Touring Plans

[TravelToo]

I have read the Unofficial Guide To Disney and was wondering the following from those that have used it for the MK.

1) Can you start off in Frontierland and immediately get on Big Thunder Mountain RR and then Splash Mountain when using the Early Morning Hour?

2) In what lands does the Train stop first or what direction does the train head between the various lands?

3) If using the one day tour plan with children as it is published, where can you work in Big Thunder Mountain RR as it is not on there?

4) What are standby lines?

5) Why no Fass Passes suggested until the Jungle cruise, line #10?

6) If followed as published, how many rides most likely will we get in before the main gate opens? This may determine if we want to zip over to Tomorrowland from Frontierland.

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

 

[f16]

Usually, only Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are open during EMH, so you wouldn't be able to ride Splash or Big Thunder during that time.

"Standby line" refers to the normal, non-FASTPASS line on a ride which offers FASTPASS.

 

[eeyore0062]

I have read the Unofficial Guide To Disney and was wondering the following from those that have used it for the MK.

1) Can you start off in Frontierland and immediately get on Big Thunder Mountain RR and then Splash Mountain when using the Early Morning Hour?No, Frontierland is not a part of Extra Magic Hour. The attractions open during that time include the ones in Fantasyland and Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear. They may have added Stitch Escape to it, haven't been since it opened on Nov 16th. Usually we start at Fantasyland, then go get FP for Space Mountain, ride Buzz and then head over to Frontierland in time for the official opening, ride Big Thunder then Splash .. sometime we get 2 trips on Big Thunder in, then head back to Tomorrowland to ride Space Mtn.

2) In what lands does the Train stop first or what direction does the train head between the various lands?The train begins at the Main Street Station heading toward Frontierland, so that will be your first stop. The 2nd stop is in Mickey's Toontown.

3) If using the one day tour plan with children as it is published, where can you work in Big Thunder Mountain RR as it is not on there? I would do it as mentioned above under the answer from number 1.

4) What are standby lines?Standby lines are those that you stand in if you aren't using FP.

5) Why no Fass Passes suggested until the Jungle cruise, line #10? Jungle Cruise used to have FP, but I guess they decided after having it there that it really wasn't needed. Actually, last time I was at MK in October, the machines were there, but weren't being utilized, It may be, like Maelstrom in Epcot that they are only used during peak times. Pirates of the Caribbean no longer have FP.

6) If followed as published, how many rides most likely will we get in before the main gate opens? This may determine if we want to zip over to Tomorrowland from Frontierland.Much will depend on time of year and how many people are going to Extra Magic Hour in the morning. Usually we can fit in Dumbo (go there 1st while the other adult takes the tics for FP at either The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh or Peter Pan's flight. Then meet up in the Dumbo line, and ride. Then head directly from there to whichever of the 2 you didn't get FP on and ride. By then, you will be able to use your FP, so do that. Small World is still under rehab and will be until May, so head to the Teacups, ride and then head to FP for Space Mountain, ride Buzz and by then it will be time to head to Frontierland. Do Frontierland, go back to Tomorrowland and ride Space Mtn, and and get FP for Stitch Escape. Ride anything else in Tomorrowland that you want, then head to Adventureland, doing Aladdin on the way in, then Jungle Cruise and Pirates. Then go to Haunted Mansion and ride. After you will likely be ready for your FP at Stitch. By then, you will have hit all of the highlights of the park, so relax with a late lunch and watch the parade. Then repeat anything you may have missed. But remember, we always go in off season, so all of this is very doable. You may not be able to do as much. Do take full advantage of Extra Magic Hour and you should be able to fit at least all of Fantasyland in that given time. Also make sure to take full advantage of your FPs. Send one adult ahead with all of the tickets to get them while the other gets in line with the kids.

Have a Wonderful time, 1) Can you start off in Frontierland and immediately get on Big Thunder Mountain RR and then Splash Mountain when using the Early Morning Hour?

2) In what lands does the Train stop first or what direction does the train head between the various lands?

3) If using the one day tour plan with children as it is published, where can you work in Big Thunder Mountain RR as it is not on there?

4) What are standby lines?

5) Why no Fass Passes suggested until the Jungle cruise, line #10?

6) If followed as published, how many rides most likely will we get in before the main gate opens? This may determine if we want to zip over to Tomorrowland from Frontierland.

Have a Wonderful time. I have given these instructions to others, and they have all said it worked well. I know it always has for me. As long as you don't mind criscrossing the park a few times, you should be able to get in as many attractions as possible.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[eeyore0062]

I have read the Unofficial Guide To Disney and was wondering the following from those that have used it for the MK.

1) Can you start off in Frontierland and immediately get on Big Thunder Mountain RR and then Splash Mountain when using the Early Morning Hour?No, Frontierland is not a part of Extra Magic Hour. The attractions open during that time include the ones in Fantasyland and Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear. They may have added Stitch Escape to it, haven't been since it opened on Nov 16th. Usually we start at Fantasyland, then go get FP for Space Mountain, ride Buzz and then head over to Frontierland in time for the official opening, ride Big Thunder then Splash .. sometime we get 2 trips on Big Thunder in, then head back to Tomorrowland to ride Space Mtn.

2) In what lands does the Train stop first or what direction does the train head between the various lands?The train begins at the Main Street Station heading toward Frontierland, so that will be your first stop. The 2nd stop is in Mickey's Toontown.

