To plan or not to plan??

[Gripette]

We are planning our first trip to WDW (May 11th for 10 nights) and I was wondering if I should write a touring plan for each park?? (sort of a "what attraction when" plan)

I know that during this period, it shouldn't be that busy, but if so, I don't want to be stuck around a map trying to figure out which attraction we wanna go next!

Please, tell me I don't NEED a touring plan... It's so DIFFICULT to plan when you want to see everything...!

Do I need one? Is these 2 weeks enough busy to bring one??

I need Help, really!!

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Good question that should get you an amazing array of answers. My two cents, which buys very little, unfortunately:

I've done extensive tripping both on season and off. We sometimes have a plan. Other times, we have no plan. For the most part, we have something that's less of a plan, but more of an agenda.

For the first time, we had a definitive touring plan, written out so we could follow it. There is no doubt, especially on your first trip, that you will get more done with a plan. You just can't get around that. So my personal answer would be for a first time visitor, I'd say yes, make a plan.

However, you are going during a somewhat slow period. Are you planning on going back a few times? If I were you and really, really didn't want to do the whole regiment thing, I'd take the following tact, what I call making an agenda, rather than a plan (I guess they're the same thing, but not to me).

We now set up the days we're going to parks, avoiding the EE and traditional heavy days (example, avoid MK on Saturday at all costs, much better on a Wednesday). We make our priority seatings for those days. We decide on an off day or two, if we have the time. We then make out a list of attractions that we just don't want to miss, no matter what. Use early mornings and late afternoons, plus fastpass, to achieve your goals of riding Space Mountain, Test Track, Tower of Terror, or whatever suits your fancy.

From there, accept that you're going to miss some things. Use your park hopper (you do have park hoppers, or are going to get them?) To get out of parks that are too much for you. In early to mid-May (before Memorial Day), if it's any day but Saturday and you're in a packed park, there's an unpacked park somewhere that's more reasonable. And in an unpacked park, you'll see more, at a more leisurely pace. And consider taking a mid-day break. That's when it's the hottest. We always leave the parks after a lunchtime PS (usually around 2 PM or so), and we head back around five after a rest/swim in the pool/whatever. We find ourselves refreshed and ready to go, and it's nice to file past the tired, sunburnt masses who are leaving about then because they just can't take it anymore. And the lines drop at bit around this time, even in the most crowded parks.

The disadvantage of this strategy: you do have a tendency to not "do everything," but you're not going to anyway. The advantage is you do less, but you see more, if that makes any sense. And in the long run, you'll see most everything you want to. This is how we do it now. The planned trips of the "old days" we'd have a set plan taken from the various tour books and info found here. Regardless of which plan you take, get up early (most people don't), take a break mid-afternoon (most people don't), and just enjoy being there (everyone should).

A final tip: when all heck is breaking loose, it's almost always less crowded at Epcot, just because it's an enormous park with so much more to do.

Hope that helps!

Pat

 

[natt]

DH and I went our first time (childless) with NO research back in 1988. Now, the fact that we were just a couple, we were able to move around easier but the following times (with kids) I've done extensive planning. One trip, I planned to the point that it caused a "marital meltdown", but it all worked out!

My advise would be at least know the park layouts enough and where things are in conjunction with your "must do's". Not so much "this ride", "this show", (a.k.a. "marital meltdown") but just some idea with flexability to work around scheduled events. With the amount of days you are going, you will be able to revisit and catch anything else you miss, but with four parks, I strongly advise some plan and knowledge of the parks!

Have fun on your first experience!

 

[donna in Oz]

Here's another vote for at least doing some general planning!!

No need to break it down minute-by-minute (I once read on these boards that some have even tried to plan their bathroom breaks . . LOL !!!), but you can save a considerable amount of time and aggravation by just knowing which park you want to visit on which day, what attractions are at the top of your list and which ones have FastPass.

And if you're planning any restaurant meals (other than fast food), having a general plan can help you make your Priority Seatings. Keep in mind that they aren't really a reservation; they just help you get seated quicker than those who didn't make PS's.

You're going at a wonderful time: we were there last year May 10-20th and had wonderful weather. You'll love the topiaries at EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival.

