carhoch
Pearl Clutcher
Be yourself everybody else is already taken
Posts: 2,991 
Location: We’re RV’s so It change all the time .
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Post by carhoch on Dec 4, 2023 19:51:01 GMT
It’s just my husband and I we will be there in a couple of weeks for three days. I have not been in 20 years, so what do I need to know or not miss ? We are in our 60s. I don’t like roller coaster but love everything 3-D 4-D …
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Post by myshelly on Dec 4, 2023 20:05:29 GMT
Be aware that you are going during one of the busiest times of the year, so pack your patience.
Do you have reservations for the park you plan to visit for each day?
You must have a valid ticket plus a reservation to enter a park (reservation system ends 1/9/24).
Have you dowloaded the app, set up your account, and linked your park tickets?
Are you familiar with the Genie+ and Lightning Lane system?
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Post by dewryce on Dec 4, 2023 20:11:27 GMT
It may be too late, but if you haven’t made dining reservations try and do so now.
Check out the app and maybe buy one of the big guide books to decide what rides are your must dos. Then learn about the Genie+ and lightning passes to make sure you can do your favorite ride or 2 from each park. Accept that you aren’t going to get to see close to everything and be okay with that.
Have you decided what parks you must visit? Because there are 4, not including the water parks.
Are you staying on site? Because some parks open early for those that are, you’ll want to consider planning which parks to visit on which day based on that.
Disboards have a lot of great info. Have fun!
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
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Post by iowgirl on Dec 4, 2023 20:12:03 GMT
Will you be going to all the parks? Or just certain ones? Soarin' is one of my favorites! You are in a 'hang glider'. It moves slightly, up and down - but no big drops or anything. The screen in front of you makes you feel like you are flying. Between the movement of the hang glider, winds, and scents - it really feels almost like you are soaring above the scenery. There are 3 big gliders, and you sit in your seat. You do buckle in, but the movements are gentle. It is an IMAX 180º screen. It is in Epcot Soarin' over California
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Post by cmpeter on Dec 4, 2023 20:20:12 GMT
Arrive at the gates an hour before the parks open. Arriving early helps keep you “ahead” of some of the worst of the crowds. Disneyland Daily focuses mainly on Disneyland, but has some WDW touring advice as well. You can also look into something like www.touringplans.com to help plan the order you hit each ride. It’s saved us a ton of time on our WDW trip. |
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Dec 4, 2023 23:37:49 GMT
Choose your shoes carefully!!
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Post by myshelly on Dec 4, 2023 23:42:47 GMT
Also, my family does a couch to 5k style training program in the months leading up to a Disney trip.
We averaged 12–14 miles a day on our last Disney trip, so training for that makes everyone way less whiney and miserable on the trip!
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 5, 2023 0:29:26 GMT
Good shoes are a must, maybe bring a couple pairs so you can switch off from day to day. I logged 60K+ (no exaggeration!) steps over three days at WDW in 2019. It was a lot.
Are you going to one of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties? We had tickets for that on one night but we had gone to a different park earlier that day. We should have skipped the first park and only went to the ticketed Christmas party because it was way too long of a day even for the adults. Since it had more limited admission, the party was a way better bang for the buck because the lines were so short we were able to do and see a lot more than we did during the day. It would have been better if we would have been rested when it started.
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carhoch
Pearl Clutcher
Be yourself everybody else is already taken
Posts: 2,991
Location: We’re RV’s so It change all the time .
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Post by carhoch on Dec 5, 2023 1:04:12 GMT
Looks like going to Disney became a little more complicated in the last 20 years , I really appreciate you guys taking the time to respond to my post , I took notes and will start studying all of this asap.
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carhoch
Pearl Clutcher
Be yourself everybody else is already taken
Posts: 2,991
Location: We’re RV’s so It change all the time .
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Post by carhoch on Dec 5, 2023 1:09:31 GMT
Good shoes are a must, maybe bring a couple pairs so you can switch off from day to day. I logged 60K+ (no exaggeration!) steps over three days at WDW in 2019. It was a lot. Are you going to one of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties? We had tickets for that on one night but we had gone to a different park earlier that day. We should have skipped the first park and only went to the ticketed Christmas party because it was way too long of a day even for the adults. Since it had more limited admission, the party was a way better bang for the buck because the lines were so short we were able to do and see a lot more than we did during the day. It would have been better if we would have been rested when it started. We travel full time in a motorhome I have all my shoes with me  at all time . I will look up this Christmas party , thanks |
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Post by SallyPA on Dec 5, 2023 4:53:25 GMT
Download the park app and spend time becoming familiar with that. Watch videos on YouTube so that you can understand the terminology, lightening lanes, etc. Mammoth Club on YouTube is really good. Check the crowd prediction for your days. Make a list of the things that are each person’s ‘must do’s’ And have a general idea of flow for those things. I’d not overlook parades- they are wonderful.
Winging it at Disney does not work for me. We arrive at the gate at least an hour before opening and have a tentative plan.
