Here's a recap of my husband and my 6 night trip to WDW (mid 20s...married two years...no children). We had a wonderful time. It was his first trip and my fourth trip to WDW. Since it was his first trip, we wanted to visit every attraction we could. We were able to visit absolutely every attraction we wanted to see. More impressive to us was that we managed to walk away with only spending $466.15 on food, snacks, and souvenirs in the park (in addition to our hotel/tickets/airfare package which included one free meal).
I hope you find our itinerary useful in your planning! I also included some information on the crowds and weather. and a few thoughts on the trip. Feel free to post any questions...I will check back regularly to answer any.
Enjoy your trip!
M&J
Sunday, July 22
Checked Into All-Star Music Resort
Park Visited: Magic Kingdom (Arrived by 1:30 p.m., Stayed until Closing)
Attractions
(MK): Main Street USA
Railroad
Cinderella's Castle (including Rose Garden)
Swiss Family Treehouse
Jungle Cruise Ride
Pirates of the Caribbean
Tiki Room Show
Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue Show
Country Bear Jamboree Show
Tom Sawyer's Rafts to Tom Saywer's Island
Tom Sawyer's Island (many features including fort)
Liberty Square Riverboat Ride
Haunted Mansion Ride (FASTPASS)
It's A Small World
Legend of the Lion King Show
Cinderella's Golden Carousel
Snow White's Scary Adventure Ride
Minnie's Country House
Mickey's Country House
Extra Terrorestrial Alien Encounter
Magical Moments Afternoon Parade (in Frontierland)
Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks Show
Lunch (Hotel): Brought Snacks (WDW Florist delivered Snack Basket)
Dinner (MK): Aunt Polley's Dockside Inn (Counter Service on Tom Sawyer's Island)
Crowds (MK): Only slightly crowded (no long waits for visited attractions)
Weather: Very Warm, Evening Rain (cancelled nighttime parade)
Monday, July 23
Parks Visited: Magic Kingdom (Early Entry until approximately 11 a.m.)
Monorail from Magic Kingdom to Epcot
Epcot (Approximately 11:30 a.m. until Closing)
Attractions Visited (MK): Splash Mountain Ride (FASTPASS)
Big Thunder Mountain Ride (FASTPASS)
Hall of Presidents Show
Ariel's Grotto
Peter Pan's Flight
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (FASTPASS)
Space Mountain
Carousel of Progress Show
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (FASTPASS)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Attractions Visited (Epcot): Mexico Pavilion & Exhibits
El Rio Del Tiempo Ride
Norway Pavilion & Stave Church Gallery
Maelstrom Ride & Film (FASTPASS)
China Pavilion & Exhibits
Wonders of China Film
Germany Pavilion & Exhibits
Italy Pavilion
Italy Entertainment - Masquerade
America Pavilion
America Entertainment - Voice of Libery Acapella Group
Japan Pavilion & Exhibits
Japan Entertainment - Candy Artistry
Morocco Pavilion & Exhibits
Morocco Entertainment - Belly Dancer
Morocco Entertainment - Houzali Acrobat Troupe
American Gardens Entertainment - The Power of Blast
O'Canada Film
Illuminations Firework Presentation
Friendship Launch
Breakfast (Hotel): Brought Snacks
Lunch (Epcot): Restaurant Marrakesh (Full-Service in Morocco Pavilion)
Dinner (Epcot): Lotus Blossom Café (Counter Service in China Pavilion)
