“Would You Like an Adventure Now?" A July PTR *Updated 8/1

[luvpoohandcompany]

I vote for staying longer if at all possible to squeeze in more universal time but if you can’t I would put it out of your head. You had budgeted for the tickets and the bonus is if you do find yourselves with some free time you can now pop up to universal without coughing up any more cash. I too feel so out of touch with all things Orlando right now so be easy on yourself

 

[Jess_VacayMode]

I just read a trip report where someone had 1 unused day of their Disney ticket refunded. It was due to storm/flight changes. Unsure if that is why they did it but worth a shot?

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

I’m being honest, I think Landon might be more excited to visit the WWoHP than Disney. He wants an interactive wand, wants to drink Butterbeer, and really wants to ride the Hogwarts Express.

I mean, me too? Don't get me wrong, Disney is incredible, but there's something about HP. For me, I get way more invested in the world and characters of a 7 book series than any movie Disney can make. My kids haven't read them yet so we aren't event thinking about Universal, but I can't wait to share all of it with them!

With it being July and the kids still young, I really do think a 3-2-2 style will be the best system.

I think this is the right call. Or, you know, just do universal instead of resting? Lol!

They're not 2 days, 2 park to park tickets.

They're entrance INTO the 2 parks. For everyday.
They don't come with free parking or discounts in shops or restaurants, but the tickets grant you entrance until December.

Very cool, although it sucks that you figured it out after your Disney money was spent. At this point, try to disregard the sunk cost of it all and think about what you want out of the trip. Do you want to fit in more universal given the current agenda?

 

[Steppesister]

Now that the kids are older and don't need as many breaks, I think we'll be spending more time in the parks. So why pay the astronomical prices for a room we really won't use to its full potential.

This I get! Especially when I'm solo and am out and about most of the time.

Have you gotten internet set up at the RV? I know you're not there during the days you work, but I am sure on your days off you'll want to be able to relax in your home and get online.

Yes, but it's still a bit slow at times. I'm using a hotspot device through MightyWifi. Not perfect, but works. I love that I found an option to keep up with things.

If I’m being honest, I think Landon might be more excited to visit the WWoHP than Disney. He wants an interactive wand, wants to drink Butterbeer, and really wants to ride the Hogwarts Express.

Heck, I'm... older than he is and I did all the things there!

And visited Shambles Market, the inspiration for Diagon Alley.

Ohhh, how cool!

They're not 2 days, 2 park to park tickets.

They're entrance INTO the 2 parks. For everyday.
They don't come with free parking or discounts in shops or restaurants, but the tickets grant you entrance until December.

Whoa! Yeah, that's a heck of a lot different!!

 

[afwdwfan]

First of all, the way EVERYTHING is changing surrounding visiting these parks anymore, I'd be shocked if I didn't make some sort of big screw up trying to juggle all the balls and plan a trip. That screw up at least didn't handicap you in some way, so I'd take that as a win! Depending on what you want to do in Universal/Disney, I'd say that's very doable. I haven't actually entered the parks in both places in the same day, but I've gone from Universal parks in the morning to Downtown Disney or the Boardwalk area in the afternoon. Had I actually had a park ticket at that time I don't think there's any reason I couldn't have gotten in the parks and done at least a few things.

 

[amazingact21]

I think you have the rest days in the right spot. I am with Alex on wanting to be in the parks everyday but DH has made me take breaks. I am very appreciative after because I really needed the break.

I'll admit, it does feel like you're missing out on the fun during rest days, but the heat and the walking really does a number on you. Plus, being able to sleep in without an alarm is invaluable.

Awesome! It's great that you get to go back while the kids can experience more of it and are excited about HP.

I do worry that once Landon sees all the HP stuff, he's going to want to skip Disney next trip. Hopefully, the snacks at Disney will keep him around. His current world revolves around his stomach.

I love your plans and your description of them!

I'd be surprised if the days didn't play out like I described them. The struggle of traveling with multiple sets of touring styles.

The cuteness in this picture!

Hard to remember the kids being that small. Seems like a lifetime ago!

Reading HP with your littles is such a magical experience. My boys adored those books and it was so fun to read them together.

We've been having so much fun reading the series. Reading before bed has been our nightly ritual since they were born, and while the books have changed (we've gone from Dr. Seuss to Roald Dahl and eventually Landon wants the Hobbit) I appreciate the time spent together. I know one day it's going to end, so I'm soaking it up while I can.

You will have the best time touring HP land in Universal.

