WDW Commando Club

[southernfriedmom]

Been a bit of a lurker but now need a little advice on how to be commando & still enjoy your resort...
We have been to WDW 10-12 times in the last 2-3 years and feel like this might be a place where our ways are appreciated and not viewed as insane. We (me, DH, DS 7 & 9, and DD 4 & 4) are coming off our biggest commando high (thanks to the SWW thread) of doing every show, FtF, both SW dining, PMC, two celebrity autographs and acquiring an autograph & pic with every SW character in just 2 days of SWW (and lots of normal DHS attractions mixed in) and returning for our "real" vacation in less than a month to BWI for 7 nights. My dilemma- what is the best way to really enjoy the resort but still embrace our commando ways? If it were you all, would you 1. RD a park and return to the resort mid day for a few hours and return to a different park in the evening? 2. Do a semi-long day and return late afternoon/early evening and enjoy the resort the rest of the afternoon/evening? 3. Do normal commando style touring and just take most of 1-2 days off at the resort? 4. Some combo of the above choices? Love this thread & looking forward to hearing from others that have experienced this conundrum!

 

[AirGoofy]

Been a bit of a lurker but now need a little advice on how to be commando & still enjoy your resort...
We have been to WDW 10-12 times in the last 2-3 years and feel like this might be a place where our ways are appreciated and not viewed as insane. We (me, DH, DS 7 & 9, and DD 4 & 4) are coming off our biggest commando high (thanks to the SWW thread) of doing every show, FtF, both SW dining, PMC, two celebrity autographs and acquiring an autograph & pic with every SW character in just 2 days of SWW (and lots of normal DHS attractions mixed in) and returning for our "real" vacation in less than a month to BWI for 7 nights. My dilemma- what is the best way to really enjoy the resort but still embrace our commando ways? If it were you all, would you 1. RD a park and return to the resort mid day for a few hours and return to a different park in the evening? 2. Do a semi-long day and return late afternoon/early evening and enjoy the resort the rest of the afternoon/evening? 3. Do normal commando style touring and just take most of 1-2 days off at the resort? 4. Some combo of the above choices? Love this thread & looking forward to hearing from others that have experienced this conundrum!

I like every other day. Start at RD and stay in the park all day. The next day, sleep in and enjoy the resorts. The resorts are just so much fun. I missed them the first few trips going commando each day.

 

[Disney Commando]

I have less than 30 days before I start making our FP selections. Still trying to follow the boards to see what the best plan of attack is. We are going in mid-September, so not sure how commando to approach this season. We are park hopping. We are rope droppers. Now, when should we get FPs? After lunch at Park 1, or for the evening at Park 2? Looks like I'm reading a couple different approaches. My concern is if we don't make the FPs for Park 2 in the evening, not much will be available once we get there after a mid-day break.

Thoughts? TIA.

You are member #259 I will give you my answer to what I would do in the next post

Been a bit of a lurker but now need a little advice on how to be commando & still enjoy your resort...
We have been to WDW 10-12 times in the last 2-3 years and feel like this might be a place where our ways are appreciated and not viewed as insane. We (me, DH, DS 7 & 9, and DD 4 & 4) are coming off our biggest commando high (thanks to the SWW thread) of doing every show, FtF, both SW dining, PMC, two celebrity autographs and acquiring an autograph & pic with every SW character in just 2 days of SWW (and lots of normal DHS attractions mixed in) and returning for our "real" vacation in less than a month to BWI for 7 nights. My dilemma- what is the best way to really enjoy the resort but still embrace our commando ways? If it were you all, would you 1. RD a park and return to the resort mid day for a few hours and return to a different park in the evening? 2. Do a semi-long day and return late afternoon/early evening and enjoy the resort the rest of the afternoon/evening? 3. Do normal commando style touring and just take most of 1-2 days off at the resort? 4. Some combo of the above choices? Love this thread & looking forward to hearing from others that have experienced this conundrum!

You are member #260 I will give you my answer to what I would do in the next post

 

[Disney Commando]

I have less than 30 days before I start making our FP selections. Still trying to follow the boards to see what the best plan of attack is. We are going in mid-September, so not sure how commando to approach this season. We are park hopping. We are rope droppers. Now, when should we get FPs? After lunch at Park 1, or for the evening at Park 2? Looks like I'm reading a couple different approaches. My concern is if we don't make the FPs for Park 2 in the evening, not much will be available once we get there after a mid-day break.

