WDW Commando Club

[Disney Commando]

Sweet just checked on the park hours and they have changed, got 5 extra late night park hours added during our trip

Always a good idea to check park hours right up till your trip, you never know when they will add hours

 

[stormyR]

I'm a Disney commando! Posting this here bc I'm sure y'all know all the Ins and Outs.

A little about my trip- Going to be in the parks September 15-19th. I will have with me- my DH, my late 70s mom, and my 2 yr old DD. I think next trip we are going to go just me and DH so we can really have fun without the other two holding us up. We are doing MK on a Thursday and the hours are 8am-9pm (why's it got to close so early during fall?).

Prior to our full day in MK, we will have spent a few hours there 2 nights. EMH on Sunday and for MNSSHP on Tuesday (we plan on getting there at 4pm).

Now it's been many, many years since I've gone to Disney and honestly back in the day when I was kid I felt like we got most everything done being non-commandos, but maybe it was less crowded then and that's why? So I'm trying to commando plan, but I don't really know what to expect when it comes to some things.

*1- Opening/Rope Drop- Do you go through security before Rope Drop or is it out in front of the turnstiles? I've seen people mention not bringing bags. We travel fairly light with DD (usually just a sippy and few diapers) so it may be possible to not bring a bag, will bag check really hold us up? If someone could just "walk me through" how the arrival, ticket, rope drop, bag check, entrance into the park works I would much appreciate it.

*2- Stroller- Necessary evil. We have a fairly lightweigh jogging stroller, its not huge but not small either. Would an umbrella stroller be easier? Would renting one of the park strollers be better?

*3- EMH- I know there are several variables here, but if arrive to the park around 7 and go til 1am, how much can we expect to ride? Are there FPs at night? DH and I will be doing EMH alone so we are hoping to ride the big rides at least a few times each. Would we miss much if we decided to arrive at 8? I don't want to just dump the baby on my mom and rush out the door but at the same time I want to do as much as we can.

*4- MNSSHP- We are all new to this. DD loves to dance so we'll do at least one of the dance parties, trick or treat some, see the parade and fireworks. We are arriving at 4pm and the party doesn't start til 7. We want to do some of the rides at least before the party begins and wouldn't mind doing some during the party either. Any idea what I can expect as far as ride lines go?

*5- Last question (I think)- What should we hit first when we arrive on our full day at MK? Any suggestions on what order to go in? We'd like to mostly do things as a family but I wouldn't mind fitting in some of the larger rides if we don't have to leave my mom and DD standing too long waiting on us.

*6- I lied. I'm wanting to get DD's first haircut at the barbershop on Main. I'm guessing this late in the game I'll probably have to take a time slot when I can get it, but if they have multiple ones open what would be best? Early afternoon when the park is packed?

 

[AirGoofy]

I'm a Disney commando! Posting this here bc I'm sure y'all know all the Ins and Outs.

A little about my trip- Going to be in the parks September 15-19th. I will have with me- my DH, my late 70s mom, and my 2 yr old DD. I think next trip we are going to go just me and DH so we can really have fun without the other two holding us up. We are doing MK on a Thursday and the hours are 8am-9pm (why's it got to close so early during fall?).

*1- Opening/Rope Drop- Do you go through security before Rope Drop or is it out in front of the turnstiles? I've seen people mention not bringing bags. We travel fairly light with DD (usually just a sippy and few diapers) so it may be possible to not bring a bag, will bag check really hold us up? If someone could just "walk me through" how the arrival, ticket, rope drop, bag check, entrance into the park works I would much appreciate it.

*2- Stroller- Necessary evil. We have a fairly lightweigh jogging stroller, its not huge but not small either. Would an umbrella stroller be easier? Would renting one of the park strollers be better?

