Theme Park Planning Questions

[Logan]

Hiya folks

You will probably have noticed from other threads of mine that I'm in the process of planning visits to the main theme parks.

However after reading about the possible heat and humidity when we go (18 June - 2 July), I was just wondering, should I build in down time, particularly in the afternoon?

Many people and books suggest going back to the hotel for a dip in the pool, or doing a bit of shopping (hardly relaxing ;) ), then heading back to the park in the evening, particularly if you have a flexible ticket (We've got 14 day Ultimates).

My only concern with this is the down time and even hassle in itself in getting out of the park, to your car, back to the hotel or wherever and back again.

What do other experienced travellers do, do you leave and do something else or take down time in the park itself, such as a sleep in some dull attraction? ;)

Thanks again in advance for advice! :d:

[TandCmum]

we did this every day last year. It was very hot and humid and our kids were only young, we would quit the parks about 2pm go back to the hotel and have a swim then we would go back out about 5pm for something to eat and to see the fireworks if that was planned. However we stayed onsite so we were only 10 mins from most of the parks in the car.

If you don't want to leave the parks during the day another option is to do a full park day followed by a rest day when you could go to a waterpark or do some shopping etc.

If you do the parks all day every day for 14 days you will be serioulsy shattered.

[RuddClan]

We did both rest days and some days out early and return, but bear in mind if you do a full day in a park your children (and you) will not feel like an early start the following day

[tonymc]

Would echo the reply from TandCmum. We visited during the last two weeks of August last year, and as was expected, it was hot and humid.

However, we did plan our days in the Disney Theme Parks to coincide with the "slack" days (see http://allearsnet.com/pl/attend.htm), and then arranged days at Seaworld or the Water Parks on other days.

The key we found was not to try and pack everything in on the one holiday. During our two weeks, we only spent 4 days in the Disney Theme Parks, another three days in the water parks, three days (well half-days to be precise) at Sea World and a day at Busch Gardens. A couple of days shopping (yes - man + shopping = grumpy git!!) and around the hotel pool made it a nice relaxing holiday.

(Incidentally, we had a 7 day Disney Hopper Ticket, and upgraded the remaining three days to non-expiry which we shall be using next year.)

Another tip is to try and plan to see attractions/shows that are inside and air conditioned. We did this at Animal Kingdom (Lion King and Bug's Life) and MK (Philharmonic etc), and it was a relief to get out of the sun!

Hope this is of use.

[loadsapixiedust]

Unless you are staying onsite or very near it can easily use up a couple of hours just getting to and from your accommodation, so an afternoon break there isn't a realistic option.
There is plenty you can do in the parks or close by to provide a bit of a rest and respite from the heat.
A table service lunch is an excellent idea, a nice sit-down in the air conditioned comfort in the hottest part of the day will revive you.
Save the indoor air conditioned sit-down type of attractions for the afternoons too.
Take a ride on the monorail or one of the many boats to the resorts, the breeze out on the water can be refreshing and it's free. Have a drink or snack at one of the resort restaurants and wander around for a while.
Keep your swimming things in a locker and take a break at one of the water parks for a few hours in the afternoon if your tickets allow it.
If all else fails then there are several very comfortable places to take a nap. Impressions de France and Hall of Presidents spring to mind. ;)

[Logan]

Well, we're staying onsite the second week (at Port Orleans Riverside), when we plan to do most of the Disney stuff, though we might do a bit in the first week too.

Last post has some pretty good suggestions. :d:

[andi30]

well for the second week i would suggest going back to your hotel for a dip in the pool and possibly a sleep before going back out on the night for the parades and fireworks:)

[SamsCalling]

Hiya,

When I'd been to the parks in the past with my family, we'd always get there around 11am, & leave around 5-6pm. This was mainly because we were tired & didn't see how anyone could do a full day at the parks!!!

When I went last year with my boyfriend, we'd get there for park opening (9am)....then stay till the fireworks (9-10pm). Getting there early means you avoid most of the massive queues on the big attractions, so mid afternoon you can just look round the park at your leisure...there's no rush or panic. Meant we could pace ourselves better & I really enjoyed it.

We stayed off site, so couldn't really go back to our hotel easily, but if we were staying at Disney in the future, I'd definitely go for opening, take a break mid afternoon if needed & return in the evening.

Good luck!

[budgie]

we found last August by going early to the parks we managed to do all of our favourite rides by lunch with little or no time wasted in lines - often we would go back to the villa to cool down in the pool or go shopping!!
we did spend a few full days in the parks too but as long as its not every day i think you and your family will have a great time and not need another holiday to get over Disney!

[debs1505]

We personally dont find it a bind leaving the park and getting the car to go back to the hotel for a 'rest'. Much more relaxing than walking around all day and night. The kids loved the break too.

[BONZO]

Our strategy is: -

Get up early and hit the parks by rope drop if possible.

Come out by mid day and go to a water park (leaving costumes, towels in the car)

Head back to the parks late afternoon / early evening


Spending all day in one park can lead to the kids being bored and worn out with little energy for the next day.

[Logan]

I know I've asked this in another thread, but do folk tend to avoid parks on days with EMH, as they could be chaotic?

I'm just wondering what crowd levels are like in June with EMH, are you better going to other parks and only using the EMH if you want to go to say, evening fireworks, then a few rides maybe?

[joshiemonkey]

we went to the parks in the morning. had lunch then. travelled back for a nap. then hit the parks in the late afternoon. feeling refreshed. and there were no children in our group.

it's a great idea.