Thoughts? TIA.

Been a bit of a lurker but now need a little advice on how to be commando & still enjoy your resort...
We have been to WDW 10-12 times in the last 2-3 years and feel like this might be a place where our ways are appreciated and not viewed as insane. We (me, DH, DS 7 & 9, and DD 4 & 4) are coming off our biggest commando high (thanks to the SWW thread) of doing every show, FtF, both SW dining, PMC, two celebrity autographs and acquiring an autograph & pic with every SW character in just 2 days of SWW (and lots of normal DHS attractions mixed in) and returning for our "real" vacation in less than a month to BWI for 7 nights. My dilemma- what is the best way to really enjoy the resort but still embrace our commando ways? If it were you all, would you 1. RD a park and return to the resort mid day for a few hours and return to a different park in the evening? 2. Do a semi-long day and return late afternoon/early evening and enjoy the resort the rest of the afternoon/evening? 3. Do normal commando style touring and just take most of 1-2 days off at the resort? 4. Some combo of the above choices? Love this thread & looking forward to hearing from others that have experienced this conundrum!

Back to the questions, we have been their twice now in the last couple months both at higher crowd levels (Easter break, & Star Wars Weekends ) the 1st time I was revolting against using the new FP+ system, but I gave it a try, on the 2nd trip since they added you can get a extra FP after you use your 1st 3, and then another after each one used this is now my opinion on how to best play the parks and even have some down time during the day

If a park has a EMH in the Morning go to that park also make your FP+s for that park, for example say HS has the A.M. EMH, make your FP's for TSM, TOT & Star Tours as early as it will let you, this is the big flaw right now since you can't actually pick your time, instead it will give you 3 choices to choose from when you get there go on Rock n Roll Rollercoaster 1st then maybe The Great Movie Ride then if your Fps are early enough you start using them, in-between you can get Muppets 3D done and some M&Gs and possibly be done with the park by noon, then you can move to another park get a FP there for something or go back to the resort and rest awhile or beat the crowed buses and do a afternoon at DTD, in the evening if a park as a EMH go there and try to get FP for smaller rides until it s close to the EMH time

Now of course there are a few rides you most likely will not be able to get FP's for after you use up your 3 like TSM, Test Track, Soarin', Frozen M&G, 7 Dwarfs Mine Train but it doesn't hurt to try, I would have them in FP+s made in advance

I hope that gives you some kind of insight, I gave HS as a example but I do have plans for the other parks it all depends on your choice of rides, but I feel you can Commando hard and now it easier, get tings done between the FP's and even get to go back to the resort if you chose and still maximize your day

 

[Disney Commando]

Welcome aboard. I don't need to tell you ho much useful info is here. Enjoy!

Brett I do believe we will both be at WDW the same time in Nov

 

[waitomo]

I do agree with the RD and then use the first 3 FP, and then either eat at that park, going back to resort then switch to "off" park, I.e. Lowest anticipated crowds for the evening. When we had tried to schedule a complete day off from the parks for a short anniversary weekend trip, when my DH had strongly begged me not to over schedule, after having lounged by the pool for an afternoon and only dinner planned that night, he (my non-commando husband) said, "hey, it's not so crowded this trip what do you think about doing all 4 parks in a day for our 30th anniversary tomorrow?" So we did, hitting all the big rides in each park! It was great.

 

[agavegirl1]

Member 233 checking in after a hiatus of actual planning. I read tips but haven't really posted much here. I made my ADRs at 180+10 and have already cancelled a couple. I have selected my park days in order to make the ADRs and am now planning FP+. A few questions...

I'm staying 9 days and have 9 day hoppers. I will be using AM EMH four times and PM EMH 3 times. I will be hopping every day but one and have one morning off and one day off site. I will not be attending MNSSHP.

Q1: We will be hopping TO DHS in the evening on a Thursday night to see Fantasmic! Morning will be at AK with a break in between. If I would like to grab something for a QS dinner and line up for F! without a FP+, what time would I need to arrive at HS? F! is scheduled for 7:30 that night. Alternately, what time do you think FP+ for F! (as a 4th choice) run out (weekday, Oct 23)?

