Just finished first DW Trip; recap

[atarianna]

First timers, wrapping up our trip

After lurking on this board, planning for months, hiring a planner (waste of money IMO) we just finished two days at DW.

We stayed at Shades of Green (the Army owned Disney property), room rates were super reasonable and adjust based on your rank, two great pools, a PX and restaurants with normal pricing (and no tax). Room has been fine for the 5 of us, two queens and a pullout couch.

First full day we went to magic kingdom. We have Genie+ and DAS for my diabetic daughter. We were able to flip flop choices so DAS selection at 9, Genie+ at 9:30 and so on. I researched the maps ahead of time to plan rides near one another.

We got into the park around 8:45 did buzz light year, Peter Pan, small world, haunted mansion, seven dwarfs, splash mtn, thunder mountain, ate lunch, dole whip, then jungle cruise and pirates all before 1:30 when we went back to the hotel.

After a rest, we returned at 6, did space mountain twice, went to skippers canteen for dinner ($$$), did Swiss family Robinson treehouse, pirates again, carrousel then the 9pm fireworks show which did not disappoint.

Day two we went to Hollywood studios. We did Star Wars, then millennium falcon, rise of the resistance twice, the song and dance show, toy story mania, frozen then Indiana jones. Had lunch at 12:30 at Mama Melrose restaurant ($$$), then headed back to the hotel to rest.

After we rested and swam, we returned at 5 for mickeys runaway railway, dinner at Woody’s toy box, did slinky dog dash, rocking rollercoaster and toy story mania once more before calling it quits around 7.

Today is a rest day and we head home tomorrow. With DAS and genie+ we were able to get a LOT in and barely waited for anything. The kids enjoyed it, the 3 year old enjoyed the magic more than my older two which I thought might happen but everyone had fun.

[jaycee]

Would love to know more about the planner - how much was it (if you don't mind me asking)? I thought some Disney planners were free.  What did the planner do for you?

So glad to hear you waited for barely anything. We had the same experience at Disneyland over spring break. We just go on anything, but we chose rides that we really wanted to see that had low wait times and most rides were either walk on or just minutes wait.

[zarapipe]

Sounds like you got a ton done!

[atarianna]

jaycee the planner is typically “free” as in their cut comes from purchasing tickets through them and making reservations through them for resorts. Since we purchased military tickets, I wanted to be sure she was compensated fairly for her time and we agreed on a $150 fee. Knowing what I know now, I do think that was a lot for the value she provided.

She basically gave us canned emails with various suggestions and gave us a nudge at 70 days out to consider meals and made suggestions then a reminder at 60 days out to book reservations at restaurants. She said to use YouTube to figure out genie+ which we did.

She nudged me again at 30 days out to book our DAS and advanced selections.

I did run our expected itenerary past her just prior to coming just to be sure we were making the most of our day. Since it was our first time, I felt like we were going in blind and needed someone to bounce things off of. I felt like experienced Disney friends were actually more thorough and helpful in ride/experience planning.

[meganew]

Wow, you got a ton done! Way to go! Glad you had a good time : )