If you'd like more specific information, feel free to PM me. Would be happy to help!!

 

[scottsalisbury2003]

While I understand Priority Seatings are not reservations per se.... the year we didn't plan... when we showed up at restaurants without priority seating we were turned away. This happend specifically at Mexico in Epcot.

I would recommend making Priority Seatings for at least your dinner meals.

Scott

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by scottsalisbury2003
I would recommend making Priority Seatings for at least your dinner meals.

Scott

Ditto on that. Personally, the first thing we do after picking our parks for the day is Priority Seatings. We went in late September last year and were turned away from the San Angel, AT LUNCH. A PS may not be a reservation, but it's essential if you want a guarentee you won't be eating counter service.

Pat

 

[BrianD]

You need to plan, but if you want to keep it simple, I would recommend Birnbaum's Guide to WDW. It's the "official" guide, but in spite of that, I think it's also the best. It's informative without being 500 pages long. Also, there are sample one day & half day iteneraries for each park, so you could follow those and probably be fine.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Just a personal opinion (and you'll get many), I don't use Birnbaums anymore. It's the official book and tends to have a certain "Disney Authorized" feel to it. I prefer several others, but nothing, in my opinion, beats the Passporter. It's got the information you need, realistic ratings on rides and hotels, touring plans, and helps you organize your trip. No offense to those that like Birnbaum's.

Pat

 

[Gripette]

I red the "Unofficial book" and just found insane their touring plan for each park! There's too much walking involved for my mother (62 Years old) and my DS5.

I've already done my PS and was only concerned about planning every single attraction... Can't go at this one at this time, fastpass for the other one, shows at this park,... God!

We will purchase a 5-days hopper plus pass, I think that will help. (For shows and fireworks)

Anyway, thanks for helping and I guess i have to sit down tonight (maybe with my DH if i'm lucky... not too involved yet!!) and try to plan quietly and slowly. One step at the time...

Because we're living in canada (montreal) and going by car (that's a 24 hours ride!!) we won't go every year... maybe that's why i don't feel like missing anything...

Can't wait!

 

[lentesta]

Hi Gripette,

Drop me a line and I'll help you with a Magic Kingdom touring plan that'll minimize the amount of walking you have to do.

Regarding the touring plans in the Unofficial Guide, the extra walking saves a lot more time standing in line. Two to five hours per day in some cases. For many folks (but not your mother), that's a good deal.

Sincerely,

Len
testa@ncat.edu

 

[Fantasia Sam]

I would plan a little especially if it is your first visit - believe me I see so many people wasting time just standing around a map and deciding where to go.

If possible I'd suggest just sitting and writing a list of the must do attractions, I don't think you really need to do a minute by minute account as it should be relatively easy to cover everything in 2 weeks.

The other thing is when you get to your hotel you could get the maps from the guest services of the parks and then asterix those attractions that you want to acheive.

I would also suggest making PS at those must-do restaurants as you wouldn't want to be disappointed or have to wait half an hour for a table.

My favourite tip is "if you see a ride with no line and it's on your list, even though your on your way to another, ride it!

Have fun !

 

[MELSMICE]

My opionin (for what it's worth):

Have a light touring plan that is very flexible. Make PS arrangements for restaurants you really want to dine in. Also, make a list of the rides/attracations/shows you want to see in each park you will be in.

You should be able to get park maps at your resort when you check in if you are staying on property. Map out a "plan" the night before but keep it flexible. Make sure you include a break during the day in your plan. You will definitely need this in May because the days will be pretty hot.

I think the most important thing is to stay flexible. My motto is "if we don't get to see it this time, it gives us a reason to return". (I always make sure we miss something )

Have a great trip!

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

I agree with the PS crowd. There are a few places we like to eat during each trip, and we'll usually plan our days around the few PS arrangements we make. Other than that we go with the flow.

I'd suggest that if you are new to WDW you do a little research and decide what you HAVE to do. Have a rough sketch of your days planned, but keep in mind that the beauty of WDW truly is in the details and if you rush through you'll miss everything that is special there.

 

[DisneyKidds]

For a first trip, definitely. For our first couple of trips we definitely had touring plans. We liked the ones in the Unofficial Guide. Once you get a lay of the Lands and you have a feel for traffic flow and crowds you can dispense with the plans as you know what to expect and know what you really enjoy.