Watching the magic through the kids' eyes is going to be something special. I've told them basic information, like the attractions and foods, but have tried to keep the smaller details a surprise. For instance, Landon just learned about the Weasley's joke shop and has no idea there's actually a shop in Universal modeled after it. He's going to be so excited to discover it.

I never stay for the whole day. I usually go for 3-4 hours, take a break and go back later.

Those midday breaks are essential! It can really help to decompress for a few hours before diving back into the hustle and bustle.

My goal is next trip to have a longer stay so we can work in a rest day. Or at least a no park day.

It's hard to feel like you're "wasting time" on a Disney trip, but sometimes it's just the thing you need to push through the remainder of a trip. I enjoy my 4 and 5 days trips where I'm go, go, go. But anything longer and I need a rest.

 

[amazingact21]

You had budgeted for the tickets and the bonus is if you do find yourselves with some free time you can now pop up to universal without coughing up any more cash. I too feel so out of touch with all things Orlando right now so be easy on yourself

Too true. I just hate how confused I get by all the new changes and system. If I had never been to Disney before and didn't know the hassle was worth the cost, I'd probably not bother! I remember back when Alex and I went to Disney together for the first time, about a month before I did some research and realized restaurants required ADRs and freaked out. I want to look back at myself then and go, "And you thought THAT was stressful."

I just read a trip report where someone had 1 unused day of their Disney ticket refunded. It was due to storm/flight changes. Unsure if that is why they did it but worth a shot?

Thanks for the tip! Alex thinks with several rest days planned into our trip, we should keep everything as is to be able to have options. In other words, "Don't make me take a day off from the parks if I don't have to!"

I mean, me too? Don't get me wrong, Disney is incredible, but there's something about HP. For me, I get way more invested in the world and characters of a 7 book series than any movie Disney can make.

It's been an interesting experience, revisiting the HP world through the eyes of my kids. I love seeing what interests them and what characters they're drawn to. I'm not surprised by their preferences, it matches their personalities. Evie loves Ginny Weasley and loves the fantastical creatures. She wants to know everything there is about nifflers and hippogriffs and phoenixes.
Landon is all about Harry Potter and the school as a whole. He tries to sketch the layout of the castle and asks me to remind what professor teaches which classes.

Or, you know, just do universal instead of resting? Lol!

I think this is my husband's master plan.

Yes, but it's still a bit slow at times. I'm using a hotspot device through MightyWifi. Not perfect, but works. I love that I found an option to keep up with things.

I'm glad you have found a solution, even if it has its issues!

Depending on what you want to do in Universal/Disney, I'd say that's very doable. I haven't actually entered the parks in both places in the same day, but I've gone from Universal parks in the morning to Downtown Disney or the Boardwalk area in the afternoon. Had I actually had a park ticket at that time I don't think there's any reason I couldn't have gotten in the parks and done at least a few things.

That's great to hear! I wasn't sure if two theme parks halfway across the city would be too much of a hassle to try. I guess as long as you don't expect to conquer everything in both parks, it's doable.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Someone else please tell me you've made a Disney blunder when planning a trip to help ease my embarrassment. I need to know I'm not a complete unknown when it comes to vacation planning. I also need to stop dwelling on all the money I flushed down the toilet by buying 9 Day MYW tickets, when I could have just purchased a Military Disney ticket and used our Universal tickets for the rest of our time

We ALL have!!! Even the best laid plans go wrong somewhere. That is a bummer. But like many have said, everything is changing so much these days, it is hard to keep up!!!!

 

[amazingact21]

Plans! Time for some plans!


Day 1:

Check-in Day!


The plans for this day are pretty straightforward and simple. We’re going to wake up at my mother in-law’s house and spend the morning with her. Hopefully, the kids won’t beg to go to her pool, but odds are good they might.

It takes about an hour and twenty minutes to get from my MIL’s house to Orlando, and Alex and I want to stop by a grocery store before we get to the house. Best case, we get on the road around 2 o’clock, shop for essentials, and then make it to the AirBnB right at check-in time. (Which is 4 o’clock.)

The kids will want a few minutes to explore the house, play with the games in the game room, switch what room they want a few dozen times, make themselves completely at home by shucking their shoes at the front door, in the middle of the pathway, and pull snacks off the counter as quickly as I unpack them.



I know it’s going to take awhile to get everyone settled and the suitcases unloaded and the kids’ toys that their grandmother bestowed upon them the previous day arranged and organized.

But hopefully, Alex and I can corral the kids back into the car, because we want to try and head to Disney Springs this evening. In the past, the two of us have always started a trip here. It’s like the official sign we are on a Disney vacation.

