Water park + MNSSHP in one day?

[HeiHei2018]

We are thinking of doing a quick August trip for MNSSHP, and are debating whether we can take advantage of the free water park on arrival day. We are driving (leaving around 7 am) and could be at the water park by 10 am. We would drive back to hotel to shower and change, then aim to get to MK around 4:15-4:45. Is this a terrible idea? Last summer, we did MK rope drop to Epcot fireworks, then Epcot rope drop to HS and MK until closing time, each day with a midday break. I’d love to maximize our experiences, but don’t want to end up collapsing on Main Street.

 

[FlyingDonut]

You know your party's likely level of tiredness best. I'd also consider how intense your activities in the water park will be. If I felt comfortable taking a nap in the water park I think I'd be able to do it.

My larger concern though is check in at Disney resorts isn't until 4PM, and sometimes the room isn't ready. Unless you're staying at the Contemporary, I think trying to get to MK before 5PM is going to be stressful.

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

That sounds like fun to me, but travel days can be exhausting and running around for waterslides can also be exhausting.

Are you staying at a Disney hotel or DVC? I think regular hotel check in is still 3 pm, which could make a difference for you.

 

[WLWildlife]

I totally get wanting to maximize your time and squeeze every drop of magic out of your visit, but wake up early + travel + water park + MNSSHP + FL heat and sun = crash and burn for me. We open and close parks with midday room breaks that include naps. You know the dynamics of your travel group, how much activity they can handle and how well they tolerate the intense FL summer weather. Use that information to make your plans, but prioritize your activities and keep your plans flexible. We had a blast at our first MNSSHP last year and I would be sad for anyone to have to leave before they were ready.

What is the possibility of driving in the night before and staying off site so you are rested and can still take advantage of the free water park on arrival day?

 

[scrappinginontario]

While I love a WP day, we do find them tiring so I would not want to jeopardize party time (either arriving as early as possible or tiredness) by tacking on WP time to MNSSHP.

Weather often becomes an added challenge too as MNSSHP season also coincides with afternoon thunderstorms so that could affect plans too.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Nope, don't do it. Chill at the hotel pool.

2 years ago I did Volcano Bay, transferred by rideshare to Pop from Aventura where I stayed the night before, and hit MNSSHP around official open time (I don't like the time when party/regular crowds mix). I DIED. Now, I had flown in from the west coast the day before so I was tired from travel but that also gave me a 3 hour time zone advantage so it should have washed... yeah, bad. I will never again combine a waterpark and a party!

 

[Headless]

It's just a lot in one day. Parties are....sapping for most people. And I know personally if I only had party tickets for that night I would get there as early as possible because that line on the outside can be...monstrous (heh). If you were sure you would have the room and be able to nap/rest in between it would be one thing, I wouldn't hesitate to do that. without that though I know we would crash and burn.

You know your party best though. I'd do like @WLWildlife suggested and stay somewhere the night before. even on property as long as you have a different reservation. even then though timing is TIGHT.

 

[HeiHei2018]

I hadn’t thought about the room not being ready until 3. That would definitely cut into our rest time. If we did water park only on a day, how essential is it to rope drop? Most water parks I have been to have massive lines by noon.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I hadn’t thought about the room not being ready until 3. That would definitely cut into our rest time. If we did water park only on a day, how essential is it to rope drop? Most water parks I have been to have massive lines by noon.

Very. Just think it through… Aug (hot as Hades) + Free ticket (Disney has LOTS of rooms) = only a Hurricane would keep the park from being packed