Thoughts on my timetable. Updated with confirmed ADRs

[cola]

Don't forget you will have access to Extra Magic Hours staying on property. Once those dates are out, you might want to adjust everything again.
The general recommendation is that if you are there for an extended visit (as you are) avoid the parks with EHM because of the excessive crowds that tend to stay there for the rest of the day, OR only go for EHM and hop to another park once the general public get in.

EHM at AK is a great time to do Kilimanjaro Safari, the earlier you do KS the better because they put the food out at park opening just near the tracks so you get the best views of the animals.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Disney Princess, you're an absolute gem. :

Thanks for taking so much time to help me. You make heaps of great suggestions and I'm taking plenty of notes.

Aww you're welcome! Pardon any typos. I tend not to go back and re read what I wrote. But you'll know what I mean.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

EHM at AK is a great time to do Kilimanjaro Safari, the earlier you do KS the better because they put the food out at park opening just near the tracks so you get the best views of the animals.

I didn't realise they were fed in the morning. Thanks. That's good to know.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Aww you're welcome! Pardon any typos. I tend not to go back and re read what I wrote. But you'll know what I mean.

Don't worry about typos, I didn't even notice any. I'm just grateful to be getting the advice

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Don't worry about typos, I didn't even notice any. I'm just grateful to be getting the advice

Thanks!

I'll second cola's advice about the morning safari. If you're doing Tusker, head straight for the first safari. The first half an hour - an hour is always the best. Also if you go in the last half an hour, the animals are quite active because they know they're going "in" soon (they're moved into enclosures at night)

 

[Kiwifan]

A great place to watch the Electrical Parade in MK is Frontierland. Where DD & I stood had no one in front of, or behind us but Main Street was crowded.

We found being at the parks for opening meant that we had usually managed all the big rides before the park was too crowded. I went with touring plans which worked brilliantly, especially in the parks that we had only one day scheduled. I didn't bother using them for repeat days. But it was amazing how much time we wasted on subsequent days deciding what ride to go on next. My daughters favourite ride in MK was Splash Mountain so I'm sure we rode it at least 6 times. Later in the day there was no wait at all.

We took a break most days about 1.30-2.00pm & headed back to our hotel for some pool time. Then we would venture back to the park around 5pm for the evening session. I didn't find the transfer times too long and we would have at least 2 hours by the pool most days.

I didn't bother with ADRs apart from the Crystal Palace breakfast. (It was great being in the park before opening.) My daughter & I are not big eaters so we were happy with counter service meals mostly - even then we tended to share them.

A great mall for shopping is the Florida Mall. If you don't have a rental car there is a public bus that goes right past Downtown Disney for the Mall (I think it's around $2 each way) - we found out about it after spending $40 each way on a taxi. I think the bus route # is 111.

 

[Busy Busy]

We also had breakfast at Tusker House early - 8.05am. We met some lovely Australians in the line for the picture with Donald AND the breakfast was completely delicious (Krispy Kremes.....who has KKs for breakfast? WE DID!!).

Afterwards we went directly to the safari and jumped almost straight on. The animals were going bananas, we had to stop and wait for a giant white rhino to walk across the path, and the lions were roaring like crazy!! We saw lots of the amazing giraffes and so many babies, it was a really great start to our first day in WDW. Definitely the way to do it!!

 

[WanderlustNZ]

A great place to watch the Electrical Parade in MK is Frontierland. Where DD & I stood had no one in front of, or behind us but Main Street was crowded.

We found being at the parks for opening meant that we had usually managed all the big rides before the park was too crowded. I went with touring plans which worked brilliantly, especially in the parks that we had only one day scheduled. I didn't bother using them for repeat days. But it was amazing how much time we wasted on subsequent days deciding what ride to go on next. My daughters favourite ride in MK was Splash Mountain so I'm sure we rode it at least 6 times. Later in the day there was no wait at all.

We took a break most days about 1.30-2.00pm & headed back to our hotel for some pool time. Then we would venture back to the park around 5pm for the evening session. I didn't find the transfer times too long and we would have at least 2 hours by the pool most days.

I didn't bother with ADRs apart from the Crystal Palace breakfast. (It was great being in the park before opening.) My daughter & I are not big eaters so we were happy with counter service meals mostly - even then we tended to share them.

A great mall for shopping is the Florida Mall. If you don't have a rental car there is a public bus that goes right past Downtown Disney for the Mall (I think it's around $2 each way) - we found out about it after spending $40 each way on a taxi. I think the bus route # is 111.

We also had breakfast at Tusker House early - 8.05am. We met some lovely Australians in the line for the picture with Donald AND the breakfast was completely delicious (Krispy Kremes.....who has KKs for breakfast? WE DID!!).

