04/07/2023
On this last day of my mini-vacation, I learned the power of a well thought out plan. Disney is not for the faint of heart and I never recommend “winging it” if you have not been before. I have been blessed with the ability to visit way too many times and have planning my days down to a knack. It is always a good idea to have a slightly loose schedule as mechanical issues can and will occur (often more times and at more attractions than we would like). I knew that I would have a short day (my shuttle picks me up from the hotel at 6pm) so I chose Animal Kingdom to finish her out. This park, unfortunately, has the bad reputation of being a “half-day” park. This worked perfectly for my needs as I utilized early park hours and was finished with everything I wanted to do (including Pandora) by 1pm. The key (which I have learned from countless years of visits and as an former Cast Member) is to isolate the busiest attractions and knock those out during that Early Morning Time that you gain by staying on property. Yes, it costs more to stay at a Disney Hotel but the extra benefits are definitely worth it. This gave me plenty of time to relax and partake in the new thing of the day. Unfortunately, there have been no new attractions since the last time I was here, meaning no opportunities for new things. I went in a different direction and tried out Nomad Lounge at Tiffins for something different. It was still outdoor so still a little sticky in the 96 degree heat but it is shaded with fans blowing gentle breezes and located right next to the river where Character Barges make sporadic appearances.
