Strongly Considering a Trip to WDW: Please Help me plan or talk me out of it

[PiratesMansion]

Another thought: I know that you don't sound very keen on driving at WDW, which is understandable. However, other than Magical Express you would currently be paying a premium to stay on Disney property while receiving precisely zero of the perks you normally would for doing so (i.e. extra magic hours or early FP booking window). If money is at all a consideration, it may not be a horrible idea to look at close off-site hotels.

I personally prefer to drive when possible because if I need to get out of dodge ASAP I can do it without having to depend on a bus or other transportation that may or may not arrive when I need it.

Driving to Magic Kingdom is a pain because you have to take the monorail or ferry to actually get to the park, but it's really easy to get around the resort and get to and from the other parks, and there really isn't the traffic, congestion, or complications that exist when trying to park at DLR. The only issue is distance, and frankly that's a problem whether you're staying on or off site, as no Disney resort is close to all four parks.

You may ultimately decide it still makes more sense to stay on property, but it's especially worth thinking about now when many of the traditional onsite benefits don't really exist.

 

[mickEblu]

@mickEblu you have been given some wonderful advice, but many suggestions aren’t possible now due to pandemic restrictions and closures.

‘Ohana is closed and there is no Sunday brunch at California Grill. Trader Sam’s is closed and there is no monorail access to the Polynesian (station is being refurbished.) Cape May Cafe, Yachtsman, Jiko, Boma are also closed. The dining page on the Disney website will give you all details on which restaurants are available. Check menus also, as offerings are streamlined (sometimes only 4 choices.)

Trail’s End is currently take-out only. If you want BBQ, Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge is very good.

Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Belle and Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor are closed.

Check park hours for your trip dates. The parks are closing between 5-7 pm which negates a lot of nighttime activities, including dining. Currently, dining reservations can be made only 60 days in advance. And research mobile ordering ~ it’s the only way to get food at quick service locations.

You will need to have car seats (even for a 5 year old) if you use Uber/Lyft. The cost of your rides will be higher (assuming you can get a driver with 2 car seats.)

Strollers need to be folded up on buses and on the Skyliner. Bear in mind if you choose Caribbean Beach you room may be a hefty walk (or short bus ride) to the Skyliner station.

You cannot see the inside of Be Our Guest without a reservation. (Also presently the case at any resort restaurant, since all guests are required to have their temperature taken before being admitted and seated.)

Fastpass is unlikely to return anytime soon, but be aware that park crowds have increased and that wait times for popular attractions can be 45-60 minutes. Check the app to get an idea of wait times closer to your trip.

Oh boy. I guess they just temporarily extended the hours for the holidays. Just checked the hours for late February and early March. MK closes at 6pm. AK 5pm and DHS amd Epcot both close at 7pm. Everyday, even weekends. I won’t get to see MK or AK/ Pandora at night? . The pros and cons of this trip are starting to even out. If wait times keep getting higher I don’t know about this anymore. Good thing is I can book and get a complete refund up until the day of travel.

 

[mickEblu]

Another thought: I know that you don't sound very keen on driving at WDW, which is understandable. However, other than Magical Express you would currently be paying a premium to stay on Disney property while receiving precisely zero of the perks you normally would for doing so (i.e. extra magic hours or early FP booking window). If money is at all a consideration, it may not be a horrible idea to look at close off-site hotels.

I personally prefer to drive when possible because if I need to get out of dodge ASAP I can do it without having to depend on a bus or other transportation that may or may not arrive when I need it.

Driving to Magic Kingdom is a pain because you have to take the monorail or ferry to actually get to the park, but it's really easy to get around the resort and get to and from the other parks, and there really isn't the traffic, congestion, or complications that exist when trying to park at DLR. The only issue is distance, and frankly that's a problem whether you're staying on or off site, as no Disney resort is close to all four parks.

You may ultimately decide it still makes more sense to stay on property, but it's especially worth thinking about now when many of the traditional onsite benefits don't really exist.