*3- EMH- I know there are several variables here, but if arrive to the park around 7 and go til 1am, how much can we expect to ride? Are there FPs at night? DH and I will be doing EMH alone so we are hoping to ride the big rides at least a few times each. Would we miss much if we decided to arrive at 8? I don't want to just dump the baby on my mom and rush out the door but at the same time I want to do as much as we can.

*4- MNSSHP- We are all new to this. DD loves to dance so we'll do at least one of the dance parties, trick or treat some, see the parade and fireworks. We are arriving at 4pm and the party doesn't start til 7. We want to do some of the rides at least before the party begins and wouldn't mind doing some during the party either. Any idea what I can expect as far as ride lines go?

*5- Last question (I think)- What should we hit first when we arrive on our full day at MK? Any suggestions on what order to go in? We'd like to mostly do things as a family but I wouldn't mind fitting in some of the larger rides if we don't have to leave my mom and DD standing too long waiting on us.

*6- I lied. I'm wanting to get DD's first haircut at the barbershop on Main. I'm guessing this late in the game I'll probably have to take a time slot when I can get it, but if they have multiple ones open what would be best? Early afternoon when the park is packed?

Welcome. Good thing is that September is a lower crowd time and you should be able to do fine. Also, try to make some ADRs, as it may be free dining, and it will be difficult to walk up to many restaurants. Have a great trip.

For your questions:

1) I may have missed it. Are you staying on property or off property? If on property, your tickets are loaded at the time of check in. It looks like is to the new magic bands, which I don't know a lot about yet. (Used to be KTTW Card). If off property, you can buy tickets at the transportation center. You park and take shuttle or walk to TTC, where you can buy tickets, get on ferry boat, or monorail to MK. At MK, you enter thru security, bag check, and then wait at turnstile to enter. There used to be a RD show with characters arriving in train. I'm not sure if it is still there as we haven't done RD in awhile.

2) Size doesn't matter. Carrying an infant all day can be heavy. We had two dds, and had a double (single file) stroller. It collapsed on bus from resort to parks. At WDW, the CMs will navigate you or push your stroller to the designated area. Never had a theft issue. As mine were older, we could do an umbrella stroller. We went when youngest was 15 months and oldest was 3.

3) Evening EMH are our favorite. Cooler temps and all the younger kids are gone so we can really get a lot of rides done. That is a great plan.

4) Ride lines are real small during the MNSSHP. It may be a little more crowded before party starts, but at 7, there is so much to do that it divides the crowd. Some do pictures that you can only get during MNSSHP, some do dance parties, and some do trick or treating. We try to do more rides.

5) For a young one, it is all about FantasyLand. Carousel, IASW, Pooh, TeaCups, and new Fantasyland expansion to princesses.

6) You can call and reserve a haircut time. Our commando leader will give you a member # and more details.

 

[Disney Commando]

I'm a Disney commando! Posting this here bc I'm sure y'all know all the Ins and Outs.

A little about my trip- Going to be in the parks September 15-19th. I will have with me- my DH, my late 70s mom, and my 2 yr old DD. I think next trip we are going to go just me and DH so we can really have fun without the other two holding us up. We are doing MK on a Thursday and the hours are 8am-9pm (why's it got to close so early during fall?).

Prior to our full day in MK, we will have spent a few hours there 2 nights. EMH on Sunday and for MNSSHP on Tuesday (we plan on getting there at 4pm).

Now it's been many, many years since I've gone to Disney and honestly back in the day when I was kid I felt like we got most everything done being non-commandos, but maybe it was less crowded then and that's why? So I'm trying to commando plan, but I don't really know what to expect when it comes to some things.

*1- Opening/Rope Drop- Do you go through security before Rope Drop or is it out in front of the turnstiles? I've seen people mention not bringing bags. We travel fairly light with DD (usually just a sippy and few diapers) so it may be possible to not bring a bag, will bag check really hold us up? If someone could just "walk me through" how the arrival, ticket, rope drop, bag check, entrance into the park works I would much appreciate it.

