Park Hopper Option a neccesity?

SeeJackRunn · #1 02-08-2008, 10:52 AM

I've been to WDW numerous times, but every visit I have had a park hopper ticket. I am visiting again in May and was wondering if most people think that option is neccessary? Also, if you do not have a park hopper ticket...are you able to come and go from the park you choose to visit that day or is there a no re-entry policy? Thanks so much!

Tygger7 · #2 02-08-2008, 10:56 AM

Personally, I couldn't imagine going without a Park Hopper. It's been wonderful when we get into a park and find that it's packed after we're there a couple of hours. We then switch parks, and usually go back to the original park in the evening. I just like the flexibility.

You are allowed to re-enter the same park, just make sure you get your hand stamped.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

faline · #3 02-08-2008, 11:44 AM

I enjoy the option of being able to enter as many parks as I like on any given day - can't imagine not being able to do that.

kathiep · #4 02-08-2008, 11:49 AM

The park hopper is a necessity for us.

We never quite know where we are going to end up.

We usually start in a park at opening. Early afternoon we head back to the resort for a swim and a rest. Then, we start out again. Most times we have dinner ressie's and they aren't always in the same park we spent the day in.

We spend a lot of dinner in World Showcase and then explore the countries. This is a nice change from the days family activities as it makes for a more relaxing, adult evening.

We've also been in a park and found it way too crowded and opted to go to another one to avoid dealing with the crowds.

princessjojo · #5 02-08-2008, 11:53 AM

Having kids, it almost becomes a necessity for us. We do what the kids want to for a good part of the day, enhancing their ability to get along for long periods of time. Then we, the adults, make a choice of what we want to do after dinner. If we want to go to another park after dinner, or want to enjoy the evening EMH that are really late, we can. We just don't like being locked in to a decision. And if you enjoy the water parks, then you can do something different during the evening. I couldn't imagine going without the park hopper.

Polynesian Dweller · #6 02-08-2008, 11:59 AM

This is as close to essential as things get for us. The park hopper provides the freedom to do things like MK during the day and Epcot for dinner (or Fantasmic dinner package for dininer as another example). For a flat fee of $45 for the length of your tickets its a great deal.

SurferStitch · #7 02-08-2008, 12:11 PM

It's a necessity for us.

While I don't plan out every day in detail, I do plan our dinners and some breakfasts. If we're having dinner in Epcot, it doesn't mean I want to spend the entire day and night at Epcot. We'll hit another park for the day, go back to the resort to freshen up (and dress up a little nicer), and head back to Epcot for dinner.

We love the flexibility, and we would never go to WDW without the ability to park hop.

vamaggie · #8 02-08-2008, 12:21 PM

I guess it is not a necessity if you don't mind just visiting one park each day. We always have hoppers since we do what other posters have said about one park in the am, another for dinner usually. If you go w/o the hoppers I would think you would need to be prepared to 1) tolerate big crowds/long waits if the park you're in is busy 2) spend more time at the resort if you choose to leave a park 3) plan your meals well so to eat in the park you are in each day. I think it is definately do-able but we really prefer the freedom.

rwdavis2 · #9 02-08-2008, 12:22 PM

It depends. We went over MLK weekend and found that if you park hop with the intention of riding the high-demand rides at the second park you may be out of luck. Either long waits or no FPs left.

From now on, if we really want to do the more popular rides at each park we will schedule one day for that park and then get there at opening.
Bob

Marilyn Michetti · #10 02-08-2008, 12:36 PM

It's not a necessity, but for the little extra $$, it's nice to have options.

We don't hop much, but it's nice to be able to go to another park that's open later.

It would be nice if all the tickets had the hopper built in - that would be a Disney "warm fuzzie", but they are going to get as much as they can for admission.

NJ Camper · #11 02-08-2008, 01:11 PM

We have all but our first trip gotten the hoppers our first trip we where pinching penny's so each dollar counted if you are in this kind of position then don't get the hopper but for the little diference in price it is well worth it if you can do it we do long enough trips and over lap them so we now get a annual pass and then we have the hopping also we also don't need to come up with money for tickets for our next trip but did pay more then we would for just hoppers on our last but this just means we have to plan a trip agian NOV 07 /OCT 08 everyone have a magical trip

krorx · #12 02-08-2008, 01:19 PM

If possible, go for the park hopper. It really makes your trip more fun because you never know what you might feel like doing. Example: after a long morning at MK, you might want to take in AK. It gives you flexibility. so if you can afford it, go for it!

IloveDisney71 · #13 02-08-2008, 01:31 PM

For my family the park hopper option is a necessity. My DD's are old enough to leave me and explore other parks on their own, but we spend the majority of the time together. We like the flexibility to do EMH's and then go to a different park. We also like to be able to jump around to different parks for meals at different restaurants.

Beast_fanatic · #14 02-08-2008, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tygger7

You are allowed to re-enter the same park, just make sure you get your hand stamped.

They don't do the hand stamp any more as it's all coded into the ticket.

PAYROLL PRINCESS · #15 02-08-2008, 11:26 PM

I don't usually spend the whole day at the same park. I think the only time we stayed in just one park was on July 4th. I love having the freedom to open one park and go to EMHs at another park and close that one. More bang for your buck!

Young@Heart · #16 02-09-2008, 02:04 AM

I have to admit hopping isn't important in our family. I set up all our ADR's around our parks and plan everything ahead of time, based somewhat on EMH's. We just stay w/ one park each day, and add water parks/DQ for variety.
We usually spend at least 2 days at MK, but never straight through. We leaving in the early afternoon, go back to our room and swim/eat/relax, then head back around dinner time.
We got park hoppers for our first family trip, and didn't hop a single time. I guess I'm just one of those people that likes to go to one park and enjoy everything I can before leaving.

trennedy · #17 02-09-2008, 09:19 AM

Park Hopper is important to us because we plan our days in parts. We go to the park that has the extra hour of magic in the morning, leave and lunch and swim at BC Stormalong Bay, relax for a bit,

then go to another park for afternoon and dinner.
My DD and DS are the age now that we can be on the go like this and get the most out of the park hopper option.

laughingplace<3 · #18 02-09-2008, 03:09 PM

I agree, it is a necesity. I can't imagine being stuck in one park for the whole day.

I mean, I suppose I could for MK. And when I come in at around 4-5pm, I will most likely go to just one park. But for the whole trip, it is absolutley a necesity. I am only in AK for around 3 hours, and MGM for maximum 7. I like to change it up, it's much more enjoyable.