That’s another good point and something to consider. Although would you consider $220 a night a premium? Wouldn’t I be paying comparable prices to stay at a similar caliber hotel outside the bubble? Maybe these rates seem pretty good as I’m so used to DLR hotel rates. I don’t mind not getting the early FP booking windows of wait times stay close to what they are now.

 

[Stevek]

I thought I remembered reading one of Skalrs books about an intricate ride system at Epcot. Thought it was American Adventure. Guess not.


Avoid as in don’t stay at Caribbean beach? It’s better than staying at Coronado Springs no?

We stayed at CB a few years ago...wasn't in love with it but I've heard nothing but rave reviews with it's redo and the skyliner nearby. Our biggest issue was the bus system. American Adventure has a very sophisticated ride system BTW.

Much of it is outlined in this fantastic book:

Building A Better Mouse, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Story Of The Electronic Imagineers Who Designed Epcot: Alcorn, Steve, Green, David: 9781479379477: Amazon.com: Books

 

[Little Green Men]

I’d recommend driving with younger kids so you don’t have to rely on transportation (except at the MK). Some systems can take a while which might not be ideal. American Adventure is not a ride but an amazing show that’s not to be missed. Also the circle visions are worth seeing in China and Canada, something DL hasn’t had since the 90s.

 

[mickEblu]

I’d recommend driving with younger kids so you don’t have to rely on transportation (except at the MK). Some systems can take a while which might not be ideal. American Adventure is not a ride but an amazing show that’s not to be missed. Also the circle visions are worth seeing in China and Canada, something DL hasn’t had since the 90s.

I’m very intrigued by American Adventure. Have no idea what to expect.

How long does it take to get on a bus on average?

 

[mickEblu]

We stayed at CB a few years ago...wasn't in love with it but I've heard nothing but rave reviews with it's redo and the skyliner nearby. Our biggest issue was the bus system. American Adventure has a very sophisticated ride system BTW.

Much of it is outlined in this fantastic book:

Building A Better Mouse, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Story Of The Electronic Imagineers Who Designed Epcot: Alcorn, Steve, Green, David: 9781479379477: Amazon.com: Books

Did you have to wait a long time for the buses?

 

[PiratesMansion]

That’s another good point and something to consider. Although would you consider $220 a night a premium? Wouldn’t I be paying comparable prices to stay at a similar caliber hotel outside the bubble? Maybe these rates seem pretty good as I’m so used to DLR hotel rates. I don’t mind not getting the early FP booking windows of wait times stay close to what they are now.

I'm not sure which hotel that $220 rate is from, but based on my experience at All Star Music, which is basically the same hotel as Pop other than the "theming," no way in heck is it worth that. The value rooms aren't really any better in quality than the hotels across the street from Disneyland-the only real difference is that Mickey owns them, and thus you might get some light thematic touches.

The moderates only really make sense, IMO, if you're interested in the amenities (full service restaurants, pretty and more adult-skewing grounds, skyliner access for CB) because the rooms are pretty much the same as the Value rooms, albeit with nicer furnishings.

The impression I gather is that WDW waits have continued to build since reopening.

 

[mickEblu]

I'm not sure which hotel that $220 rate is from, but based on my experience at All Star Music, which is basically the same hotel as Pop other than the "theming," no way in heck is it worth that. The value rooms aren't really any better in quality than the hotels across the street from Disneyland-the only real difference is that Mickey owns them, and thus you might get some light thematic touches.

The moderates only really make sense, IMO, if you're interested in the amenities (full service restaurants, pretty and more adult-skewing grounds, skyliner access for CB) because the rooms are pretty much the same as the Value rooms, albeit with nicer furnishings.

The impression I gather is that WDW waits have continued to build since reopening.

The $220 rate is for Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs.

The grounds are somewhat important to me as I want to feel like I’m on vacation but they re not a deal breaker as we ll mostly be at the parks or touring WDW

 

[PiratesMansion]

The $220 rate is for Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs.

The grounds are somewhat important to me as I want to feel like I’m on vacation but they re not a deal breaker as we ll mostly be at the parks or touring the resort property.

That makes me feel better.

