Trip Report Shortest Retirement in History?

Justin Bieber lasted 2 weeks.

Tom Brady lasted 40 days.

I, Tuvalu, outlasted them both. Not by much, mind you. Yet if not for the encouragement of some forum friends - along with some unusual circumstances - you wouldn’t be reading this.

Unusual circumstances, you say?

Around Thanksgiving my beloved Woody learned his presence was required at a work conference. In Orlando. At Universal.
Just down the road from Walt Disney World.

Woody said I could accompany him if he drove (rather than flew) to Florida. And that we could leave a couple days early and have some Disney time together.

Well you don’t have to ask me twice!

I’d be on my own during the conference. Since the majority of Universal’s attractions don’t appeal to me, it didn’t make sense for me to buy Uni tickets when I could visit WDW for free with my AP. Being solo, I thought it might be fun to do a live trip report so y’all could be my virtual companions!

Turns out I won’t be alone while Woody is occupied after all. Some friends that you have seen in my previous TRs (and one you haven’t) have offered to play with me. I can’t wait!

 

[RememberWhen]

Grumble time.

Yesterday was 7 days until our check in - meaning we were eligible to purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass for our stay. While I dislike having to pay for something that used to be free (who does?), I was hopeful that advance booking would solve the issue I hated with Genie+ - not being able to choose the time we wanted to ride. (I also found the two hour rule limiting and confusing.)

With FP+ I loved entering a park with 3 booked attractions. I'm a planner and a rope-dropper so this system worked well for us. I (incorrectly) assumed LLMP would work the same way except now there's a cost. A cost that swings from $17 to $29 per person per day, depending on date and park.

Knowing that this upcoming trip won't be park-centric, I decided to buy LLMP for the park with the worst waits (for us) - DHS. Because we are APs and still need park reservations (don't get me started on those!) I'd booked our parks months ago. We arrive on Sunday and DHS was booked for Monday.

I decided our Tier 1 choice would be Slinky Dog, with Toy Story Mania and Alien Swirling Saucers as Tier 2. At 7 am I was in the app, selected my choices and was stunned to see all three attractions with return times of after 4 pm. The app holds the attraction/time for 5 minutes if you want to modify times (before paying), but I had been given the earliest return times. Modifying to morning was not an option. And I wasn't going to pay for LLMP with my given times and then try to modify them day-of (I've read there are same day "time drops" for attractions) because we'd be back at the resort by early afternoon.

Frustrated, I decided to check DHS availability for days later in our trip. It wasn't until day 7 (our last park day) that I was given morning return times for my three choices. I booked and paid (also booking Lightning Lane Single Pass for Rise), only somewhat satisfied that I'd gotten what I wanted - but not until our last vacation day. Another item of note is that our park reservation for that day was MK and the system allowed me to book LLMP for DHS anyway. (Of course I then had to go online and switch the MK reservation to DHS. )

Will be interesting to see how LLMP works in real time. I'll be posting the result!

I have read that some APs are having trouble booking before 2pm because the system doesn’t seem to be recognizing that they have APRs. Could try to chat with Disney and see if that’s the case for you and if they can help you out. Is there a chance the day you found early times is a “good to go” day?

 

[k8einwdw]

I decided our Tier 1 choice would be Slinky Dog, with Toy Story Mania and Alien Swirling Saucers as Tier 2. At 7 am I was in the app, selected my choices and was stunned to see all three attractions with return times of after 4 pm.

Slinky Dog doesn’t surprise me unfortunately, but that is strange that the other two would be so late in the day.

 

[Tuvalu]

This is what I am worried about for our December trip since we will only be in each park for 1 day and are limited on what days since there are Christmas parties and Jollywood nights. I'm not sure I will be purchasing at all other than an ILL for Guardians.

We're running into something similar this trip due to the (August!) Halloween parties. I've read that MK crowds are smaller on party days (due to the 6 pm closure) and that may be the case for DHS on Jollywood nights. So my thinking is by attending parks on party days LLMP may not be necessary.

I am in favor of ILL (now LLSP) for Guardians and TRON for two reasons:
1. No stress of trying for VQ
2. VQ waits can be so long! Since I don't ride Guardians I don't have to accompany my companion through that long wait. Waiting 20 minutes outside the attraction while they use LLSP is so much better! And being able to bypass the outdoor part of TRON is worth every dollar.

I have read that some APs are having trouble booking before 2pm because the system doesn’t seem to be recognizing that they have APRs. Could try to chat with Disney and see if that’s the case for you and if they can help you out. Is there a chance the day you found early times is a “good to go” day?

The day I ended up booking isn't a good to go day. For grins I just tried booking for August 19 (our original DHS day) at both MK and Epcot and was given morning times for the Tier 1s (FEA and Jungle Cruise) and the Tier 2s. Morning times are beneficial not just for rope droppers but they are easily modified during the booking process for afternoon/evening arrivals.

Slinky Dog doesn’t surprise me unfortunately, but that is strange that the other two would be so late in the day.