Afterwards we went directly to the safari and jumped almost straight on. The animals were going bananas, we had to stop and wait for a giant white rhino to walk across the path, and the lions were roaring like crazy!! We saw lots of the amazing giraffes and so many babies, it was a really great start to our first day in WDW. Definitely the way to do it!!

Thank you both for your advice and input. Sorry for not thanking you earlier - I've been a bit drowned in work the last few months and somehow missed your responses.

Well, I've updated my plans yet again. I've seen the media release with October hours (hopefully it's correct) and have finally been able to plan my days around EMH etc.
In less than two weeks I'm going to ring Disney and make most of my ADRs, so I want to have the majority of my days sorted by then.

I'm just stuck on one more Epcot ADR. So many wonderful choices that I just can't decide.

Once again, any feedback on my timetable (see post one) is greatly appreciated.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Hi again! I'll throw in a few comments on your schedule. I haven't done the Disney Cruise or spent that much time at Universal so I'll focus on Disney World.

DISNEY WORLD

Sat Sep 28th: Morning transfer from Port to BoardWalk Villas BoardWalk view studio booked and mostly paid using rented DVC points. 10 day 'Hopper & Water Park and More' tickets bought from Undercover Tourist, Photopass plus booked and paid for.
Go straight to HS to watch shows and afternoon parade. Back to resort for check-in and rest. Back to HS for dinner and Fantasmic. Stroll back to resort and check out the BW at night.
Lunch: Sci-Fi Diner
Dinner: QS
This sounds like a good plan. It has been announced that the current parade at HS will finish from early April. There hasn't been an announcement of a few parade but hopefully there will be soon.

Sun Sep 29th: Breakfast in Villa (as will be the case for just about every morning from now on). Spend morning resting. Head into Epcot for about 1pm lunch. Continue walking through Epcot doing a ride or two, then catch monorail to Magic Kingdom for Pirates League and MNSSHP
Lunch: Biergarten
Dinner: QS
The last appointment you can get at Pirates League is 3:30pm which means to get into MK, you'll need a seperate ticket to get into MK. You can't use your party ticket to get into MK until 4pm. I don't think they extend the Pirates League hours on party days.

Mon Sep 30th: Sleep in, then Typhoon Lagoon till early-mid avo. Rest in hotel, then off to Epcot for dinner and Fireworks
Lunch: QS
Dinner: F&W festival snacks
Good plan. There are so many amazing choices for counter service at EPCOT. The foot stalls do get a little busy in the afternoon and evening but on a Monday, it won't be unmanageable. Note that they often start to close up a little before Illuminations.

Tue Oct 1st: Epcot day. Get up early for EMH and spend morning in Future World. Have a midday resort break. Go back to Epcot for dinner. Watch Fireworks from BWV balcony.
Lunch and Dinner: Either F&W Festival Snacks or make an Epcot ADR (can't decide on this one)
Honestly, this would depend on your family. You can easily snack around the World Showcase. If anyone in your family is a big eater, they might appreciate one proper meal. I'd be inclined to make a dinner reservation. The F&W booths are quieter before 4pm. Also if anyone is still really hungry in the evening, they can order a big meal for dinner.

Wed Oct 2nd: Morning and lunch at HS . Resort Break. Last evening at Epcot. If not too tired, make use of evening EMH
Lunch: 50's Prime Time Diner
Dinner: F&W festival
In our experience 50's Prime Time can be quite unaccommodating with meals for people with allergies. Something to keep in mind if this applies to you. Aside from that, the plan sounds good.


Thu Oct 3rd: Sleep in and pack bags. Check out mid morning. Go to AK until after the afternoon parade. Check into AKV (Jambo studio booked and paid using rented DVC points) Enjoy pool and resort activities.
Lunch: Perhaps Flame Tree BBQ
Dinner: Mara
Lines for the headlines will be long by midday, like Dinosaur and EE so do them on your second day. Also, many people choose to leave AK straight after the parade, especially if the park is closing at 5pm. If you watch the parade from the back of the park near Tusker House, you could go on the safari straight afterwards before leaving the park will give time for some people to clear out.

Fri Oct 4th: Magic Kingdom till early avo. Catch taxi to Outlet Shopping Mall. Do some shopping. Back to resort for dinner and early night.
Breakfast: Thinking of Chef Mickeys. Will probably just try and grab a booking anyway and then I've got time to decide whether we want to keep the booking.
Lunch: Maybe BOG or another QS
Dinner: QS



Sat Oct 5th: Downtown Disney day. Sleep in. Relax at resort. Go to DTD about lunch time to do some shopping and lunch at T-Rex or WPE. Go to Disney Quest for a few hours, then 6pm La Nouba, then lateish dinner at Raglan Road
Lunch: T-Rex or WPE
Dinner: Raglan Road
T-Rex is better, the theming is great and the food is better than WPE.