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Post by smasonnc on Dec 5, 2023 8:25:14 GMT
I don’t know if our old strategy still works but we always made a break for the back of the park as soon as it opened and did the most popular rides while everyone else was still gaping at the castle and farting around on Main Street. By the time the crowds got their wits about them, we had walked onto the toughest ticket rides. Then we worked our way to the front.
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carhoch
Pearl Clutcher
Be yourself everybody else is already taken
Posts: 2,991
Location: We’re RV’s so It change all the time .
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Post by carhoch on Dec 5, 2023 13:03:22 GMT
Download the park app and spend time becoming familiar with that. Watch videos on YouTube so that you can understand the terminology, lightening lanes, fast passes, etc. Mammoth Club on YouTube is really good. Check the crowd prediction for your days. Make a list of the things that are each person’s ‘must do’s’ And have a general idea of flow for those things. I’d not overlook parades- they are wonderful. Winging it at Disney does not work for me. We arrive at the gate at least an hour before opening and have a tentative plan. I gladly admit that left to my own impulses I would wing it but I married a engineer so  |
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carhoch
Pearl Clutcher
Be yourself everybody else is already taken
Posts: 2,991
Location: We’re RV’s so It change all the time .
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Post by carhoch on Dec 5, 2023 13:05:04 GMT
I don’t know if our old strategy still works but we always made a break for the back of the park as soon as it opened and did the most popular rides while everyone else was still gaping at the castle and farting around on Main Street. By the time the crowds got their wits about them, we had walked onto the toughest ticket rides. Then we worked our way to the front. That what we used to do too but listening to the peas looks like a need some kind of plan . |
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dawnnikol
Prolific Pea
'A life without books is a life not lived.' Jay Kristoff
Posts: 7,889
Sept 21, 2015 18:39:25 GMT
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Post by dawnnikol on Dec 5, 2023 13:10:22 GMT
That what we used to do too but listening to the peas looks like a need some kind of plan . To be fair, you could wing it. You will just waste a lot of time. Even if you just narrow down the rides/attractions you do NOT care about, you'd have a jump start on things. I hope you both have fun! |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 5, 2023 16:40:33 GMT
Download the park app and spend time becoming familiar with that. Watch videos on YouTube so that you can understand the terminology, lightening lanes, fast passes, etc. Mammoth Club on YouTube is really good. Check the crowd prediction for your days. Make a list of the things that are each person’s ‘must do’s’ And have a general idea of flow for those things. I’d not overlook parades- they are wonderful. Winging it at Disney does not work for me. We arrive at the gate at least an hour before opening and have a tentative plan. I gladly admit that left to my own impulses I would wing it but I married a engineer so Without some kind of plan you end up wasting a ton of time either standing in lines or walking around looking at how long the lines are for everything. The last time we went, they were still doing fast passes and I booked one of ours for Avatar. Good thing I did because it was awesome but the stand by line was THREE HOURS LONG. 😳 There’s no way I would waste three hours in line for a single attraction when there are so many other things I want to do. |
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Post by tealpaperowl on Dec 5, 2023 17:26:50 GMT
That's a SUPER busy time so be ready for long lines. Wear comfy shoes. Map out what rides you want to do at each park so you aren't walking an unnecessary amount.
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Kerri W
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Posts: 3,769
Location: Kentucky
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Post by Kerri W on Dec 5, 2023 17:34:22 GMT
We've been to Disney a handful of times and didn't overly plan prior to our last visit, which was two years ago. Definitely, definitely learn the app!
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Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,978
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Post by Sarah*H on Dec 6, 2023 0:35:47 GMT
If you are staying on property, take advantage of extra magic hours (before and after the regular park opens.) And know that at Hollywood Studios, there is an extra secret early open for Galaxy's Edge so get there an hour ahead of the early open time. If you are not staying on property, budget a lot of extra time for driving, parking and getting into the parks.
You need to have a game plan for each park - what you absolutely want to ride/see/eat and the best times for doing those things. You need to download the app which shows you the ride wait times and if it's in your budget, pay for Genie+ and Lightning Lane. You really will be there at the busiest time of year and having a plan will make all the difference between doing enough to be satisfied vs. waiting 4 hours in line for Jungle Cruise. This probably seems silly now but look ahead at the maps for each park and get a general idea of where things are, where the things are you want to ride, how to travel between locations, etc.
If you don't have dining reservations already and there are sit down restaurants you know you want to eat at (or places like Oga's in Galaxy's Edge,) there are several different apps you can get to show you when reservations become available. There will be a lot of fluidity in reservations the day of because people change and drop reservations a lot once they are in the park. Stakeout is the one we use the most.
