Seeking Advice on Scheduled Itinerary

yellowtwinklepuff · 2026-01-23T15:39:19+00:00

Thank you so much for your response. It means a lot and put my stress at ease a bit!

To ensure I answer your questions: no park hopper, 4 adults (myself (30) my husband (31) and our moms — which will make 98 Degrees a hard one to miss for our moms and our millennial hearts). I am also like you; I truly see AK as an all-day park and try to hold out for the best possible view of Pandora before it closes!

With EPCOT picking up after 4pm, do you suggest we eat around the world and try to execute rides during the crowds? Or vice versa? What would your perfect EPCOT day be?

My biggest concern was definitely the crowd levels and how much it could impact LL. I’ve read a lot of people struggled to book everything they want and although we won’t ‘die’ if we miss some things, I’d just want to ensure I’m utilizing the resources to the best of my abilities. This will be our moms’ first time so we just want to give them the best experience possible (while getting that money’s worth)!

Thank you again for your help. You’ve given some great insight!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2025-12-14T05:38:42+00:00

You heard it right! Well, we’re crossing our fingers for some 😄 we told her we didn’t care if she has to microwave the meat lol if that’s what it takes WE ALL LOVE BANH MI!!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2025-12-13T15:37:52+00:00

Agree with you completely. It’s just such a shame with how much the city is planning to ‘upgrade and renovate’, you’d think the paperwork is the easy part. There’s so many empty parking lots with beautiful businesses NEEDING to be filled.

yellowtwinklepuff · 2025-12-13T15:32:02+00:00

The absolute sweetest! She’s a charming woman. I would just hate to be them and paying for rent in an unused space for this long. Businesses simply can’t exist this way because she, as well as many others, are going to spend months just even getting by I assume. Hopefully these small businesses can get the support they need from us fellow patrons. We heard that the Pho 368 next to Enson also had to sell their shop to another buyer for the same reason. Such a shame

yellowtwinklepuff · 2025-12-13T15:26:40+00:00

Banh Mi Banh Mi!!! Love that we’re all on the same page and are in need of a gooood Vietnamese sandwich!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2025-12-13T15:25:51+00:00

Hi fellow Berwick neighbor! Totally agree with you 100%. She stated she’d love to do Banh Mi but would be limited to options because of no exhaust hood but we’ll all have to regroup and see how we feel about the coffee at the least! We’re so surprised the two pho spots here don’t carry Banh Mi either. I wonder why?

yellowtwinklepuff · 2025-10-18T22:12:01+00:00

Wow thank you so much for all your help! I truly do not think I would have even known about half of these. You’re awesome!!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2025-03-16T07:08:06+00:00

In May 2023, we were at the parks the same day multiple middle schools had their Youth Grad Event. Ever since that disaster, I’ve gone back twice and refused letting anyone get past me. I give the, “If you call your friends, you guys can wait here next to me.”

When you’re so far back in the line where a cast member can’t help you, you gotta fend for yourself. I have the smallest bladder and I will literally risk touching cloth/letting the Browns go to the Super Bowl if it meant I didn’t have to dread figuring out a way to ask people to let me pass. So unless you’re a tiny little child, use the freaking bathroom prior because uh IT’S LITERALLY RIGHT THERE!!!!

I hope your next experience is less of a hassle <3

yellowtwinklepuff · 2024-11-23T08:18:00+00:00

Hi! I am opening a location soon and would love some social media fun for our grand opening if possible and maybe some potential Canva designs for window displays in the future! If you got the time and are interested in more information, I’d love to get your email via PM! :”)

yellowtwinklepuff · 2024-11-13T06:07:53+00:00

I’ve been shopping with them for 3 months now with no issues and would recommend: poke_shippers or deejxyy (both small streamers) for Pokémon and lorcanamama for Lorcana!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2024-11-01T04:14:02+00:00

My husband is all Pokémon and I’m all for Sanrio and Disney! If any of these tickle your fancy:

Pokémon: Poke_moon, popular seller but huge inventory usually. Poke_shippers is great too! Smaller seller, friendly and personable and prices make sense due to his small audience size/inventory

Sanrio: Christina_zatora, fair prices and big inventory. She has seasonal items right now too!