*2- Stroller- Necessary evil. We have a fairly lightweigh jogging stroller, its not huge but not small either. Would an umbrella stroller be easier? Would renting one of the park strollers be better?

*3- EMH- I know there are several variables here, but if arrive to the park around 7 and go til 1am, how much can we expect to ride? Are there FPs at night? DH and I will be doing EMH alone so we are hoping to ride the big rides at least a few times each. Would we miss much if we decided to arrive at 8? I don't want to just dump the baby on my mom and rush out the door but at the same time I want to do as much as we can.

*4- MNSSHP- We are all new to this. DD loves to dance so we'll do at least one of the dance parties, trick or treat some, see the parade and fireworks. We are arriving at 4pm and the party doesn't start til 7. We want to do some of the rides at least before the party begins and wouldn't mind doing some during the party either. Any idea what I can expect as far as ride lines go?

*5- Last question (I think)- What should we hit first when we arrive on our full day at MK? Any suggestions on what order to go in? We'd like to mostly do things as a family but I wouldn't mind fitting in some of the larger rides if we don't have to leave my mom and DD standing too long waiting on us.

*6- I lied. I'm wanting to get DD's first haircut at the barbershop on Main. I'm guessing this late in the game I'll probably have to take a time slot when I can get it, but if they have multiple ones open what would be best? Early afternoon when the park is packed?

You are member #240, 1st let me take a moment to Thank You for your sacrifice and your husbands Outstanding service keeping us safe Godspeed on his return

Now to the questions

1 - Rope drop is beyond the gates at MK it is basically the hub area with all side
routes, AK it is by the Tree Of Life, at Epcot it is a little past Spaceship Earth, now last trip in Nov HS was letting you go where ever you wanted but rides opened at a certain time, not sure if they are still doing it that way, but you do go through bag check before each one

2- Stroller, remember if you bring your own you have to lug it on the bus, I've done it both ways I have found it easier renting a stroller then bringing one , for a couple of reasons, you can carry most of your stuff on it and at the end of the day when it's sleep time carrying a sleepy head on the bus is easier then having to carry everything plus a stroller

3- I have found the later the EMH the better seems like crowd thins out, they do issue FP's if available till regular park closing time

4- All depends on your priorities, if you want to ride the rides like Norm said they are not too crowded, if you want to meet the characters that might not be always around (the Princesses usually have the Prince's with them) then go with that, I know they have a Dance party over by Space Mountain there may also be another one, last time we did MNSSHP they also had one at Ariel's Grotto but thats not there anymore, As far as Trick or Treating late into the night is the best time to do it, no lines and they give you lots of candy

5- It depends on your priorities, I always go left which would put you in Adventure/Frontierland, most people are right handed and tend to go right or straight, but like I said it depends on what your priorities are

6- Harmony Barbershop, my son and I get a haircut every visit, I always call and make a ressie for 12 noon, for the main reason if the Dapper Dan's are going to appear it is usually a little after 12, they don't always show but out of 8 times they were there for 5 of them, nothing like having a front row seat

 

[Disney Commando]

WDW trip is now in the single digits it's all systems go, what plan will I throw as of now I just don't know, I have tons of plans in my head but on the train ride down will be the time to put them into play and even with that they can be changed at a drop of a dime Not folding under pressure like most do and being able to replan whenever needed is the Commando's center

 

[spiritsim]

Well next year(I know it's so far away) is our first trip to the world. But I grew up at Disneyland. I guess I could be called commando even though I haven't even gotten there yet. I have read up on every piece of WDW info I could find. I have made or trip planning guide. Including when and what order things will be done. I know where I am going to make all our ADRs at. And have totally driven my DH crazy. Not allowed to talk about Disney around the house.. He says just tell me when we get there, where to go what to do. You make all the plans ,so I have staying at CSR business class. Oct 10-20 2014 and doing MNSSHP on Thursday.....as long as the schedual is the same as this year....

