Trip #2 is coming up - it's Critique Time!

[Melissa Sheridan]

Hey everyone!
Well our FP window is next week and I just wanted some extra sets of eyes on my plan before I book them
We are a group of 5 (mom, dad, grandpa, 2 kids 8 & 10). We did a trip together 3 years ago, same length of time but in November instead of February and last time we were at AoA.
So...ADRs are booked, EMM is booked, FPs coming next weekend & hoping for a Frozen Dessert Party but not open for booking yet. We will have park hoppers.

Here it goes...

Day 1:
Arrive MCO 3:00pm
Check in BLT @ Contemporary
ADR Chef Mickey's 6:20pm

Day 2: MK Day
walk to EMM at MK
FPs Haunted Mansion 11-12,
Splash Mountain 12-1,
and Big Thunder 1-2
FOF Parade 3:00
ADR BOG 4:55pm
(Walk back to BLT or
ride short line rides & stay for fireworks)

Day 3: Epcot/HS
Monorail to PPO ADR Akershus 8:10am
Test Track, Character Meet, Soarin'
Figment, Mission Space
Boat to HS 12/12:30ish
FPs TS Mania 1-2,
Tower of Terror 6-7,
and Slinky Dog whenever we can get
ADR Sci-Fi Diner 5:30
Fantasmic 8:00 pm
Bus back to BLT

Day 4: AK (late start)
Swim/Relax at Hotel
Bus to ADR Rainforest Cafe at AK 12:00 (this is a must do for the Grandpa in the group )
FPs Expedition Everest 1-2,
Dinosaur 2-3,
and FOP whenever we can get
Rivers of Light Show 7:00 pm
Ride Rivers of Light @ closing
Bus back to BLT

Day 5: EP/HS/EP
Monorail to Epcot
Test Track, other Character Meet,
Soarin, Spectaculab
Boat to ADR Beaches & Cream 12:00 (willing to drop)
Boat to HS
FPs All three Toy Story rides,
also ride Star Tours again
Boat back to EP
Walk WS, Agent P's
Frozen Dessert Party (HOPEFULLY!)
Monorail back to BLT

Day 6: MK Day
PPO ADR Be Our Guest 8:00am
MK all day, poss hop to AK
FPs ???
(probably Mine Train, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear if in MK)
ADR California Grill 7:35 pm for dinner & fireworks viewing

Day 7: Universal Parks with Express Pass

Day 8: Check Out Day
Monorail to ADR 1900 Park Fare 9:05 am

Ok, so my main questions are...

Is it worth boating to HS on Day 5 just to ride the TS rides again? Otherwise, we only get on them once, but it also does seem like a lot of time to get there and back. I thought breaking up the boat time with Beaches and Cream (a place we haven't tried yet and would like to) would help. Also, we've never done the boats between EP and HS so any advice on that, would be helpful.

On Day 6, thinking about booking AK Fast Passes that day and hopping there in the afternoon - good idea or just enjoy our last day in MK? We would really only be going back to do FOP again as we'd have ridden/seen everything we are interested in on our other AK day.

Umm....I think that's it?!?

Let me know your thoughts!!!

 

[indoshakespeare]

Is it worth boating to HS on Day 5 just to ride the TS rides again? Otherwise, we only get on them once, but it also does seem like a lot of time to get there and back. I thought breaking up the boat time with Beaches and Cream (a place we haven't tried yet and would like to) would help. Also, we've never done the boats between EP and HS so any advice on that, would be helpful.

I would say....no. It makes more sense if it's one way. Stay in EP longer then spend the rest of the day in HS (just like day 3). Or start at HS then go to EP. Is HS Toy Story EMM available on your dates? That would be nice to do

 

[sharonabe]

FPs TS Mania 1-2,
Tower of Terror 6-7,
and Slinky Dog whenever we can get

FPs All three Toy Story rides,

Toy Story rides are ALL tier 1, so you can only FP+ one of them. This might make your decision to do a second afternoon there a little easier. With two days, you can at least FP+ two of the three rides.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Hey everyone!
Well our FP window is next week and I just wanted some extra sets of eyes on my plan before I book them
We are a group of 5 (mom, dad, grandpa, 2 kids 8 & 10). We did a trip together 3 years ago, same length of time but in November instead of February and last time we were at AoA.
So...ADRs are booked, EMM is booked, FPs coming next weekend & hoping for a Frozen Dessert Party but not open for booking yet. We will have park hoppers.

Here it goes...

