Days per Park/Destination

S

scritchell

Active Member
All,
After being on these forums for just over a week and reading through all the posts, and advice (Thanks for all those that have helped)
I have a rough guide to 'how many days i would need at each park' to do everything....

Magic Kingdom - 2 days to see all
Animal Kingdom - 2
Blizzard Beach - 1
Epcot - 1
Hollywood Studios - 1
Typhoon Lagoon -1
Universal Studios - 2
Universal Islands of Adventure - 2
Volcano Bay - 1
Sea World - 1
Aquatica - 1
Busch Gardens - 1
I-Drive 360 - 1
Kennedy Space Centre - 1
Discovery Cove - 1
Legoland Florida - 1
Legoland Waterpark - 1

Total of 21 days

So, along with a planned rest day every week during my 3 week stay (i will need it as well as my 7yo), that totals 24 days.......as we will only be there for 21 days (20 with arrival/departure) can anyone give some well needed advice/thoughts please? I am planning of visiting some of the WDW parks in the evenings to cover some things we don't do/miss

TYIA
 
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LAKid53

LAKid53

Official Member of the Girly Girl Fan Club
Premium Member
scritchell said:
Brilliant, do these need to be booked or is a 'turn up early' process
Click to expand...

You can fastpass them, but I wouldn't waste a fastpass. Just show up about 10 minutes before the show starts. The theatres for both Lion King and Nemo have lots of audience seating.
 
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monykalyn

monykalyn

Well-Known Member
Just a reminder that Star Wars:Galxy's Edge could possibly be opening when you are traveling next year and this could significantly impact park crowds in Hollywood studios. Likely not open til later in the year but just be aware.

I'd also recommend maybe a week on WDW property then maybe 4 or 5 days onsite at a Universal property while you explore those parks- staying the higher end resorts at universal gets you unlimited express pass for many rides. You likely won't need four full days at universal but it gives you the option to slow down a bit. As it will be surface of the sun HOT you will be tired (way more tired than you can anticipate) and the conveninece for a quick walk back to a resort pool can be a trip and sanity life saver. You could then transfer back to a WDW resort - this way you get the magical express both ways to airport. If you stay at some nicer resorts the pools are great and you really won't need to hit every waterpark (which can be more exhausting than a regular park day.). Keep Discovery cove though!

We've were in WDW last August for 8 days and managed maybe four hours in am, pool/rest time and then maybe 3-4 hours in evening-and we are acclimated to heat/humidity.
We normally go for two weeks in beginning of June, and it's already hot-and we follow same strategy - including at least one full day at a pool where everyone can sleep as long as they want etc to recharge.

You will have a fabulous time but please realize you will not "do everything" and that's ok!
 
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S

scritchell

Active Member
Original Poster
monykalyn said:
Just a reminder that Star Wars:Galxy's Edge could possibly be opening when you are traveling next year and this could significantly impact park crowds in Hollywood studios. Likely not open til later in the year but just be aware.

I'd also recommend maybe a week on WDW property then maybe 4 or 5 days onsite at a Universal property while you explore those parks- staying the higher end resorts at universal gets you unlimited express pass for many rides. You likely won't need four full days at universal but it gives you the option to slow down a bit. As it will be surface of the sun HOT you will be tired (way more tired than you can anticipate) and the conveninece for a quick walk back to a resort pool can be a trip and sanity life saver. You could then transfer back to a WDW resort - this way you get the magical express both ways to airport. If you stay at some nicer resorts the pools are great and you really won't need to hit every waterpark (which can be more exhausting than a regular park day.). Keep Discovery cove though!

We've were in WDW last August for 8 days and managed maybe four hours in am, pool/rest time and then maybe 3-4 hours in evening-and we are acclimated to heat/humidity.
We normally go for two weeks in beginning of June, and it's already hot-and we follow same strategy - including at least one full day at a pool where everyone can sleep as long as they want etc to recharge.

You will have a fabulous time but please realize you will not "do everything" and that's ok!
Click to expand...

