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How do you do Disney World in just a few days? – PREP002

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WDW Prep School → WDW Prep To Go Podcast → Featured → How do you do Disney World in just a few days? – PREP002
  • Shannon Albert
  • August 20, 2013
  • April 30, 2017

how do you fit Disney World into 3 days?You don’t have a whole week to spend at Disney World, so how do you fit it all into just a few days?

I’ve got some ideas on how to do that plus tips on using the dining plan and picking a room at The Polynesian.

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In this article (click for table of contents)

  • What meals should you pay for out of pocket?
  • Tips for fitting Disney World into 3 days
  • Quick tip
  • Subscribe to get new episodes

What meals should you pay for out of pocket?

A reader named Mary emailed me with a question about how to decide which meals to pay for out-of-pocket if you’re using the Disney Dining Plan but have more dining reservations than credits.

My 2 tips for choosing what to pay for out-of-pocket:

  • Pay for Signature Dining meals because they require 2 Table Service credits but aren’t worth 2
  • Pick the cheapest meals on your list to pay for yourself

Be sure to check out my post on maximizing Disney Dining Plan credits for more info on which meals are the best value when using the Disney Dining Plan.

Tips for fitting Disney World into 3 days

The guys from Parkeology.com proved that all 47 rides can be done in 1 day (read about their WDW47 adventure), so we should be able to do it in 3 days.

Here’s how:

  • Visit during a less busy time (use crowd charts to help pick those dates)
  • Define your must-see items and accept that you won’t do everything
  • Do Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom in the same day
  • Use single rider which is available on Expedition Everest, Test Track and Rock n Roller Coaster (but I don’t recommend using it on Rock n Roller Coaster)
  • Get up early and stay late (but only on short trips – need to pace yourself on longer trips)

Quick tip

People who want to stay at The Polynesian Resort should consider requesting the Tokelau longhouse for their room. The advantages of Tokelau include: having the largest rooms, every floor has a balcony or patio, and it’s within walking distance of both monorail lines to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.

You can find lots of good info on The Polynesian at TikimanPages.com.

To submit your tip, email podcast at wdwprepschool.com.

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7 Comments

  1. Dave Shute August 22, 2013 Reply

    Shannon, thanks for letting me help your listeners with a tip on this podcast!! Good luck with episodes three through infinity!… Dave

  2. Summer August 21, 2013 Reply

    Our plan is to go in January for 3 days. We went five years ago during Mardi Gras for 3 days and managed to do all we wanted. I am struggling this time with where to stay. We want a king size bed for ourselves and 2 doubles or 2 queens for the kids with 2 bathrooms. I can’t decide if it would be better to get a suite or 2 adjoining rooms. What do you think?

    • Shannon Albert August 21, 2013

      Adjoining rooms aren’t really something you can plan on at WDW. I would get a suite at Art of Animation if I were you.

  3. Tonya August 20, 2013 Reply

    I have a question about email from Mary. Since Dec. is a busy time, I’m not sure what time frame she’s going. If doing 6 night do you really want to 9 reservations? I was reading on your FB page, and there was a post about your friend Casey near DL. Aftering reading that I felt like I had too many TS, and I only had my 6 for the 6 night I’m staying. Lol what are your thoughts?
    Also I’m staying at PO Riverside, is there a site that can give room suggests? Or can you? Is this something that can be done after room is already booked? And does it need to be done before you check in?
    I’ve listened everyday …..love all the information. Thank you

    • Shannon Albert August 20, 2013

      Casey’s question is on tomorrow’s episode actually. 🙂

      You’ll be fine with 1 TS per day (that’s what our family does). I think that’s pretty normal but some families will do more or less, depending on how they like to do things.

      At POR, I’d suggest upgrading to a Preferred room. It’s a huge resort and the Preferred rooms have the shortest walk to get to things. You can make room requests when you check in online.

  4. Natalie August 20, 2013 Reply

    Another great podcast! I look forward to listening to tomorrow’s as well. You’re on a roll, Girl! Great job!

    • Shannon Albert August 20, 2013

      Thanks, Natalie!

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    • Featured: Planning Tips for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
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  • Dining
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    • Disney Dining Plan
    • Our top Table Service restaurants
    • Our top Quick Service restaurants
    • Guide to all Disney World character meals
    • Best restaurants for fireworks views
  • Planning and Tips
    • 6 Step Planning Process
    • Planning Basics
    • What is coming to Walt Disney World in 2021 (and beyond!)
    • Trip Planning for Families
    • Special Needs
    • Money and Shopping
    • Downloadables
  • 2021 Planner
    • 13 ways Disney World planning has changed
    • Mask tips for Disney World trips
    • Budgeting for food (without using the Disney Dining Plan)
    • Step-by-step guide to the Disney Park Pass System
    • Choosing when to visit in 2021
    • How to tour Disney World right now
    • Mask-Free Relaxation Stations (w/maps & comparisons)
    • Where to dine outdoors at Walt Disney World
    • Where to find characters right now
    • How transportation works now
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I just got back from a five night stay at Coronado Springs and had the best time! Even though I went during the busy season I barely waited in any lines and was able to do everything I wanted!

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