 

[AirGoofy]

Well next year(I know it's so far away) is our first trip to the world. But I grew up at Disneyland. I guess I could be called commando even though I haven't even gotten there yet. I have read up on every piece of WDW info I could find. I have made or trip planning guide. Including when and what order things will be done. I know where I am going to make all our ADRs at. And have totally driven my DH crazy. Not allowed to talk about Disney around the house.. He says just tell me when we get there, where to go what to do. You make all the plans ,so I have staying at CSR business class. Oct 10-20 2014 and doing MNSSHP on Thursday.....as long as the schedual is the same as this year....

Welcome. I have our 2014 trip planned as well. After our first trip with the dds, my DW planned everything. After that trip, I now plan everything. The magic might get him.

 

[bell.of.the.ball]

Hello My name is bell.of.the.ball and I am a commando. I have been to WDW to many times to count. My favorite place is the WL and I always have my ADRS made at 180 days. I confuse my friends when I talk about ME, CMs, POC or PTC. I obsess about everything about my trips. Disney has now fed my addiction by giving me a Magic Band and letting me plan out FP+. I need help/

 

[Disney Commando]

Well next year(I know it's so far away) is our first trip to the world. But I grew up at Disneyland. I guess I could be called commando even though I haven't even gotten there yet. I have read up on every piece of WDW info I could find. I have made or trip planning guide. Including when and what order things will be done. I know where I am going to make all our ADRs at. And have totally driven my DH crazy. Not allowed to talk about Disney around the house.. He says just tell me when we get there, where to go what to do. You make all the plans ,so I have staying at CSR business class. Oct 10-20 2014 and doing MNSSHP on Thursday.....as long as the schedual is the same as this year....

You are member #241 It's never too early to start planning, but be prepared to change your plans Many times Disney keeps adding new things all the time that you will fun

 

[Disney Commando]

Hello My name is bell.of.the.ball and I am a commando. I have been to WDW to many times to count. My favorite place is the WL and I always have my ADRS made at 180 days. I confuse my friends when I talk about ME, CMs, POC or PTC. I obsess about everything about my trips. Disney has now fed my addiction by giving me a Magic Band and letting me plan out FP+. I need help/

You are member #242 I think we all share the same addiction, there is only one cure that is to go again

 

[Mnementh]

This thread has been around for 3 years and I just now saw it. I should be a commando, but I'm actually not. The thing is, I'm a major planner when it comes to vacations, but when the vacation involves an amusement park, I just can't. I'm at the parks open to close every time, but I'm pretty much winging it. I apologize if this has been asked before (I'd never find the time to read 200+ pages of this thread), but considering the unpredictability of things like lines, how are you all able to do it?

 

[AirGoofy]

Hello My name is bell.of.the.ball and I am a commando. I have been to WDW to many times to count. My favorite place is the WL and I always have my ADRS made at 180 days. I confuse my friends when I talk about ME, CMs, POC or PTC. I obsess about everything about my trips. Disney has now fed my addiction by giving me a Magic Band and letting me plan out FP+. I need help/

Welcome. Yes, communicating in acronyms to save you time. I like the idea of the FP+, just not the bracelets.

This thread has been around for 3 years and I just now saw it. I should be a commando, but I'm actually not. The thing is, I'm a major planner when it comes to vacations, but when the vacation involves an amusement park, I just can't. I'm at the parks open to close every time, but I'm pretty much winging it. I apologize if this has been asked before (I'd never find the time to read 200+ pages of this thread), but considering the unpredictability of things like lines, how are you all able to do it?

Welcome. You may still qualify for commando, as there are many different strategies. We do not do parks everyday of our trip, but when we do, we are there RD to close. I plan my ADRs out 6 months in advance, getting the parks on the days I want with EMH as we don't park hop. But, as it comes to the touring plan, I have a general idea as I don't need a map, but I allow for some flexibility to try something new, skip a line, etc.

