Was booking FTP a mistake?

[jenfur]

I am wondering if anyone else who booked the FTP feels like it may have been a mistake? I usually have until December to save up for my trip, but with the "great deal" I went ahead and booked a package for Sept. 29- Oct 6, when I NEVER would have considered doing a package before.

Now it seems like all the thrill rides except two are going to be closed for rehab - two in one park at the same time! The crowds which would usually be small are going to be bigger because of the package. I am just really nervous about how this trip is going to turn out.

Anyone else?

 

[Mickey1]

What thrill rides are going to be closed during that time besides BTMR? Thanks.

 

[pintrader]

The Swiss Family Treehouse will be closed for refurbishment Sunday, September 7 through Friday, October 24, reopening on Saturday, October 25, 2003 at Magic Kingdom. That is the only attraction I was aware ofthere.

The Magic of Disney Animation will be closed for refurbishment September 14 through November 17, 2003 and will re-open November 18, 2003 at MGM Studios. The Lilo and Stitch Character meet and greet and the Animation Gallery merchandise shop will still operate.

Festival of the Lion King Theatre at Animal Kingdom will be closed to add airconditioning to the arena and will be closed for approximately three weeks. I have forgotten the dates.

I know that these things can and do change, but it doesn't seem as if that many have been officially confirmed at this point.

 

[chell]

This is from the WDW website :

Q. What attractions are currently closed?

A. To provide Walt Disney World® Guests with the highest-quality experience, attraction maintenance is occasionally necessary. Please refer to the following schedule to see what attractions may be closed during all or part of your next visit. For updated details, you may wish to call (407) WDW-MAGIC (939-6244)†, just prior to your visit. Dates of refurbishment are subject to change without notice.

*Magic Kingdom® Park

Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other popular Disney characters will appear in three-dimensional animation at "Mickey's PhilharMagic Orchestra," a new attraction scheduled to debut in 2003 in the Magic Kingdom Park. This attraction will replace Legend of the Lion King, which is now closed to help prepare for this new attraction.

Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress - Open seasonally
The Timekeeper - Open seasonally
Big Thunder Mountain will be closed for refurbishment August 24, 2003 - November 19, 2003.
The Swiss Family Treehouse will be closed for refurbishment
September 7, 2003 - October 24, 2003.

*Epcot®

No changes

*Disney-MGM Studios

Magic of Disney Animation will be closed for refurbishment
September 14, 2003 - November 17, 2003.

*Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

No changes

*Downtown Disney® area

No changes

*Water Parks

No changes

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is also a rumor floating around that ToT and RnRC will be closed. WDW is not confirming this yet.

 

[GRAYWIFE]

I personally do not feel like booking the FTP was a mistake. It helps somewhat that certain things may be in refurbishment. I know that sounds silly, but it shortens the list of "must-do" attractions and gives us a chance to fit in other attractions we might otherwise pass by.

The savings alone for me make the package more than worth it. We figure we saved over $2000 by booking this package. We are trying the BC Concierge for the first time and may not have tried this otherwise.

I do not fear that the increase in crowds will be so dramatic to make that big of a deal as far as wait times.

Try to look on the bright side...IT IS DISNEY WORLD!! You will still have a great time!!! Ride the other rides, more than once! How often does one get to do that? The weather should be really nice while you are there as well. Think Positive!!

Don't worry and have a great time!!!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by jenfur
I am wondering if anyone else who booked the FTP feels like it may have been a mistake? I usually have until December to save up for my trip, but with the "great deal" I went ahead and booked a package for Sept. 29- Oct 6, when I NEVER would have considered doing a package before.

Now it seems like all the thrill rides except two are going to be closed for rehab - two in one park at the same time! The crowds which would usually be small are going to be bigger because of the package. I am just really nervous about how this trip is going to turn out.

Anyone else?

Jen, follow the link posted here. Get the facts hon, don't rely on rumors. It will make you nuts.

 

[JodiR]

I would not have been able to go right now without FTP. I have never gone before and was planning to go in December. But because of FTP and the savings I get to stay at AKL now instead of All Star Music in December. There will be crowds but I am ready! I leave Friday and am so excited.

