Trip Advice needed

[Disney_JB]

My siblings and I are taking our first trip to WDW in about a month. It is a 5-day/6-night trip. The hotel is booked and ADRs are made. We are totally excited! I am the planner of the trip, so I have been doing a lot of research to prepare. However, I know that we will still probably make a lot of mistakes along the way. Is there anyone, who has a lot more experience in the parks, who has any helpful tips that could make our trip go even smoother? Any tips are welcome.

 

[Cheburashka]

My siblings and I are taking our first trip to WDW in about a month. It is a 5-day/6-night trip. The hotel is booked and ADRs are made. We are totally excited! I am the planner of the trip, so I have been doing a lot of research to prepare. However, I know that we will still probably make a lot of mistakes along the way. Is there anyone, who has a lot more experience in the parks, who has any helpful tips that could make our trip go even smoother? Any tips are welcome.

Where are you staying?

 

[SleeplessInTO]

When are you going and which parks are you visiting?

My overall tips:

- For fireworks, there’s no need to get a spot super early unless you really want a specific location. About 20 min before the show starts, CMs will fill in the walkways that were previously kept open. Those spots almost in front of the castle have a great view. This is the view I was able to get yesterday about 15 minutes before the Minnies Christmas fireworks began. We came over from Columbia Harbour House.



- Harmonious or Epcot Forever I can watch from wherever in the park - I don’t mind as long as I can see most of the show.

- The second showing of the fireworks or other entertainment tends to be less crowded.

- For parades, I find it’s least crowded towards the train station. If you’re willing to be in the sun, curb spots are sometimes still available about 15 mins before the parade gets there.

- Restaurants give you ice water for free. Just have to ask. But be aware it tastes like Florida tap water at most places.

- Mobile ordering is amazing. Some QS will not let you in unless you have a mobile order to pick up (such as ABC Commissary). You can pre-select a time if you’re worried that mobile ordering won’t be available at peak dining periods. (I did this last Christmas and was glad I did so for MK, but not seeing this issue this year so may not be a useful tip anymore.)

- The posted wait time at the end of the park hours are inflated. Rise of the Resistance might be showing 90 minutes wait time about 10 min before park close. Actual wait time has been closer to 20 mins. And part of that is winding through the long queue line that is mostly empty.

- If you’re staying deluxe, the evening hours for MK and Epcot are amazing. We tend to sleep in, have a lazy meal, swim, relax, and hit the parks early evening when the sun isn’t so intense. Those two extra hours are almost like having a park to yourself. Especially if it’s 11pm-1am at Magic Kingdom. (Epcot is a little trickier since Remy is a bit far, but it’s doable.)

 

[Disney_JB]

Wow, thanks so much for the great response and for taking the time to help me out. To answer a few questions, we are staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge for most of the trip, but then are planning on staying at the Polynesian Resort for a couple of nights towards the end. We have planned to go to all 4 parks and hit MK a second time. Our visit is from the end of January through the first few days of February. I heard this is usually a little less busy and that the temperatures are cooler. Is this accurate? Also considering Genie+, but if it is less busy is that going a little overboard? I know that Disney World is really big and that it is probably impossible to try and do everything in one trip. I am doing a lot of research, but my worry is that once I get there I will be overwhelmed and accidentally prioritize the wrong things. The main goal is to try to experience as much as I can, but still be open to a little change because I want to just live in the moment and not stress out too much.

 

[glocon]

Just making sure… did you make park reservations?

 

[glocon]

My siblings and I are taking our first trip to WDW in about a month. It is a 5-day/6-night trip. The hotel is booked and ADRs are made. We are totally excited! I am the planner of the trip, so I have been doing a lot of research to prepare. However, I know that we will still probably make a lot of mistakes along the way. Is there anyone, who has a lot more experience in the parks, who has any helpful tips that could make our trip go even smoother? Any tips are welcome.

Just making sure… did you make park reservations?