Ultimately it's up to you and what you think would be best then. Personally, with the Skyliner I could potentially justify CB. I don't think I could justify CS for that much.

Incidentally, just for curiosity's sake I threw in some random dates at the Hilton on WDW property near Disney Springs to compare (I threw in March 7-14 arbitrarily, adjust dates as needed). Even with the $35 resort fee, you could get a room for $177/night in what is sure to be a nicer room than anything Disney could provide, without internal bus loops.

Worth considering, although I understand the draw of a Disney hotel and Skyliner access.

 

[mickEblu]

That makes me feel better.

Ultimately it's up to you and what you think would be best then. Personally, with the Skyliner I could potentially justify CB. I don't think I could justify CS for that much.

Incidentally, just for curiosity's sake I threw in some random dates at the Hilton on WDW property near Disney Springs to compare (I threw in March 7-14 arbitrarily, adjust dates as needed). Even with the $35 resort fee, you could get a room for $177/night in what is sure to be a nicer room than anything Disney could provide, without internal bus loops.

Worth considering, although I understand the draw of a Disney hotel and Skyliner access.

Thanks for this! Definitely something to consider.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

Nice write up! Thanks for sharing. I think I’m leaning towards skipping BOG. I think it’s very telling when someone says “I’d do it once but don’t find the need to do it again.” Is there anyway to see the inside of the restaurant without reservations? Or is this a Galaxies Edge Cantina situation?

Usually you must have reservations to see the inside. That hasn’t changed as far as I know.

 

[mickEblu]

That makes me feel better.

Ultimately it's up to you and what you think would be best then. Personally, with the Skyliner I could potentially justify CB. I don't think I could justify CS for that much.

Incidentally, just for curiosity's sake I threw in some random dates at the Hilton on WDW property near Disney Springs to compare (I threw in March 7-14 arbitrarily, adjust dates as needed). Even with the $35 resort fee, you could get a room for $177/night in what is sure to be a nicer room than anything Disney could provide, without internal bus loops.

Worth considering, although I understand the draw of a Disney hotel and Skyliner access.

A couple possible dumb questions... can we get strollers on the shuttle service to the parks from the Hilton? Also do the ticket prices for the parks go up if we buy them solo without a hotel package?

 

[PiratesMansion]

A couple possible dumb questions... can we get strollers on the shuttle service to the parks from the Hilton? Also do the ticket prices for the parks go up if we buy them solo without a hotel package?

Hilton uses the Disney buses, so it shouldn't be any different there vs. any of the Disney hotels.

I have tended to avoid packages, partially because I usually travel solo or in small groups, and partially because the Unofficial Guide has advised against them, as they typically have more red tape in terms of conditions, cancellations, etc vs. bookings that only include rooms, and may simplify booking but seldom save you money unless you really take advantage of every single thing that's included. I would do some comparison shopping and determine if you truly would use and benefit from each component of the vacation package(s) you're looking at. If a lot of the things in the package are more in the "might be nice" category vs. the "we definitely want and will use" category, that's a good sign to bail on the package.

As for tickets, are you looking to buy direct from Disney or going from an authorized broker? I like Undercover Tourist (and have used them for all the visits I've made as an adult) because the tickets are cheaper and include tax, unlike the ones you buy direct from Disney, but there are other authorized brokers as well that might have even better prices (and just like on Disney's site, the longer the visit, the better the savings). Really, the only reason to buy tickets direct from Disney is if you have a decent amount of money saved up on Disney gift cards to pay for them. Disney will not penalize you for buying authorized third party tickets and you'll still be able to integrate your tickets into a MagicBand if you want to (assuming they're still giving those out for free at the Disney hotels).

 

[mickEblu]

Hilton uses the Disney buses, so it shouldn't be any different there vs. any of the Disney hotels.

I have tended to avoid packages, partially because I usually travel solo or in small groups, and partially because the Unofficial Guide has advised against them, as they typically have more red tape in terms of conditions, cancellations, etc vs. bookings that only include rooms, and may simplify booking but seldom save you money unless you really take advantage of every single thing that's included. I would do some comparison shopping and determine if you truly would use and benefit from each component of the vacation package(s) you're looking at. If a lot of the things in the package are more in the "might be nice" category vs. the "we definitely want and will use" category, that's a good sign to bail on the package.