Crowds (MK): Slightly crowded early, gradually getting more crowded later in morning
Crowds (Epcot): Slightly crowded
Weather: Very Warm, Evening Downpour (cancelled Epcot parade)
Tuesday, July 24
Park Visited: Epcot (Early Entry until Closing)
Attractions Visited (Epcot): Spaceship Earth Ride & Exhibits
Ellen's Energy Adventure Show
Body Wars Simulator
Wonders of Life Entertainment - The Wonders of Laugh
The Making of Me Film
Cranium Command Show
Wonders of Life Fitness Fairgrounds & Exhibits
Test Track
Honey I Shrunk the Audience Show (FASTPASS)
Journey Into Imagination Ride
Image Work Exhibits
Circle of Life Film
Living with the Land Ride (FASTPASS)
Food Rocks Show
Sea Base Alpha Film & Ride
Innoventions East & West Exhibits
Ice Station Cool
Mexico Entertainment - Mariachi Cobre
Italy Entertainment - Bella Fortuna
Morocco - MO'ROCKIN
France Pavilion
Impressions de France Film
France - Imaginum Living Statues
France - World Showcase Players
United Kingdom Pavilion
Canada Pavilion
Canada - The Pipes of Nova Scotia
Tapestry of Nations Parade
Friendship Launch
Breakfast (Hotel): Brought Snacks
Lunch (Epcot): Le Cellier (Full-Service in Canada Pavilion)
Dinner (Epcot): San Angel Inn (Full-Service in Mexico Pavilion)
Crowds (Epcot): Early Entry hours was not crowded. World Showcase was only slightly crowded in early afternoon while Future World was extremely crowded. In evening, World Showcase was extremely crowded while Future World was only slightly crowded
Weather: Warm, Minor Rain
Wednesday, July 25
Parks Visited: Typhoon Lagoon (Mid-morning until mid-afternoon)
Dowtown Disney (Mid-afternoon until 10 p.m.)
Attractions Visited (TL): Castaway Creek
Jib Jammer
Humunga Kowabunga
Mayday Falls
Gangplank Falls
Keelhaul Falls
Surf Pool
Attractions Visited (DD): Marketplace Shops
West Side Shops
Pleasure Island (stepped into several clubs)
Comedy Warehouse - 1 show
Adventurer's Club - 1 show
Breakfast (Hotel): Brought Snacks
Lunch (DD): Planet Hollywood
Dinner (DD): Ghiradelli's
Crowds (TL): Pretty crowded - wait per slide was about 15 minutes
Crowds (DD): Hardly any crowds
Weather: Very warm, another evening rain
Thursday, July 26
Parks Visited: Animal Kingdom (Opening until 5 p.m.)
Returned to Hotel
MGM Studios (6 p.m. until closing)
Attractions Visited (AK): Oasis
Tree of Life
It's Tought to Be A Bug Film
Safari River Trails
Boneyard Playgroung
Cretaceous Trail Walking Trail
Countdown to Extinction Ride (FASTPASS)
Tarzan Rocks Show
Kali River Rapids (FASTPASS)
Maharajah Jungle Trek Walking Trail
Flights of Wonder Bird Show
Kimilanjaro Safari
Gorilla Falls Exploration Walking Trail
Pangani Exploration Walking Trail
Wildlife Express to Conservation Station
Rafiki's Planet Watch
Pocahontas & Her Forest Friends Show
Festival of the Lion King Show
Attractions Visited (MGM): Hollywood Boulevard Shops
Tower of Terror (two times)
Backlot Tour (actors in scene)
Sounds Dangerous
Fantasmic Presentation
Breakfast (Hotel): Brought snacks
Lunch (AK): Rainforest Café (VERY LONG WAIT FOR FOOD)
Dinner (Hotel): Brought snacks
Crowds (AK): Extremely Crowded
Crowds (MGM): Slightly Crowded
Weather: Very warm, afternoon rain
Friday, July 27
Parks Visited: MGM (Opening until 7 p.m.)
