could probably do that if you toured smartly. There is so much to do at Disney that I've been upwards of 20 times now in my life and I don't feel like I've "done it all" yet, which is what keeps bringing me back! There is so much to explore, from resorts, to special events, to tours, to holiday events, to restaurants, to the festivals that there is always something else to see.

You are going with your girlfriend I see, I've done 5 trips with my gf and now wife so we have some experience in your shoes. We always make an itinerary with at least one ADR every day planned around the parks we are going to be in that day (don't forget about the resort restaurants, they are some of the best and often can be just as convenient as the park restaurants). I'd be happy to give you some advice for good restaurants if you're looking for them. Are you considering the dining plan? If you are going for 10 days you may also consider purchasing an annual pass to get the room discount (saved us 35% on three rooms this March) as well as get the ability to purchase the Tables in Wonderland card for $75 which will get you 20% off all table service restaurants as well as some quick service (mainly the value food courts and a couple QS at DAK). As you can tell food is a big part of our trips!

You will be nearing the first MNSSHPs which are a separate hard ticketed event. I've never attended one but you will want to consider that in your planning.

My wife and I tour by going to RD, getting the headliners done and then touring the parks at a slower pace from then on (at least with the new FP system anyway...). I recommend a mid-day break to relax/nap/swim and then park hopping to a different park (we spend many nights at EPCOT due to the food and drink options at the park!) I recommend touring plans for crowd calendars as well as touring plans themselves. You are not necessarily going at the most crowded time of the year; however, the touring plan will still give you an idea of the kind of rides you have to hit first. We never follow touring plans to a t, even during busy seasons (our last three trips have been Spring Break X2 and Christmas once); however, we always have a plan of the attractions we want to hit first.

Finally, I would also recommend getting your hands the the UG. There is simply too much information and too many different ways to tour effectively for you to get all the advice you need in this format. We can give you guidelines and feedback on how we plan vacations, but you will have to decide for yourself what works best for you and your girlfriend!

Thank you for your detailed response and you answered practically everything I wanted to know! Thanks for your tips. And doing everything is riding all the rides at least once. So I assume that its possible in Sept.

 

[davidc1]

How much would the annual pass be if I upgrade it from a 10 day park ticket? Would it be the difference of one ticket or the whole 10 day ticket pricing? I have purchased a package with Disney already with the 10 day park tickets. Does anyone know how it works if someone wants to upgrade their 10 day park ticket to an annual pass??

 

[davidc1]

Can anyone answer the question above??

 

[haPevraftr]

Before tax, a 10 day Park Hopper tixket is $346. An annual pass is $519. If you buy the annual pass, you can get access to theme parks for a year after the first day you enter the park. It would be worth the upgrade if you plan to go again. A cheaper option that will give you more to do on your two week trip is to just add the Water Park Fun and More option to each ticket (approx. $50 per ticket) and that will give you 10 admittances to WDW Water Parks, DisneyQuest in DTD, or the 9 hole Oak Trail Golf Course. These can be used on any of the 14 days that the ticket is good for, even if you have already gone into a theme park that day. They are seperate form your theme park admittane. You basically get 10 theme park and 10 WPF&M on one ticket for the extra $50.

 

[davidc1]

Before tax, a 10 day Park Hopper tixket is $346. An annual pass is $519. If you buy the annual pass, you can get access to theme parks for a year after the first day you enter the park. It would be worth the upgrade if you plan to go again. A cheaper option that will give you more to do on your two week trip is to just add the Water Park Fun and More option to each ticket (approx. $50 per ticket) and that will give you 10 admittances to WDW Water Parks, DisneyQuest in DTD, or the 9 hole Oak Trail Golf Course. These can be used on any of the 14 days that the ticket is good for, even if you have already gone into a theme park that day. They are seperate form your theme park admittane. You basically get 10 theme park and 10 WPF&M on one ticket for the extra $50.

So if I upgrade my ten day ticket to an AP i just pay the difference of 346 and 519? Is that how it works or do I have to pay the difference between one day ticket and an AP?

 

[davidc1]

Can anyone help me with the question above?

 

[davidc1]

Repost: Any advice for touring in September? How are the crowds and would a touring plan be necessary? Thanks!

 

[mjkacmom]

Please take the others' advice, and get UG. After reading through it, you will realize why everyone suggested it to help answer your questions - because there is enough information on WDW to fill an entire book! There is an overwhelming amount of information, all of it worthwhile. These boards are great for specific questions, and the more you read, the more questions you will have.

I planned our last vacation there for over a year, and I had been there many times in the past. You are not going at a busy time, but if you don't read up ahead of time, you will probably miss out on things you don't even know about. Heck, I never knew there was a little show at rope drop at the MK, because I had never gotten there that early before!