10 Days & 2 kids...Strategy/Insights Needed!

[norbert white]

This is our first family trip to Disney!


THE CHALLENGE
1. Create a 10 day "park engagement strategy" that specifies Parks/Water Parks for each day (any specific activity ideas appreciated)

2. Suggest a special experience and/or meal for the DS (9) that is comparable to the BBB and Royal Table Dinner for DD (7) SEE BELOW

3. In general, hoping not to spend heavily on extras beyond exisiting commitments and a special event/meal for DS (see #2 above)

4. Must stay on Disney Properties (no Sea World, etc.)

SUPPORTING DETAILS

Family Profile

1. DS just turned 9 (tends to be thrill seaker but he has never been on a roller coaster, likes sports - basketball, tennis, soccer)

2. DD just turned 7 (very girly, all about princesses, seems to be easily afraid so the not very scary Haunted House may be a challenge)

Accommodations/Dates:

10 day Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More Tickets

Arrive: 9am June 25
Depart: 9am July 5

Dolphin Hotel (SPG Gold member)

We will be renting a car

Pre-Exisiting Commitments

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique - Wednesday, July 2 @ 4:20 PM
Cinderella's Royal Table - Wednesday, July 2 @ 6:50 PM

Other Things I Think I Know

1. Can use FP+ starting 60 days out which allows us to pick 3 rides each day per person.

2. Can take advantage of Magic Hours.

 

[happymommy]

First of all, welcome here! I know you'll have a great time!!!!

I don't think you'll need a rental car really. If you're just doing Disney and staying at the Dolphin, it will be an expense you don't really need (unless you plan on several meals off site already). You'll have to pay for the parking fee daily at the Dolphin, and whenever I've stayed there or the Swan I've ditched the car and just used Disney transport. You can take a cab to and from the airport, or book a car one way from the airport to drop off at the Dolphin (with National or Alamo), so you'd have a chance to stop on the way to load up on things like drinks and snacks for the room.

You're staying at my favorite area of Disney! You will love the ability to walk to so many other resorts as well as into Epcot via the International Gateway! The Boardwalk area is so pretty!!

Personally, I think BBB is kind of expensive for a hair updo and makeover. I would use the money elsewhere, but that's my opinion.

There is so much to see and do, but don't try to do it all. Just have fun!

I don't stress too much on table service meals (other than your special one you have booked), as my kids enjoy so many of the good counter service places, especially the countries in Epcot!

Maybe look at the restaurants and menus on Deb's site: www.allears.net for some help with a special meal your son would like. My DD likes Sci Fi Dine In Theater place - it's cute. That's the only table service meal we had last month.

You may rethink the water fun & more option. You've already got 10 days planned, so it may be overkill. We just did the water parks a little for the first time in 2012 (my kids were 13 and 15) and they didn't really care too much for them (I do think they're fun, but it's hard to keep an eye on your kids, plus the pool at the Dolphin is great to cool down after a morning out and about). If you've already bought the tickets, no big deal. I would use the options for the mini golf if you did - that is a fun way to spend an hour or so. We did both in 2012 (we also had the same 10 day PH WF&M tickets but were there for 15 nights so also did Disneyquest on rainy days too).

Good luck planning!

 

[minniegirl19]

have you thought about the pirates league for your son? he might like that! and I agree with the PP I wouldn't rent a car you'll have access to walk to two parks and take the buses to other places! unless you plan on going off property which it doesn't seem like you are! Do you plan on having ADRs everyday? I would try to plan a break day in there too it will be hot and exhausting! depending on what your DD and DS like will depend what parks you want to go to most! If you do one water park I would probably suggest typhoon lagoon its more kid friendly. I like blizzard beach better personally because it has a lot of slides but for the ages of your kids I'm not sure if that would like that!

 

[baseballnut]

We're going during that time as well and I've been reading that MK will be crazy on the fourth, possibly even closed to new entering guests at some point. I've read that in past years you can get the same MK fireworks show on the third and head to Epcot for that show on the fourth (or Hollywood Studios).