Bus to Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom (7:30 p.m. until Closing)
Attractions Visited (MGM): Beauty & the Beast Show
Rock-n-Roller Coaster
Bear in the Big Blue House
Magic of Disney Animation Tour
Voyage of the Little Mermaid (FASTPASS)
Backstage Pass
Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground
NY Street Backlot
Hunchback of Notre Dame
Muppetvision
The Great Movie Ride Show
Star Tours (FASTPASS)
Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Millionaire (two times - one FASTPASS)
Attractions Visited (MK): Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Spectromagic Nighttime Parade (in Frontierland)
Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks Show
Breakfast (Hotel): Brought snacks
Lunch (MGM): Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Dinner (MK): Pecos Bill Cafe Counter Service
Crowds (MGM): Slightly crowded
Crowds (MK): Crowded
Weather: Warm
Saturday, July 28
Checked out of All-Star Music
Park Visited: MGM (Opening until 1:15 p.m.)
Attractions Visited (MGM): Tower of Terror
Rock-n-Roller Coaster
Millionaire (three times - two FASTPASS - my husband made it to the hot seat...got up to the 250,000 point question!!)
Breakfast (MGM): Starring Rolls Bakery
Lunch (Hotel): All-Star Food Court
Crowds (MGM): Slightly crowded
Weather: Warm, afternoon rain
Afterthoughts:
***The All-Star resort was a great bargain for how little time we spent at the resort (we spent about 1.5 hours awake at the hotel each day...and that time was getting ready for the day or getting ready for bed). We were in the Jazz building in a room on the backside. The room was very quiet. The only problem was a cockroach in our room on Thursday.
***None of the parks were crowded early in the week, but as the week progressed they became more and more crowded. I don't know if we were just lucky with where we visited early on or if attendance just picked up as the weekend approached.
***We do not recommend more than one priority seating reservation a day (we only had three overall). On the days that we had two, we were not even hungry when our second one rolled around. Furthermore, only make priority seating for your "absolutely must do" restaurants?we were able to walk into a few restaurants at convenient times with no wait. Not being tied down to certain priority seating times made it easier for us to visit more attractions.
***Although we enjoyed the full-service restaurants, we would have much rather been visiting the attractions than waiting for our food...so choose restaurants that won't require a long wait. Le Cellier, Sci-Fi Dine-In, and Planet Hollywood were very fast (Le Cellier was a favorite: our waiter was excellent, the cheese soup and Pretzel bread was delicious!). Restaurant Marrakesh and San Angel Inn were slightly slow. Rainforest Cafe was an extremely long wait despite priority seating (we had to wait 40 minutes to get our food) and it was very noisy since the tables are so close together.
***Bring your own snack food/breakfast foods. We only bought breakfast one time?the rest of the trip we had pop-tarts, nutri-grain bars and fruit. (If you don't want to bring your own snack food WDW Florist can deliver snack baskets to your room. I did this as a surprise to my husband, in addition to bringing our own snacks. WDW Florist was more expensive, so if you are trying to save money bring more snacks of your own.) We also carried snacks in a plastic bag into the park. Carrying the snack bag wasn't too inconvenient since those snacks were usually eaten in the late morning.
***See as many street performers in Epcot as you can?We loved them, and it provided a nice sit-down break during the day.
***Use as many Fastpasses as you can. We were very fond of the Fastpasses. Get the Fastpasses before you visit other attractions nearby to reduce waiting time.
***We did not want to wait in long lines to see attractions?.we would rather catch the attraction during its non-busy time. The longest we ever waited for an attraction was about 25 minutes (only because all of its Fastpasses had been distributed).
***Allow time to revisit your favorite attractions?ours were Buzz Lightyear, Tower of Terror, Rock-n-Roller Coaster, and Millionaire
***The first two evening parades were rained out?if you desperately want to catch all the parades, fireworks and shows (we did!) leave some room in your schedule to park hop later in the week in case something is cancelled due to rain.
***Take advantage of early entry (if available) or arrive at park opening. We were able to accomplish so much in the early hours. Although it was hard for us to wake up that early (factoring in the time change it was very early for us), we found the parks to be much more enjoyable earlier in the day with less crowds and cooler weather.
***We found it necessary to have a "relaxing" day during the middle of our trip. Wednesday we were able to sleep in, yet still visit Typhoon Lagoon and Downtown Disney. It was very relaxing....until the sunburn set in the next day!
I hope this helps you out in your planning....please e-mail with any questions you may have!
I hope you find our itinerary useful in your planning! I also included some information on the crowds and weather. and a few thoughts on the trip. Feel free to post any questions...I will check back regularly to answer any.
Enjoy your trip!
M&J
Sunday, July 22
Checked Into All-Star Music Resort
Park Visited: Magic Kingdom (Arrived by 1:30 p.m., Stayed until Closing)
Attractions
(MK): Main Street USA
Railroad
Cinderella's Castle (including Rose Garden)
Swiss Family Treehouse
Jungle Cruise Ride
Pirates of the Caribbean
Tiki Room Show
Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue Show
Country Bear Jamboree Show
Tom Sawyer's Rafts to Tom Saywer's Island
Tom Sawyer's Island (many features including fort)
Liberty Square Riverboat Ride
Haunted Mansion Ride (FASTPASS)
It's A Small World
Legend of the Lion King Show
Cinderella's Golden Carousel
Snow White's Scary Adventure Ride
Minnie's Country House
Mickey's Country House
Extra Terrorestrial Alien Encounter
Magical Moments Afternoon Parade (in Frontierland)
Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks Show
Lunch (Hotel): Brought Snacks (WDW Florist delivered Snack Basket)
Dinner (MK): Aunt Polley's Dockside Inn (Counter Service on Tom Sawyer's Island)
Crowds (MK): Only slightly crowded (no long waits for visited attractions)
Weather: Very Warm, Evening Rain (cancelled nighttime parade)
Monday, July 23
Parks Visited: Magic Kingdom (Early Entry until approximately 11 a.m.)
Monorail from Magic Kingdom to Epcot
Epcot (Approximately 11:30 a.m. until Closing)
Attractions Visited (MK): Splash Mountain Ride (FASTPASS)
Big Thunder Mountain Ride (FASTPASS)
Hall of Presidents Show
Ariel's Grotto
Peter Pan's Flight
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (FASTPASS)
Space Mountain
Carousel of Progress Show
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (FASTPASS)
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Attractions Visited (Epcot): Mexico Pavilion & Exhibits
El Rio Del Tiempo Ride
Norway Pavilion & Stave Church Gallery
Maelstrom Ride & Film (FASTPASS)
China Pavilion & Exhibits
Wonders of China Film
Germany Pavilion & Exhibits
Italy Pavilion
Italy Entertainment - Masquerade
America Pavilion
America Entertainment - Voice of Libery Acapella Group
Japan Pavilion & Exhibits
Japan Entertainment - Candy Artistry
Morocco Pavilion & Exhibits
Morocco Entertainment - Belly Dancer
Morocco Entertainment - Houzali Acrobat Troupe
American Gardens Entertainment - The Power of Blast
O'Canada Film
Illuminations Firework Presentation
Friendship Launch
Breakfast (Hotel): Brought Snacks
Lunch (Epcot): Restaurant Marrakesh (Full-Service in Morocco Pavilion)
Dinner (Epcot): Lotus Blossom Café (Counter Service in China Pavilion)
Crowds (MK): Slightly crowded early, gradually getting more crowded later in morning
Crowds (Epcot): Slightly crowded
Weather: Very Warm, Evening Downpour (cancelled Epcot parade)
Tuesday, July 24
Park Visited: Epcot (Early Entry until Closing)
Attractions Visited (Epcot): Spaceship Earth Ride & Exhibits
Ellen's Energy Adventure Show
Body Wars Simulator
Wonders of Life Entertainment - The Wonders of Laugh
The Making of Me Film
Cranium Command Show
Wonders of Life Fitness Fairgrounds & Exhibits
Test Track
Honey I Shrunk the Audience Show (FASTPASS)
Journey Into Imagination Ride