Jodi

 

[chell]

First, let me say that I think the FP was a secret plan by WDW to get all of us to change our vacation plans FROM December! I've talked to several people who were orig. planning on going in December but changed the dates after the FP came out.

I personally do not feel like booking the FTP was a mistake. It helps somewhat that certain things may be in refurbishment. I know that sounds silly, but it shortens the list of "must-do" attractions and gives us a chance to fit in other attractions we might otherwise pass by.

That is a GREAT outlook on it! You do have a VERY positive attitude. Thank you for sharing it with us.

 

[jenfur]

Thnaks, I feel alot better just getting it out. After the rumors I thought that TOT, RnRc, FOTLK,BTMRR, ect were all going to be closed for the whole Sept/Oct period. Now I see that some are just rumored to be down a few days AND you guys are right, there is really ALOT of things to do rather than be disappointed about one or two things.

I fell better about FTP as well, I figured it out again for the heck of it and I actually get 8 days of WDW when I would normally only get 4- you can't beat that no matter what is being refurbished.

 

[GRAYWIFE]

I LOVE THESE BOARDS!!!!

Glad you are feeling better Jenfur...I usually have a mini-meltdown the day before we leave!!!

 

[primax]

Booking the FTP in JULY was definitely a mistake. It was too crowded for my liking. I will never go back in July and did not want to go this time in July but my better half insisted. Now she says she won't go in July again. I Warned her!

 

[PigletsPal]

At first we were only going for 4 days and 3 night. I wasn't sure how we were going to do everything we want during that time, but due $$$ felt we couldn't stay any longer. Now with the FTP even though we had to pay for 1 extra day. We get to do much more than we were going to do before: A water park and Disney Quist, Mickey's Bar-B-Q, Chef Mickey's(a first for us) as for the refurb they only one that will bother us it's the Big Thunder Mtn. Railroad. I know its going to be crowed but aleast I have a better chance of getting on some rides with us being there longer. I can't wait until we go.

YOU didn't make a MISTAKE go and enjoy after all its DISNEY

 

[Mermaid02]

without the incredible FTP savings- we wouldn't be going! I am disappointed that Big Thunder Mountain RR is going to be closed, but it's one less "MUST DO" thing on my list now! We plan on going back in a couple of years, so we can do that one then!

 

[mckryan]

Originally posted by pintrader
Festival of the Lion King Theatre at Animal Kingdom will be closed to add airconditioning to the arena and will be closed for approximately three weeks. I have forgotten the dates.

We were at that show in July, and I thought I was going to die when they turned off the fans for the "fog." I can only imagine how hot the characters were in their costumes. The A/C will be welcome in that venue.

 

[Mickeycrazie]

If I get to Disney the 2nd week of October and TOT and RNRC is closed I'm going to be absolutely mad. TOT is my favorite ride of all times. Just put me on there and leave me alone. I hope this rumor is wrong.

 

[TravelinGal]

Big Thunder Mountain will be closed for refurbishment August 24, 2003 - November 19, 2003.

WAHHHHHHHH!!!!

I've been to WDW 5 times and EVERY TIME it's been closed! I'm NEVER gonna get to ride it!!!

(20-27sep) sigh

We did the FTP and are thrilled with the savings though! I will survive BTMRR being closed. We based our dates on an American Airlines sale - our air would have cost us 1980.00 for 4 - the sale got the price down to $804 for four! That allowed us to upgrade to the silver package. We are very excited!!

 

[ceecee]

We went years ago in July with NO FTP and swore never again. July is hot and crowded with or without any discounts.

 

[summerrluvv]

Originally posted by Mermaid02
without the incredible FTP savings- we wouldn't be going! I am disappointed that Big Thunder Mountain RR is going to be closed, but it's one less "MUST DO" thing on my list now! We plan on going back in a couple of years, so we can do that one then!

OMG I'm so dissapointed!!!! This year my son was finally tall enough to ride this and he loves roller coasters This definately puts a damper on the trip. At least he can still ride the Barnstormer though!