Sun Oct 6th: Blizzard Beach in the morning, then free choice after that
Meals: No set plans
The water parks don't offer great meal choices so I'd snack in the morning and than eat lunch elsewhere.

Mon Oct 7th: Animal Kingdom for EMH. Leave midday for a rest at the resort. Early dinner at Ohana. Go to MK for electrical light parade, wishes, and Late Magic Hours (if not too tired)
Breakfast; Tusker House (to celebrate my son's birthday - in NZ time zone)
Lunch: QS
Dinner: Ohana Birthday Dinner.
Tusker House is the best character breakfast. Make sure it's noted on his reservation, you might get a cupcake and Mickey sprinkles on the table. I stress might, as it doesn't always happen. Also, he can wear the "Birthday" pin you can get from Guest Relations.

Tue Oct 8th: Today is my son's birthday in US time zone. Sleep in, then son's choice of park
Breakfast: Maybe Boma
Lunch: no plans
Dinner: Early tea at Sanaa while the sun's still up and we can see the animals
Tell the resort it's your sons birthday. You might get nothing but sometimes the front desk/concierge can arrange a signed photo to be put into your room. At AK and AKL no balloons are allowed.

FAREWELL

Wed Oct 9th. Magic Express to MCO. Farewell Disney 9:30am flight to LAX (American Airlines) Check into dayroom at LAX hotel for about the next 7 hours to nap, swim and perhaps visit Manhatten Beach. (This dayroom is not booked yet). Overnight flight home to NZ arriving early Friday morning.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Hi again! I'll throw in a few comments on your schedule. I haven't done the Disney Cruise or spent that much time at Universal so I'll focus on Disney World.

Thank you so much for coming back and offering me more advice. I do really appreciate it.


This sounds like a good plan. It has been announced that the current parade at HS will finish from early April. There hasn't been an announcement of a few parade but hopefully there will be soon.

Interesting. I didn't know this. Am looking forward to hearing the new announcement.

The last appointment you can get at Pirates League is 3:30pm which means to get into MK, you'll need a seperate ticket to get into MK. You can't use your party ticket to get into MK until 4pm. I don't think they extend the Pirates League hours on party days.

Thanks for that. I've heard mixed info about whether they extend the Pirates League hours on MNSSHP days; some saying they do and some saying they don't. I'll ask when I ring, but either way, if I can get an apt after 3 I'll be really happy. I have park hoppers so aren't worried about going in a bit earlier than the party.


Good plan. There are so many amazing choices for counter service at EPCOT. The foot stalls do get a little busy in the afternoon and evening but on a Monday, it won't be unmanageable. Note that they often start to close up a little before Illuminations.

Thanks. Can't wait for the Food and Wine Festival. I know my DH will love being able to walk around with a beer.


Honestly, this would depend on your family. You can easily snack around the World Showcase. If anyone in your family is a big eater, they might appreciate one proper meal. I'd be inclined to make a dinner reservation. The F&W booths are quieter before 4pm. Also if anyone is still really hungry in the evening, they can order a big meal for dinner.

That sounds like a pretty good idea to book a dinner instead of a lunch. I'm tossing up between so many options. High on the list are Garden Grill Character Meal, Via Napoli, San Angel Inn (I've heard mixed reviews about the food, but the decor looks great and nothing like what we have at home) or even one of the Boardwalk restaurants such as Kouzinna (sp?).

In our experience 50's Prime Time can be quite unaccommodating with meals for people with allergies. Something to keep in mind if this applies to you. Aside from that, the plan sounds good.

Thanks for the heads-up. Luckily we can pretty much eat anything.


Lines for the headlines will be long by midday, like Dinosaur and EE so do them on your second day. Also, many people choose to leave AK straight after the parade, especially if the park is closing at 5pm. If you watch the parade from the back of the park near Tusker House, you could go on the safari straight afterwards before leaving the park will give time for some people to clear out.
Great advice. We will do just that.

T-Rex is better, the theming is great and the food is better than WPE.

Thanks. Good to know. I will book T-Rex regardless as it should be easy enough to cancel the booking closer to the time if we change our mind.

The water parks don't offer great meal choices so I'd snack in the morning and than eat lunch elsewhere.