As for tickets, are you looking to buy direct from Disney or going from an authorized broker? I like Undercover Tourist (and have used them for all the visits I've made as an adult) because the tickets are cheaper and include tax, unlike the ones you buy direct from Disney, but there are other authorized brokers as well that might have even better prices (and just like on Disney's site, the longer the visit, the better the savings). Really, the only reason to buy tickets direct from Disney is if you have a decent amount of money saved up on Disney gift cards to pay for them. Disney will not penalize you for buying authorized third party tickets and you'll still be able to integrate your tickets into a MagicBand if you want to (assuming they're still giving those out for free at the Disney hotels).

Your Hilton idea is really growing on me! Apparently it’s located at Disney Springs connected by a sky bridge. Total for 8 nights = circa $1400. Throw in a more convenient shuttle and I think it may be a winner. I can always do the skyliner on my down days by taking the shuttle to Epcot or DHS.

Your brought up a good point. If I’m not getting any of the perks, dealing with inconvenient park transportation and not really spending a whole lot of time at the hotel then why should I pay the Disney tax? Especially with a hotel that’s still on property that apparently is just as nice as the moderate resorts and has more convenient transportation.

As for the tickets I never considered a third party seller. I’ll have to look into it. Thanks!

 

[mickEblu]

@PiratesMansion i guess the conclusion I’ve come to with your insight is that it really doesn’t make sense for me (or maybe anyone) to stay at a moderate or value resort right now. You either splurge on a premium resort with prime location or go the Disney Springs Hilton route or off property.

 

[PiratesMansion]

@PiratesMansion i guess the conclusion I’ve come to with your insight is that it really doesn’t make sense for me (or maybe anyone) to stay at a moderate or value resort right now. You either splurge on a premium resort with prime location or go the Disney Springs Hilton route or off property.

I'm sorry or you're welcome!

The longer I follow Disney, the more and more I'm convinced that the on property benefit, regardless of which Disney complex you're at, is more of an illusion than a fact. That WDW, the resort that has historically given the best perks and where the perks have most often mattered, has now largely abandoned those benefits (even if only temporarily) without lowering their prices makes it even more apparent that the benefit, for many, is negligible.

 

[mickEblu]

I'm sorry or you're welcome!

The longer I follow Disney, the more and more I'm convinced that the on property benefit, regardless of which Disney complex you're at, is more of an illusion than a fact. That WDW, the resort that has historically given the best perks and where the perks have most often mattered, has now largely abandoned those benefits (even if only temporarily) without lowering their prices makes it even more apparent that the benefit, for many, is negligible.

Makes sense.

I forgot to mention, the no internal bus loop is a big one right? So it’s just straight from the hotel to the parks and back?

 

[TP2000]

So boredom has kicked into full gear. I never thought these would be the conditions I'd want to take my families first trip to WDW but here we are. I’m starting to seriously consider a trip in late February/ early March. Masks, 5 year old, 5 month old (if and when we go) and all. The perks of low capacity and short lines seem to outweigh the mask requirement, shorter hours and less entertainment. Plus we all need it. Well maybe not my 3 month old daughter. But the rest of us do. Looked up the weather in late Feb and it seems pretty nice and mask friendly. This would be our first trip to WDW. Deals seem to be pretty good right now. I looked into pricing tonight for an 8 night stay in late February to Mid March and Coronado Springs is available for $200 per night. The Lakers recently stayed there during the NBA bubble so it can't be too shabby right? 8 nights and 5 day 1 park per day tickets are going to cost about $3500. Flights are about $120 non stop. Dining plans aren't being offered right now but I'm not sure id buy one anyway.

Im a little concerned about how this trip would go with my 5 year old son AND a newborn daughter who is pretty much breast feeding all day So I'm open to anyone calling me crazy or telling me to stay home. With that said its very common for us to go on a day trip and for my wife and I to ask each other if we left her at home as she'll sleep for hours in her stroller.