 

[sdk1231]

Wow, thanks so much for the great response and for taking the time to help me out. To answer a few questions, we are staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge for most of the trip, but then are planning on staying at the Polynesian Resort for a couple of nights towards the end. We have planned to go to all 4 parks and hit MK a second time. Our visit is from the end of January through the first few days of February. I heard this is usually a little less busy and that the temperatures are cooler. Is this accurate? Also considering Genie+, but if it is less busy is that going a little overboard? I know that Disney World is really big and that it is probably impossible to try and do everything in one trip. I am doing a lot of research, but my worry is that once I get there I will be overwhelmed and accidentally prioritize the wrong things. The main goal is to try to experience as much as I can, but still be open to a little change because I want to just live in the moment and not stress out too much.

Jan/Feb is a great time to go. Lower crowds for sure. Temps will be on the cool side, but that's okay - better than heat and humidity in some ways. Split stay between AKL and Poly will be awesome! Trip with siblings will be great fun. I've done several trips with siblings (and all our kids). My tips, and it sounds like you have done your research and have made some great plans:

1. Stop and smell the roses. I know that's a trite phrase, but I'm serious. Go in with the mindset that you're going to have a great time, make memories, and make your own version of a great trip. There is no "perfect" trip, but with the right mindset, you'll have as close to a perfect trip as possible and later on, you'll find yourself laughing about the little things that didn't go quite the way you had planned. Enjoy the little moments. Sit on a bench with some ice cream, watch street performers (like the Dapper Dans), take some rest breaks and chill out with a snack, look around at the shops, watch the ducks. Definitely ride a ride that you think looks "lame" (i.e. People Mover at night). You might like it.

2. Don't be held hostage by your plan. Don't be afraid to go "off plan" depending on what suits you in the moment. Know going in that your plan is probably overly ambitious and don't hesitate or fret about making cuts. Don't be afraid to improvise. If an ADR time/place doesn't work for you at a particular moment, remember that you can cancel 2 hrs in advance and choose something else. (If you're within the 2 hour window, modify it to a later day and then cancel it). There is tons of restaurant availability day of. I never book ADRs. You mentioned concerns about prioritizing things. I personally use Genie+ and find it helpful. (I also personally refuse to stand in any line for more than 20 min). In any case, when in the parks, I find it helpful to have 2-3 "must do" priorities and be flexible with the rest. Don't get bummed out if you have skip something. One time recently, my teen and early 20's daughters were super hot and decided to spend 30 min splashing around at the little kids splash station by Dumbo. Then they rode little kid rides Barnstormer and Dumbo. That hour or so was not in my plan, trust me. But I sat on a bench and watched them and took a video. It was unexpected, hilarious and fun.

3. When traveling with siblings (for me anyway), I've found it helpful to have a "no forced fun" rule. Sometimes someone doesn't want to go with "the plan"... which is so annoying, because I make awesome plans - LOL / just kidding. Anyway, I go in with the idea that anyone can skip any segment of "the plan" at any time and meet up later. That seems to work. Otherwise, you as "the planner" spend the whole time feeling like you're trying to herd cats. It's no fun to drag along a reluctant participant. One Negative Nelly can put a damper on the fun for everyone. So what if one person wants to prioritize sleep and skip Early Entry? No big deal.

4. The Poly is one of my favorite resorts. Set aside some time to enjoy it. Take an afternoon to hang out at the pool. Get a Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai (the outdoor ice cream window by the lobby). If you're around in the afternoon (usually before 3pm), go get in line at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, by the indoor entrance. They usually open at 3. I get in line at about 2:30 and am given a number. They text when they open and my table's ready. Go in and have a drink. It's fun. (I don't drink alcohol, but get the fruit punch and it's still fun). Eat a light dinner/snacks at Tambu Lounge upstairs by Ohana. They serve some of the same food and it's fun to sit there at the bar. Rent a pontoon boat and tool around Seven Seas Lagoon. I have no tips for AKL. I stayed there only once (low price) and disliked it. Simply put, I didn't like having to bus everywhere and I found it too huge, too brown and generally not to my aesthetic taste. Would much rather have stayed at Wilderness Lodge (so pretty!) or Yacht/Beach, or the Swan/Dolphin, where I could walk to Epcot/DHS. I know a lot of people love AKL though, so take my opinion as one person's point of view only.

