A few logistical questions inside..

[sirjohnly]

Due to work/school schedules, our trip to Orlando will only be 4 days and 3 nights. The good news is that we'll be staying on site close to the theme parks. I plan on going in early September - from what I hear, the park is less busy during this time (to what degree I have no idea).

I plan on spending 2 days at Disneyworld and 1 day at Universal Studios. Here are my questions:

1. Although 2 days is not enough to explore all of Disney, what would you say are the highlights of Disneyworld that can be seen within 2 days? (I heard Magic Kingdom, Epcot, downtown Disney, and the boardwalk are the places one should see).

2. Assuming I go to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, does each place take 1 full day to see and experience the main attractions?

3. I've heard both Magic Kingdom and Epcot have daily fireworks in the evening. Are they both worth seeing (in your opinion)?

4. Has anyone here ever been to Disneyworld in September who can comment on how busy it is or length of lines? Is it fairly empty, or can you still expect a long wait for rides?

5. I've looked through a couple threads are here are the main rides I've noted:

Magic Kingdom:
Haunted Mansion
Pirates
Small world
Space mountain
Thunder mountain
Splash mountain
Carousel of Progress
Mine train

Epcot:
Test track
Soarin'
Spaceship earth
Mission: space
World showcase
Illuminations


Does this list look good to you ? Are there any other rides you can recommend or specific things within the Magic Kingdom or Epcot I should check out?

6. This question is regarding food. I have a hunch that food within the theme park costs an arm and a leg. What do you guys usually do for food when you go there? Do you buy a dining package? Bring in outside food? (Is outside food and water even allowed?) Know of somewhere decently priced to eat within the compound?

Thank in advance to anyone who can answer any of these questions for me.

 

[Ali Mouse]

I'll give it my best!
1. With only that amount of time MK and Epcot are what you need to focus on. Also make sure that you do not go to MK on MNSSHP (mickeys not so scary halloween party). The Park is only oen til 7. On that day there are less crowds and park will be open til 12. But you would need to purchase tickets for it. You could look into that.

2. For me MK takes at least 2-3 days and Epcot 2 days. But in your time constraint and if you do it right with fatst passes and hit those rides you can definitely do a day each. Definitely get a fast pass for Soarin. That is not because I like the ride. I actually despise it but because many people like it so I'm sure you want to give it a try. It is always at least an hour wait and that will waist a lot of your time. Epcot fast passes: Soarin,mission Space, test Track. MK fast Passes: space mountain, thunder mountain, and mine train. One you have done those get a fast pass for splash mountain. Usually that time of year the rest are walk on.

3. We have never sat and watched fireworks we watch as we go. Too much fun to be had!

4. I love going in September! Last two times we went at that time it was wonderful - there were still crowds but it wasn't crazy. https://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/crowd-calendar/september-2014/#calendar
you can use this link to plan out your days.

5. Those are all good rides! I also like Jungle cruise - but wait can be long. Just look at an app so that you can look at the ride wait times before heading to them. Living with the Land is kinda cool at Epcot. Also I love world showcase but I like to take time and explore each country- gift shops, food, shows, and rides. Mexico and Norway have a ride ! Cool station at Epcot with all the sodas is a cool place only takes 2 minutes!

6. Last two times I went in September so I had the free dinning plan that came with table service which was Awesome! Times before that I bought all my food at quick services- average of 12 per person.
Have fun! I plan on going next September and I'm already excited!

 

[kasey1988]

are you staying at a Disney resort for all 3 nights? you may be able to get the free dining plan that is available in the fall right now!

 

[Lucky]

Welcome, and happy birthday tomorrow!

 

[nharned]

Magic Kingdom stay until close and watch the good night kiss, if you stay until that you will be able to see the magic kingdom fireworks and parade. I went to magic kingdom this june and the lines had like 25 minute waits with the exception of the new ones (7 dwarfs mine train and the little mermaid). With EPCOT you can go around 9 PROBABLY leave around 7 and then go to Downtown Disney at night (its shopping and Disney quest-which is awesome too). The EPCOT fireworks are nice but to me Downtown Disney is worth missing the fireworks.