Slinky didn't surprise me either but the others definitely did.

 

[RememberWhen]

We're running into something similar this trip due to the (August!) Halloween parties. I've read that MK crowds are smaller on party days (due to the 6 pm closure) and that may be the case for DHS on Jollywood nights. So my thinking is by attending parks on party days LLMP may not be necessary.

I am in favor of ILL (now LLSP) for Guardians and TRON for two reasons:
1. No stress of trying for VQ
2. VQ waits can be so long! Since I don't ride Guardians I don't have to accompany my companion through that long wait. Waiting 20 minutes outside the attraction while they use LLSP is so much better! And being able to bypass the outdoor part of TRON is worth every dollar.


The day I ended up booking isn't a good to go day. For grins I just tried booking for August 19 (our original DHS day) at both MK and Epcot and was given morning times for the Tier 1s (FEA and Jungle Cruise) and the Tier 2s. Morning times are beneficial not just for rope droppers but they are easily modified during the booking process for afternoon/evening arrivals.


Slinky didn't surprise me either but the others definitely did.

Well that sucks.

I’ve got a group of 9 going between Christmas and New Years and I’m already stressing about the LLMP system. Hopefully we can make it work!

Thanks for testing the system for all of the rest of us!

 

[Tuvalu]

I’ve got a group of 9 going between Christmas and New Years and I’m already stressing about the LLMP system. Hopefully we can make it work!

Faith, trust and

for you, my friend!

 

[RememberWhen]

Faith, trust and

for you, my friend!

I’ll take all the extra that you’ve got! If nothing else it will be an adventure!

<pretend I found a cute adventure themed gif and put it here>

 

[LeighM]

I've been debating whether I should try to new Lightning Lane system. We won't need it for HS or MK because we are doing Jollywood Nights and the Christmas Party. Then we have a rest day in the middle. Our "real" park days won't be until Thursday (Epcot) and Friday (AK). I've never done the those parks on those days so I don't know what the crowds are like typically. But since the park days are at the end of the trip, I would think that I would be more likely to succeed in getting the rides/return times that are a priority for us. I just don't know. The "free" FastPass+ system didn't require this level of planning LOL.

 

[93boomer]

I've been debating whether I should try to new Lightning Lane system. We won't need it for HS or MK because we are doing Jollywood Nights and the Christmas Party. Then we have a rest day in the middle. Our "real" park days won't be until Thursday (Epcot) and Friday (AK). I've never done the those parks on those days so I don't know what the crowds are like typically. But since the park days are at the end of the trip, I would think that I would be more likely to succeed in getting the rides/return times that are a priority for us. I just don't know. The "free" FastPass+ system didn't require this level of planning LOL.

Thursdays are usually pretty light compared to the weekend locals starting on Friday at Epcot.

 

[Tuvalu]

I've been debating whether I should try to new Lightning Lane system. We won't need it for HS or MK because we are doing Jollywood Nights and the Christmas Party. Then we have a rest day in the middle. Our "real" park days won't be until Thursday (Epcot) and Friday (AK). I've never done the those parks on those days so I don't know what the crowds are like typically. But since the park days are at the end of the trip, I would think that I would be more likely to succeed in getting the rides/return times that are a priority for us. I just don't know. The "free" FastPass+ system didn't require this level of planning LOL.

Your pick of Thursday for Epcot is good, as @93boomer commented. If you utilize early entry you can easily do everything in World Nature - and SSE - with short waits. The same is true if you tackle that area after 5 pm, when most everything will be walk-on. LLMP is of value only if you don’t want a 45-60 min wait for Remy or Frozen - but since both are Tier 1, you’ll only get one of them anyway. For me $ is better spent on LLSP for Guardians (assuming you ride that.)

AK has no Tiers (Flight of Passage is LLSP) and is the cheapest LLMP, so you may find value there.

Agree that FP+ was simpler.

 

[PattyBell]

Now we were hungry.

“Let’s do the Mexican place we ate in last time!” Kel suggested.

Last time being 4 years ago.

Kel has never met a stranger. She is definitely a people person. Places are never “too peopley” for her (as they might be for an introvert.) Earlier I had told her about yesterday with Patti, and that there was a chance we might run into her today. She was all in.

There was another forum friend that I knew was in the World but did not know their schedule. I shot off a text and when I received the reply, I asked Kel if she was up to saying hello to another “internet friend.”

You already know the answer.

She and I were checking the menu board at La Cantina when the friend (and their +1) greeted us. “Saying hello” became a joint lunch!

The recipient of the first Tuvalu card - @Tony the Tigger

View attachment 764711

He was accompanied by his husband Brian of course!

View attachment 764712

Kel and Brian became fast friends. They had a lot in common. Tony and I chick chatted (I feel that’s ok to say) because we didn’t want to interrupt their conversation! We all laughed and had a fabulous time.

While I’m sorry that such sad circumstances were the reason for T&B’s trip (go read Tony’s TR), I am so happy we were able to get together.