Hi - planning for an August visit so hopefully Star Wars will be open - my son loves it
Regarding staying at Universal, it all comes down to cost, I will have paid for a 3 week stay at WDW so wouldnt perhaps have the budgest to then stay at Universal... Also the Universal hotel booking link is down lol
 
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S

scritchell

Active Member
Original Poster
LAKid53 said:
Several attractions at the parks are indoors and air conditioned to give you a break:

Magic Kingdom - Carousel of Progress, Mickey's Philharmonic, It's a Small World, Hall of Presidents

Animal Kingdom - Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo

Epcot - Frozen Ever After (Norway), the ride in Mexico, Living with the Land.

The shows (Lion King, Nemo, Hall of Presidents) last about 20-25 minutes. The rides, anywhere from 5-10 minutes.

If you have not done so, go to the app store for your mobile device and download the Disney World app. Not only will it show all your tickets and reservations at Walt Disney World (hotel room, dining and fastpasses), it has a map of each park reflecting ride location and information and wait times.
Click to expand...

Is it called 'The Ride in Mexico' or can you simply not remember the name lol
 
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LAKid53

LAKid53

Official Member of the Girly Girl Fan Club
Premium Member
scritchell said:
Maybe we could fast pass them at the end of the day? Before we go back to the hotel to shower/change
Would that work
Click to expand...

Yes, but if you do that, making them part of your initial 3 selections, you won't be able to select any fastpasses until you use that one. The FP+ system allows you to make 3 at one time, in the same park, initially. Once those 3 are used, then you can make more, but only 1 at a time. And there may be no FP+ selections for both of them at a time you want after that.

Both Lion King and Nemo shows start at the top of each hour. The FP+ return time is 15-30 minutes before the next show starts. So you will show up and stand around, waiting for the previous show to conclude and the theatre empty before you will be allowed to enter. Cast Members direct you to the seating areas. If you plan on leaving Animal Kingdom around 6 PM, just go over to the theatre it's showing in in Africa about 10-15 minutes before 5 PM to catch that show.

Nemo's theatre is over by the seating for Rivers of Light in Animal Kingdom.

The Disney app lists the times for all the shows - called entertainment - in the parks.
 
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S

scritchell

Active Member
Original Poster
LAKid53 said:
Yes, but if you do that, making them part of your initial 3 selections, you won't be able to select any fastpasses until you use that one. The FP+ system allows you to make 3 at one time, in the same park, initially. Once those 3 are used, then you can make more, but only 1 at a time. And there may be no FP+ selections for both of them at a time you want after that.

Both Lion King and Nemo shows start at the top of each hour. The FP+ return time is 15-30 minutes before the next show starts. So you will show up and stand around, waiting for the previous show to conclude and the theatre empty before you will be allowed to enter. Cast Members direct you to the seating areas. If you plan on leaving Animal Kingdom around 6 PM, just go over to the theatre it's showing in in Africa about 10-15 minutes before 5 PM to catch that show.

Nemo's theatre is over by the seating for Rivers of Light in Animal Kingdom.

The Disney app lists the times for all the shows - called entertainment - in the parks.
Click to expand...

No i mean fast pass them at the end of the day.... not as one of the initial selections... does that work?
 
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LAKid53

LAKid53

Official Member of the Girly Girl Fan Club
Premium Member
scritchell said:
Hi - planning for an August visit so hopefully Star Wars will be open - my son loves it
Regarding staying at Universal, it all comes down to cost, I will have paid for a 3 week stay at WDW so wouldnt perhaps have the budgest to then stay at Universal... Also the Universal hotel booking link is down lol
Click to expand...

Watch this discussion board for info on the opening. Stars Wars Land in Disneyland in California will open up first. But there will be LOTS of chatter about opening dates. Most likely summer. But Disney has until 11:59PM 12/31/2019 to make good on its announcement that Galaxy Edge will open in WDW in 2019. 😁
 
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LAKid53

LAKid53

Official Member of the Girly Girl Fan Club
Premium Member
scritchell said:
No i mean fast pass them at the end of the day.... not as one of the initial selections... does that work?
Click to expand...

