First trip in 9 year - What do I need to know?

[mp2bill]

The title pretty much says it all. I'm taking my first trip since 2013 (first ever with kids) in the second week of August, and it seems that so much has changed, I'm having a tough time wrapping my head around what I need to know. So tell me...what do I need to know?

 

[Beacon Joe]

Crowds unlike anything you've seen. You'll have to pay extra to get on any rides you want. Based on family members' experiences this past fall, cleanliness has taken a nosedive yet again.

Truly helpful advice for the original poster.

That actually was very helpful advice.

 

[kalel8145]

Crowds unlike anything you've seen. You'll have to pay extra to get on any rides you want. Based on family members' experiences this past fall, cleanliness has taken a nosedive yet again.




That actually was very helpful advice.

Not at all

 

[DryerLintFan]

Crowds unlike anything you've seen. You'll have to pay extra to get on any rides you want. Based on family members' experiences this past fall, cleanliness has taken a nosedive yet again.




That actually was very helpful advice.

Oh, yes, don't expect the cleanliness levels you think you're used to.

Also, protect your ankles from the strollers. Don't expect stroller pushers to avoid you

 

[mp2bill]

I am also hopefully going back in October after 5 years. A lot has changed and hoping there will be more threads on Genie+ and if people are finding it worth the money. Seems like most of your day will be staring at your phone - not thrilled with the changes but still excited to finally be going back.

Same.

 

[mp2bill]

Not sure if you have kids in your party, but I haven't seen it mentioned that character meets and dining are still wonky.

You don't need a magic band for your trip, but if you can afford one they do make things easier, imo.

Genie plus seems to really suck in a few important ways, so be sure to read up on that so you're prepared. I know that's mentioned already I just wanted to double down on that so you were focused on it.

I do. Based on your comment, it sounds like you have to make reservations for meet and greets. Is that correct?

 

[DisneyfanMA]

Is Genie + still worth it for NON property guests? I see that those staying on Disney property can book at 7am, the rest have to wait til 9 am or when the park opens right? So will all the Genie+ be gone by the time my family and I arrive in the park? Worth it or no?

 

[DfromATX]

We are here now. I would leave early if I could. Have already canceled Sept. trip.

Why, what's going on? Please elaborate.

 

[wendysue]

Why, what's going on? Please elaborate.

Having been to WDW at least 20 times, I feel that most of those trips were during the best times of Disney. That is no longer the case. I do have some mobility issues, but wanted to use up our airline tics and booked at AS Movies (Pop was not available). I paid for a preferred room, and requested ground floor near the pool (I know it's not guaranteed) and got 3rd floor at the back of a building by the stairs and road when she assured me we were close to elevator. When I asked to be closer to pool...not next to it but somewhere near, they said that it was the only room left. My knee had taken a turn for the worse 3 days before the trip so I knew I wasn't going to the parks and would just hang out by the pool. Nope. I told the front desk that it was too hard to get there so I may as well leave early and they said "Ok, let us know when you check out." I just packed up, changed my flight and went home. I didn't expect special treatment, just what I paid for.

 

[DfromATX]

Having been to WDW at least 20 times, I feel that most of those trips were during the best times of Disney. That is no longer the case. I do have some mobility issues, but wanted to use up our airline tics and booked at AS Movies (Pop was not available). I paid for a preferred room, and requested ground floor near the pool (I know it's not guaranteed) and got 3rd floor at the back of a building by the stairs and road when she assured me we were close to elevator. When I asked to be closer to pool...not next to it but somewhere near, they said that it was the only room left. My knee had taken a turn for the worse 3 days before the trip so I knew I wasn't going to the parks and would just hang out by the pool. Nope. I told the front desk that it was too hard to get there so I may as well leave early and they said "Ok, let us know when you check out." I just packed up, changed my flight and went home. I didn't expect special treatment, just what I paid for.

I'm sorry, I know that must have been disappointing.

 

[mp2bill]

Is Genie + still worth it for NON property guests? I see that those staying on Disney property can book at 7am, the rest have to wait til 9 am or when the park opens right? So will all the Genie+ be gone by the time my family and I arrive in the park? Worth it or no?

I’m reading The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World right now, and they say that for rides like Slinky Dog Dash (basically, super popular rides) during busy periods, that can be the case. Of course, since you’d be one ride reservation behind all on-site guests (you can book a new ride every two hours or once you check into your reservation), you’d have less opportunity to use it.

When are you going?

 

[DisneyfanMA]

I’m reading The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World right now, and they say that for rides like Slinky Dog Dash (basically, super popular rides) during busy periods, that can be the case. Of course, since you’d be one ride reservation behind all on-site guests (you can book a new ride every two hours or once you check into your reservation), you’d have less opportunity to use it.

When are you going?

November, second week. 5 family members, going to 4 Disney parks (plus 1 day at Universal IoA).

I just realized I've now posted a question asking if Genie + is worth it in 2 seperate threads - sorry admins. I am leaning towards YES for the $300 total. I found out non resort guests CAN book at 7am, just not the half a dozen or so individual LL rides. For those we have to wait til park opening. I'm just worried about buying Genie + and having everything worthwile constantly "sold out" and wasting my money.

I'm also assuming that when you do book a time, and show up, its much quicker than standby usually?

 

[mp2bill]

I'm also assuming that when you do book a time, and show up, its much quicker than standby usually?

I don’t personally know, but I believe it’s just like the old FastPass system. It might not be a walk-right-on situation, but it should definitely be much faster.