Category — i. Itineraries for Walt Disney World

(Note: this is from the Disney World Genie+ with Tron Itinerary.)

MAGIC KINGDOM DAY 3: FRIDAY AGENDA

(For the general approach to Magic Kingdom, see the beginning of Magic Kingdom Day 1.)

Your complete your visit to Magic Kingdom today. You don’t need Individual Lightning Lane today unless you wish to re-ride TRON or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (or have had no luck so far booking them), but will be using both Genie+ and Early Entry.

Your goal today is to see the rest of the attractions in Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Liberty Square and to see the afternoon parade Festival of Fantasy.

You should have dining booked for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue Dinner show in nearby Fort Wilderness at 6.15. For this, you want to be at the Magic Kingdom dock for the Fort Wilderness boat by 5p.

Your key Genie+ priorities today are Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and the Festival of Fantasy parade, where Genie will give you a better view with probably less time parked in your spot. Other Genie+ bookings over the course of your day may well save you time so long as they are within a reasonable walk, so look for nearby Genie+ availability as you become eligible for them.

LOGISTICS

Before 7a, buy Genie+

At 7a, book Space Mountain via Genie+.

AT THE PARK

Be at the tapstiles by thirty minutes before Early Entry begins.

Enter the park, make your way to Peter Pan’s Flight, and ride.

Go to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and ride it.

Make your way swiftly into Tomorrowland and check the standby wait for Space Mountain. If things have gone smoothly so far, this wait should be short. If waits are short, ride it, and afterwards decide whether to keep your Genie+ for a re-ride or cancel it and replace it with another ride. If you do replace it, your priority is Haunted Mansion—or a re-ride from a prior day or Festival of Fantasy, if you saw Haunted Mansion on Day 1.

In Tomorrowland, next see in this order Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Astro Orbiter, and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.

You should be close to eligibility for more Genie+. When you are eligible, prioritize Haunted Mansion, a re-ride, or Festival of Fantasy on the conditions noted above.

In Fantasyland, see Mad Tea Party, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Barnstormer, Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, and “it’s a small world.”

Doing them in roughly this order will minimize walking, but lunch and your Genie+ may re-route you.

What happens next depends on what time it is and when the afternoon parade is scheduled on your visit.

By this point you should be into early or mid-afternoon. If it’s mid-afternoon, if you do not have Genie+ for Festival of Fantasy, grab a viewing area near the part of the parade route in Frontierland by half an hour before the parade is scheduled to begin. If you do have Genie+, arrive in the Genie+ viewing area a few minutes before the parade is scheduled to begin. Then see the attractions in Liberty Square (see next para) after that.

If it is earlier in the afternoon, fit Festival of Fantasy in around some of the Liberty Square attractions Hall of Presidents, Haunted Mansion (via Genie+, unless you saw it on Day 1) and The Liberty Square Riverboat. Note that both the Hall of Presidents and the Liberty Square Riverboat begin on the hour and the half hour.

Next is your dinner show at Fort Wilderness, the 6.15p show of Hoop-Dee Doo Revue. You get to Fort Wilderness from the boat docks in the Magic Kingdom entry area. The boats take about 20 minutes; you may have to wait for them; and Disney wants you to check in 30 minutes before the show.  So be at the boat docks by 5p.

Take the boat to Fort Wilderness, NOT the Wilderness Lodge, which is a different resort.  Some boats go to both–check with the cast member on the boat to make sure you are on the right boat, and where to get off.

Once you arrive at the Fort Wilderness dock, ask a cast member where to go to get to Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue–it’s in Pioneer Hall, a short walk away. Most leaving the boat will head in that general direction.

PREVIEW OF TOMORROW

You will complete your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with an early start.

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(Note: this is from the Disney World Genie+ with Tron Itinerary.)

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS DAY 2: SECOND SATURDAY AGENDA

(For the general approach to Hollywood Studios, see the beginning of Hollywood Studios Day 1.)

You complete your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios today. Your day is shaped into two parts, with an early morning visit to see some key rides, a break for napping or swimming back at the hotel, then a return to the Studios to knock off some Genie+ and any ILL rides that have later returns, plus any shows you have missed.

Do the logistics tasks in the early morning, and head to the Studios for Early Entry.

Depending on when the park opens, you may have to do the 7a chores while on your way to the park. Almost everyone present at Early Entry will be targeting Rise of the Resistance—you will have seen it on Day 1 via ILL, so will be targeting Slinky Dog Dash and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway instead. After that, you will complete the other rides in Toy Story Land and see other rides nearby in this section of the park.

Your morning will end with a show or two, depending on what is available early— Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show, with its first show commonly at 10.45a, and For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, with its first time commonly at 9.30 or 10.30a, would each be good choices. Seeing both (Indy at 10.45, Frozen at 11.30) will make your afternoon/evening return simpler, but will require both luck and some fast walking, so is unlikely.

LOGISTICS

Before 7a, buy Genie+.

At 7a, if you wish to see it again, or if the ride broke on Day 1, book a time via Individual Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance. If you are lucky, take a morning booking; otherwise take a late afternoon booking. You may have little in the way of choices…

On Genie+, check the return times for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and, if you missed either on Day 1 or want to re-ride, Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (the Coaster will be closed for refurb from February 20 to the “summer” of 2023). Most who are not Star Wars fans would prioritize one of the Sunset Boulevard attractions, but major Star Wars fans simply must do the Millennium Falcon ride, and it becomes the highest priority for them.

Two hours after official general public park open—that is at 10.30a for an 8.30a park open most days–come back to Genie+. Most days you will be able to book at least one other high priority ride (Millennium, Tower, or Rock ‘n’ Roller) for later afternoon or early evening.

Today, Early Entry is fundamental to your strategy.

AT THE PARK

Arrive at the tapstiles at Disney’s Hollywood Studios no later than 45 minutes before Early Entry begins (for example, if the general public opening is 8.30a, this will mean a 7.15a arrival for an 8a Early Entry).

When you are let in for Early Entry, immediately head to Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land and ride it.

Then walk back to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and ride it.

Then backtrack and see the other attractions in Toy Story Land—Toy Story Mania, and if it looks fun, Alien Swirling Saucers.

One of two entrances to Galaxy’s Edge is by Alien Swirling Saucers. Walk through Galaxy’s Edge and at its other exit turn right and see Muppet Vision 3D.

Next see Star Tours.

If the timing is right, see the 10.45a showing of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show, and then—if you can move quickly enough, and have some luck—the 11.30 showing of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.

The schedules for each are at the links:

• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show
• First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

If you have managed to see these last two attractions, and if you have no later Genie+ or ILL bookings, then see Walt Disney Presents, and your day is done.

Otherwise, take a break and return to the park later in the day to see the shows, Walt Disney Presents, and any Genie+ or ILL you have booked. Later in the day, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show typically has its latest shows at 3.15p and 4.30p, and the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is on the half hour, with its last show at 6.30 or 7.30p.

PREVIEW OF TOMORROW

You will have an early start as you complete your visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

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(Note: this is from the Disney World Genie+ with Tron Itinerary.)

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM DAY 2: SECOND SUNDAY AGENDA

(For the general approach to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, see the beginning of Animal Kingdom Day 1.)

You complete your visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom today. You don’t need Individual Lightning Lane today unless you want to re-ride Flight of Passage, but will be using both Genie+ and Early Entry. Your goal today is to complete your tour of Pandora, and see Africa.

LOGISTICS

Before 7a, buy Genie+.

At 7a, book Kilimanjaro Safaris via Genie+. Your return time should be around 9a.

AT THE PARK

• Be at the tapstiles by a few minutes before Early Entry begins.
• Enter the park, make your way to Navi River Journey, and ride.
• Go to Africa.
• If the park opens to the general public at 8a, see Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, then use your Genie+ on Kilimanjaro (Gorilla Falls typically opens at 8.30a on days the park opens at 8a).
• If the park opens to the general public at 9a, use your Genie+ on Kilimanjaro, then see Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail.
• As soon as you tap in to the second point at Kilimanjaro, book Genie+ for Festival of the Lion King. Shows typically begin on the hour with the first at 10a and the last in the late afternoon. See this for the schedule.
• Next, if your Genie+ booking for Festival of the Lion King is not for the next show, then check the line for the next show, and enter it if it looks reasonable.
• Consider fitting in a visit to Rafiki’s Animal Watch via the Wildlife Express Train (the only way to access this very minor attraction). Between waiting for and riding the train in each direction and spending half an hour at the Planet Watch, this could take more than an hour. If you have to choose between the Festival of the Lion King and Rafiki, most find Rafiki’s Animal Watch very skippable.

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DISNEY WORLD NEXT WEEK: FEBRUARY 11 TO FEBRUARY 19, 2023

The material below details next week’s Disney World operating hours, parades, early entry, extended evening hours, and fireworks.

OPERATING HOURS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 2/11 – 2/19/23

Magic Kingdom will be open from 9a-11p 2/11 and 2/12, 8a-10p 2/13,  9a-11p 2/14 and 2/15, 8a-10p 2/16, and 9a-11p 2/17 through 2/19

Epcot will be open from 9a-9p every day

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be open from 8.30a-9p every day

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be open from 8a-8p 2/11, 8a-7p 2/12, 9a-7p 2/13 through 2/15, 8a-7p 2/16, and 8a-8p 2/17 through 2/19

EARLY ENTRY AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 2/11 – 2/19/23

• Magic Kingdom: every morning
• Epcot: every morning
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: every morning
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: every morning

EXTENDED EVENING HOURS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 2/11 – 2/19/23

• Epcot: 2/13
• Magic Kingdom: 2/15

PARADES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 2/11 – 2/19/23

Magic Kingdom’s afternoon parade will show at noon and 3p every day

FIREWORKS AND EVENING SHOWS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 2/11 – 2/19/23

• At Magic Kingdom, the evening fireworks Disney Enchantment show is scheduled at 8.15p every night
• At Epcot, the Epcot evening show Harmonious is scheduled at 9p every night
• At Disney’s Hollywood Studios,
  • A minor evening show, Wonderful World of Animation, is scheduled at 9p every night
  • An even more minor evening show, Disney Movie Magic, shows at 8.40p every night
  • The evening spectacular Fantasmic shows at 8 and 9.30p every night

SHOW SCHEDULES FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD 2/11 – 2/19/23

See Steve Soares’ site here. Click the park names at its top for show schedules.

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DISNEY WORLD NEXT WEEK: FEBRUARY 4 TO FEBRUARY 12, 2023

The material below details next week’s Disney World operating hours, parades, early entry, extended evening hours, and fireworks.

OPERATING HOURS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 2/4 – 2/12/23

Magic Kingdom will be open from 9a-11p 2/4 through 2/7, 8a-10p 2/8, and 9a-11p 2/9 to 2/12

Epcot will be open from 9a-9p every day

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be open from 8.30a-9p every day

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be open from 8a-8p 2/4,  8a-7p 2/5, 9a-7p 2/6 through 2/9, 8a-7p 2/10, 8a-8p 2/11, and 8a-7p 2/12

EARLY ENTRY AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 2/4 – 2/12/23

• Magic Kingdom: every morning
• Epcot: every morning
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: every morning
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: every morning

EXTENDED EVENING HOURS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 2/4 – 2/12/23

• Epcot: 2/6
• Magic Kingdom: 2/7

PARADES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 2/4 – 2/12/23

Magic Kingdom’s afternoon parade will show at noon and 3p every day

FIREWORKS AND EVENING SHOWS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 2/4 – 2/12/23

• At Magic Kingdom, the evening fireworks Disney Enchantment show is scheduled at 8.15p every night
• At Epcot, the Epcot evening show Harmonious is scheduled at 9p every night
• At Disney’s Hollywood Studios,
  • A minor evening show, Wonderful World of Animation, is scheduled at 9p every night
  • An even more minor evening show, Disney Movie Magic, shows at 8.40p every night
  • The evening spectacular Fantasmic shows at 8 and 9.30p 2/4 through 2/6, 8p 2/7 through 2/10, and 8 and 9.30p 2/11 and 2/12

SHOW SCHEDULES FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD 2/4 – 2/12/23

See Steve Soares’ site here. Click the park names at its top for show schedules.

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NEW DISNEY WORLD ITINERARY COMING

Update: This itinerary is now published.

I’ve almost completed a revised itinerary for arrival dates beginning April 1, 2023 that incorporates both the opening of TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom and also re-inserts recommended reserved dining into the To-Do list and daily plans.

In terms of which days in which parks, it is largely identical with the current itinerary, so the To-Do list for that itinerary is still mostly valid, but it has the following changes

First, Thursday becomes an additional Magic Kingdom day, not an off day, so you have to buy a nine day rather than an eight day ticket, and also add a park reservation for Magic Kingdom on Thursday.

Second, you need to reserve as soon as you are within the 60 day window of your resort check in the following dining:

• Sunday at ~6p: 50’s Prime Time Café as Fantasmic Dining Package
• Monday at ~6p: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
• Wednesday at ~6p: Crystal Palace
• Thursday at ~noon: late breakfast at Chef Mickey’s
• Friday at 6.15p: The 6.15p showing of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

I hope to have all the details out by next week, but the above are the time-sensitive changes.

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