Trip advice last week march 2014

[drmax]

Yeah, don't do Front of the Line passes as they are a huge ripoff. Universal is split into two parks, the main one (Universal itself) and Islands of Adventure. Islands of Adventure is where the Harry Potter part is so yes you want to do that one. If you wanted to save some money I would suggest you just do Islands and skip the Universal Part.

Have you made any reservations for food at either the Magic Kingdom or Epcot? Here's a link to the menus:

http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm

Thx for that link and if you have any suggestion of where to stay off base, let me know. Really, alls we're gonna do there is shower and sleep!

 

[drmax]

Hello. We will be giving ourselves 1 full day for each of park we have selected, which are 4...MK, Epcot, Universal Studio and Universal Is. of Adventure. Is there a PDF download that has the attractions/shows/rides of each park, in which I could then just put a "ck" in the box that we want to see? I'm guessing there is but have not found one yet. I could sit down and review each park and create this, but figured a list exist and would reduce my internet time a little. Thx for pointing me in a direction, if one exist. DM

 

[drmax]

Well, since I decided to "not" stay at a resort, I see that I'm now not eligible for the fastpass system. Or am I wrong? This appears to also hold true for a meal plan. I'm not too concerned as we'll only be eating once (lunch time) at the park.

Next, is there really any deals on tickets? 4 adult tickets for WD world (epcot 1 day and MK another day) for 2 days. Couldn't care less about park hopping. Then the same arrangement for Universal studios (1 day) and Islands of adventure another day.

I don't wanna get scammed online. I'ver read where there really isn't a huge savings, for what we're specifically doing. I do want my tickets all before hand, so as not to wait at front gate line.

What would you suggest? Thank you, DM

 

[Nayan]

This is the only thing I found as far as a list goes, but I don't think it'll help you much:

http://www.easywdw.com/cheat-sheets/disney-world-cheat-sheets-maps-touring-plans-and-wait-times/

As far as tickets, you can buy them from Undercover Tourist. Not really a huge savings but just a couple bucks. Safe and highly recommended: http://www.undercovertourist.com/

You will not be able to get the meal plans at Disney or Universal, but quite honestly for the short amount of time you'll be there it wouldn't be worth it. I prefer to usually snack during the day and have a nice sit down dinner when my feet are tired . Since you are not staying on-site, you cannot use Fast Pass ahead of time but you will be able to when you get to the park. I think there are kiosks located where you enter as well as other locations through the park. The first link I provided should help with locating those. I'll be there the same week you are and it'll be my first time using the new system as well.

 

[drmax]

I heard of that place for tickets. Will call this weekend. So I'll have to book the events after entering the park? Interesting. That deal comes with all tickets I guess no matter what. I'll have to get a list figured out as I'm sure it'll be a mad house! Thx dm

 

[drmax]

Hello Nayan. I read that link on the list here. This is starting to become not so "magical" for me, as it's suppose to be a vacation or relaxation, and not a job, figuring which rides, line lengths, times, etc. What I'll do, is look at suggested rides that would benefit from making reservations. Once in MK or Epcot, make those reservations, and then say to heck with the rest. I don't want this to control my mind, which can easily do. PM me and I'll give you my cell and we can possible hook up for a "meet and greet". It'll be my family and I. Take care and good luck with you trip. DM

This is the only thing I found as far as a list goes, but I don't think it'll help you much:

http://www.easywdw.com/cheat-sheets/disney-world-cheat-sheets-maps-touring-plans-and-wait-times/

As far as tickets, you can buy them from Undercover Tourist. Not really a huge savings but just a couple bucks. Safe and highly recommended: http://www.undercovertourist.com/

You will not be able to get the meal plans at Disney or Universal, but quite honestly for the short amount of time you'll be there it wouldn't be worth it. I prefer to usually snack during the day and have a nice sit down dinner when my feet are tired . Since you are not staying on-site, you cannot use Fast Pass ahead of time but you will be able to when you get to the park. I think there are kiosks located where you enter as well as other locations through the park. The first link I provided should help with locating those. I'll be there the same week you are and it'll be my first time using the new system as well.

 

[amym2]

Planning a trip like that is work! If you get there and you don't have a plan, you will spend all day in line. Research the most popular rides, get there before the parks open, and you'll be okay. If you want to eat any table service meals at WDW, you need a reservation (ADR). And just to clarify, staying onsite at WDW allows you to make FP reservations ahead of time. They are now getting rid of what used to be FP machines everyone could use and instead using a kiosk system where people staying offsite can get FP the day of.