Anyway, sorry for such a long note. You've done your research, you've got some great ideas. Just go, relax, and you'll have an awesome time!

 

[Disney_JB]

Just making sure… did you make park reservations?

Yes I did

 

[Disney_JB]

Jan/Feb is a great time to go. Lower crowds for sure. Temps will be on the cool side, but that's okay - better than heat and humidity in some ways. Split stay between AKL and Poly will be awesome! Trip with siblings will be great fun. I've done several trips with siblings (and all our kids). My tips, and it sounds like you have done your research and have made some great plans:

1. Stop and smell the roses. I know that's a trite phrase, but I'm serious. Go in with the mindset that you're going to have a great time, make memories, and make your own version of a great trip. There is no "perfect" trip, but with the right mindset, you'll have as close to a perfect trip as possible and later on, you'll find yourself laughing about the little things that didn't go quite the way you had planned. Enjoy the little moments. Sit on a bench with some ice cream, watch street performers (like the Dapper Dans), take some rest breaks and chill out with a snack, look around at the shops, watch the ducks. Definitely ride a ride that you think looks "lame" (i.e. People Mover at night). You might like it.

2. Don't be held hostage by your plan. Don't be afraid to go "off plan" depending on what suits you in the moment. Know going in that your plan is probably overly ambitious and don't hesitate or fret about making cuts. Don't be afraid to improvise. If an ADR time/place doesn't work for you at a particular moment, remember that you can cancel 2 hrs in advance and choose something else. (If you're within the 2 hour window, modify it to a later day and then cancel it). There is tons of restaurant availability day of. I never book ADRs. You mentioned concerns about prioritizing things. I personally use Genie+ and find it helpful. (I also personally refuse to stand in any line for more than 20 min). In any case, when in the parks, I find it helpful to have 2-3 "must do" priorities and be flexible with the rest. Don't get bummed out if you have skip something. One time recently, my teen and early 20's daughters were super hot and decided to spend 30 min splashing around at the little kids splash station by Dumbo. Then they rode little kid rides Barnstormer and Dumbo. That hour or so was not in my plan, trust me. But I sat on a bench and watched them and took a video. It was unexpected, hilarious and fun.

3. When traveling with siblings (for me anyway), I've found it helpful to have a "no forced fun" rule. Sometimes someone doesn't want to go with "the plan"... which is so annoying, because I make awesome plans - LOL / just kidding. Anyway, I go in with the idea that anyone can skip any segment of "the plan" at any time and meet up later. That seems to work. Otherwise, you as "the planner" spend the whole time feeling like you're trying to herd cats. It's no fun to drag along a reluctant participant. One Negative Nelly can put a damper on the fun for everyone. So what if one person wants to prioritize sleep and skip Early Entry? No big deal.

4. The Poly is one of my favorite resorts. Set aside some time to enjoy it. Take an afternoon to hang out at the pool. Get a Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai (the outdoor ice cream window by the lobby). If you're around in the afternoon (usually before 3pm), go get in line at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, by the indoor entrance. They usually open at 3. I get in line at about 2:30 and am given a number. They text when they open and my table's ready. Go in and have a drink. It's fun. (I don't drink alcohol, but get the fruit punch and it's still fun). Eat a light dinner/snacks at Tambu Lounge upstairs by Ohana. They serve some of the same food and it's fun to sit there at the bar. Rent a pontoon boat and tool around Seven Seas Lagoon. I have no tips for AKL. I stayed there only once (low price) and disliked it. Simply put, I didn't like having to bus everywhere and I found it too huge, too brown and generally not to my aesthetic taste. Would much rather have stayed at Wilderness Lodge (so pretty!) or Yacht/Beach, or the Swan/Dolphin, where I could walk to Epcot/DHS. I know a lot of people love AKL though, so take my opinion as one person's point of view only.

Anyway, sorry for such a long note. You've done your research, you've got some great ideas. Just go, relax, and you'll have an awesome time!

