Tammyct - I don't have my docs yet either but I only booked about a week ago. I usually don't get them from my TA until 2 weeks before.
Yes,
DCL does pick up from AK park - it leaves around noon - I think. I can't be positive. You may want to ask your TA how to handle your luggage unless you just plan to take a cab over there. You can also schedule yourself at BC/Swan/Dolphin and other deluxes. Again, it'll be up to you to get to those. Since they offer mods in their land/sea packages I'd see if there are any mods nearby you can catch that bus from.
I'm assuming you've reserved Magical Express for your transfer from MCO to CBR? If not, you can call them yourself or get your TA to arrange it. They'll need your flight info. I believe ME tags will be sent to your TA and they will pass it on to you. I could be wrong. I've only used it outbound so I had no need for luggage tags before now.
Have you registered your children for the kids club online? Have you done your online check-in yet? I'll probably sit down and do mine tomorrow. It'll make check-in at the terminal desk a lot easier. Remember, you don't have to get the pagers for the kids in the terminal. I waited and went into the kids club after they opened around 3 p.m. and it was pretty much a ghost town.
I'm on late seating but I've requested main seating. I hope I get main seating as it would work better for me.
Have you planned on dining in Palo? It looks like the dining reservations are being swooped up. Spa appointments booked (if interested)?
Have you made your ADRs at WDW? Dinner in restaurants can be tricky.
I typically avoid the park that has EMH. If you go to the main page wdwinfo.com there are themepark hours link on the left and that'll tell you what parks are opening early or closing late.
AK park you can probably do in less than a day in all honesty. Get there upon opening hit Expedition Everest, Dinoland is next to it so do Primeval Whirl, Dinosaur, go out and hit Bugs Life, then swing over to Africa for Kilamajaro Safaris...if you must get a little wet and the line isn't long Kali River Rapids. I must warn you, I like the theming of Kali River Rapids but I feel it pales in comparison to our VA themepark water rides like Roman Rapids and White Water Canyon for length of time on it. In the morning there will be character opportunities for the kids. You can go to Camp Mickey & Minnie to get autographs too. I'm guessing right after late lunch you can head back to CBR and take a nap. Then head to another park, maybe Epcot since it's the kid's least favorite. You can hit Soarin' then swing over to Test Track and if you're really daring Mission Space (I like it personally). I believe the Nemo thing is up and going in the Land next to Soarin' so swing by there as well. There are interactive things at Epcot but these are the main attractions. Stroll through the different countries and maybe set up a dinner ADR for a restaurant IN Epcot. I really enjoyed LeCellier's, Marrakesh and there's Coral Reef. Then you can get settled in for Illuminations - this is not to be missed. It's done at the lake. You can stand in any country and see it. If you head to themepark board you might see tips on where to stand for the best view. MK will take an entire day. Start at Space Mountain and work yourself around or go to Splash Mountain and work around the other way. I don't think you'll be there for Spectromagic parade - they aren't holding it each night so check the guide. If you can get on Main Street looking at the castle it will afford the best view. Have your kids look to the right of the castle to watch for Tinkerbell! MGM - have you booked the Fantasmic package? The Fantasmic show is also very awesome! If you did book the package - Brown Derby all the way. Yum! Try to get towards the middle for seating if possible but there aren't "bad" views. Don't miss the Muppets or the cars stunt show if it's still there. You can find Mike & Sulley close to the ABC Commissary. Check the schedule out front if they aren't open.
It's a lot to pack into 4 days even. I'm hoping the crowds will be light so you can sweep through things.
Did you know about the Pirates & Princess party event? You'll be there in time for it on 1/29. $35 adult advance tickets online. I think kids are around $25...but I have no kids with me so I'm guessing. It's a ticketed event at MK geared for the young ones. They'll have a special parade and I believe even a firework show but again not 100% certain. I'm going with a friend, relative and relative's children.
Dining choices - if time affords - Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge is a riot and the food is good. It's not overly pricey either. You can check out the menus at allearsnet.com to get an idea on price. There will be a list of things to say or request from your server.
Pony races are also done.
It's hard going to Disney and not having a set plan. This place is just too huge and I know it's overwhelming. You'll have to plan your time. Head to the themepark board for more strategies to maximize your time. I'm not by an means an expert. There may be a better way of doing things so your family can see the main attractions. You should also research some of the rides as they may not be appropriate for your children. A Bug's Life in AK scares some children b/c of all the bugs. TOT/RnR are high thrillers. Oh, but don't miss Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan in MK. My DH LOVES them and we have to ride them every single time we are in MK. I know there are park maps on this site as well so you can familiarize yourself with how it's set up. Maybe print it and plot your course. That's what we did for our first trip or I should say my DH did. I handled the resorts/dining while he took care of planning our park days. Budget for naps - you just can't do park touring from sun up to sun down unless you guys are the energizer bunnies. Ok, that's my book for tonight. Sorry if it's all mushed together and lengthy.
Great Dane's Mom, I'm a NC boy, did your daughter get born with the NC BBQ gene? 
Unless, does that mean you have the ship to yourself other than the convention folks? Was your TA able to find anything about this group as far as size goes? 
)
Anyone else doing pre-cruise stays? We'll be at CSR then switching to BWV. We're hitting the Pirates & Princesses party and some shows. I'm excited. I've been wanting to see La Nouba since our 1st WDW trip. 