It may sound kind of militant to go 'commando' (no - not THAT commando ) when touring the parks, but having a plan can be a great benefit. We always used to travel on school vacations, Easter, summer, 4th of July, Christmas - the BUSIEST times of the year. During such times lines of up to two hours on rides like Splash Mountain were common. This was all before the advent of fastpass. Well, we always had a plan, and despite those crowds we never waited in a line longet than 20 minutes or so. Following plans like you find in the Unofficial Guide allow you to hit the popular attractions before the lines form, or after they subside. Such plans may require criss-crossing the park and back-tracking a bit, but they can save you hours in lines.

We have always had a great time on our vacations at Disney. We always have a plan, we get to the parks early, and know where we want to go when the parks open. I know others who don't give planning a thought. They show up late and have no idea where to go when the parks open. The spend hours in line, ride very few rides, and have a miserable time. I should say had, as they don't go back. Some people like to think their vacation should be relaxing and stress free, and planning seems like work. However, some advance planning will make it much more likely that your time in WDW will be much more relaxing and stress free.

 

[jenjie]

If possible I'd suggest just sitting and writing a list of the must do attractions

I agree with this statement. No need to overkill on the planning, but it is of great help to know what you really want to do before you get there so you can plan better. Also you want to find out ahead of time which attractions will be closed during your visit.

 

[missypie]

First, let me admit that some might describe me as compulsively overorganized. However, at our recent trip to DL I felt very sorry for the children standing in long lines whose mothers were not compulsively overorganized. Over the course of a week we spent 2 1/2 days at DL. I had warned the kids that the first day we were going to totally stick to the schedule, and that there would be time later for shopping, etc. We had plenty of time to swim in the afternoon and go back, and in the evening we even hit some of the "Day 2" attractions. Because we followed the schedule so well the 1st day, on the second day we followed the schedule but on a much more relaxed basis, with plenty of time to see characters, etc. On our last day we were able to be totally free to wander about, riding our favorites again, etc. Organization will definitely pay off.

 

[Synonymous]

I think that, rather than having a "schedule," what you need is to understand what attractions get busy fast and which you can save until later in the day. For instance, at MK, if you know that Space Mountain is the first thing to develop long lines, you can make sure you get there first thing to avoid them, then move on to others. There are some things, like Enchanted Tiki Room, that you don't want to do first thing in the morning, because it's something you won't have to wait for later in the day.

If you want to be able to tour without alot of planning, though, the most important thing you can do is get to the park early. If you are there waiting when the gates open, you can afford to be much more flexible in your touring.

OTH, if you want to sleep in AND you don't want to plan, you're going to have a pretty bad time.

 

[old lost boy]

I think pre-trip planning is more important than an agenda. Decide your priorities and then look at the map. Remember, clockwise or left first. At the time you are going you'll have plenty of time to see everything so I'd just try to keep the walking to a minimum. We went to WDW the first time for a day on our honeymoon and 24 years the only planning we do now is what park on what day and where to eat.

Remember to plan some pool time. DW used to plan days that were kind of like the Bataan Death March. My sons were wet noodles by the time we went home at night.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by Pat_Elliott
Regardless of which plan you take, get up early (most people don't), take a break mid-afternoon (most people don't), and just enjoy being there (everyone should).

A final tip: when all heck is breaking loose, it's almost always less crowded at Epcot,

I highly agree with both these comments!

Well said Pat_Elliott!

I recall a day at the Magic Kingdom (and it wasn't a Saturday) where it was so crowded you could barely walk(and I mean that literally!). We decided to hop on the monorail and get out of dodge. We headed to Epcot and couldn't believe how quiet, uncrowded and peaceful it was!

 

[CTillberg]

We will purchase a 5-days hopper plus pass, I think that will help. (For shows and fireworks)

why only a five day park hopper for a 10 day visit? You may want to consider a 7 day pass so you will have more days to visit the parks and not have to be so regimented in trying to see everything within a few days.

We are going for 9 nights and have 7 day hoppers so we can take our time in the parks and have more flexibility since we have a DS2 and DD4.

Just my two cents.
Cathy