Thank you so much. You made me feel a lot better about my worries and I'll definitely try to go into the trip with an open mindset. I will have to try some of those places you mentioned at the Polynesian, sounds fun.

 

[sdk1231]

Thank you so much. You made me feel a lot better about my worries and I'll definitely try to go into the trip with an open mindset. I will have to try some of those places you mentioned at the Polynesian, sounds fun.

Definitely! I forgot to mention that I line up before opening at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at the Poly so I can get right in when they open. If you try to go later in the day or at night the wait is super long and you might not even get in. It's arguably one of the most popular bars in all of WDW. Very fun.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

Wow, thanks so much for the great response and for taking the time to help me out. To answer a few questions, we are staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge for most of the trip, but then are planning on staying at the Polynesian Resort for a couple of nights towards the end. We have planned to go to all 4 parks and hit MK a second time. Our visit is from the end of January through the first few days of February. I heard this is usually a little less busy and that the temperatures are cooler. Is this accurate? Also considering Genie+, but if it is less busy is that going a little overboard? I know that Disney World is really big and that it is probably impossible to try and do everything in one trip. I am doing a lot of research, but my worry is that once I get there I will be overwhelmed and accidentally prioritize the wrong things. The main goal is to try to experience as much as I can, but still be open to a little change because I want to just live in the moment and not stress out too much.

I’ve never been during end of Jan / early Feb but I have heard good things crowd and weather wise about that time period. (I’ve done end of Dec and end of Feb, and the weather is great. Not insanely hot, but still warm enough for the pool most days.)

The great thing about taking your first trip is that you don’t know what you don’t know. So if you do miss something, you won’t even know about it. (I feel like I’m not expressing that very well…)

I have only bought Genie+ once so I’m not the best resource here, we tend to only do rides in the evenings or when park closes and the waits are manageable. But I do recommend getting Genie+ to my friends for Magic Kingdom. Seems to be the most worthwhile. I also recommend the Individual Lightning Lanes (which don’t require Genie+ purchase) if you like those rides.

I love both Poly and AKL. Actually am checking into the Poly tomorrow, and very excited. Both have excellent food, pools, and theming. Neither would be my top choice for park warriors because I like to be able to walk to a park (or two), but that is the only downside of either resort. The bread service at Sanaa is delicious and the menu is one of the most reasonably priced at WDW. I love the different viewing locations around AKL. You may want to double check the pool refurb schedule for these two resorts if that is a big deal for your trip - Poly slide might be under refurb as of Jan 3, not sure when it’s expected to be back. There’s also some construction for the new Poly Tower being built. I’d request to be away from that section if possible. If not, it’s not a dealbreaker. The resort is still lovely, and you likely won’t notice much if you’re at the parks most days!

Living in the moment sounds like a great trip attitude. Go with the flow and just remember the magic of Disney are the people - the cast members AND the guests. Have an awesome time.

 

[Miffy]

I've been in January, February, and March, and the weather is unpredictable.

The last time I was there in February, it was so cold the entire time I was there that I had my winter coat on every day. And, oh yeah, it rained almost every day. Not pleasant.

But I've had late Januarys where it was cool, not cold, and never rained and there were even a couple of warm, sunny days.

Impossible to predict.

As for the crowds, no one knows. Since the parks reopened a couple of years ago, January and February have no longer been the lighter-crowd months they used to be. Maybe 2023 will be different.

At any rate, check the weather before you leave and pack accordingly. In truth, cold and rain can be your friends, because nothing empties out a park faster than an impressive rainstorm. I had one of the best safaris I've ever had a couple of weeks ago during a deluge.

 

[lorileahb]

We are headed next Wednesday... when we were there in August, had to line up at 2/2:30 p.m. to get name on virtual list for call back reservation. A couple of questions:
1. Is this still how it works?
2. If so, trying to figure out when I need to get in line so we get a call back after 6:30 p.m. (my dh has to work during the day, and I want to surprise him for dinner).

Any recent feedback would be awesome - thanks!

 

[mco65]

Rope Drop, Rope Drop and Rope Drop.