3) If using the one day tour plan with children as it is published, where can you work in Big Thunder Mountain RR as it is not on there? I would do it as mentioned above under the answer from number 1.

4) What are standby lines?Standby lines are those that you stand in if you aren't using FP.

5) Why no Fass Passes suggested until the Jungle cruise, line #10? Jungle Cruise used to have FP, but I guess they decided after having it there that it really wasn't needed. Actually, last time I was at MK in October, the machines were there, but weren't being utilized, It may be, like Maelstrom in Epcot that they are only used during peak times. Pirates of the Caribbean no longer have FP.

6) If followed as published, how many rides most likely will we get in before the main gate opens? This may determine if we want to zip over to Tomorrowland from Frontierland.Much will depend on time of year and how many people are going to Extra Magic Hour in the morning. Usually we can fit in Dumbo (go there 1st while the other adult takes the tics for FP at either The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh or Peter Pan's flight. Then meet up in the Dumbo line, and ride. Then head directly from there to whichever of the 2 you didn't get FP on and ride. By then, you will be able to use your FP, so do that. Small World is still under rehab and will be until May, so head to the Teacups, ride and then head to FP for Space Mountain, ride Buzz and by then it will be time to head to Frontierland. Do Frontierland, go back to Tomorrowland and ride Space Mtn, and and get FP for Stitch Escape. Ride anything else in Tomorrowland that you want, then head to Adventureland, doing Aladdin on the way in, then Jungle Cruise and Pirates. Then go to Haunted Mansion and ride. After you will likely be ready for your FP at Stitch. By then, you will have hit all of the highlights of the park, so relax with a late lunch and watch the parade. Then repeat anything you may have missed. But remember, we always go in off season, so all of this is very doable. You may not be able to do as much. Do take full advantage of Extra Magic Hour and you should be able to fit at least all of Fantasyland in that given time. Also make sure to take full advantage of your FPs. Send one adult ahead with all of the tickets to get them while the other gets in line with the kids.

Have a Wonderful time
I have given these instructions to others, and they have all said it worked well. I know it always has for me. As long as you don't mind criscrossing the park a few times, you should be able to get in as many attractions as possible.

Have a wonderful trip!.

 

[TravelToo]

Thank you for clarifying what is open during EMH. I will try your suggestions out. We are headed there during this holiday season so I imagine we will not be able to work in everything nor will we try to. We want to hit some popular rides right before the EMH is over and others right after the gates open such as Big Thunder Mountain RR. Did I see that you said the jungle cruise and the Pirates no longer have fast passes?

We will not be doing Space Mountain even though we could with a child swap but will will do Splash Mountain for sure. Our 3 years favorites are sure to be Buzz lightyear, big thunder mountain rr, tomorrowland transit authority and splash mountain.

Where would you view the parade from given these choices: Upper Platform of WDW Railroad, Frontierland Dockside area or area around liberty tree tavern?

Also with regards to the fireworks and crowds leaving, since we have a 3 year old, we think he will make it till 9 PM and if he does, would tonys town square elevated porch be good or would the train station be better to watch them? We may leave with the hordes of people immediately after Wishes so we want to have a good viewing area yet with an easy access out of the park.

 

[lentesta]

TravelToo, thanks for reading the Unofficial Guide. When is your trip?


Len Testa

 

[TravelToo]

We leave in 5 days. We will only spend 2 days in the disney parks and get to use the EMH only once for the parks we have chosen. The unofficial guide was very helpful in helping us set realistic objectives and make plans that benefit our 3 year old and us as well. I found it very informative. It however does appear some rides have changed with regards to fastpass since the book was published which should be expected from Disney as they tweak things.

I hear the Holiday Season at Disney is magnificent! Cant wait to see the MK and the Osborne Lights/Fantasmic at night in the MGM.

 

[f16]

Jugle Cruise still has FASTPASS, Pirates does not (did it ever?).

 

[lentesta]

The only attraction I know of whose FASTPASS status has recently changed is Millionaire, in the Studios. I don't think the Guide ever listed Pirates as a FASTPASS attraction, and Jungle Cruise has always been.

The Osborne Lights are spectacular. I hope it's chilly, but not too cold, when you see them! Something about Christmas lights and warm weather don't mix.

Thanks again for reading the Guide.

Len

 

[TravelToo]

Can someone please clarify this. I read where Jungle cruise does and doesnt have Fast Pass. Which is it and what about Pirates did it ever?

5) Why no Fass Passes suggested until the Jungle cruise, line #10? Jungle Cruise used to have FP, but I guess they decided after having it there that it really wasn't needed. Actually, last time I was at MK in October, the machines were there, but weren't being utilized, It may be, like Maelstrom in Epcot that they are only used during peak times. Pirates of the Caribbean no longer have FP.

 

[eeyore0062]

Sure, I will clarify. On some attractions the FP machines are there, but when crowd levels are down, they aren't utilized. YES, Jungle Cruise has FP, and at this time of year, it is definitely being utilized.

As for Pirates...yes, it used to have FP (I am not sure when it was removed), it is possible that those machines are now at Stitch Escape.

It will be very difficult to view the parade from the 2nd level of the train station... very popular! I would suggest Frontierland (during the afternoon parade, or in front of Liberty Tree Tavern.

I haven't seen the parade and fireworks schedules for the past couple of weeks (on medical leave), but the one I did see had a parade at 8 pm, one at 11 pm, and Wishes somewhere in between. You might want to check it out at waltdisneyworld.com. They usually have up to date schedules for park times and parades there.

Hope this helps!