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Post by myshelly on Dec 6, 2023 0:38:37 GMT
I don’t know if our old strategy still works but we always made a break for the back of the park as soon as it opened and did the most popular rides while everyone else was still gaping at the castle and farting around on Main Street. By the time the crowds got their wits about them, we had walked onto the toughest ticket rides. Then we worked our way to the front. That what we used to do too but listening to the peas looks like a need some kind of plan . Now there are definitely things you can’t do if you don’t plan ahead. First of all, you can’t even get into the park without a reservation. Second, there are some rides and experiences that literally do not have lines. You must use lightning lane or book a boarding group through the app. You need the app to see which rides will be using that system on your dates. |
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Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,978
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Post by Sarah*H on Dec 6, 2023 0:39:30 GMT
Also, if you haven't already found your way to the DisBoards, that's the best place to get a crash course in Disney vacation planning.
Obviously, you can wing it. But that's a lot of money to take the chance. And most of the people who successfully wing it are seasoned Disney travelers who know what they are doing and also no longer care about making the most of the trip.
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Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,978
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Post by Sarah*H on Dec 6, 2023 0:45:13 GMT
Oh! Biggest tip is if there is a party on one of the nights you are there, pay the extra $$$ for that ticket and use that as your Magic Kingdom Day. Yes those tickets cost basically the same as park entry but most rides are walk on or with minimal wait times. You get to see both fireworks shows, there are treats and snacks and MK at night at Christmas is extra magical. Some things are closed during the party so if you care about any of those rides/attractions, do them before the regular park closing time.
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frankiegirl
Full Member
Posts: 170
Dec 22, 2020 12:42:01 GMT
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Post by frankiegirl on Dec 6, 2023 1:23:31 GMT
You can do mobile ordering for most counter service restaurants. I highly recommend it. Saves a ton of time.
Good shoes and a good attitude make all the difference.
Talk to the cast members - they have a tough job and appreciate kind words and a thank you.
Know that you can't do it all so make sure you have some type of plan for what you want to see and do. And be able to adjust as needed.
If it rains don't let that deter you.
Check the weather and dress accordingly.
Have a great time!!
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Post by mikklynn on Feb 7, 2024 14:58:49 GMT
Will you be going to all the parks? Or just certain ones? Soarin' is one of my favorites! You are in a 'hang glider'. It moves slightly, up and down - but no big drops or anything. The screen in front of you makes you feel like you are flying. Between the movement of the hang glider, winds, and scents - it really feels almost like you are soaring above the scenery. There are 3 big gliders, and you sit in your seat. You do buckle in, but the movements are gentle. It is an IMAX 180º screen. It is in Epcot Soarin' over California
That was my favorite ride! I was going to be snarky and say you need to remortgage your house and hand over your first born, LOL. It's expensive. I will say it's surprisingly fun to do it as an adult, without kids. |
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
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Post by iowgirl on Feb 14, 2024 2:02:39 GMT
Looks like going to Disney became a little more complicated in the last 20 years It’s just my husband and I we will be there in a couple of weeks for three days. DisneyWorld is WAY more complicated than it was just 5 years ago. Geesh. We finally broke down and did some ala carte Lightening Lane passes just to ride Tron, Flights of Passage, Rise of the Resistance, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Did a Genie pass one day to get on more rides. It really bugs me to have to spend this much MORE on top of the already spendy park hopper passes. Plus the Magical Express is gone, so we Ubered to and from the airport, so more $$ I also thought the food quality has gone down the crapper - this goes across the board from snacks to the higher end meals, even in Disney Springs. We used to love the food - this trip was meh at best. Less quantity and quality and much more cost. But Guardians of the Galaxy was AMAZING! I have a cast iron stomach, and when I got off that one.. I felt the tiniest bit woozy. I hear it is a vomit comet for many! carhoch , what did you think of DisneyWorld? |
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carhoch
Pearl Clutcher
Be yourself everybody else is already taken
Posts: 2,991
Location: We’re RV’s so It change all the time .
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Post by carhoch on Feb 15, 2024 0:16:05 GMT
DisneyWorld is WAY more complicated than it was just 5 years ago. Geesh. We finally broke down and did some ala carte Lightening Lane passes just to ride Tron, Flights of Passage, Rise of the Resistance, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Did a Genie pass one day to get on more rides. It really bugs me to have to spend this much MORE on top of the already spendy park hopper passes. Plus the Magical Express is gone, so we Ubered to and from the airport, so more $$ I also thought the food quality has gone down the crapper - this goes across the board from snacks to the higher end meals, even in Disney Springs. We used to love the food - this trip was meh at best. Less quantity and quality and much more cost. But Guardians of the Galaxy was AMAZING! I have a cast iron stomach, and when I got off that one.. I felt the tiniest bit woozy. I hear it is a vomit comet for many! carhoch , what did you think of DisneyWorld? I was good but honestly it really bugs me that we have to pay extra for some rides , I would prefer that they raise the entrance free then having us pay this way (complicated and confusing) we screwed up and missed the Guardians of the Galaxy poor planning on our part but Avatar was absolutely incredible . That being said I don’t think that we will do Disney again we both prefer Universal Studios . |
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at all time . I will look up this Christmas party , thanks 
