TexanInTheMidwest
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2018
43 Days and Counting!!
As I mentioned, I ordered an upgraded Magic Band and got the notification that it had shipped this morning! I am a bit concerned because though I paid for the Stars & Stripes one, the photo in my profile is grey. I sure don't want a grey band! The postal service says that a label has been created, but there's no delivery date in the system yet.
In other updates since I was last here, I was able to push my FP on 7 Dwarfs on Day One (Monday, Sept 2nd) from the 12:35 to 1:35 window to a 1:50 to 2:50. While this is smack dab in the middle of parade time, I am grateful for the extra breathing room to get from the airport to ME to the resort.
I am not holding out for my room being ready early at all since I am checking in on Labor Day. However, I will probably claim my bag myself and take it with me on ME. This way, I can shove all my carry on items (lap top, trade big purse for tiny purse, etc.) so that Bell Services needs to only store one bag.
This, by the way, is a change from traveling with DH. He never wants to go into the parks until we are settled into the room and unpacked. And honestly, the last 2 years, we haven't even gone into the parks on Day 1, but instead just had a resort day. And while I, too, like to settle in, I won't let it keep me on this trip.
OK. So Day 4 is where I turn into a bit of a curmudgeon thanks to SWGE AND Disney's decision to change basically every single ride at DHS into Tier 1 FP attractions.
I have always enjoyed DHS. Here's Jan. 2018
and March 2012
I enjoy walking around and checking things out. Sitting on the patio at the Brown Derby Lounge with a snack and a glass of wine has been something we both like doing as we watch the shows and the people.
On our last trip, I got SDD FP+ around mid-day. However, there were SO many people that as soon as we finished the ride, we left TSL and didn't explore or even attempt to ride Toy Story Mania or Swirling Saucers.
Right Now, here's my plans for Day 4 - Sept. 5th - which is my last full day.
So, this is where the changes and the way FP+ works doesn't work for me.
The only fastpasses I can make and keep SDD is at Hollywood Studios. But, to be honest, there is nothing else at Hollywood Studios that I WANT to do to use a FP. Because most of the shows you can get into without a problem. Even when DH & I both go, the single rider line for Rock & Roll Roller Coaster is a good choice for us.
And, do I want to go back to Epcot for Illuminations for another late night? Especially if I have to rush?
I want to spend time at Food & Wine, but staying locked into my FP at DHS means I have no ability for FP at Epcot without sacrificing the DHS one.
And do I want to even attempt EXTRA extra Magic Hours at DHS since they begin at 6 AM? Knowing that I will have to take a bus or Minnie Van. And yes, I am a morning person, that's super duper early...
AND with the EXTRA extra magic hours at DHS only beginning on August 30th, I don't know if anyone here at The DIS or any of the other blogs I follow will have much of an idea what the crowds, flows, and strategies may be.
When I first began planning, I figured that unless it was super empty, I would just skip SWGE and love up the rest of the park. Because while I can manage crowds better than DH, this solo trip IS about relaxing and enjoying things at my own pace, whatever that may be. Sometimes, I move fast and other times slow. I had also hoped to spend a fair amount of time in Toy Story Land to soak it in. AND ride the other offerings there.
I also cannot forget that I will have little bits of work to do each day to stay on top of my business. Hopping back to the resort from MK is easy. And having a solid break from one park (like wrapping up mid day at AK) allows me to play a lot and work a little.
I don't want to complain, truly. Yet, I will say that my Day 4 plans feel pretty shaky.
What do YOU think about my Day 4 Dilemma?
Where do you stand on SWGE? SDD? The New Fast Pass changes? Skip DHS? Just go to Epcot or back to MK or AK?
As I mentioned, I ordered an upgraded Magic Band and got the notification that it had shipped this morning! I am a bit concerned because though I paid for the Stars & Stripes one, the photo in my profile is grey. I sure don't want a grey band! The postal service says that a label has been created, but there's no delivery date in the system yet.
In other updates since I was last here, I was able to push my FP on 7 Dwarfs on Day One (Monday, Sept 2nd) from the 12:35 to 1:35 window to a 1:50 to 2:50. While this is smack dab in the middle of parade time, I am grateful for the extra breathing room to get from the airport to ME to the resort.
I am not holding out for my room being ready early at all since I am checking in on Labor Day. However, I will probably claim my bag myself and take it with me on ME. This way, I can shove all my carry on items (lap top, trade big purse for tiny purse, etc.) so that Bell Services needs to only store one bag.
This, by the way, is a change from traveling with DH. He never wants to go into the parks until we are settled into the room and unpacked. And honestly, the last 2 years, we haven't even gone into the parks on Day 1, but instead just had a resort day. And while I, too, like to settle in, I won't let it keep me on this trip.
OK. So Day 4 is where I turn into a bit of a curmudgeon thanks to SWGE AND Disney's decision to change basically every single ride at DHS into Tier 1 FP attractions.
I have always enjoyed DHS. Here's Jan. 2018
and March 2012
I enjoy walking around and checking things out. Sitting on the patio at the Brown Derby Lounge with a snack and a glass of wine has been something we both like doing as we watch the shows and the people.
On our last trip, I got SDD FP+ around mid-day. However, there were SO many people that as soon as we finished the ride, we left TSL and didn't explore or even attempt to ride Toy Story Mania or Swirling Saucers.
Right Now, here's my plans for Day 4 - Sept. 5th - which is my last full day.
- 5:35 to 6:35 - Slinky Dog
- 8:00 PM - Spice Road Table
So, this is where the changes and the way FP+ works doesn't work for me.
The only fastpasses I can make and keep SDD is at Hollywood Studios. But, to be honest, there is nothing else at Hollywood Studios that I WANT to do to use a FP. Because most of the shows you can get into without a problem. Even when DH & I both go, the single rider line for Rock & Roll Roller Coaster is a good choice for us.
And, do I want to go back to Epcot for Illuminations for another late night? Especially if I have to rush?
I want to spend time at Food & Wine, but staying locked into my FP at DHS means I have no ability for FP at Epcot without sacrificing the DHS one.
And do I want to even attempt EXTRA extra Magic Hours at DHS since they begin at 6 AM? Knowing that I will have to take a bus or Minnie Van. And yes, I am a morning person, that's super duper early...
AND with the EXTRA extra magic hours at DHS only beginning on August 30th, I don't know if anyone here at The DIS or any of the other blogs I follow will have much of an idea what the crowds, flows, and strategies may be.
When I first began planning, I figured that unless it was super empty, I would just skip SWGE and love up the rest of the park. Because while I can manage crowds better than DH, this solo trip IS about relaxing and enjoying things at my own pace, whatever that may be. Sometimes, I move fast and other times slow. I had also hoped to spend a fair amount of time in Toy Story Land to soak it in. AND ride the other offerings there.
I also cannot forget that I will have little bits of work to do each day to stay on top of my business. Hopping back to the resort from MK is easy. And having a solid break from one park (like wrapping up mid day at AK) allows me to play a lot and work a little.
I don't want to complain, truly. Yet, I will say that my Day 4 plans feel pretty shaky.
What do YOU think about my Day 4 Dilemma?
Where do you stand on SWGE? SDD? The New Fast Pass changes? Skip DHS? Just go to Epcot or back to MK or AK?