DO NOT FORGET ABOUT FASTPASS!! I will let you know right now they will save you a ton of time! You can get the Disney app on your phone and pick the time you want to ride three attractions.. the best part it is free! so reserve your seat! You can plan out both days before you even go to Disney. The fast pass lines are great no wait time.

As far as food, we usually pack:
2 PPJs
Snack baggy of trail mix
Baggy of Cheez-itz or any type of crackers
Pop-tart
2 waters
1 Gatorade
this is per a person we get there at open and leave at close.. yeah we typically have left overs but I'd rather be safe than sorry

 

[sirjohnly]

Thanks for everyone's replies!

@kasey1988 I looked into this, but it seems like you can only get the free dining plan if you stay a minimum of 6 nights.

The first day I get to Orlando I arrive at noon, so I don't want to pay entrance fees going to a theme park that day since I won't be able to take advantage of it. I'm thinking of using that afternoon/night going to Downtown Disney or the boardwalk. I heard both were nice. Does anyone know if they're close to each other and can anyone recommend some things to do in either Downtown Disney or the boardwalk?

 

[nharned]

Disney Quest is in Downtown Disney.. I love that place. It is like a 6 story arcade. There are no "rides" but it is till awesome. I am not sure of the price though.

 

[DisneyDaver]

If I only had 2 days at WDW, I would skip Downtown Disney and the Boardwalk (except for a late night walk after Epcot closes) and focus on the parks.

Two adults (without kids) can do MK in a day and Epcot in a day. Check the hours of operation and try to hit each park on a day it is open longer.

I have never been to WDW in September, but have been in October and early November. The crowds are not too bad at those times and September should be the same (or less busy). From my experience, Saturday is the busiest day of the week at the WDW parks (which seems like common sense as well).

I love both Wishes (fireworks show at MK) and Illuminations ... I would try to catch both.

I would add Jungle Cruise and Peter Pan to your MK ride list. And do not miss the Sum of all Thrills attraction at Epcot ... it's hidden a bit in one of the Innoventions buildings and is a very cool simulator.

 

[Tinkerbella16]

@kasey1988 I looked into this, but it seems like you can only get the free dining plan if you stay a minimum of 6 nights.

The minimum is 3 nights which would work for you! A lot of people thought it was 6 nights because of the way Disney promoted it online and such.. "book a 6 night, 7 day stay and get free dining." That is to get people to book more nights, but in actuality the minimum is 3 nights

 

[HollyAD]

Make sure to look at the closing times for the days you choose Magic Kingdom. There are certain nights they close early due to a special event called "Mickeys Not So Scarey Halloween Party." This may be something for you to check into because there are limited tickets sold and the major attractions will be open with very special fireworks! Also make sure to check out Epcot's "Illuminations." This is their fireworks/ laser show and is soooo worth seeing. Downtown Disney is a huge mess right now so with limited time in WDW I wouldn't consider much time there. A dinner reservation Downtown would be okay but with the crazy construction it could be a logistical nightmare.

As far as food: Do your homework! Check out trip advisor before you go for pictures and check the Disney website for Menus and pricing. There are so many different types of food it can be overwhelming. I do pack my own bottled water to go in the parks. It is also not a bad plan to pack some snacks to save time. There are some must have snacks!
- Starring Rolls (Hollywood Studios)- Red Velvet cupcake
- Dole whip or Dole whip float (Magic Kingdom-aloha Isle) You will thank me for this lol
- The trademark Mickey Ice cream bar- Sold at any icecream stand
- The bakery in Norway (Epcot)- Lots of delicious treats here!
- Sleepy Hollow (Magic Kingdom)- Waffle sandwiches, try the Nutella and Fruit
- Earl of Sandwich (Dowtown Disney)- The best sandwiches!
Hope this helps...Enjoy your trip!

 

[belledream]

My fiancé and I went late September last year and it was magnificent, even compared to the not-so-bad season we usually experience in May. We never waited in line for anything for more than 20 minutes (being early risers & FP users). We are going early September this year as well, and it should definitely be even less crowded due to Food & Wine Festival not starting at EPCOT yet. The resort rates are also ever-so-slightly cheaper!