Q2: To watch FOF Parade in Frontierland or Liberty Square area, what time should be be in place on a Sunday afternoon at MK?

I'll likely have more questions as the trip gets closer. Still tweaking my spreadsheet before adding FP+.

 

[MaMudduck]

I like every other day. Start at RD and stay in the park all day. The next day, sleep in and enjoy the resorts. The resorts are just so much fun. I missed them the first few trips going commando each day.

I'm in agreement with that: one day in park, one day off, especially if you don't have AP or tix for everyday in the parks.

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[brettcw23]

Brett I do believe we will both be at WDW the same time in Nov

We are there the 1st - 8th!

 

[brettcw23]

I like every other day. Start at RD and stay in the park all day. The next day, sleep in and enjoy the resorts. The resorts are just so much fun. I missed them the first few trips going commando each day.

Sage advice.
Despite being DVC members and going at least once\year, it's sometimes a challenge to control my DW's rope drop enthusiasm!

The resorts really are unique and have so many fun things to do.
We are definitely taking our time and enjoying more of the experiences that many people overlook.

 

[Oodalally13]

Can't believe I'm JUST finding this thread! I just arrived home on Sunday from our 5 day WDW/1 day Universal/IOA trip. I was a super planner too! Had timed schedules and everything. Before leaving my father even jokingly told one of his friends he would guarantee I had bathroom breaks scheduled to a time and length too. It was my parents first trip and I wanted to make sure we maximized the time we had. While on the trip Dad also said I could be the General Patton of WDW tour guides

Do I have the credentials to be a member of the club?

 

[evcollins]

Thanks for the advice! One more question that I'm sitting on the fence about...

I am a die-hard fan of Josh's and follow his advice to a "T." We've had great trips during some busy holiday weekends with his advice. My question this time - and I bring it up b/c it was advice given - he recommends not doing EMHs due to crowd activity. However, it's been brought up to take advantage of the EMH because of the weather. Never even thought about that!! We are going in mid-September, low crowds. We are rope droppers and hoppers. We do not have the stamina for EMH evenings. Hours are shorter during that time so we have dinner ADRs set and look forward to enjoying the pool in the evenings, if nothing else.

For Josh die-hards, do you go against his advice during the September heat? Ughhh....just when I thought I had everything somewhat in order, now this question to ponder.

TIA!!

 

[jmm476]

Thanks for the advice! One more question that I'm sitting on the fence about...

I am a die-hard fan of Josh's and follow his advice to a "T." We've had great trips during some busy holiday weekends with his advice. My question this time - and I bring it up b/c it was advice given - he recommends not doing EMHs due to crowd activity. However, it's been brought up to take advantage of the EMH because of the weather. Never even thought about that!! We are going in mid-September, low crowds. We are rope droppers and hoppers. We do not have the stamina for EMH evenings. Hours are shorter during that time so we have dinner ADRs set and look forward to enjoying the pool in the evenings, if nothing else.

For Josh die-hards, do you go against his advice during the September heat? Ughhh....just when I thought I had everything somewhat in order, now this question to ponder.

TIA!!

Hi! Another Josh fan here! I tend to stick to his recommendations but sometimes I just can't, i.e. he doesn't recommend MK on night parade days. And well, sometimes I or someone in my party does want to see the parade. So I would go with whatever works best for your travel party. And if you want to experience EMH, just stick with Josh's touring plans and you'll still be fine.

 

[AirGoofy]

Can't believe I'm JUST finding this thread! I just arrived home on Sunday from our 5 day WDW/1 day Universal/IOA trip. I was a super planner too! Had timed schedules and everything. Before leaving my father even jokingly told one of his friends he would guarantee I had bathroom breaks scheduled to a time and length too. It was my parents first trip and I wanted to make sure we maximized the time we had. While on the trip Dad also said I could be the General Patton of WDW tour guides

Do I have the credentials to be a member of the club?

Sure sounds like it. Welcome. Our leader will be around to give you a member # soon.

 

[brettcw23]

Thanks for the advice! One more question that I'm sitting on the fence about...

I am a die-hard fan of Josh's and follow his advice to a "T." We've had great trips during some busy holiday weekends with his advice. My question this time - and I bring it up b/c it was advice given - he recommends not doing EMHs due to crowd activity. However, it's been brought up to take advantage of the EMH because of the weather. Never even thought about that!! We are going in mid-September, low crowds. We are rope droppers and hoppers. We do not have the stamina for EMH evenings. Hours are shorter during that time so we have dinner ADRs set and look forward to enjoying the pool in the evenings, if nothing else.

