What would you tell this person?

[tchrrx]

I had a co-worker approach me yesterday for hints to planning a WDW vacation. Usually, this wouldn't be a problem. However, these are snippets of the conversation:

- I don't want to go a million different parks. Just the Magic Kingdom and maybe one more.
- I'd really rather be on a beach somewhere. We just have a free timeshare in Orlando. Plus, we want our kids (4th grade & 6th grade) to be able to say they've been to WDW as a child.
- Two family members like thrill rides, but the other two really don't.
- AND....the clencher..... "When are you planning on going?" Spring Break! That's mid-March for us, so we are talking about five weeks away. They aren't even totally sold on wanting to go there yet either.

I recommended Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. She didn't think her kids would like Epcot, even though one of them is a very science-minded kid. I think he would love Innoventions, but she wasn't interested.

Help me come up with some practical advice so that they won't hate their trip. I, like many of us, plan months in advance, so this is hard for me! Thanks!

 

[larryz]

- I don't want to go a million different parks. Just the Magic Kingdom and maybe one more.
- I'd really rather be on a beach somewhere. We just have a free timeshare in Orlando. Plus, we want our kids (4th grade & 6th grade) to be able to say they've been to WDW as a child.
- Two family members like thrill rides, but the other two really don't.
- AND....the clencher..... "When are you planning on going?" Spring Break! That's mid-March for us, so we are talking about five weeks away. They aren't even totally sold on wanting to go there yet either.

This could be fun! MK and AK are GOOD suggestions...

They're only an hour from the beach -- I recommend Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, although at Spring Break, it will likely be a bit more crowded than I'm used to.

MK and AK rides will suit both thrillseekers and those who are just along for the rides -- highlight EE and Dinosaur for the thrill junkies, and the Safari and Station for the non-thrill riders in AK. MK, of course, most of the rides are not thrill rides, and those are easy to spot - the mountains! Everything else still has an appeal to all riders (usually).

Remind them to buy their tickets now make their FP+ reservations 30 days out, and hit rope drop every day to maximize their ride opportunities before the crowd rolls in.

 

[Planogirl]

We think that most of Innoventions is pretty lame but we were fans of Communicore.

I think that the two parks you suggested sound good. Tell her to get passes now and preferably through Disney. The price is pretty much the same for just two day passes. Then she can start making her FP+ soon. You might ask her if she is OK with just counter service food too.

 

[Mome Rath]

- I don't want to go a million different parks. Just the Magic Kingdom and maybe one more.

I'd do MK and EPCOT, the 2 classic parks. If she won't do EPCOT at all, it is a toss up between AK and HS, and that would mean figuring out which park the kids would like better. Animals vs. Movies.

I'd really rather be on a beach somewhere. We just have a free timeshare in Orlando. Plus, we want our kids (4th grade & 6th grade) to be able to say they've been to WDW as a child.

Hmmm.... Go eat at Kona or Ohana, or take a stroll from GF to Poly? lol

- Two family members like thrill rides, but the other two really don't.

There would be enough rides, I would think, between MK and EPCOT for them all to enjoy, and even split up to ride, and more thrill rides to pick from at AK or HS.

- AND....the clencher..... "When are you planning on going?" Spring Break! That's mid-March for us, so we are talking about five weeks away. They aren't even totally sold on wanting to go there yet either.

My theory on this is just to tell people, and repeat, that it is going to be really really crowded and busy esp. at MK, that there are better times to go. Tell them about rope drop, and fp.

 

[bookgirl]

See I would say MK and DHS. I think RnR and ToT are better thrill rides than EE. And I prefer Star Tours to Dinosaur.

My very first trip I went to the MK only and it was fine, the only reason I knew how much I missed is because I visit this board so for the uninformed I think MK is a great park for a general Disney day. DHS is just the better bet for those who want thrill rides.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

I'd also say DHS and MK, simply because DHS does have more rides than AK.

If they have a free timeshare, the week is probably locked in so they have no flexibility with dates. I would really be encouraging them to skip Disney, and theme parks in general. It seems like they're not really committed to Disney and they're going to go and hate the crowds. They'll likely get their 3 FP+ selections (and pickings will be slim) and then they'll be waiting in hour+ lines for everything else, because I can imagine that they won't want to RD, which will be essential that time of year. So if they get 2 day tickets, they're going to be spending $800 to ride 6 rides with short waits in two days, and then stand in line the rest of the time. This trip sounds like a recipe for disaster.

 

[Laketravis]

Boy, have I got a plan for them: More for Less

It's more than two parks but less than "a million" and it provides for both the thrill ride half and the non-thrill ride half. Just sub day-tickets for the AP's in all cases.


.

 

[hiroMYhero]

I would agree with DHS and MK but with all the construction and walls up in MK, that will really alter their experience there.

Explaining the total of 6 FastPassed rides and the crowd level may be the most helpful info for them. Suggesting Kennedy Space Center is much better than suggesting Epcot and Innoventions.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Honestly, this is just me, but I would stay out of it and avoid the topic for the next five weeks

I find that this new system, on top of all of the other planning, is just too much explain to first-timers who haven't taken it upon themselves to read and learn about it. Especially that close to the trip at a very busy time.