Here is my rough itinerary: Im planning on spending full days at the park. They all seem to be closing pretty early anyway. I don't think park hopping or going back go the hotel mid day is necessary with the low crowds or convenient with the kids.

Day 1: Arrive at WDW. Dinner at hotel or Disney Springs
Day 2: Park Day
Day 3: Park Day
Day 4: Down Day - Relax at Hotel, Disney Springs and/ or check out other hotels
Day 5: Park Day
Day 6 Park Day
Day 7: Down Day - Relax at Hotel, Disney Springs and/ or check out other hotels
Day 8: Park Day - (whichever park I pick to do twice)
Day 9: Depart

Side note: I might add a Universal park hopper instead of one of the down days (or 5th park day at WDW) and shift my itinerary around a little bit.

I love this idea! I think you should do it! Because if not now, when?

All of the current issues seem to minimize your particular weaknesses (small children, minimal entertainment that a small child won't care about, first time visit) while maximizing your strengths (low Covid crowds, cheap travel, good weather in late winter, etc.).

And you've already received some very valuable advice here in this thread from others in tune with your particular young family demographic. That said, I will offer up my unique advice from the perspective of a Disneyland expert. Ready?

So a few questions for some of you WDW vets or DL'ers who have been to WDW:

1. Would you make any changes to the itinerary? Considering I'm going with two young children I figure I'll need the relaxing days in between the days at the park.

WDW is big, and it's not efficient. You'll need to get used to waiting around for buses and long commutes on not-so-efficient mass transit that seemed cool in the 1970's but hasn't aged well. Get your mind ready for a long morning commute and a similarly long evening commute back to the hotel, and you'll be fine. Don't expect speediness, or efficiency. You are on vacation, so just try and slow down and don't expect crispness or professionalism from the WDW CM's who are in charge of the various transportation systems. If a random WDW CM somehow summons up some crispness or professionalism, consider it a fun bonus!

2. Are there any days of the week you would recommend for specific parks?

There used to be a whole science behind this. But now, in the age of Covid, who knows? I wouldn't worry about it, but realize that the first park people want to see is Magic Kingdom, then Epcot, then the other two.

4. Which park would you do twice? Ideally, knowing what I know about WDW and being a DL vet, Id probably appreciate a second day at AK the most. However, due to the higher attraction count at MK and more stuff to do for the kids, MK might make more sense.

I would plan for two days in Magic Kingdom. Not only because it has the most to do of any WDW park, but is about the same as DCA in comparison for things to do, but also because it's a fun compare/contrast that will make you exceptionally thankful for Disneyland once you get home. My second choice for a second day is Epcot, because it's just physically big and has at least a couple of major rides that you could do twice and still be very entertained. The other two WDW parks are a one and done, thank you ma'am.

6. What are some MUST EATS at the parks, hotels and Disney Springs? Anything from a snack to fine dining. Although the latter may be difficult to pull off. It doesn't have to all be about the food. For example a lunch at Sci Fi Dine in really appeals to me. Something unique or atmospheric is fun too on vacation.

The food in the actual parks is not as good as the park food at Disneyland or DCA. That said, Disney Springs and a couple of the Deluxe hotels have some very good restaurants to offer. These are big cheesy, corporate offerings. But you are on vacation and you probably just want a big, cheesy corporate dinner served up by a smiling waitress from Georgia. So just go with it, and enjoy what passes for gastronomy in the swamps of central Florida!

7. Am I making a mistake not getting a park hoppers? I just don't see the value in them on this trip because of the lower crowds and just the inconvenience of it all with my young kids. I also feel like Im allowing myself enough time to where I don't need them. I do worry however about one of my must do attractions going down and missing my chance to ride (unless its at the park I do twice). With park hoppers you can try again another day.

Eh, it seems that Covid has rewritten these rules. I think you are going to be okay without park hoppers, especially with the almost complete lack of nighttime entertainment in the parks.