Image Work Exhibits
Circle of Life Film
Living with the Land Ride (FASTPASS)
Food Rocks Show
Sea Base Alpha Film & Ride
Innoventions East & West Exhibits
Ice Station Cool
Mexico Entertainment - Mariachi Cobre
Italy Entertainment - Bella Fortuna
Morocco - MO'ROCKIN
France Pavilion
Impressions de France Film
France - Imaginum Living Statues
France - World Showcase Players
United Kingdom Pavilion
Canada Pavilion
Canada - The Pipes of Nova Scotia
Tapestry of Nations Parade
Friendship Launch
Breakfast (Hotel): Brought Snacks
Lunch (Epcot): Le Cellier (Full-Service in Canada Pavilion)
Dinner (Epcot): San Angel Inn (Full-Service in Mexico Pavilion)
Crowds (Epcot): Early Entry hours was not crowded. World Showcase was only slightly crowded in early afternoon while Future World was extremely crowded. In evening, World Showcase was extremely crowded while Future World was only slightly crowded
Weather: Warm, Minor Rain
Wednesday, July 25
Parks Visited: Typhoon Lagoon (Mid-morning until mid-afternoon)
Dowtown Disney (Mid-afternoon until 10 p.m.)
Attractions Visited (TL): Castaway Creek
Jib Jammer
Humunga Kowabunga
Mayday Falls
Gangplank Falls
Keelhaul Falls
Surf Pool
Attractions Visited (DD): Marketplace Shops
West Side Shops
Pleasure Island (stepped into several clubs)
Comedy Warehouse - 1 show
Adventurer's Club - 1 show
Breakfast (Hotel): Brought Snacks
Lunch (DD): Planet Hollywood
Dinner (DD): Ghiradelli's
Crowds (TL): Pretty crowded - wait per slide was about 15 minutes
Crowds (DD): Hardly any crowds
Weather: Very warm, another evening rain
Thursday, July 26
Parks Visited: Animal Kingdom (Opening until 5 p.m.)
Returned to Hotel
MGM Studios (6 p.m. until closing)
Attractions Visited (AK): Oasis
Tree of Life
It's Tought to Be A Bug Film
Safari River Trails
Boneyard Playgroung
Cretaceous Trail Walking Trail
Countdown to Extinction Ride (FASTPASS)
Tarzan Rocks Show
Kali River Rapids (FASTPASS)
Maharajah Jungle Trek Walking Trail
Flights of Wonder Bird Show
Kimilanjaro Safari
Gorilla Falls Exploration Walking Trail
Pangani Exploration Walking Trail
Wildlife Express to Conservation Station
Rafiki's Planet Watch
Pocahontas & Her Forest Friends Show
Festival of the Lion King Show
Attractions Visited (MGM): Hollywood Boulevard Shops
Tower of Terror (two times)
Backlot Tour (actors in scene)
Sounds Dangerous
Fantasmic Presentation
Breakfast (Hotel): Brought snacks
Lunch (AK): Rainforest Café (VERY LONG WAIT FOR FOOD)
Dinner (Hotel): Brought snacks
Crowds (AK): Extremely Crowded
Crowds (MGM): Slightly Crowded
Weather: Very warm, afternoon rain
Friday, July 27
Parks Visited: MGM (Opening until 7 p.m.)
Bus to Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom (7:30 p.m. until Closing)
Attractions Visited (MGM): Beauty & the Beast Show
Rock-n-Roller Coaster
Bear in the Big Blue House
Magic of Disney Animation Tour
Voyage of the Little Mermaid (FASTPASS)
Backstage Pass
Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground
NY Street Backlot
Hunchback of Notre Dame
Muppetvision
The Great Movie Ride Show
Star Tours (FASTPASS)
Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Millionaire (two times - one FASTPASS)
Attractions Visited (MK): Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Spectromagic Nighttime Parade (in Frontierland)
Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks Show
Breakfast (Hotel): Brought snacks
Lunch (MGM): Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Dinner (MK): Pecos Bill Cafe Counter Service
Crowds (MGM): Slightly crowded
Crowds (MK): Crowded
Weather: Warm
Saturday, July 28
Checked out of All-Star Music
Park Visited: MGM (Opening until 1:15 p.m.)
Attractions Visited (MGM): Tower of Terror
Rock-n-Roller Coaster
Millionaire (three times - two FASTPASS - my husband made it to the hot seat...got up to the 250,000 point question!!)
Breakfast (MGM): Starring Rolls Bakery
Lunch (Hotel): All-Star Food Court
Crowds (MGM): Slightly crowded
Weather: Warm, afternoon rain
Afterthoughts:
***The All-Star resort was a great bargain for how little time we spent at the resort (we spent about 1.5 hours awake at the hotel each day...and that time was getting ready for the day or getting ready for bed). We were in the Jazz building in a room on the backside. The room was very quiet. The only problem was a cockroach in our room on Thursday.
***None of the parks were crowded early in the week, but as the week progressed they became more and more crowded. I don't know if we were just lucky with where we visited early on or if attendance just picked up as the weekend approached.
***We do not recommend more than one priority seating reservation a day (we only had three overall). On the days that we had two, we were not even hungry when our second one rolled around. Furthermore, only make priority seating for your "absolutely must do" restaurants?we were able to walk into a few restaurants at convenient times with no wait. Not being tied down to certain priority seating times made it easier for us to visit more attractions.
***Although we enjoyed the full-service restaurants, we would have much rather been visiting the attractions than waiting for our food...so choose restaurants that won't require a long wait. Le Cellier, Sci-Fi Dine-In, and Planet Hollywood were very fast (Le Cellier was a favorite: our waiter was excellent, the cheese soup and Pretzel bread was delicious!). Restaurant Marrakesh and San Angel Inn were slightly slow. Rainforest Cafe was an extremely long wait despite priority seating (we had to wait 40 minutes to get our food) and it was very noisy since the tables are so close together.
***Bring your own snack food/breakfast foods. We only bought breakfast one time?the rest of the trip we had pop-tarts, nutri-grain bars and fruit. (If you don't want to bring your own snack food WDW Florist can deliver snack baskets to your room. I did this as a surprise to my husband, in addition to bringing our own snacks. WDW Florist was more expensive, so if you are trying to save money bring more snacks of your own.) We also carried snacks in a plastic bag into the park. Carrying the snack bag wasn't too inconvenient since those snacks were usually eaten in the late morning.
***See as many street performers in Epcot as you can?We loved them, and it provided a nice sit-down break during the day.
***Use as many Fastpasses as you can. We were very fond of the Fastpasses. Get the Fastpasses before you visit other attractions nearby to reduce waiting time.
***We did not want to wait in long lines to see attractions?.we would rather catch the attraction during its non-busy time. The longest we ever waited for an attraction was about 25 minutes (only because all of its Fastpasses had been distributed).
***Allow time to revisit your favorite attractions?ours were Buzz Lightyear, Tower of Terror, Rock-n-Roller Coaster, and Millionaire
***The first two evening parades were rained out?if you desperately want to catch all the parades, fireworks and shows (we did!) leave some room in your schedule to park hop later in the week in case something is cancelled due to rain.
***Take advantage of early entry (if available) or arrive at park opening. We were able to accomplish so much in the early hours. Although it was hard for us to wake up that early (factoring in the time change it was very early for us), we found the parks to be much more enjoyable earlier in the day with less crowds and cooler weather.
***We found it necessary to have a "relaxing" day during the middle of our trip. Wednesday we were able to sleep in, yet still visit Typhoon Lagoon and Downtown Disney. It was very relaxing....until the sunburn set in the next day!
I hope this helps you out in your planning....please e-mail with any questions you may have!
