Which parks to do which days?

[Acting Up]

Apparently, I need to figure this out soon, since we have the free dining plan and need to figure out our table service early. So we need to figure out which parks we are doing which days so that we can plan our meals. Uggh, this is a lot of pressure for a vacation.
So, where is the best place to figure out which parks to do on which days? or do I need to buy a tour book/plan? We will be there Tues March 1 (late in day)- Sun March 6. We do have park hoppers. We prefer commando type riding. We are 3 adults and two kids (ages 10 and 12) if that makes a difference.
Thank you for any advice.

 

[vicki_c]

Some choices:

Touring Plans - $10 for subscription
Tour Guide Mike - $20 for subscription (discount using the link @ the top of the boards here)
RideMax - $15 for a 3 month subscription I think

There is a new website - I think it's easywdw.com that is free that also has recommendations.

Each has other things in addition to the recommended park days as well and all have their proponents and detractors.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I agree with Vicki there. Those will direct you to the low crowd park/s for each day/night. I use TGM, with a little TP thrown in as a check and balance. Has not failed me for years, will be using again next month.

And welcome to the DIS, AU.

 

[hezreck]

I looked on easywdw.com for our trip in Feb 2011. It had all the EMH listed and told what parks to go to on certain days and which ones to avoid. Also had the parade times and fireworks time. It was a great help. I'm doing what they suggest and avoid any park with EMH. Hopefully it will work great.

 

[bleeps]

Just know that even if you feel it cramps your style, you DO need those ADRs! We just returned from a 9-day trip, and can confirm that once again the TS places were completely turning away guests without reservations. It wasn't a matter of there being a long wait without an ADR, it was that the meal service was completely booked and you couldn't even put in your name for a table. And this was at a time when the park crowds overall were on the lower end.

 

[jcarwash]

Since you do have the Park Hopper then you should have more flexibility built in with your ADRs - you will be able to reserve inside a theme park and still go to that dinner no matter what else you decide to do that day.

ADRs without Park Hoppers are more restrictive - or more fun, depending on your point of view. I don't do Park Hopper any more, and so the ADR plan is more tied to a theme park plan.

I too think easywdw.com has good analysis based on my experience with it so far.