But wait - there’s more!

I received intel on the whereabouts of another friend via a picture.

View attachment 764713
Cuz walking barefoot - in January - to a theme park - is a perfectly normal thing to do.

(Apparently there was an argument at the entrance about why he couldn’t enter without shoes.)

@riverside has entered the party!

View attachment 764714

I wished I lived in USA to meet you all...

 

[Tuvalu]

I wished I lived in USA to meet you all...

What a kind thing to say, thank you!

 

[LeighM]

Thursdays are usually pretty light compared to the weekend locals starting on Friday at Epcot.

Your pick of Thursday for Epcot is good, as @93boomer commented. If you utilize early entry you can easily do everything in World Nature - and SSE - with short waits. The same is true if you tackle that area after 5 pm, when most everything will be walk-on. LLMP is of value only if you don’t want a 45-60 min wait for Remy or Frozen - but since both are Tier 1, you’ll only get one of them anyway. For me $ is better spent on LLSP for Guardians (assuming you ride that.)

AK has no Tiers (Flight of Passage is LLSP) and is the cheapest LLMP, so you may find value there.

Agree that FP+ was simpler.

Thanks! I made the mistake of going to Epcot once years ago on a Monday and got the long weekend crowds. After that I have always done Epcot on Tuesday or Wednesday. But the crowds were so bad on the days we were there in May that I am now full of uncertainly I think everyone went the week we were there trying to miss the Memorial Day crowds. Because my friend that was there for Memorial Day had minimal wait times. I feel like I'm having to re-learn Disney World all over again. And I don't like it.....

 

[Tuvalu]

Whelp, I caved.

I had decided not to purchase LLMP for our MK days. Then I saw that Peter Pan is opening a week early from its refurbishment, with an updated new scene. As much as I enjoy Pan’s standby queue, I have been miserably trapped in it several times lately thanks to deceptive wait times. I do not want to take that risk next week.

Instead, “I solved the problem with money,” as Woody is wont to say.

I was pleased to get an early return time. I am hoping to be able to modify HM and Pooh to earlier times once we are in the park. The times above were the earliest times I was able to modify to during the five minute window before purchase. I found it interesting that I was able to have a 20 minute overlap with those LLs.

If I can’t get earlier times, no big deal. But I’ll be happy to do the research for y’all.

 

[luvinthemajik]

I solved the problem with money

Whelp, I caved.

I had decided not to purchase LLMP for our MK days. Then I saw that Peter Pan is opening a week early from its refurbishment, with an updated new scene. As much as I enjoy Pan’s standby queue, I have been miserably trapped in it several times lately thanks to deceptive wait times. I do not want to take that risk next week.

Instead, “I solved the problem with money,” as Woody is wont to say.

View attachment 810045

I was pleased to get an early return time. I am hoping to be able to modify HM and Pooh to earlier times once we are in the park. The times above were the earliest times I was able to modify to during the five minute window before purchase. I found it interesting that I was able to have a 20 minute overlap with those LLs.

If I can’t get earlier times, no big deal. But I’ll be happy to do the research for y’all.

... We say that too, and after all, what do you have it for?

 

[Loco_driver]

Whelp, I caved.

I had decided not to purchase LLMP for our MK days. Then I saw that Peter Pan is opening a week early from its refurbishment, with an updated new scene. As much as I enjoy Pan’s standby queue, I have been miserably trapped in it several times lately thanks to deceptive wait times. I do not want to take that risk next week.

Instead, “I solved the problem with money,” as Woody is wont to say.

View attachment 810045

I was pleased to get an early return time. I am hoping to be able to modify HM and Pooh to earlier times once we are in the park. The times above were the earliest times I was able to modify to during the five minute window before purchase. I found it interesting that I was able to have a 20 minute overlap with those LLs.

If I can’t get earlier times, no big deal. But I’ll be happy to do the research for y’all.

I was able to modify to earlier times for most attractions with some pretty constant refreshing when I used it. However that was the first day of the new system, so who knows if that’s a good plan now. I also wasn’t a huge fan of being glued to my phone hitting the refresh button constantly. Let us know how it goes for sure!

 

[Tuvalu]

I solved the problem with money

... We say that too, and after all, what do you have it for?

I was able to modify to earlier times for most attractions with some pretty constant refreshing when I used it. However that was the first day of the new system, so who knows if that’s a good plan now. I also wasn’t a huge fan of being glued to my phone hitting the refresh button constantly. Let us know how it goes for sure!

 

[93boomer]

@Tuvalu you forgot to pick me up!
Safe trip today! Enjoy Buccees!

 

[Tuvalu]

@Tuvalu you forgot to pick me up!
Safe trip today! Enjoy Buccees!

Oh we did!

Disney’s not the only one with an early Halloween start!

Brisket taco pic to torture my brother.

 

[RememberWhen]

Safe travels and have fun!!

 

[Tuvalu]

Brisket taco pic to torture my brother.

View attachment 810258

Brother’s reply: