WDW - one day only, need help!

[klagman]

I need help quick...leaving for Orlando (Capital One Bowl) on Friday, with two teenagers, staying at the Peabody (off-site) and will have just one day at WDW (Sat. 12/30). Don't have advanced admission tickets yet. Questions:

#1 - With just one day on a busy weekend, should we pick one park or is it worth the cost for park hopper add-on?

#2 - Are there any options for fast/express passes (i.e., pay extra) for non resort guests?

#3 - Any tips for parking, or should we look for shuttle from hotel?

#4 - Is it even worth trying to get restaurant reservations at this point?

Thanks sooo much for any tips!

 

[MEK]

Wow - this is tough. With teenagers I think I would probably do Epcot or MGM. I'm not sure why, since my tastes change all the time. I just think it is a very cool place and combines the world showcase with some moderate thrill rides. It can keep you busy all day. Plus, there are tons of places to eat there. You could call and see what is available in terms of ADRs. You will probably have to eat early (5pm or earlier) or late. You could also opt to do a sit down meal in the middle of the day.

You can enter and get a Fast pass directly for Soarin, then go to Mission Space or Test Track. These are the main rides that require FP's. There are other rides like Ellen's energy adventure, Honey I shrunk the audience, Spaceship earth, Living with the Land. There are several interesting movies and shows in the world showcase.

MGM is fun for teens because of Rock n Rollercoaster and ToT. The stunt show is also good. Indian Jones, Muppets, Space Tours, Great Movie Ride are fun. The Fantasmic Dinner Pck would be a great way to end the day, but it is probably completely booked.

You could do both parks, but plan well. It will be a lot and the FP's for the 2nd park will likely be gone by the time you get there.

Show the kids a few tour books or some info off the internet. This may help them decide.

One thing - I would definately stay away from MK. It will be crowded and, although teenagers will find plenty to do, this is the park that seems most childlike to them.

Good luck!

 

[Jenny]

#1 have you been to the parks before? if not, get a hopper. if you go to MK, go first thing in the morning & focus on the "mountains" - space, splash & Big Thunder - then move on by noon to MGM. At dinner time, go to Epcot until closing. Skip Animal Kingdom.
#2 fastpasses are free & available for most major rides that your teens will be interested in.
#3 take your car so you can park hop. You pay a one-time parking fee.
#4 i wouldn't do ADRs. Eat counter-service at various countries in Epcot - lots of fun!

good luck! - Jenny

 

[ukcatfan]

Parking is only a pain at MK. You will have to pay the parking fee of around $10 where the shuttle is free. A shuttle does tend to make you rush and not have as much fun browsing. You can always take a slow walk out of the park at closing time to take in the sights. You can also go to DTD or the hotels to browse after the parks are closed. The holiday decorations will still be up.

Kevin

 

[klagman]

Thanks a ton for the prompt replies! We have been to Disney several times, but it's been quite awhile. My boys (16 & 14) have been there more recently, but I've never even been on Test Track or Rock 'n Roller Coaster so the Epcot/MGM idea certainly makes sense.

I'll keep checking back for additional insight! Thanks, again.