Day 1:
Arrive MCO 3:00pm
Check in BLT @ Contemporary
ADR Chef Mickey's 6:20pm

Day 2: MK Day
walk to EMM at MK
FPs Haunted Mansion 11-12,
Splash Mountain 12-1,
and Big Thunder 1-2
FOF Parade 3:00
ADR BOG 4:55pm
(Walk back to BLT or
ride short line rides & stay for fireworks)

Day 3: Epcot/HS
Monorail to PPO ADR Akershus 8:10am
Test Track, Character Meet, Soarin'
Figment, Mission Space
Boat to HS 12/12:30ish
FPs TS Mania 1-2,
Tower of Terror 6-7,
and Slinky Dog whenever we can get
ADR Sci-Fi Diner 5:30
Fantasmic 8:00 pm
Bus back to BLT

Day 4: AK (late start)
Swim/Relax at Hotel
Bus to ADR Rainforest Cafe at AK 12:00 (this is a must do for the Grandpa in the group )
FPs Expedition Everest 1-2,
Dinosaur 2-3,
and FOP whenever we can get
Rivers of Light Show 7:00 pm
Ride Rivers of Light @ closing
Bus back to BLT

Day 5: EP/HS/EP
Monorail to Epcot
Test Track, other Character Meet,
Soarin, Spectaculab
Boat to ADR Beaches & Cream 12:00 (willing to drop)
Boat to HS
FPs All three Toy Story rides,
also ride Star Tours again
Boat back to EP
Walk WS, Agent P's
Frozen Dessert Party (HOPEFULLY!)
Monorail back to BLT

Day 6: MK Day
PPO ADR Be Our Guest 8:00am
MK all day, poss hop to AK
FPs ???
(probably Mine Train, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear if in MK)
ADR California Grill 7:35 pm for dinner & fireworks viewing

Day 7: Universal Parks with Express Pass

Day 8: Check Out Day
Monorail to ADR 1900 Park Fare 9:05 am

Ok, so my main questions are...

Is it worth boating to HS on Day 5 just to ride the TS rides again? Otherwise, we only get on them once, but it also does seem like a lot of time to get there and back. I thought breaking up the boat time with Beaches and Cream (a place we haven't tried yet and would like to) would help. Also, we've never done the boats between EP and HS so any advice on that, would be helpful.

On Day 6, thinking about booking AK Fast Passes that day and hopping there in the afternoon - good idea or just enjoy our last day in MK? We would really only be going back to do FOP again as we'd have ridden/seen everything we are interested in on our other AK day.

Umm....I think that's it?!?

Let me know your thoughts!!!

I'm confused by the timing on your first DHS day. I would try to move that ToT FP+ so it isn't so close to your Sci-Fi ADR. I would probably do it earlier in the day so you aren't going on it right after dinner. As PP pointed out, all TSL rides are Tier 1, so, while you may be able to score another FP+ for a TSL ride after you've done your initial 3 FP+ in DHS, it's not guaranteed, so I would probably plan on going to DHS on two days. The boat from EP to DHS is quite lovely! Once you get on the boat, it will take about 20 minutes to get from park to park. I think breaking up the boat ride with B&C sounds like a fun idea. I would walk to B&C (it's quicker than taking the boat), then jump on the boat at the YC boat dock to get to DHS after lunch. If you are going to hop to AK on your last park day, you need to get a FP+ for FoP. Otherwise, I would ditch the BOG PPO, RD FOP at AK and then end the day at MK with FP+.

 

[Melissa Sheridan]

I'm confused by the timing on your first DHS day. I would try to move that ToT FP+ so it isn't so close to your Sci-Fi ADR. I would probably do it earlier in the day so you aren't going on it right after dinner. As PP pointed out, all TSL rides are Tier 1, so, while you may be able to score another FP+ for a TSL ride after you've done your initial 3 FP+ in DHS, it's not guaranteed, so I would probably plan on going to DHS on two days. The boat from EP to DHS is quite lovely! Once you get on the boat, it will take about 20 minutes to get from park to park. I think breaking up the boat ride with B&C sounds like a fun idea. I would walk to B&C (it's quicker than taking the boat), then jump on the boat at the YC boat dock to get to DHS after lunch. If you are going to hop to AK on your last park day, you need to get a FP+ for FoP. Otherwise, I would ditch the BOG PPO, RD FOP at AK and then end the day at MK with FP+.

The idea of the later ToT is to do it on the way over to F! So getting a 6:30-7:30ish would work for that, just to cut down on walking and stuff.

And DUH!!! about the Toy Story rides - Tier 1!!! I'm so dumb, I honestly totally forgot that! Thanks for the reminder, silly me!

I like your idea of rope dropping AK on our last day but its a 45min bus ride from BLT so trying to RD FOP sounds like super early morning to me. But PPO BOG at Mk which is walking distance....it's just so tempting! It's easy, it's right there, you know!

Thanks for your thoughts, I'll have to play with the plans a bit

 

[Melissa Sheridan]

I would say....no. It makes more sense if it's one way. Stay in EP longer then spend the rest of the day in HS (just like day 3). Or start at HS then go to EP. Is HS Toy Story EMM available on your dates? That would be nice to do

I really wanted to end in Epcot to do the Frozen dessert party or at least see Illuminations if the party isn't offered. So staying longer in HS doesn't really work. TS EMM is available, but since we're already doing the Fantasyland one, I wasn't thrilled with the expense of this one too. You're right though, that might be the best option.
Thanks!