Honestly, if I were you, I'd wait a couple of years for Universal. They are building a new Harry Potter section at US that will connect to the Harry Potter section already in IOA, and it doesn't open until this summer. If you can only get there once, I'd wait until it's open.

There is no way you can stay offsite and do both Disney and Universal without a car. Rent a car. We got a car for $130 for 5 nights on our last trip. There are hotels that will shuttle you to Disney, but they run at limited times (often only every 30min). And they won't also take you to Universal. They are in two completely different locations, about 20 or so min apart.

Off the top of my head, these are the WDW attractions you need to hit first to avoid lines (and I cannot stress enough that you need to be there before the parks open. You cannot walk in at 10am and get onto these with short lines)...

MK- Space Mtn, Splash Mtn, Big Thunder Mtn

EP- Soarin, Test Track, Mission Space

Bummer that you are missing Expedition Everest at AK and Rock'n Roller Coaster at DHS, which are the two best Disney coasters.

We're also in the Indy area, and it was a good decision to fly.

 

[drmax]

Thx for your note. We're committed and going. Will make the best outta it. Our hotel goes shuttle to the parks. We're doing a park each day. Will do all we can stand each day and head back to hotel. Don't care about sitting in restaurant. Will be prepared for the popular attractions. Have fun!

Planning a trip like that is work! If you get there and you don't have a plan, you will spend all day in line. Research the most popular rides, get there before the parks open, and you'll be okay. If you want to eat any table service meals at WDW, you need a reservation (ADR). And just to clarify, staying onsite at WDW allows you to make FP reservations ahead of time. They are now getting rid of what used to be FP machines everyone could use and instead using a kiosk system where people staying offsite can get FP the day of.

Honestly, if I were you, I'd wait a couple of years for Universal. They are building a new Harry Potter section at US that will connect to the Harry Potter section already in IOA, and it doesn't open until this summer. If you can only get there once, I'd wait until it's open.

There is no way you can stay offsite and do both Disney and Universal without a car. Rent a car. We got a car for $130 for 5 nights on our last trip. There are hotels that will shuttle you to Disney, but they run at limited times (often only every 30min). And they won't also take you to Universal. They are in two completely different locations, about 20 or so min apart.

Off the top of my head, these are the WDW attractions you need to hit first to avoid lines (and I cannot stress enough that you need to be there before the parks open. You cannot walk in at 10am and get onto these with short lines)...

MK- Space Mtn, Splash Mtn, Big Thunder Mtn

EP- Soarin, Test Track, Mission Space

Bummer that you are missing Expedition Everest at AK and Rock'n Roller Coaster at DHS, which are the two best Disney coasters.

We're also in the Indy area, and it was a good decision to fly.

 

[drmax]

Nayan sent u email

 

[Nayan]

Hello Nayan. I read that link on the list here. This is starting to become not so "magical" for me, as it's suppose to be a vacation or relaxation, and not a job, figuring which rides, line lengths, times, etc. What I'll do, is look at suggested rides that would benefit from making reservations. Once in MK or Epcot, make those reservations, and then say to heck with the rest. I don't want this to control my mind, which can easily do. PM me and I'll give you my cell and we can possible hook up for a "meet and greet". It'll be my family and I. Take care and good luck with you trip. DM

I would not buy the Express Pass for Universal. Usually the last week in March is what's considered a 'slow time', meaning it'll be busy but not really packed so the lines will be shorter. You can, however, purchase it when you arrive if you think the crowds are large for the days you are there, but I think it will be manageable so don't stress out .

It is a lot of work if you haven't been before (or haven't been in a long time) but I'm sure you and your family will have a blast. But just one thing (and don't hate me!), get a car. Trust me, you will thank me, especially staying off-site. It will make it so much easier for you to get around and not have to depend on your hotel's transportation plus you can come and go as you please.

 

[tcherjen]

Have a great time!

 

[drmax]

Heading out tomorrow for an adventure, no doubt. With the chances of rain about (not the normal once in the day rain like in the summer, but some type of front coming through Orlando) which park are better suited for rain? I am putting the parks we're doing, you place them in order of sun to rain.

Universal, island of adventure, magic kingdom and epcot.

My 1st choice for sun would be island of adventure due to the rides. Crap shoot on the others. Don't wanna be standing anywhere in the rain.
Thx for advice on the other 3. We can do whatever park, whatever day, depending on weather

DM