To hop or not to hop...

[msk]

We always have hoppers. I love the freedom it allows.

 

[Planogirl]

We usually don't get hoppers but we might the next time we go. We get bored at Epcot and DHS so just brief visits to enjoy favorites would work better for us. Besides it's nice to think about enjoying MK and then maybe heading for dinner at World Showcase.

 

[disneyhooper]

Since you have teens I'm sure they will want some freedom in the parks. I suggest just buying hoppers for the kids. They may want to venture into the parks while your tired and this will give them the chance to go to HS or AK for some thrill. If you get a hooper for all members of your party I suggest if you stay on site to use extra magic hours in the morning and then hop to a different park. Parks with extra magic hours tend to be more crowded since many resort guest do not have hoppers so they stay all day. Also with teens check out Disney springs it could be an alternative to getting a hopper.

 

[LtRazor]

While I have APs, I usually plan my days around which park I'm going to so while I have used hopper some, its has been more exception than norm. It all depends upon how you plan.

 

[loves to dive]

As others have suggested, just upgrade to them if you decide you want them. I have an AP and my son doesn't when he goes with me we always buy him a length of stay hopper. As far as planning vs non-planning. Go with whatever you are the most comfortable with. Personally, we don't plan, which is where the hopper comes in handy. Park too crowded? Hop somewhere else. Not anything in that park you want to eat but you can get an ADR at another park? Hop. Leave a park and take a break in the afternoon and not really in the mood to go back to the first park but Epcot sounds good? Hop. Now you can make one FP use it and make another FP in another park, hop.