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Is the Akershus adr because the kids want a princess meal? I would worry that will put you behind the RD crowd for Test Track or you'll have to really rush through the meal.

 

[Melissa Sheridan]

Is the Akershus adr because the kids want a princess meal? I would worry that will put you behind the RD crowd for Test Track or you'll have to really rush through the meal.

Good point, was hoping we could get through the meal in a half hour and then would be coming from the opposite direction from most people, so it would be doable. But you're right it would make the meal a rush.
I think I'll keep it until we see if they release the frozen dessert party or not, because right now that's the way we're gonna ride frozen w/o a fast pass. If they don't have any dates while we're there, I'll keep Akershus and head to frozen right after since it's so much closer.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Day 6: MK Day
PPO ADR Be Our Guest 8:00am
MK all day, poss hop to AK
FPs ???
(probably Mine Train, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear if in MK)
ADR California Grill 7:35 pm for dinner & fireworks viewing


On Day 6, thinking about booking AK Fast Passes that day and hopping there in the afternoon - good idea or just enjoy our last day in MK? We would really only be going back to do FOP again as we'd have ridden/seen everything we are interested in on our other AK day.

Umm....I think that's it?!?

Let me know your thoughts!!!

Wow! You've done your job planning! I thought I was obssessive about planning, but you got me beat! I don't plan our days down to as much detail as you have, just simply what park on what day and the FPs we will need.

Now....as far as your park hopping back over to AK, if it's only to do FoP again, why bother? If you've done EVERYTHING you want to do on your AK day, then spend your time in MK. That's a park that needs at LEAST 2 days on anyone's park visits. It's what I'm doing. AK MK, EPCOT, and MK will be our days and in that order. Our AK day is a short day as we won't get into Orlando till around noon. We're driving from the Panhandle. We'll have lunch at the hotel and head on over to AK for our day. I plan on making our first FP around 1pm and FoP is not one of them. My iffy motion sickness prevents me from even attempting that ride. Kali River Rapids and Kilimanjaro Safari are the only rides my family is interested in. I love seeing the animals and visiting the different lands for the culture. Park hopping takes time and if you don't have your own car, the busses eat up a lot of that. Having our own car, hopping would be a breeze, but hopping is not my thing as I just prefer to be in one park all day and even though I'm a FL ressie and get amazing discounts, I save quite a bit on just one park a day tickets. I just know for me, hopping over to another park just for one ride no matter what the park makes no sense to me, but that's only my opinion. If it works for you and your family, then by all means, go for it! I've heard success stories of many DIS'ers picking up FoP FPs on the day of! And I'm sure you'll be able to also. Personally, I'd stay in MK all day as that's the park that needs the extra time! While in MK, considering keeping your lands clustered together. Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are two lands that work well together as the proximity is right there. Then do Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square the next day. Depending on how I get my FPs will determine which lands we visit on days 2 and 4 in MK.

Whatever you decide....have a blast!!!

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

I think I'll keep it until we see if they release the frozen dessert party or not, because right now that's the way we're gonna ride frozen w/o a fast pass. If they don't have any dates while we're there, I'll keep Akershus and head to frozen right after since it's so much closer.

Ah, makes much more sense if you're hitting FEA. In your list, it just had you going straight to Future World, which is why I was confused. If you're trying to hit all 3 epcot tier 1s without FPs, then starting here would be better, although the meal may still have to be rushed.

 

[WhitneyMB]

I plan my days out like this too

My two cents is that it’s worth heading to HS two days to do the new rides with FPs. I like the Beaches & Cream Plan (assuming you already have this hard to get ADR!). I find the boat ride relaxing.

I agree with the above posters. Enjoy a second day in MK rather than trying to go back and forth to AK a second time.

 

[jina]

agree w/ others re: a 2nd AK day.

For day 2, I'd move the FP+s earlier (finish by 1) and then you have the option to walk back to BLT and chill before the parade & ADR - one of my favorite reasons for staying at BLT is being able to quickly walk there and chill right when the park is at its busiest. And you're also more likely to pull a 4th FP+ for just before your ADR as well.

Boat or walk between EP and DHS takes a little while but I love getting a short break from the crowds so I like your plan to go back to DHS to ride a TS ride you were not able to get a FP+ for. I'd also look into an EMM at DHS event if it gets you on all the THS rides prior to park open - then you don't have to waste any FPs at DHS unless you want to ride them more. So if tha happened I'd change Day 2 to be DHS first, then EP (looks like EMM are Mon and Wed) and move the Sci Fi diner to be day 5 in the pm.

 

[dbb727]

Just my two cents, but I’d condsider dropping the BOG PPO breakfast. I think breakfast is very overrated ( pricier for lower quality) than a lunch ADR. The real reason to book it, IMO, is for the slight advantage of being in fantasyland before the rope drop crowd to get in line for 7DMT or PPF...this also means rushing a bit through the meal. You already have EMM so will have accomplished these rides likely several times earlier in the week. I understand if you may want to do them again, but personally I’d just be sure to get to MK for RD and you can always FP 7DMt if you wanted to ride it again.