Anyone else have a must do first on a Disney trip? First park? First snack? First mode of transportation?


I’m torn about whether or not to make an ADR this evening. I really want to try Homecomin’. Those biscuits with the hot honey glaze? Oh man, they look so tasty! I figured me and the kids could split an appetizer and a couple sides and we’d be all set, but I’m worried about having some place we HAVE to be on our first night.

What if my MIL delays us leaving? What if there’s a storm and we choose to wait it out before driving? What if there’s an issue with check-in or with the house? Or, most likely, what if Disney Springs is a madhouse and we just want to get in and activate our tickets and leave?


Alex and I like the Polite Pig, so to save ourselves trouble, we could just hop over there and grab something quick to take the stress away.

I don’t know. This is something I’ll flip flop over for awhile still.



After food, like I already mentioned, the four of us will get our tickets activated and also probably buy MagicBands to use. Ours are probably all dead or lost in moves.


Then, maybe we’ll stop by Sprinkles or Amorette’s and grab ourselves a dessert for back at the house.


I hope we can be back home at a reasonable time. We’ll have a long day ahead of us the following day, and this will only be our third night on U.S. time.

And if tradition holds, I’ll be falling asleep by eight thirty and awake by four thirty for the first week. I hate the time zone jump! It gets me every single time. Never on the return journey, though. I power through that first day, crash that evening, and am fine the next day.


Do you think it possible to only be at Disney Springs for 3-4 hours when you need the ticket center, dinner, and a merchandise purchase? Let me know how long you think I should expect to be at the shopping district.


And did I mention it’ll be a Friday night? Yes, I know. You gotta work with the schedule you’re given, no matter how poor the dates wind up being…

 

[suse66]

I’m torn about whether or not to make an ADR this evening. I really want to try Homecomin’. Those biscuits with the hot honey glaze? Oh man, they look so tasty! I figured me and the kids could split an appetizer and a couple sides and we’d be all set, but I’m worried about having some place we HAVE to be on our first night.

What about the Shine Bar at Homecomin'? You could grab a table there without the fuss of an ADR. I will scope it out for you when we are there.

Alex and I like the Polite Pig, so to save ourselves trouble, we could just hop over there and grab something quick to take the stress away.

Any reccos at Polite Pig?

And if tradition holds, I’ll be falling asleep by eight thirty and awake by four thirty for the first week. I hate the time zone jump! It gets me every single time. Never on the return journey, though. I power through that first day, crash that evening, and am fine the next day.

Same! Going to Europe I am fine but coming back home is brutal!

And did I mention it’ll be a Friday night? Yes, I know. You gotta work with the schedule you’re given, no matter how poor the dates wind up being…

You'll be ok. Yes, it'll be busy but the excitement of being back will help you power through.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I am so out of the loop I can’t really be of help but I do like Susan’s idea of Shine bar so you’re not stressing adr. The jet lag gets us every time but in someways a busy day/evening at Disney Springs will help regulate you all and help you make it to a normalish bedtime (fingers crossed ).
I do love seeing the sunrise those first few days though I do wish I didn’t have to wait several hours for it

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Anyone else have a must do first on a Disney trip? First park? First snack? First mode of transportation?

It changes for us, depending on what time we arrive to Disney. We do try to go to Magic Kingdom first every trip! But I think the trip feels real to us once we land in Orlando and get in line for Magical Express... But that is going to be different now.

Oh man, they look so tasty! I figured me and the kids could split an appetizer and a couple sides and we’d be all set, but I’m worried about having some place we HAVE to be on our first night.

I always struggle with this as well. I always lean towards a reservation but to give us a solid plan. You can get food from the walk up bar area... You can go to the bar inside or they have a window on the outside as well.

 

[amazingact21]

You could grab a table there without the fuss of an ADR. I will scope it out for you when we are there.

I didn't realize the walk-up bar had food, as well. I guess I just thought it was for drinks. That's good to know.

Any reccos at Polite Pig?

I like their barbecue cauliflower. It's a sweeter bbq versus a more vinegary one, but they add pine nuts to the dish, which I like.

The jet lag gets us every time but in someways a busy day/evening at Disney Springs will help regulate you all and help you make it to a normalish bedtime (fingers crossed ).
I do love seeing the sunrise those first few days though I do wish I didn’t have to wait several hours for it

I've never followed jet lag up with Disney before, so maybe you're on to something there.
Have to laugh at your sunrise comment, because I know exactly what you mean. I've watched too many sunrises after landing in the states! Is the jet lag ever bad for you on the way home?