I like to schedule a day off from parks and/or every third evening or so off, to slow down and enjoy everything...and rest. Just hang out at the resort, swim, Downtown, or whatever the day brings.

Have fun! Oh, and I second the no car rental. If you're not leaving the area you should be ok getting around, unless you have other needs.

 

[ChitownFamily]

This is our first family trip to Disney!


THE CHALLENGE
1. Create a 10 day "park engagement strategy" that specifies Parks/Water Parks for each day (any specific activity ideas appreciated)

2. Suggest a special experience and/or meal for the DS (9) that is comparable to the BBB and Royal Table Dinner for DD (7) SEE BELOW

3. In general, hoping not to spend heavily on extras beyond exisiting commitments and a special event/meal for DS (see #2 above)

4. Must stay on Disney Properties (no Sea World, etc.)

SUPPORTING DETAILS

Family Profile

1. DS just turned 9 (tends to be thrill seaker but he has never been on a roller coaster, likes sports - basketball, tennis, soccer)

2. DD just turned 7 (very girly, all about princesses, seems to be easily afraid so the not very scary Haunted House may be a challenge)

Accommodations/Dates:

10 day Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More Tickets

Arrive: 9am June 25
Depart: 9am July 5

Dolphin Hotel (SPG Gold member)

We will be renting a car

Pre-Exisiting Commitments

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique - Wednesday, July 2 @ 4:20 PM
Cinderella's Royal Table - Wednesday, July 2 @ 6:50 PM

Other Things I Think I Know

1. Can use FP+ starting 60 days out which allows us to pick 3 rides each day per person.

2. Can take advantage of Magic Hours.

Hi & welcome! Here are two very helpful planning links. Given the crowds during your stay, these links may help you a lot with your planning.
The first is the June crowd calendar from easywdw http://www.easywdw.com/category/calendar/06-june-2014-crowd-calendar/
The 2nd link is the expected wait times for the different park levels. It's on a site called touring plans. Part of the site requires a paid membership. Not sure if you will be able to access this link http://touringplans.com/magic-kingdom/crowd-levels

Between crowds levels of 9/10, & the hot weather, I would pick 3-5 "must do" attractions...
Ive never been in the summer, but I Have gone during the busiest time of the year (Christmas-New Years) it might help to read some of those holiday threads to get some more ideas of navigating thru the crowds,

 

[jezebel73]

If your son likes Star Wars, you can try the Jedi Training Acamdemy in DHS. Unfortunately, I don't think you can sign up in advance of that day; you need to do so at the park upon arrival.

 

[91raven]

Top hits for my DS when he was your DS age were The Pirates Leg. and the Jedi Academy. Both you DS and DD can be in the Jedi Academy. You need to be at HS well before it opens. Run to sign up - the kids need to be with you. If there is another adult with you send them in the other direction to get into the Toy Story line. If your DS likes seafood Cape May has an all you can eat buffet with crab legs and clams. Both kiddos can do The Pirates. Leg. my DD is 5 and she was given as a gift from her uncle PL and loved it. She is a girly girl and has also done BBB - She loved both.

 

[91raven]

The Richard Petty Offers a kids ride along. It costs between $69 -$99. I am not sure what age it starts at. It is lots of fun. Great for a dare devil.

 

[norbert white]

Thanks to all who have responded.

1. I think the Richard Petty thing sounds like a nice event for the DS (~$100) in lieu of Pirate League.

2. We will definitely do the Jedi Academy for both.

3. Regarding the "engagement strategy".... I think links ChitownFamily mentioned could form the basis of the full 10 day plan.

If others have proposed 10-day plans I'm all mouse ears....

4. The entire family are big fans of Phineas and Ferb. I just learned there are attractions based on this...does anyone have thoughts on their value?

5. Still looking for table dining experience for DS to match Royal Table for DD. I will review Sci Fi Dine In Theater.


Regarding the rental car....

PRO:
1. The car is paid for with Hertz points so no out of pocket expense for the rental proper.

2. Will have "free" airport transfers

3. