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.
[powerpress]
In this article
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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Dave Shute
Thursday 22nd of August 2013
Shannon, thanks for letting me help your listeners with a tip on this podcast!! Good luck with episodes three through infinity!... Dave
Summer
Wednesday 21st of August 2013
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
Wednesday 21st of August 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.
Tonya
Tuesday 20th of August 2013
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
Tuesday 20th of August 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.
Natalie
Tuesday 20th of August 2013
Another great podcast! I look forward to listening to tomorrow's as well. You're on a roll, Girl! Great job!
Shannon Albert
Tuesday 20th of August 2013
Thanks, Natalie!