It can, but a lot of times you end up with FPs late in the day or none at all.

I really think you are underestimating the effect the heat and humidity of Florida will have on you, especially your son. I've lived in Florida over 50 years. I can't do a full day in any of the parks in the summer without thinking I'm going to die.
 
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S

scritchell

Active Member
Original Poster
LAKid53 said:
Watch this discussion board for info on the opening. Stars Wars Land in Disneyland in California will open up first. But there will be LOTS of chatter about opening dates. Most likely summer. But Disney has until 11:59PM 12/31/2019 to make good on its announcement that Galaxy Edge will open in WDW in 2019. 😁
Click to expand...
Thank you - fingers crossed they open by August 2019
 
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LAKid53

LAKid53

Official Member of the Girly Girl Fan Club
Premium Member
Another good thing to pack. Those cooling towels. They are made from a special fabric that when wet, keeps you cool. You can get them at Disney, but you will be paying twice the normal cost.
 
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S

scritchell

Active Member
Original Poster
LAKid53 said:
It can, but a lot of times you end up with FPs late in the day or none at all.

I really think you are underestimating the effect the heat and humidity of Florida will have on you, especially your son. I've lived in Florida over 50 years. I can't do a full day in any of the parks in the summer without thinking I'm going to die.
Click to expand...

We are going to do early morning and late nights with a afternoon break, or maybe in the afternoon sun we will have lunch and maybe some indoor shows?
 
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monykalyn

monykalyn

Well-Known Member
scritchell said:
Hi - planning for an August visit so hopefully Star Wars will be open - my son loves it
Regarding staying at Universal, it all comes down to cost, I will have paid for a 3 week stay at WDW so wouldnt perhaps have the budgest to then stay at Universal... Also the Universal hotel booking link is down lol
Click to expand...
well that's frustrating lol!
I was thinking logistics in transport as well with onsite stay at Universal-even an Uber back and forth for three days, as well as being really hot and just wanting a rest may make staying at Universal for a few days worth it. Maybe even stay a few days as well in a Sea world partner hotel-if you do discovery cove you have 2 weeks admission to sea world- and those hotels can be significantly cheaper than even the values at Disney-plus no need for transport as those will have shuttles. Yes it's some moving around, but with 3 weeks it might be fun to experience different resorts. So something like 6 days WDW, 3 universal 3 sea world hotel, last 6 at WDW.
I know on another thread someone recommended Art of Animation but Pop is really fine. Or if a great rate comes out consider Coronado Springs - has some construction going on but it's the best resort for the price at times- the main pool is really cool with a water slide.


The cooling towels we use are called Frogg Togg I think. They are great. Bit there are several brands that do same thing

Afternoon shows are great places to cool down, as is booking a table service for 12:30 or 1 or even bit later, then a show or 2 (or hotel rest) to digest the food. Will give you the down time to recharge!
 
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LAKid53

LAKid53

Official Member of the Girly Girl Fan Club
Premium Member
scritchell said:
Thank you - fingers crossed they open by August 2019
Click to expand...

You won't get near it without fastpasses. Expect crowds to line up at the park entrance starting at 5 AM, if not before. Wait times to exceed 5 hours. I expect Disney will implement phased closing at Hollywood Studios when that land opens. Google stories and photos of opening day for Pandora at Animal Kingdom. And then multiply that by 100. As both a DVC member and annual passholder, I'm hoping for a preview like they did for Pandora. Otherwise, I'll wait until the next runDisney event after it opens.
 
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S

scritchell

Active Member
Original Poster
I'm so glad i have 18months to plan this all out lol
Its a shame the universal site is down as i would like to price up a 2/3 night stay at Universal :(
I think lunch and shows is perfect during the afternoon sun, then we wont have to go back and forth to the hotel (which ive heard could be an hour)
Any more info would be great
Its all a massive help so thank you
 
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