The one thing I might do is gift them a copy of the Unofficial Guide. "Hey here I got you this great planning book! Have a great time!" Then at least I would feel like I tried.

 

[BebopBaloo]

Agreed on MK and AK , esp. AK for the science minded kid. And both have thrill and non-thrill attractions. As others have said, purchase passes now and promote FP+ and ADRs if they must have table service.. Maybe print out some things, or loan a vacation planning dvd if you have one..that way if she takes those things home her husband and kids may get to see them and then have some voice in what they do and in the importance of advance planning. Warn her about the spring break crowds.

 

[cakebaker]

I'd run from this one as fast as I could. It doesn't sound like she's too thrilled to be going and really isn't interested in anything really detailed. In which case, I predict they're going to come out not liking it at all and I wouldn't want to listen to it when they get back. Give them a guidebook and wish them luck.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Busy time, but see if you can recommend the best days of the week to go to MK.

I'd be just as concerned about picking the right beach during Spring Break. They're probably not interested in chug-a-lugs & wet T-shirt contests and will probably want to avoid the college crowd as a result.

 

[BugsDaddy]

I would probably consider a split between MK and maybe Universal to satisfy the desires of the thrill riders (also non thrill rides at Universal as well). Maybe renting a condo near the water somewhere. It doesn't sound like your friends are hard core Disney people but want to at least experience it.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

Honestly, this is just me, but I would stay out of it and avoid the topic for the next five weeks

I find that this new system, on top of all of the other planning, is just too much explain to first-timers who haven't taken it upon themselves to read and learn about it. Especially that close to the trip at a very busy time.

The one thing I might do is gift them a copy of the Unofficial Guide. "Hey here I got you this great planning book! Have a great time!" Then at least I would feel like I tried.

I was also going to say all this,I think its good advice. give them some suggestions on a few Disney tourist planning resources and stay out of it. You don't want to be the blame for a quickly thrown together possible poor planned trip.

 

[IBLarsen]

That's a tough one. If I only had two days, and they've never been and likely won't go again, I would spend both days in MK. Even just reading these boards AK is hit or miss for a lot of people. My kids are also 4th and 6th grade, and if they had to give up one park it would be AK hands down. They love animals but they would rather spend their time at MK. If I were to recommend a 2nd park it would be DHS, or tell them what's in each and let them see what fit's their family. But honestly I think MK is the best use of time for people with this attitude. It feels like 'classic' Disney and often time this is all people have in mind when they want the Disney World experience and if they don't seem like they even want to go, not sure they will appreciate what the other two parks have to offer. (Not including Epcot, which they clearly have ruled out). Two days will give them time to do everything without having to strict of a plan in place, since it sounds like they aren't concerned about planning.

 

[ConnieB]

This could be fun! MK and AK are GOOD suggestions...

They're only an hour from the beach -- I recommend Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, although at Spring Break, it will likely be a bit more crowded than I'm used to.

MK and AK rides will suit both thrillseekers and those who are just along for the rides -- highlight EE and Dinosaur for the thrill junkies, and the Safari and Station for the non-thrill riders in AK. MK, of course, most of the rides are not thrill rides, and those are easy to spot - the mountains! Everything else still has an appeal to all riders (usually).

Remind them to buy their tickets now make their FP+ reservations 30 days out, and hit rope drop every day to maximize their ride opportunities before the crowd rolls in.

And while you're out at Merritt island.....be sure to stop by Kennedy Space Center too!

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

If they are there for a week, I would recommend 2 days at MK and one day at AK. MK Is just too overwhelming to do in one day over spring break. This way they can leave when it gets too crowded and spend some time at their resort. Then the can fill in the other days with day trips to the beach or maybe a water park.

 

[HopperFan]

No way I would give her advice because from the sounds of it they are destined for disaster and you don't want to be part of her planning, or her blame. I would give her a couple websites to look at to help her plan and tell her you hope she has a good time. If she pushes you for ideas, I would say I don't usually travel so last minute and wouldn't even know where to start to help.

 

[RustManFan]

Most guests seem to plan their trips to please the kids but it sounds like the co-worker of OP is lukewarm to going to WDW in spite of how the kids would enjoy it. Boo Hiss!!

 

[ktlm]

I would not recommend AK at all for first timers, who are not planning on doing all the parks. It is one big construction wall. It really detracts from the park experience right now. As crowded as it is going to be, they may want to just do both days at MK. Otherwise, I would keep telling them how great EPCOT is, especially for a science kid. Tell her about living with the land, spaceship earth, etc. If they really won't do EPCOT, then DHS. I would emphasize to them how busy WDW is at Spring Break. I would tell them that people start booking restaurants 6 months in advance, and I would tell her to get online at Disney dining and make some just in case reservations if she can find any. She can always cancel them if they change their mind about going later. The hard part is FP+. If they are for sure going to WDW, then they should get tickets in time to book their FP+ at 30 days.