 

[spiritsim]

Welcome. I have our 2014 trip planned as well. After our first trip with the dds, my DW planned everything. After that trip, I now plan everything. The magic might get him.

I hope he gets it he has never been to Disney. I would say the closest thing he has done is Rainforest café and he only goes there because I love it so much. He just likes to see me happy.

 

[spiritsim]

You are member #241 It's never too early to start planning, but be prepared to change your plans Many times Disney keeps adding new things all the time that you will fun

It is so nice to find people who understand. At my retirement party in june(retired early) my friends were all teasing me because all I talked about was Disney instead of my retirement... sometimes I just can't help myself.

 

[Disney Commando]

I hope he gets it he has never been to Disney. I would say the closest thing he has done is Rainforest café and he only goes there because I love it so much. He just likes to see me happy.

He's never been to Disney, that explains a lot , but let me tell you a true story that might bring some hope, this couple was going out for many years, the guy although he had a few weeks vacation every year, would usually work it or only take a couple days off to do stuff around the house, basically made extra money and went nowhere, well anyway they decide to get married and the future bride wants to have the Honeymoon at WDW Now the future groom had been there a couple times when he was young with his parents (still were using tickets at the time) and although had fond memories was not that thrilled about going since he would be away from work for 2 weeks

The future bride made all the plans for the Honeymoon (she had been there many more times then him), So now they are Married and go on their Honeymoon, after awhile Mr uptight not going to have any fun is there and he starts to loosen up, then he starts to question wife's plans, then starts coming up with a way to do more, since then they have been on many WDW trips he plans everything, wife is in heaven since he will go on the drop of a dime and will take the time off from work, they have a child that has been there more times then his age, The husband now takes every vacation and goes somewhere and will even take off a long weekend to go someplace fun

Here's the funny part, this guy was ME I guess that Pixie Dust has a way of getting you when you least expect it

 

[Disney Commando]

This thread has been around for 3 years and I just now saw it. I should be a commando, but I'm actually not. The thing is, I'm a major planner when it comes to vacations, but when the vacation involves an amusement park, I just can't. I'm at the parks open to close every time, but I'm pretty much winging it. I apologize if this has been asked before (I'd never find the time to read 200+ pages of this thread), but considering the unpredictability of things like lines, how are you all able to do it?

So you think you should be a Commando but your actually not, Well you know what I think, You are now officially member #243 Like Norm said Commando's come on all different levels with different plans and ideas

As far as how we do it, a lot of planning , being able to change the plan if necessary even while at a park, and follow your gut feeling

 

[Disney Commando]

It looks like I'm going to need some help while I'm down at WDW, it seems lately they have been posting The Limited Time Only events at the last minute, Chances are pretty high that when I leave on Sat. that next weeks events will not be posted yet, If anyone finds out what the events for the 2 weeks of 8/4 - 8/14 are please post them here, I'm sure I will get a much appreciated text about the events

 

[*sarah*]

Just booked our trip for jan 2014! Making a list of resturants to make adr's for and of all the places I've wanted to do on past trips but didn't get to. I'm so excited cause the planning part is a lot of fun for me.

 

[Disney Commando]

Just booked our trip for jan 2014! Making a list of resturants to make adr's for and of all the places I've wanted to do on past trips but didn't get to. I'm so excited cause the planning part is a lot of fun for me.

Congrats on your trip That should be a Great time to go, it should clear out nice after the Holidays

 

[*sarah*]

Congrats on your trip That should be a Great time to go, it should clear out nice after the Holidays

Good to hear! We have been at the end of January before and it was perfect. I've always wanted to see the Christmas decorations and from what I've read the Osbourne Lights will still be up, so I am very excited. Plus now, we have to work around my sons school schedule and this will have us getting back just a couple days before school starts back up.

Any must do's for the Christmas decor that will still be up???