But I think the trip feels real to us once we land in Orlando and get in line for Magical Express... But that is going to be different now.

That was a lot of people's "first" of a trip. I still can't believe they took that perk away. Such a shame. But hopefully you all will be so over the moon excited to FINALLY be back at WDW that you won't notice the loss too much.

I always lean towards a reservation but to give us a solid plan.

That's a valid point. I'll probably be less likely to lag and take my time unpacking if I know we have a reservation to get to. Plus, it'll kind of kick off the trip. Sort of a "we're actually here and back in our happy place, let the vacation begin!"

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Can't get quotes to work for some reason but yes sometimes the jet lag hits on the way home too unfortunately. I do think I get over it better than the boys because I try to sleep on the plane and then stay up when I get home and just have an early night. They have a nap when they arrive home and then are all over the place sleepwise. It can take a day or two but it is so worth it!

 

[afwdwfan]

The kids will want a few minutes to explore the house, play with the games in the game room, switch what room they want a few dozen times, make themselves completely at home by shucking their shoes at the front door, in the middle of the pathway, and pull snacks off the counter as quickly as I unpack them.

As unpredictable as kids can be, they can still be extremely predictable.

Anyone else have a must do first on a Disney trip? First park? First snack? First mode of transportation?

Hmm... We've had trips where it has been straight to the park, check in and go to a park, check in and go to dinner so not necessarily a "first thing we do absolutely every time" but MK has always been the first park we visit.

I figured me and the kids could split an appetizer and a couple sides and we’d be all set, but I’m worried about having some place we HAVE to be on our first night.

I'd probably lean toward no ADR... just from the concerns you mentioned about what time you'd get there. Might be easier to not have an obligation to be somewhere at a set time. And there are so many good QS options in DTD.

And if tradition holds, I’ll be falling asleep by eight thirty and awake by four thirty for the first week. I hate the time zone jump! It gets me every single time. Never on the return journey, though. I power through that first day, crash that evening, and am fine the next day.

Man, I'm impressed by your return schedule. It seems like if I reach the point of exhaustion it takes me a couple of nights to catch back up. I'd still be dragging the next day.

Do you think it possible to only be at Disney Springs for 3-4 hours when you need the ticket center, dinner, and a merchandise purchase? Let me know how long you think I should expect to be at the shopping district.

I've never had to do anything with tickets there before so I can't really speak to that, but it seems reasonable to me?

 

[Steppesister]

Anyone else have a must do first on a Disney trip? First park? First snack? First mode of transportation?

HI Alicia, still following along.

I usually try to hit up AK as my first (and last) park, no real first snack or anything. Sadly, my first transportations are usually UBERs now. The buses are so awful and crowded and slow that I just feel like my time is better spent on just paying a bit more and getting to where I want to go and be. However, the Skyliner does help with the parks if you're at AoA or POP or the CBR.

 

[vamassey1]

We use to start our trip with a visit to DTD/Disney Springs but in the last few years it has been there or a park.

I go back and forth on a reservation the first night too due to all the things that could go wrong. I will say in December we started in DS on a Saturday night and it was soooo crowded. It did take us longer than we thought so not much time for actually shopping. No matter what it will be great just to be in Disney.

 

[amazingact21]

I do think I get over it better than the boys because I try to sleep on the plane and then stay up when I get home and just have an early night. They have a nap when they arrive home and then are all over the place sleepwise. It can take a day or two but it is so worth it!

Oh nooo! Napping on the day of arrival is the worst idea. You do that and you're doomed.

MK has always been the first park we visit.

Understandable.

Man, I'm impressed by your return schedule. It seems like if I reach the point of exhaustion it takes me a couple of nights to catch back up.

That hasn't happened to me yet, but there's always a first time for everything.

I usually try to hit up AK as my first (and last) park

I think if I were to take a solo trip that would be my route, as well. I could only go to DAK and be perfectly content.

I go back and forth on a reservation the first night too due to all the things that could go wrong. I will say in December we started in DS on a Saturday night and it was soooo crowded.

That is what I'm afraid of. I don't want to fight for finding a place to eat if it's wall to wall people on the sidewalks.

 

[amazingact21]

Day 2 Plans:

I want it on record that I was outvoted on this day’s plans.

We’ve been away from Walt Disney World for three years. Obviously, there’s only one park you should start with having endured such a long absence.


You all know where I’m referring to, right?