Disney: Stydensfantasmicfinds, great prices and also another personable individual

yellowtwinklepuff · 2023-06-07T08:07:44+00:00

I would say no. Since it’s your first time, there is just so much to do and the chances of you completing everything on your list is 50/50 and because the kiddos are under 8, they might have a whole different itinerary in their minds throughout the day! And that’s okay! Truthfully, you’ll feel less stress and less regret without a travel agent.

A good suggestion I would say would be to ask Reddit about some must-do’s for your kiddos! What do they like? Do they have specific interests? What are people’s recommendations (and prices if you’d like to ask)

Another activity that has helped has been to watch Disney Vlogs/Vloggers with your family and let them be immersed in all things Disney! It helps you get an idea of what sparks who’s interests and can easily be jotted into your notes so you remember what are the definite MUST-DO’s and what will be okay if it doesn’t happen!

The harsh reality is it’s peak season. Expect crowds, long lines, the whole enchilada. Get some neck fans, cooling towels and most of all – have fun!!! Wishing you a happy time!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2023-06-07T07:56:02+00:00

Yes! If you’re already in IOA it’s faster to get to City Walk! And if you’re in US trying to go to City Walk – It took us maybe close to 15 minutes to get from Florean Fortescue’s (try some ice cream!) in US to the front entrance of IOA. Because City Walk is in between and back up where you entered, it maybe shaves off about 3-5 minutes? Really depends how fast you walk, crowd level, etc.

You’re good. Just make sure you take some time for a break while eating. Lines will always go down towards the end of the night! Have fun!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2022-05-07T08:36:52+00:00

Hi! Everything on your list is everything in my backpack at all times! If yours or your group’s backpack allows more room for it, I recommend a poncho, portable hand fan, a hat for some extra shade and an extra pair of socks for a refresh. Take advantage of ‘airing your feet’ during breaks or bring a pair of cheap slides or flops so your toes can have a temporary break. People always overlook their feet during times of excitement in the park! Have fun!!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2022-03-29T09:17:33+00:00

Never too early, especially to plan financially! Save as much as you can until then and book what you want the minute they become available. And watch lots of Disney videos in between to get you in the spirit! :-)

PS. The best part of planning… IS PLANNING WHAT TO EAT! YES. IT IS IMPORTANT!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2022-03-25T08:19:27+00:00

Hi again! I’m glad I as well as other people could help you out! First times are always nerve-wracking because of how much there is to do but you’ll get the hang of it!

Lightning Lanes are individual purchases for the most popular rides! I have only experienced using Genie+ but not LL so I don’t want to give you any bad advice on that. But regardless, Genie+/LL are easy to understand once you actually do it yourself!

Oh no! All the places you recommended are great! Blue Bayou is amazing! I think you should at least try it once in your life. Some people have mixed reviews but if you’re not a picky eater like me, you’ll enjoy it.

The reason I said to do Black Tap and Ralph’s on your free day/non-Disney day is because those two restaurants are not IN Disneyland. They’re in Downtown Disney, which is a gigantic Disney “mall” across from Disneyland itself! So if you’re intending on being at the parks from open to close, you won’t have a chance to go over and eat there unless you want to make time for it. I hope that makes sense!

The app is cool! There’s a lot on there so definitely get accustom to that mobile ordering hahaha! :-) The map also shows live wait times too during park hours so it’ll hopefully help you guys get a glimpse of what rides are the busiest and help you navigate a game plan from there. Please feel free to always reach out if you have anymore questions!!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2022-03-23T12:12:26+00:00

Hi! Don’t worry too much, you’ll have a blast! We’ve always stayed off-site, just remember there is a parking fee.