For Josh die-hards, do you go against his advice during the September heat? Ughhh....just when I thought I had everything somewhat in order, now this question to ponder.

TIA!!

Hi! Another Josh fan here! I tend to stick to his recommendations but sometimes I just can't, i.e. he doesn't recommend MK on night parade days. And well, sometimes I or someone in my party does want to see the parade. So I would go with whatever works best for your travel party. And if you want to experience EMH, just stick with Josh's touring plans and you'll still be fine.

Um...who is this Josh that you speak of?

 

[Disney Commando]

Can't believe I'm JUST finding this thread! I just arrived home on Sunday from our 5 day WDW/1 day Universal/IOA trip. I was a super planner too! Had timed schedules and everything. Before leaving my father even jokingly told one of his friends he would guarantee I had bathroom breaks scheduled to a time and length too. It was my parents first trip and I wanted to make sure we maximized the time we had. While on the trip Dad also said I could be the General Patton of WDW tour guides

Do I have the credentials to be a member of the club?

You certainly have the credentials you are member #261 I love your Figment song in your sig :good vibes, I kid around with people I know that are going that they now have to make a FP+ for a bathroom break

 

[Disney Commando]

Thanks for the advice! One more question that I'm sitting on the fence about...

I am a die-hard fan of Josh's and follow his advice to a "T." We've had great trips during some busy holiday weekends with his advice. My question this time - and I bring it up b/c it was advice given - he recommends not doing EMHs due to crowd activity. However, it's been brought up to take advantage of the EMH because of the weather. Never even thought about that!! We are going in mid-September, low crowds. We are rope droppers and hoppers. We do not have the stamina for EMH evenings. Hours are shorter during that time so we have dinner ADRs set and look forward to enjoying the pool in the evenings, if nothing else.

For Josh die-hards, do you go against his advice during the September heat? Ughhh....just when I thought I had everything somewhat in order, now this question to ponder.

TIA!!

Hi! Another Josh fan here! I tend to stick to his recommendations but sometimes I just can't, i.e. he doesn't recommend MK on night parade days. And well, sometimes I or someone in my party does want to see the parade. So I would go with whatever works best for your travel party. And if you want to experience EMH, just stick with Josh's touring plans and you'll still be fine.

I do not know who Josh is but I'm guessing it's like a Tour guide Mike site, I do not even go to these kind of sites, I'm not going to knock them because I do believe they give a lot of great advice, my issue is that it is that too many people follow it and there for it becomes text bookie, personally I like to keep aware of what's going on around me and will change our plan at a drop of a dime if I see opportunity, if you follow the apps and can stay aware of possible opportunity and be able to tweak your plans a bit at a moments notice then you will be fine, basically as long as your having a good time that's all that counts

As far as crowd levels, I don't pay attention to them, If you plan everyday like it's a 10, and it is really a 5 then you are going to get more done then you originally planned, it might be overkill but it's better then getting there and thinking it's a 4 and it turns out to be a 9, it is impossible to tell where everybody at all the resorts and any other visitors are really going to go

 

[jmm476]

Josh runs the easywdw site. His crowd calendars are better than the ones available for purchase on other sites, or at least they were when I tested them out.


What makes Josh so special is his snarky commentary. He's always posting updates that are very entertaining. It's worth checking out his site just for that alone.
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[southernfriedmom]

I find great joy in being one of the first people at a turnstile for rope drop but have lost my touch for this our last couple trips. Can anyone give me an estimated time to arrive at the 4 parks to be near the front of the pack (all 9am non-EMH days in mid/late July)? We are staying at BWI so will walk to Epcot's IG & DHS. Would it be possible to get near the front at AK & MK by taking the first bus or will we need to drive? Thanks- love this thread!!

 

[brettcw23]

Josh runs the easywdw site. His crowd calendars are better than the ones available for purchase on other sites, or at least they were when I tested them out.


What makes Josh so special is his snarky commentary. He's always posting updates that are very entertaining. It's worth checking out his site just for that alone.
Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Very cool. I subscribed to their RSS Feed. I always welcome knowledge!