New AP holder- how do I park different now?

[G8rchamps]

My wife and I decided at 9 and 6 the kids are perfect age for some extra Disney in the next 12 months. Now that we can park hop and take our time what can we do different or extra?

 

[Monty]

Ah... The bliss!

You have loads of options. Take the time to wander aimlessly and see the little hidden bits of magic all around you. Enjoy some of the AP extras offered from time to time [AP only soft openings of new attractions and other stuff]. Depending on your kids and your comfort level, let them do their own thing for periods of time while you enjoy some "Adult" time, perhaps a drink somewhere quiet. Just enjoy the reduced stress of knowing if a ride or attraction is down, you'll be back and can see it next time.

My biggest problem with my first [and subsequent] APs was that ticket burning a hole in my pocket... Random "extra" trips from Ottawa, Canada can get expensive!

 

[SMS55]

Slow down a little. As a Florida resident we will get seasonals depending on how good the year is going and one thing we do is slow down. If we haven't gone in a while we'll move quicker to see more stuff the first trip but we go back a few months later go do that ride you usually skip or have told yourself your going to ride next time you go. We are getting seasonals to go at the end of next month and going for the first time in 9 months, so we'll focus on riding, but we want to go in early December to see all the Christmas decorations. We'll ride our favorites, but that trip will be to soak in the Christmas decorations.

 

[JohnD]

I

Slow down a little. As a Florida resident we will get seasonals depending on how good the year is going and one thing we do is slow down. If we haven't gone in a while we'll move quicker to see more stuff the first trip but we go back a few months later go do that ride you usually skip or have told yourself your going to ride next time you go. We are getting seasonals to go at the end of next month and going for the first time in 9 months, so we'll focus on riding, but we want to go in early December to see all the Christmas decorations. We'll ride our favorites, but that trip will be to soak in the Christmas decorations.

I have the Weekday Select Pass. Going in early October. Since I haven't been in more than 20 years, my plans will be more rigid this time:
9/29: MNSSHP (separately purchased ticket with pass discount
9/30: Either AK or HS, depending on shows.
10/1: Same. Opposite of 9/30
10/2: MK
10/3: MK (morning), Ep (afternoon)
10/4: Ep

Some park hopping based on dinner reservations. Assuming I come back in less than a year, it would be a more leisurely trip to pick and choose where I want to park hop.

 

[G8rchamps]

I

I have the Weekday Select Pass. Going in early October. Since I haven't been in more than 20 years, my plans will be more rigid this time:
9/29: MNSSHP (separately purchased ticket with pass discount
9/30: Either AK or HS, depending on shows.
10/1: Same. Opposite of 9/30
10/2: MK
10/3: MK (morning), Ep (afternoon)
10/4: Ep

Some park hopping based on dinner reservations. Assuming I come back in less than a year, it would be a more leisurely trip to pick and choose where I want to park hop.[/quote

I

I have the Weekday Select Pass. Going in early October. Since I haven't been in more than 20 years, my plans will be more rigid this time:
9/29: MNSSHP (separately purchased ticket with pass discount
9/30: Either AK or HS, depending on shows.
10/1: Same. Opposite of 9/30
10/2: MK
10/3: MK (morning), Ep (afternoon)
10/4: Ep

Some park hopping based on dinner reservations. Assuming I come back in less than a year, it would be a more leisurely trip to pick and choose where I want to park hop.

We did the whole week early June and just rushed around. Planning long weekends in August, Labor Day, and early Oct (4 days and going to do MNSSHP based on reviews)- really looking forward to sort of peeling back a layer and exploring. Thanks all for the tips so far!

 

[experiment624]

We will go and not even get on any rides. We spent one day just doing each of the films at the World Showcase in EPCOT. Another whole day just doing the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom when it came out. Another for just Treasure of the Seven Seas. Get a bite at the quick service of each pavilion in EPCOT. Eat at every single restaurant at WDW, still in the process. Take pictures of the different garbage cans at each park and resort. Going to the parks isn't just about the attractions anymore, its about enjoying every detail now. Enjoy and congratulations on your APs.

 

[fosse76]

My biggest problem with my first [and subsequent] APs was that ticket burning a hole in my pocket... Random "extra" trips from Ottawa, Canada can get expensive!

That's the "downfall" of being a non-local and owning an AP...you start looking for extra trips! I bought my first AP when I realised I'd save some money on admission, based on the number of times I planned on visiting. I ended up taking two additional trips on top of that the first year!

 

[disney4life2008]

Congratulations!! I have had an AP for several years now but I am certain once mines is up in May I will not renew for a few more years. But the perks of being able to park hop and take your time is why I continue to purchase it. The discounts are great but slowly decreasing or going away. But I will say with an AP - you will be tempted to make as many trips to WDW as possible. I have had mines for 2 months and have went to WDW 5 times and I am not a florida resident

 

[Susan Savia]

I love arriving, unpacking and heading for a park and not worrying about going to the parks for a half day and 'using a day off my ticket'. We've had APs for many years and enjoy the benefits that come with them. Sometimes we'll go into AK and ride the Safari and Dinosaur and leave for another park and it's only 10:00 in the morning.