While it’s the “Most Magical Place On Earth” and a great way to spend time with your family, it’s extremely easy to squander the time you do have in the parks. We want to help you make the most of your time there, and help you get the most value for your money.
Fail to Prepare and Prepare to Fail.
A scenario we see all the time is a family that perhaps has failed to fully plan their trip.
They’re having a great time at Epcot, they saw some manatees, they hung out with dolphins, and they learned all about the history of communication from the inside of a poorly air conditioned golf ball.
It’s just before afternoon, and they make their way around the world showcase, heading past a giant temple, and stumbling into a small Norwegian town. Then the kids see it, Frozen Ever After. There it is, the ride. The one they’ve been waiting for, but maybe didn’t know it. It’s their favorite movie – they know every word, they know every song. They need to ride frozen.
The downside is: Frozen often has a 2 hour wait. Especially around midday. But, there’s no choice, the kids want to ride it.
Before you know it, you’re inside a dark building and the late morning has become early afternoon, and the day is pretty much done.
Actual Costs
I broke down the average ticket cost, then further broke that down into the average number of hours a park is open.
At the single day ticket rate, an hour of park time costs approximately $10. Each.
In our example above, a family of 4 can spend time equivalent to $80 just for the privilege of waiting in line. Ouch.
Planning Effectively
Almost every theme park on the planet is a place you can just show up at, and do everything. Disney isn’t one of those places. It requires planning and research. Even lunch reservations are booked out half a year in advance. People save up all year (or more) just to go, and they know exactly what they’re going to do. You should too.
Your time is valuable, and your vacation time more-so.
At Disney, it’s getting increasingly impossible to do everything in one trip. Here’s some tips for planning your trip that should help you make the most of your time:
Take advantage of fastpasses as soon as you are able.
Take advantage of dining reservations as soon as you are able.
Use as many fast passes as possible in a day. Think strategically when you make them.
Schedule things in area’s you’re already planning on being in.
Watch rides, and events on Youtube to see if they’re worth waiting for, or doing at all.
Consider where to sit to make rides more worth the wait.
Consider the cost to time savings for must do things (Early dining reservations for early access to the parks. Extra Magic Hours for staying onsite. Character Meet meals.)
Have a schedule in mind, but be flexible.
Stick with us. We’ve been doing this a lot and really want to help you.
We heard a couple the other day that was upset that they waited an hour to ride 7 Dwarves Mine Train. They didn’t know it was a slower roller coaster for kids, and sat in the front. The back moves faster and is more thrilling – but it’s a short fun ride, with a longer than average wait time. If they had prepared, they would have been able to save an hour in the park for something they might have enjoyed. Please don’t let that be you!