10. What is the best way to get from the airport to WDW?

Pre-Covid, people raved about Disney's Magical Express and its checked baggage system. During Covid? Who knows? It would seem to be a toss-up over doing the Magical Express thing, or just being an adult and grabbing your own damn bag off the baggage carousel and summoning an Uber in 90 seconds to take you directly to Coronado Springs to check in like a grown man. But maybe with a wife and small kids the Magical Express thing makes it easier? Either way, it's not going to be too painful.

13. Is a 1 day park hopper enough for Universal? Is another day there, worth sacrificing one of my down days? Off the top of my head, there are only about 5 Must Do's for me between both parks.

Realize that the Universal Studios park in Orlando is just a big fake poseur of a theme park in a swamp. They haven't even filmed a Dr. Pepper commercial there recently, much less an actual movie or 100 years of movie history like the Hollywood original version of this knock-off theme park. There is no tram tour. There is no industry. It's a fake theme park built on a swamp. I would instead focus on the Islands of Adventure theme park next door, that doesn't try to be anything but a cheesy theme park in a swamp. Embrace it! Live it! Enjoy it! Don't try and lie!

If you want a real Universal Studios, you know where to get it in North Hollywood. When in Orlando just try and do what the swamp creatures do and spend a day at Islands of Adventure. Leave the real movie industry parks to California, when you get home.

14. Whats the best way to get to Universal from WDW?

Uber? I'm sure there's some shuttle bus or something that's cheaper. But just walking out the front door of your hotel and summoning an Uber to take you to the front entrance of Universal Studios has to be the best bang for your buck. You are on vacation, don't try and save 5 bucks by making your life more difficult than it needs to be.

15. Am I crazy for considering this trip right now with a 5 year old AND 5 month old?

No! I love this! Mainly because I don't have to do it and can live vicariously through you. But you are young, you are healthy, you have disposable income. Do this! Don't think too much about it. Just do it! And take lots of pictures! Especially take pictures with people wearing masks and obeying Social Distancing, because 20 years from now your kids are going to laugh hysterically at it!

 

[PiratesMansion]

Makes sense.

I forgot to mention, the no internal bus loop is a big one right? So it’s just straight from the hotel to the parks and back?

I would say the no internal bus loop would be a massive perk.

That should be the case with the Hilton, but in my experience the only way to get precise transportation information from a hotel is to call the front desk and ask. I've seen WAY too many website for hotels by all the various companies over the years that list 'transportation available" but apparently can't be bothered to give specific info.

Realize that the Universal Studios park in Orlando is just a big fake poseur of a theme park in a swamp. They haven't even filmed a Dr. Pepper commercial there recently, much less an actual movie or 100 years of movie history like the Hollywood original version of this knock-off theme park. There is no tram tour. There is no industry. It's a fake theme park built on a swamp. I would instead focus on the Islands of Adventure theme park next door, that doesn't try to be anything but a cheesy theme park in a swamp. Embrace it! Live it! Enjoy it! Don't try and lie!

If you want a real Universal Studios, you know where to get it in North Hollywood. When in Orlando just try and do what the swamp creatures do and spend a day at Islands of Adventure. Leave the real movie industry parks to California, when you get home.

While he has pretty much decided to skip Universal, I still think that the Orlando Resort, as a theme park resort, is easily better than Hollywood. It's not a real studio, true, but they've long since stopped pretending that it is. And if you remove the Studio Tour from the equation, the Hollywood park is pretty lightweight by comparison. Between Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld, I'd say Universal is the only one that clearly and unambiguously gives the better theme park experience in Florida.

There's one other massive UOR perk that Hollywood can't boast: you can skip Fast and Furious! You can pretend it doesn't exist! Unlike USH, you are not forced to tolerate it in the context of your otherwise-wonderful Studio Tour! You can walk right by it, 100% confident that you will never find yourself in the middle of it! But it's there, all the same, should you feel the need to gauge your eyes out at any moment during your theme park day.

Unlike Hollywood, Universal Orlando lets you decide whether or not you wish to inflict F&TF upon yourself, and I think that's beautiful.