Sounds like a plan. I want to keep this day fairly open to allow for at least some spontaneity in our trip


Tusker House is the best character breakfast. Make sure it's noted on his reservation, you might get a cupcake and Mickey sprinkles on the table. I stress might, as it doesn't always happen. Also, he can wear the "Birthday" pin you can get from Guest Relations.

Thanks, I plan on getting the badge and putting a birthday note on all reservations for both this day and the next. I'm really hoping to make this birthday the best ever, so hopefully they do give him a little bit of extra attention. I've read of some nice things they sometimes do at Sanaa for birthdays, so hopefully he gets a bit of attention there.

Tell the resort it's your sons birthday. You might get nothing but sometimes the front desk/concierge can arrange a signed photo to be put into your room. At AK and AKL no balloons are allowed.

Thanks again

 

[Travel Mum]

Sounds like you have a great trip planned Wanderlust and you must be so excited in anticipation of it! I really hope you plan to to a TR for us

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Thanks again

no worries I have to really start down and planning out own holiday, we are going a few weeks after you So excited and can't believe how quickly it's coming up!

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Sounds like you have a great trip planned Wanderlust and you must be so excited in anticipation of it! I really hope you plan to to a TR for us

Very excited!

If my workload this year is anything to go by, I might not be writing a TR until the Xmas holidays. But either way, I will be writing one. I think it's a nice way to relive a fun time in your life.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

no worries I have to really start down and planning out own holiday, we are going a few weeks after you So excited and can't believe how quickly it's coming up!

Cool. You'll have to let me know once you come up with your timetable. I'm really interested at present how others organise their days.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Cool. You'll have to let me know once you come up with your timetable. I'm really interested at present how others organise their days.

Will do

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Hi! Just thought I'd check in and see how all the planning was going Not that long away now!

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Hi! Just thought I'd check in and see how all the planning was going Not that long away now!

How lovely of you to think of my plans and how they're going

It certainly isn't that far away now - about 90 days I think. I have a lot of deadlines coming up at work that I'm not looking forward to. But on the plus side they are making time race ahead (time only seems to go fast when things are approaching that you're not looking forward to). That 90 days will be over in no time.

It's a nice feeling to know that I'm now pretty well organized. I just need to sort out the Garden Grocer, a day room at LAX, and a bit of shopping money.

My plans (particularly my ADRs) have changed a bit from when I last updated my initial post. I'll have to update it tomorrow incase you or anyone else has any useful last minute advice

You must be getting excited also. Your month + of Disney looks fabulous!

 

[Disney_Princess83]

I'd love to see the updated plans! The months are just flying by, I agree. For us, we are at 4 months out today and we were surprised when we realised! Time is flying by and 90 days will go by in an instant!

Its good that you're so organised. We are half and half. We have alot already booked and sorted but some things (like our costumes for MNSSHP) are still up in the air. But we are getting excited now. A month of Disney sounds like heaven right about now!

Can't wait to read the updated plans

How lovely of you to think of my plans and how they're going

It certainly isn't that far away now - about 90 days I think. I have a lot of deadlines coming up at work that I'm not looking forward to. But on the plus side they are making time race ahead (time only seems to go fast when things are approaching that you're not looking forward to). That 90 days will be over in no time.

It's a nice feeling to know that I'm now pretty well organized. I just need to sort out the Garden Grocer, a day room at LAX, and a bit of shopping money.

My plans (particularly my ADRs) have changed a bit from when I last updated my initial post. I'll have to update it tomorrow incase you or anyone else has any useful last minute advice

You must be getting excited also. Your month + of Disney looks fabulous!

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I'd love to see the updated plans! The months are just flying by, I agree. For us, we are at 4 months out today and we were surprised when we realised! Time is flying by and 90 days will go by in an instant!

Its good that you're so organised. We are half and half. We have alot already booked and sorted but some things (like our costumes for MNSSHP) are still up in the air. But we are getting excited now. A month of Disney sounds like heaven right about now!

Can't wait to read the updated plans

We don't have MNSSHP costumes sorted either. To be honest we'll probably be party spoilers and not bother. I have a Pirates League booking for my son prior to the party so he can be a pirate. But as for my husband and I, we're trying to pack as lightly as possible so we can bring home plenty of shopping. We might use the bandanas we get during Pirate night on the Fantasy to be (sort of) pirates.

I'll definitely update my plans tomorrow as I'd love to hear your feedback. I need to check the WDW website to remind myself when my ADRs are, but I'm on my iPad at present and for some reason my iPad and the WDW website don't agree with each other. In fact, I think my iPad is dying as it doesn't agree with many websites.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Don't forget our DisMeet. We did settle on a date and time and location, didn't we?