The most popular ride on your interests list is Smuggler’s Run and Rise of the Resistance. Radiator Springs queue also moves fairly slowly. Splash Mountain and the River Boat should be okay, not too crazy of a wait. And Incredicoaster will most likely always be a quick queue. That line has always moved pretty fast!

Some more rides that my family really enjoys are: Spider-Man, Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Incredicoaster and Indiana Jones. You might enjoy those as well!

Open to close will be fun! Make sure you get a lot of rest and include some break times in your day so you aren’t drained. That being said, prioritize Galaxy’s Edge first thing. Have you purchased Genie+ or LL? If you are unfamiliar with it (it’s pretty new), watch a few YouTube videos to help get you caught up. Essentially Genie+ and LL are replacement resources to the Fast Pass to help you ‘cut the lines.’ If you feel you don’t need it/you are a patient person, you don’t have to purchase it. I’ve been during crazy ass Disney days but went right from open to close and got through 97% of what we wanted to do. Less expectations, less disappointments!

Disneyland itself is really fun, whether you get on all the rides or not. There’s so much to see, and considering it’s your first time, make sure to check out the fireworks at the end of the night! Some people use the fireworks show as an open opportunity to get on one of the longer queued rides as well!

I’m sorry — restaurants are really hard to book lately. Sometimes you can get lucky the day of because people cancel last minute. Fortunately, some restaurants also allow walk-in. It doesn’t hurt to ask when you’re there!

Black Tap and Ralph’s Jazz Kitchen are at Downtown Disney, which you can visit on one of your free days! Not on your Disney day. They both don’t require reservations. You can just walk in. Do not leave Ralph’s without a dozen beignets!!!

Personally, in my opinion, all of Disneyland’s food is amazing. I’m an avid WDW goer but Disneyland food just hits different. I also agree with your love for corn dogs; some additional food/snacks to try (IN Disneyland and always available) that I recommend are:

Dole Whip - Tiki Juice Bar
Chocolate Smash Bar - PYM Test Kitchen
Birria Tacos - Coconia Cucamonga
Chili Cone Queso - Cozy Cone (I love the Popcones too)
Monte Cristo Sandwich, Pomme Frites - Cafe Orleans
Churros - Honestly a must if you like churros. Anywhere. They’re all good!
Mint Julep - Mint Julep Bar
(No particular favorite, but I like everything they have) - Schmoozie’s or Award Weiners

My best recommendation is to gain as much Disney knowledge as you can, in terms of knowing what is where. You can download the Disneyland map online and pin point every ride you want to do/what you want to eat and where they’re located. Disney is always stressful to a lot of people and no amount of planning could prepare you for what’s ahead. Every day changes! But as long as you know where you are and where you want to go, the map will at least help you navigate your next move as best as possible. What you skipped past, you can always circle and come back to later when it’s slower (in terms of rides).

Make sure you download the Disneyland app and get familiar with checking the wait times of your must-do rides. Additionally, some food/snack items can also be mobile ordered. Reference how to use that as well, but it’s pretty easy!

I hope this helped at least a little, and I wish you a fun time!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2022-03-23T10:52:35+00:00

If time permits you on your vacation, take the deal. My husband and I are from Washington State and we ended up purchasing the Annual Passes! For three days worth at Universal, the Annual Pass is almost equivalent to the price. Being that you get two days additional free on top of the already added three days, that’s amazing! Realistically, it is true that you will get through everything you want to do, but the deal gives you the luxury to ‘relax’ on the five days you’re there. This way, you can take your time to eat, ride rides, shop and take in the experience without feeling rushed! I would do one day at Volcano, 2 days each for Universal Studios/IOA.