@tinkgrl1685 is correct about the Dining Plan promotion requirements - so it's something for you to consider. Also, it sounds like you haven't actually booked your trip yet, and be warned that you might have trouble securing reservations for some of the more popular restaurants since September is kinda almost here! Those restaurants also tend to be the best 'value' restaurants for your Disney Dining Plan. Research. That's a whole 'nother animal to tackle.

As for Downtown Disney/Boardwalk, they are not near each other. You'd have to take a bus to get in between them. DTD has lots of cute and interesting shops, a hot air balloon ride ($), DisneyQuest (when we book a package with Disney, we get a free DQ entrance voucher), and some great restaurants for food or entertainment. At Boardwalk, the only things I can think of are the Atlantic Dance Hall (only open on some days of the week, depending on what day you arrive), and Jellyrolls (dueling piano bar). However, it can be a more relaxing and romantic walk at night. You can also rent surrey bikes or enjoy street performers around the area.

 

[MarieTA]

You CAN get free dining when staying 3 nights! The promos in Sep run - free dining 8/31-10/3 and room only 8/29-10/3. I would book your trip immediately so you can select FP+, as you are already less than 60 days prior to an early Sep arrival. Also if you pick the FD offer you will want to make ADRs immediately too.

I used to live near DW and travelled most months of the year. Early Sep will be fairly crowded, but nothing like summer and major holidays. Other than Jan and early Feb, DW doesn't seem to be uncrowded anymore. But with preselecting FP+, your wait times are reduced and you get to see more of what you really want.

The attractions you selected sound great for you and your girlfriend. There are nighttime shows at all the parks you are looking to visit. Personally I think Illuminations in Epcot is the least exciting. If you are sentimental, Wishes is a must. Fantasmic is also exciting.

You can save money on dining by bringing in food/drinks and eating at quick service restaurants. Depending how hungry we are, sometimes hubby and I split a quick service meal and buy an extra side like a salad.

Have a blast!!

 

[sirjohnly]

@MarieTA @tinkgrl1685 I had no idea the free dining would work with 3 nights as well! I already booked a package through Priceline (and I don't think that gives me access to the free dining). Luckily, I can get a full refund on the hotel.

I think I'm going to re-book the hotel through Disney to get the free dining, but I can't seem to find where I can do this. Does anyone have a link?

Should I be buying my Disney entrance tickets and Fast passes now? And what exactly is ADR?

Thanks again.

 

[Tinkerbella16]

@MarieTA @tinkgrl1685 I had no idea the free dining would work with 3 nights as well! I already booked a package through Priceline (and I don't think that gives me access to the free dining). Luckily, I can get a full refund on the hotel.

I think I'm going to re-book the hotel through Disney to get the free dining, but I can't seem to find where I can do this. Does anyone have a link?

Should I be buying my Disney entrance tickets and Fast passes now? And what exactly is ADR?

Thanks again.

What resort are you booked at currently? And what are your dates? You can book it online at disneyworld.com. Under Special Offers, you can see what is available with free dining right now. If you are staying at a value, you will get QSDP, moderate and deluxe resorts get the regular dining plan free.

 

[belledream]

To get the dining plan, you have to book a 'package' which is resort and tickets. So it sounds like you booked only a hotel through Priceline, can get that refunded, and you have not purchased tickets yet? Then you should be in the clear to book both through Disney and get a free or upgraded dining plan.

Fastpasses are free - you can book them 60 days out from your arrival date if staying at a Disney resort.

ADR = Advanced Dining Reservation. You may not be able to eat at some restaurants without making a reservation due to popularity. They can be made at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/#/reservations-accepted or via phone.

 

[PhilharMagician]

1. No! IMHO skip the Boardwalk and hit DTD in the evening after you finish with a parks.

2. You really need more than a day to get through any of the parks. Since you are going in September, you may want to go to the Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween Party. This is a separately ticketed event that has a limited amount of tickets sold so you will have a better chance to cram in more rides and shows in you limited schedule. The parks are huge with so much to do. It all comes down to personal preference of things to do in a Disney park, but I can spend multiple days in each park and walk away felling that I missed something.

