Think you can't do all 4 parks in one day at Disney World? Well, think again - you can!! The pic above is proof that we did just that on our recent trip. Today's post will give you tips and tricks on how to hit all of the parks in one day!
First - start EARLY. Don't start at 10am and expect to get everything in. Be at the first park at rope drop (when they open). Actually be there before they open. Our first park was Animal Kingdom and with Pandora still being hugely popular, there was already a large crowd headed to the Avatar rides. Be early enough to get a jump on the line for any ride that typically has a long line that you didn't get a FastPass for. In our case, we had our Flight of Passage FP but wanted to check out Na'Vi River Journey. Even being there before the park opened, the line was still over an hour long! Of course it got longer as the day went on so be early!!
Even at "rope drop" crowds were huge heading into Pandora...
Being early helps you to enjoy the park you're at and not rush through everything just to get to the next park. I actually didn't intend this to be a 4-park-day, but planning ahead and not wasting time helped me to accomplish it! But do still take the time to get those great PhotoPass pics and enjoy a delicious Mickey Bar!!
One way to make sure you're not wasting time is to take advantage of Mobile Ordering for Quick Service locations (more on this here), or be sure to have made Dining Reservations. Remember I can get those for you 6 months before you travel so don't waste time waiting for an open table!!
Along the lines of Mobile Ordering or Dining Reservations, be sure you have FastPasses for as early in the day as possible. When your first 3 are gone, you can get one more at the next park you're heading to (if still available). Be sure and ask me how this process works as it can save you time and make sure you hit your favorite rides!
After we did all we wanted to do at Animal Kingdom, 3 of us went on to Hollywood Studios. Don and Ryan were more interested in a rest time than getting in all of the parks and although I don't understand it, it works for them! So if you have a group of people, be okay with some doing one thing and others doing another.
I was only interested in riding Rock 'n' Roller coaster as we didn't get a chance to earlier in the trip. So our stop at Hollywood Studios was only for one ride. (Thanks to Luke and Andrew for waiting with me in line even though they didn't want to ride!) I'd say it was totally worth it as that's one awesome ride!!
Next on to Magic Kingdom! I had actually planned on just ending the day at MK. But then looking at the fireworks schedule, I realized that MK fireworks were at 8pm and EPCOT's fireworks were at 9pm. That's when it hit me that we could do all 4 parks! We had to compromise a bit and watch MK's fireworks from the train station rather than closer to the Castle. That meant we could get out quickly and head to the monorail to get to EPCOT in time for their show. But from that point, we couldn't see the Castle due to the Christmas tree. Other times of year, this wouldn't be a problem. Still loved the show though!
Don't wait until fireworks are completely over to hit the exit or you'll never make it as everyone will leave at the same time. We had seen the show from our balcony a few times so knew about when to leave. But even if you hadn't, just watch about 10 minutes and head out as the show is around 15 minutes.
We got to EPCOT with time to spare and enjoyed the fireworks show. After the fireworks, we still had some time before the park closed so we rode Test Track. In the end I rode at least one ride at each park and ate (at least) one snack. Success!!
Just don't be in such a hurry to "do all the parks" that you forget to enjoy yourself. Have fun like us goofballs in these pics below... We got back to the room exhausted but happy from a wonderful day!!
Call me to help you plan your trip - if you do 1 park a day or try for all 4, I can help!!