We should start our Disney day walking down Main Street U.S.A, taking pictures in front of the castle! (After all, I need some that don’t involve my daughter crying.)





I want to hop on board Small World, then go grab a Dole Whip and listen to boats landing on Splash Mountain. I want to finally be able to say, “I’m back.”


That’s what you do after being away for a long time.



But. That’s not what’s going to happen.

In Evie’s defense, she voted for Animal Kingdom as our first park day. I would’ve been fine with that.





The boys, though.


They have one goal in mind.

Galaxy’s Edge.


To Alex, Hollywood Studios is going to be like a brand new park. None of us have ever been to the new Star Wars land, we haven’t ridden Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and we’ve only gone on Slinky Dog Dash once.

Landon is tall enough now to ride Rock N Roller Coaster, and Evie is big enough to try Tower of Terror.





Once Evie heard Alex’s and Landon’s argument for going to DHS she changed her tune and planted herself firmly in the camp of DHS first.

I was, very roundly, outnumbered.




So... Hollywood Studios it is!



The problem with this park is that it’s the one I’m most overwhelmed with. Because the kids are bigger, they now want to do everything. We’re going to have Genie + and I’ll try to buy ILLs for Rise of the Resistance, but without staying onsite I’m not holding my breath on that front.


We’re going to stay in the park all day, and we’re not booking an ADR so we have the most time possible.

Really, though, how do you plan this out in the best way?


I’m thinking we are going to need to have different “game plans” based on what attractions we can book.


Our first “best case” plan will look like:

- Genie + reservation for Slinky Dog Dash at 7 a.m.

- Ride Mickey and Minnie’s at park open.

- Ride Tower of Terror standby next.

- Grab a TSMM Genie + at 11.

- If Landon wants to try RNRC, either me or Alex will take him while the other watches Frozen Live with Evie.

- Hopefully spend the afternoon in Toy Story Land.

- Then spend the late afternoon/evening in Galaxy’s Edge.



I’m a worst case scenario kind of gal, so I’m assuming I won’t be able to grab an ILL for Rise, and we’ll have to go on it standby. My hope, plan, goal, is that since Fantasmic! Will be back, getting in line for Rise near park closing will be our best bet. Since this is something none of us have ever done, we’re willing to wait 60-90 minutes for it, but I don’t know if the kids will be tired and crabby by then.



There’s so much pressure on Hollywood!
The kids have so much they want to do here, and while we’ve already accepted their 5th park day will be back here, I want to make the experience as positive as possible for them.


These are their wants/wishes:

- Landon wants to pilot the Millenium Falcon.
- Evie wants everyone to ride Tower of Terror
- We all want to ride Rise of the Resistance
- Try a Ronto Wrap
- Try blue and green milk
- Ride Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Eat a Jack Jack Num Num cookie
- Evie wants to build a droid, but we’ve told her that’s probably not going to happen this trip.
- Get a picture of Evie with Rey in the background.


Evie loves Rey. She dressed up as her for Halloween:




And she wants to bring the costume with her and immerse herself in the Star Wars experience.


You know, writing all this out, I’m thinking our best bet might be to knock out TOT and Mickey and Minnie’s first thing in the morning, as soon as we can, then shift our focus to Galaxy’s Edge. The kids are going to want lots of time to walk around and explore, and I’m not sure they’ll be happy waiting until the afternoon to go over there.


Good golly, I’m so out of touch with planning. This was so much easier when I could book our Fastpasses ahead of time and kind of see where in the parks we would be and when. Now I won’t know until 7 o’clock that morning.


I guess I have our list and will use that as our guide. Alex and I will have opportunities to return to the park during our adults-only portion of the trip, so this day will be about following the kids’ choices.


All right, final thoughts…
Day 2. Ride Rise, eat Ronto Wraps, ride Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, get the kids a Jack Jack Num Num Cookie.

Hollywood Studios goals.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I am so with you on not knowing how to approach anything anymore! We are tentatively looking at a trip sometime in the next year. Trying to get holiday schedules and whatnot sorted and no doubt we will land smack bang in the summer months due to gcse exams/Erasmus trips and, fingers crossed, a winter graduation for CJ’s Masters in Education which I really can’t wait for seeing his honours degree graduation was a whole 15 seconds of his name being read out while we watched from home sitting on his bed.
I think as long as you prioritise the things in your final thoughts paragraph you should be good and kids should be happy. Never underestimate the power of the Mickey Bar for tired cranky kids who are fed up waiting in line. Always worked for mine just remember the wipes as the chocolate melts fast in florida!