To hop or not?
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clio · 05-06-2007, 08:12 PM

We've always hopped. I can't imagine not doing it. We usually go to one park in the morning and a different one after our afternoon break. There have been times when we've actually gone to 3 parks in one day. It's not something I'd recommend, though. It's too tiring.
Liz
Liz

lynbarsim · 05-06-2007, 08:26 PM

another hopper here!!!

HollyH · 05-08-2007, 07:22 AM

Another thought....Do you take advantage of EMHs? If your family does, you might need to have hoppers as sometimes more than one park is hosting EMH (morning/evening).

Shell_of_the_South · 05-08-2007, 09:35 AM

I can understand your dilemna - for our family of 5 adding the hopper option adds up to a chunk of money. I always say that I'm not going to buy hoppers, and then I end up doing it anyway. I justify it by saying I'm already spending that much money, the hopper lets me switch to another park if it's crowded, therefore letting me get the most bang for my buck.

Since it's not your first trip, you might be able to get away with not hopping.

applejenn · 05-08-2007, 09:39 AM

we always get the hopper, we always plan our days ahead of time, but in case the park were at gets too crowded for us we can always goto another one, or go to 1 in the morning and then another in the evening.

mickey0823 · 05-08-2007, 10:39 AM

I really think that it's worth it to have the hopper option!

It especially comes in handy when a park has EMHs!

vsonnier · 05-08-2007, 04:51 PM

I can't imagine NOT hopping. We ALWAYS spend the morning at one park and afternoon at a different. I can honestly say that after 6 trips to Disney we have never spent an entire day in only one park.

Stephanie <33 · 05-08-2007, 06:47 PM

I'm a hopper as well. When we went with my father's family, we all split up and went to different parks, but then all came together for dinner. We were at MK, they might have dinner at Epcot, so yeah, HOP! HOP! HOPPPP! *does cheer*

**Disneybine** · 05-08-2007, 07:18 PM

For our first trip to WDW ever this past April, we didn’t really need the hopper option since there was so much to do and see at one park that it was ok that we couldn’t visit a second one that day.

For our next trip, however, we will definitely go for the park hopper add-on! I LOVE to have the flexibility, esp. since we're on the dining plan!

It also depends on the length of your stay. We had the 10-day ticket and felt that we spent enough time at each park that way. If you’re only there for a few days, you might wanna spend an extra evening at an EMH park, for example, which requires a park hopper.

One big advantage, IMO, is the fact that you can go to a park with EMH mornings and leave that park later when it gets too crowded (typically the crowds are bigger at the EMH parks). Also, you can change your mind based on the weather (some parks are better than others if it starts raining...).

If you're undecided, I'd say don't buy the hopper beforehand but wait till you get to WDW and decide there if you want to add it to your ticket or not (you can always add the option once you're there).

Joanne929 · 05-08-2007, 11:37 PM

For our past 2 trips, I opted to purchase the park hopper option, but we didn't use it. I just know though that if I don't have it, that will be all I'll want to do.

And I think you can add on to your park pass before the last day.

Nala · 05-08-2007, 11:57 PM

For most of our trips, we have had APs, so park hopping was not a problem. But, that being said, the few trips we took without APs, we made sure we purchased the park hopping option.

Our DD does great in the morning and early afternoon. After that, she needs a break so we try to leave our evening plans open. Some times we want to go back to the park we started in that day. Other days we want to go back to a park, but the one we started in closes early. Plus you have to figure in EMHs. Some days the park with EMH in the morning gets too crowed to be enjoyable. Park hoppers are a must for days like that. And when you closed down the AK at 6:00 PM and are still ready for more action, a park hopper will grant you access to another park that has EMH in the evening. Park hoppers allow you to have options and be flexible in your plans.

We wouldn't do WDW without the option to park hop.

ashbee · 05-09-2007, 04:10 AM

On our trips we always get park hopping. We have traveled without and it was hard for us to do what we wanted. We always end up in the Magic Kingdom in the afternoon so it is worth it for us but if you don't think you will need it and can stay in one park all day with out wanting to go to another then I say skip it.But, in my opinion it is well worth the money.

Suzie · 05-09-2007, 11:25 AM

I always buy the hoppers but don't always use them There have been some trips where we didn't hop at all once the kids were older and didn't need the pool/nap option.
Suzie

dzlovesdisney · 05-09-2007, 02:13 PM

My vote would be to get the option to hop from park to park. I think it's well worth it to have the flexibility to go wherever you want each day, even multiple parks.

ilovedisney0_0 · 05-09-2007, 04:40 PM

OK, I am in the minority here, but I HATE hopping!! I feel like I waste so much time going from one park to another. Besides, once I have my itinerary made, I don't like to change it. And since it is just my DD with me, she doesn't have a choice!

I have had the option before, but never used it. To me, it is just a waste of money.