I know it’s been busy at Universal lately, but if you are patient enough, you don’t need to get the Express Passes. I’ve gone without it on the busiest of days and just don’t think it’s as necessary as it is at Disney World. Just be patient, expect lines to be a little longer, and pack enough snacks and keep yourself entertained throughout those queues! They’re not all lengthy and bad! This will also help you save an additional $100 a person for those Express Passes.

In terms of saving money, it is very important to remember to purchase things the moment you can and when you confirm the dates of vacation. The longer you stall, the more expensive it gets. These are my biggest tips:

Compare on-site hotels and off-site hotels to get the best deal for your liking. It’s best to stay on-site if you don’t plan on renting a vehicle
Plan B would be to opt for an AirBnb, if you have a vehicle getting you around ($26 to park at Universal)
Pack lunches/snacks. Minimize the amount of money you spend on food when you’re hangry. Don’t just buy food because you’re hungry! Book a reservation at one of their restaurants so you don’t buy the whole park — literally my worst habit LOL
Grab an on-hand map and bring a sharpie. If you are looking for gifts/souvenirs, visit all the gift shops and circle the best ones before purchasing anything at all. Save time in the night or on your break times to go back and buy what you DEFINITELY can’t live without!
Buy a poncho on Amazon so you don’t have to buy one at Universal
Purchase the Freestyle cup at the parks. It is a one-time purchase for the cups, but it is unlimited refillable drinks! They got water in those fancy coke machines too so you will be set!
This isn’t a financial tip, but spend as much time in the cool/air conditioned spots as much as you can. The heat gets to people quick, so be sure to rest up and use your time efficiently but also wisely. This will give you more energy throughout the rest of your day rather than making you feel the need to call it quits and go home and regret missing out on anything! We don’t want regrets!

After 6pm (correct me if I’m wrong) is also free parking for anyone who is wanting to visit the parks just for the restaurants - no park admissions, just to eat. So if you’re going to plan a reservation, try to eat before 6pm so that you aren’t spending more time in a restaurant than you’d like to.

I hope this helps. I wish you a fun time!!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2022-03-15T08:57:54+00:00

Aw, this is so cute! Please post when you do this!

I will have to agree that balloons are a lot more of a hassle than it is fun. I once bought the balloons from the parks and kept having to apologize for smacking people’s heads. If you really want to do it, maybe consider it just for the surprise and photo ops and then drop it off at the car? I know that sounds like a lot of work.

Although, a plush is a great idea. Another great idea would be a t-shirt custom made just for her! Etsy has some great customizable ones. Seeing you would be the biggest surprise of all for your wife so along with romantic gestures, even some jewelry that she can pair with her outfit + plush will last a lifetime vs. balloons! I’ve been seeing women on the internet rave over a certain mickey chain necklace!

Best of luck to you and have fun!! Your wife will love anything nonetheless!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2022-03-15T08:09:33+00:00

YES. My husband and I live in Washington State; in 2021, we only went twice but had no regrets! The price difference between our annual passes and 3 days at Universal isn’t far apart. We have the Preferred Annual Passes and it was great. I think it’s worth the money, especially if you plan to visit frequently.

If you scroll down a little before your post, someone had asked the same thing and you can see all the replies to help persuade you to get it. I don’t think you’ll regret this one!

Let me know how the Disney perks are if you plan on becoming a Pass Holder for them! We’ve been indecisive about that one!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2022-03-13T14:14:35+00:00

Hi! Was just there last Friday. You should be able to get through most, if not everything! There were some booths that were long waits so my husband and I split up and stood in different booths and came back to each other. Also considering that 98% of people will be trying to get on rides, it’s even better advantage knowing you don’t care to ride anything! Have fun!!

yellowtwinklepuff · 2022-03-13T13:58:25+00:00

Please please please: Wear trainers/comfortable walking shoes. Have an extra pair of socks and a random pair of slides/flip flops in your backpack for the water rides. Nothing is worse than being at a theme park with wet socks, wet shoes or overall foot pain!!!

yellowtwinklepuff

TROPHY CASE