We took a trip recently an made some changes to our normal routine. 1st, we did not carry anything with us to the parks. No backpack full of snacks, no ponchos, no extra pair of socks, no extra sunscreen, just slathered it on before arriving at the parks, nothing...not even the camera.
We usually take tons of pictures but decided to try doing without. The only thing we took with us was one car key, drivers license (not even the whole wallet), some cash and the credit card, in a small pack.
We made no PS at any resturants and generally had no agenda other than to have a fun, relaxing tour of the parks. Got to the parks early and at the rope drop instead of trying to beat the crowds (mid-may so crowds were small) we went the opposite direction. Example: at Epcot, instead of making the usual beeline to Test Track, we wandered around enjoying the landscaping and flowers and went to the almost empty Land and Imagination pavilions. At MK, instead of beelining it to Space Mountain, we strolled Main Street and enjoyed the park where the Walt and Mickey statue is.
Used this strategy at all the parks. At meal times we just ate when we were hungry at whatever place we happened to be near that was not crowded.
We were so relaxed and having such a good time there was no need to take an afternoon break and go back to the room for relaxation and our usual mid day dip in the pool, we just stayed at whatever park we were in till it closed. We did not try to get a spot early for the parades, just wandered up behind the rest of the folks as the parades started. We got to Fantasmic as it was about to start and stood at the SRO area and had a fine view without having to stake out a seat an hour early. For Illuminations we did the same thing. Just came up to a spot near the Norway pavilion as it was starting and stood back and watched from where we were. We watched the fireworks, Illuminations, Fantasmic then let the crowds rush out as we slowly strolled around the parks after closing time. Then we casually made our way back to the car after traffic had calmed down, and made a slow drive back to the room for a late night swim, and relaxation in the hot tub.
Now ocasionally we had to remind ourselves not to rush, as this is old habit. Guess what? This turned out to be the best trip ever. No stress, exhaustion, or blisters. Never thought I would do it this way, but during slower times such as mid-May it worked out great and made for a most pleasurable trip. By the way, just my wife and I, ages 42 and 38, no children.
Every tried a similar tactic and would like to share your experience? I think we will do this same thing again during the week or two before Christmas.
Ricky
We usually take tons of pictures but decided to try doing without. The only thing we took with us was one car key, drivers license (not even the whole wallet), some cash and the credit card, in a small pack.
We made no PS at any resturants and generally had no agenda other than to have a fun, relaxing tour of the parks. Got to the parks early and at the rope drop instead of trying to beat the crowds (mid-may so crowds were small) we went the opposite direction. Example: at Epcot, instead of making the usual beeline to Test Track, we wandered around enjoying the landscaping and flowers and went to the almost empty Land and Imagination pavilions. At MK, instead of beelining it to Space Mountain, we strolled Main Street and enjoyed the park where the Walt and Mickey statue is.
Used this strategy at all the parks. At meal times we just ate when we were hungry at whatever place we happened to be near that was not crowded.
We were so relaxed and having such a good time there was no need to take an afternoon break and go back to the room for relaxation and our usual mid day dip in the pool, we just stayed at whatever park we were in till it closed. We did not try to get a spot early for the parades, just wandered up behind the rest of the folks as the parades started. We got to Fantasmic as it was about to start and stood at the SRO area and had a fine view without having to stake out a seat an hour early. For Illuminations we did the same thing. Just came up to a spot near the Norway pavilion as it was starting and stood back and watched from where we were. We watched the fireworks, Illuminations, Fantasmic then let the crowds rush out as we slowly strolled around the parks after closing time. Then we casually made our way back to the car after traffic had calmed down, and made a slow drive back to the room for a late night swim, and relaxation in the hot tub.
Now ocasionally we had to remind ourselves not to rush, as this is old habit. Guess what? This turned out to be the best trip ever. No stress, exhaustion, or blisters. Never thought I would do it this way, but during slower times such as mid-May it worked out great and made for a most pleasurable trip. By the way, just my wife and I, ages 42 and 38, no children.
Every tried a similar tactic and would like to share your experience? I think we will do this same thing again during the week or two before Christmas.
Ricky
