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Disney Thread

Started by Buffalo Budd, January 26, 2018, 08:57:00 PM

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Buffalo Budd

Just to preface, I hate the juggernaut that is Disney.

But does anyone have any tips on the parks?
- What needs to be seen for a 3/7/13 yr old?
- What should we get fast passes for?
- How doi I maximize my time?
- What extra tips do people have who have done this before?

Everything is connected, because it's all being created by this one consciousness. And we are tiny reflections of the mind that is creating the universe.

ytowndan

#1
Leave the 13 year old in charge of the other two at the Magic Kingdom, and then you guys can hop a bus to Epcot and do the beer of the world tour in peace.

You're welcome. 
Quote from: nab on July 27, 2007, 12:20:24 AM
You never drink alone when you have something good to listen to.

tet

I actually know a Disney specialist travel agent who will plan the perfect trip for you there.  She'll get you discounts when she can, and also just steer you the right way to maximize your time & money.  PM me if you'd like her contact info.
"We want you to be happy"
-Phish

shoreline99

#3
Disney planning is not for the n00b. Trust me on this.

For first timers I would absolutely recommend going with a Disney specialist travel planner - it will pay for itself back in spades.

The interwebz are full of self-proclaimed experts and hundreds of forums exist, each with their different opinions. It's a freaking rabbit hole.

That being said, we've been a bunch of times in the last ten years with (and without) 4 kids in tow and I'm very familiar with the parks. The only recommendations that I will offer up front are:

1) stay on property, if possible, as it lets you book reservations and fastpasses further in advance. Hotels on 192 may be cheaper but you'll also be staying with the Sheboygan High School Marching Band and have a lobby that smells like fried fish;
2) download the My Disney Experience app and familiarize yourself with it - everything you book will be tied to this app; dining reservations, hotel reservations, fast passes, ride times, etc.
3) Every park now serves alcohol, although to drink in the Magic Kingdom you have to eat at one of a few select restaurants. This is important. Most parks start serving at 10 am, and the Dawa Bar at Animal Kingdom has the best bloody marys on property. I can give you serious recommendations for the best places to drink on property if you want them.
4) Have reasonable expectations, the lower the better - that way you won't be disappointed when the 3 year old has a meltdown and you miss your ride window on Space Mountain.
5) Use the rider swap judiciously - this will allow both parents to ride rides that the littlest one(s) can't. For example - space mountain, tower of terror, any of the roller coasters - when you check in with your fastpass tell them you are doing a rider swap; one parent will wait with the smaller child at the exit while everyone else rides, then after the ride you swap and up to three people can ride again.
6) Don't pay for water or snacks in the park. Hit up Publix or Winn Dixie for a few cases of water and snacks. If you're flying in, use the gardengrocer app to order food/water/beer to be delivered to your room.
7) The don't miss stuff is going to be different for each family. If you like the thrill rides - Rock & Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, Expedition Everest and the new Flight of Passage rode at Animal Kingdom, Big Thunder and Space Mountains at Magic Kingdom, Test Track, Soarin' and mission Space at Epcot. The classic rides are all at Magic Kingdom - Dumbo, the tea cups, the new 7 dwarves mine train, splash mountain, pirates of the caribbean, haunted mansion, etc. If you have a princess, the best deal to meet them is to do a character meal at Akersus, the restaurant in Norway in Epcot's World Showcase.

Trust me, I can help answer your questions about stuff (rides, restaurants, logistics) but a travel planner will tailor the trip specifically for your family.

ETA:
If you can, allot one day for each park. If you have to skip, figure a half day in Hollywood Studios and a half day in Animal Kingdom or EPCOT.
Quote from: rowjimmy on August 25, 2015, 11:19:15 AM
You're entitled to your opinion but I'm going to laugh at it.

Buffalo Budd

Thanks guys, I will run the planner idea past my wife and I'm going in with zero expectations except for those kids to have the time of their life.
I really appreciate the tips shoreline and dan if I could slip that idea past my wife's fan, I'd be all over it.
Everything is connected, because it's all being created by this one consciousness. And we are tiny reflections of the mind that is creating the universe.

birdman

Quote from: Buffalo Budd on January 29, 2018, 07:13:58 PM
Thanks guys, I will run the planner idea past my wife and I'm going in with zero expectations except for those kids to have the time of their life.
I really appreciate the tips shoreline and dan if I could slip that idea past my wife's fan, I'd be all over it.
im sure a Disney planner is fantastic but might I recommend getting "Birnbaums 2018 guide to Disney"We used it on our trips to Disney and it was invaluable. It's got tons of coupons and breaks down everything you need to know about the Disney experience.
Paug FTMFW!

khalpin

What shoreline said.  Also, try to pick a time when it's not going to be too crowded.  Less lines = more rides.
https://wdwprepschool.com/disney-world-crowd-calendar/

shoreline99

#7
We never used a planner, but we've learned a lot over the years. Budd, if you decide not to go the planner route hit me up, I'm happy to help out. Also, the Unofficial Guide to WDW is invaluable.

You can also use the crowd calendars at touringplans.com.

Quote from: rowjimmy on August 25, 2015, 11:19:15 AM
You're entitled to your opinion but I'm going to laugh at it.