3. Illuminations in Epcot tells a story about the development of our planet. The show is amazing and well worth the time to stay and watch it as the parks closes for the evening. Wishes in MK is a good show and is worth viewing and if go to the Halloween party then they will have Hallowishes fireworks show which is even better. Also the Halloween parade that runs during the party IMHO is the best parade @ WDW. The Headless Horseman riding through and the grave diggers sparking their shovels through the streets is neat to see.

4. September used to be a really quiet time of the year for WDW. Today, September is much busier with Disney marketing the free DDP packages. September is still quieter than during the summer months or peak holidays, but do not expect to be able to just walk onto rides. The lines for the rides and shows may be shorter, but they will still be there on most days.

5. You hit most of the main attractions. I would recommend picking the ones you most want to see and use the Fast Pass Plus system to get your rides scheduled and then see what the day brings when you arrive at the parks. It can be extremely overwhelming arriving at a Disney park for the first time. Take you time and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

A couple of recommendations:

• Get to the park at least 1/2 hour prior to it's opening time. Lines will be shortest first thing in the morning.
• Possibly rethink spending one day @ Universal Studios. The reason I am saying this is because 1 day will not get much done in Universal and/or Island of Adventure. This can be done in the future when you can vacation for a longer time frame and it will give you something to look forward too.
• Get a 3 day park hopper pass for WDW and this would be what I would do.
  • Day 1 go to MK full day
  • Day 2 go to Epcot full day
  • Day 3 go to Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios during the day and Halloween Party @ MK in the evening.
• Get your vacation dates planned ASAP and get your dining reservations booked @ WDW for any Table service meals you will want to do.

 

[sirjohnly]

Thanks again for everyone's responses.

@belledream @PhilharMagician I looked into the package deals on the Disney website. Since it's a hotel + ticket package and I'm staying for 4 nights, it seems like I also get 4 days of tickets. I only plan on going to Disney + Epcot for 1 day each, so I won't need 4 days.

I understand that Islands of Adventure may take more than one day to get through, but it's really just the Harry Potter attraction that I want to visit.

I think the next step for me is buying the tickets for Disney and trying to figure out how the Fast pass system works.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

@MarieTA @tinkgrl1685 I had no idea the free dining would work with 3 nights as well! I already booked a package through Priceline (and I don't think that gives me access to the free dining). Luckily, I can get a full refund on the hotel.

I think I'm going to re-book the hotel through Disney to get the free dining, but I can't seem to find where I can do this. Does anyone have a link?

Should I be buying my Disney entrance tickets and Fast passes now? And what exactly is ADR?

Thanks again.

On the disney world website, scroll down to special offers and you will see one labeled as "its delicious and free" or something like that.
Click it and search for the room you want. Then you can book it. You must book your tickets too. It must be paid off 45 days before arriving.

When you are 60 days out you can book your fastpasses.
But I would get a move on booking ADR (advance dining reservations) because they open at 180 days and many book up fast! You dont need your room reservation to do this, anyone can book reservations, under the "things to do" tab, you will see "make dining reservations"

Btw.. I would skip the Boardwalk and go to DTD instead.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Thanks again for everyone's responses.

@belledream @PhilharMagician I looked into the package deals on the Disney website. Since it's a hotel + ticket package and I'm staying for 4 nights, it seems like I also get 4 days of tickets. I only plan on going to Disney + Epcot for 1 day each, so I won't need 4 days.

I understand that Islands of Adventure may take more than one day to get through, but it's really just the Harry Potter attraction that I want to visit.

I think the next step for me is buying the tickets for Disney and trying to figure out how the Fast pass system works.

You can change the ticket days. It automatically selects 4 days based on your nights but you can change that.

 

[Tinkerbella16]

Thanks again for everyone's responses.

@belledream @PhilharMagician I looked into the package deals on the Disney website. Since it's a hotel + ticket package and I'm staying for 4 nights, it seems like I also get 4 days of tickets. I only plan on going to Disney + Epcot for 1 day each, so I won't need 4 days.

I understand that Islands of Adventure may take more than one day to get through, but it's really just the Harry Potter attraction that I want to visit.

I think the next step for me is buying the tickets for Disney and trying to figure out how the Fast pass system works.

It will automatically select the number of days for tickets that you'll technically be there. We always change ours since we fly out on our departure day in the morning.