What to do.. what to do? Need visiting advice.

[haner]

I'm going to have 5 full days in the big O, May 26-30, Thursday through Monday. Unfortunately, this falls on Memorial Day weekend.

This is going to be split between 2 days at Disney, and 3 days at Universal. I was thinking of doing Thurs/Fri at Disney and hop between all the parks, and Sat-Mon exploring Universal since I have a 5 day pass. I only have a 2 day hopper for Disney. I do want to catch Illuminations, Fantasmic, and Wishes since this will be my first time down in FL.

I know this has been asked countless times, but can anyone offer any suggestions? It seems MK is open untill 10pm so that is a plus.

Also, I do have tickets to Cirque on that Saturday but I don't think that will matter much.

 

[IwasatWDWforamonth]

howdy
2 days at WDW and this is your first trip to florida,, OUCH
Im guessing universal is your top priority, I cannot recomend any less than 4-5 days at WDW for a first time visit.
But you have only 2 so we will have to help you make the most of them,
Im not sure of the hours for may, but getting to illuminations, fantasmic and wishes in 2 days can be difficult for even the most experienced WDW guest, Ive done it before but being unfamilar with WDW it may be tough.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

With only a 2-day hopper, I don't see how you're going to do Illuminations, Wishes and Fantasmic!. Illuminations begins at 9pm and ends around 9:20. Wishes begins at 10pm. Fantasmic! will also begin at 9pm. The huge crowds and distance between parks will make it nearly impossible to get from the World Showcase to the Magic Kingdom in time to see Wishes after Illuminations. Going from MGM to MK would be even more futile. I suggest choosing two and enjoying them.

 

[IwasatWDWforamonth]

I think I agree on skipping one of them,
My opinion would be to skip fantasmic, not that its a bad show, but it can take up more of your time, because it has limited seating you usually want to get there a hour before, especially during busy times.
With Illuminations you can find good places too stand minutes before it starts same for wishes,
Those 2 are my favorites also,

 

[cindyfan]

Yikes.....that is tough to try and see all 3....
But it is a possibility.....but you have to be able to move fast.
You can watch Illuminations from the International gateway bridge at 9.
Then there is a 10:30 showing of Fantasmic. But luck needs to be on your side to get there in time.
You can either "hike it" .....it will probably take about 25 minutes to walk from the gateway to the entrance of MGM...going past the Boardwalk I think might be quicker....(get a map when you get there)
Or take the chance on the boat over to MGM.
But you have to be inside the gate before 10. then if it is crowded...you may end up with standing room only.

And....I checked....the scheduled time for Wishes on Friday is 11pm!! You can do Illuminations (plan your exit carefully!) and then hop the monorail to MK. MK closes at midnight and tons of people will be trying to do the same thing as you...so be ready to feel like cattle being herded onto the monorail and into the park!
I think that is you best bet to see 2 in one night.

But it can be done.