Disney World for the first time in forever!

[JayWaters]

Hey All,

I am attending Disney World with my family for the first time in 20 years! Super excited as this will be my first time staying on property. I have been to Disneyland many, many times but have only gone to Disney World twice so I am not a complete newbie but far less experienced with the East Coast Resort.

It’s going to be a short stay between Nov 10-14 (4 nights and 4 days) during Veteran’s Day week and will be staying at All-Star Movies (Have booked preferred and have requested the Toy Story section so we get the new rooms). The flights are booked so no wiggle room with dates. However, I’d love your thoughts on my itinerary. For context, I am attending with my 70 year old mom (in good health), 35 year old sister, and 14 year old stepdaughter. Here’s what I have:

Saturday, Nov 10: Flight arrives at 8:30 PM. Go straight to All Star Resort.

Sunday, Nov 11: Animal Kingdom.

Monday, Nov 12 (Veteran’s Day): Epcot.

Tuesday, Nov 13: So this is where I really want to know if I am being crazy. I think we’re going to attend Mickey’s Magical Christmas at Magic Kingdom starting at 4 PM but just going to stay at the All Star Resort until then. My thinking is that after 2 days of parks a little downtime would be good. Also, from what I read sounds like lines are much more manageable during the party. I’m not really interested in the Christmas events. Will attend if we have time, but my hope is we can go on most rides between 4-12AM.

Wednesday, Nov 14: Hollywood Studios. Leave property at 5:00 PM. Flight back at 9:30 PM.

Decided not to take advantage of EMH because I decided my family would be more pleasant if they didn’t need to wake up early and also want to avoid crowds that EMH bring. I also think with a short itinerary like this Park Hopper is unnecessary and the base tickets will be fine.

Please let me know if you see any flaws with this plan or have any suggestions.

Thanks!

 

[JIMINYCR]

MVMCP...Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party. You do need to have bought tickets for the event to attend. The event can get sold out. You do have a better chance to ride all the attractions multiple times because the park limits the number of tickets sold. Weve seen very light lines as the evening goes on since many guests do not stay throughout the evening and have been able to walk right on again after completing a ride. If you are going to skip all the events and just focus on the rides you shouldnt have a problem.
I wouldnt waste the money on PH passes in your case.

 

[JayWaters]

I am hoping we might catch the later parade, the Castle lighting, and the final midnight show at park closing, but it’s not a deal breaker if we can’t.

 

[JohnD]

MVMCP...Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party. You do need to have bought tickets for the event to attend. The event can get sold out. You do have a better chance to ride all the attractions multiple times because the park limits the number of tickets sold. Weve seen very light lines as the evening goes on since many guests do not stay throughout the evening and have been able to walk right on again after completing a ride. If you are going to skip all the events and just focus on the rides you shouldnt have a problem.
I wouldnt waste the money on PH passes in your case.

Agree. Also agree that downtime is the right approach. Rest up. If you’re purchasing multi-day tickets don’t include the same day as the party as that is separately ticketed. Based on your schedule, purchase three day non-park hopper tickets and tickets for the Very Merry Christmas Party.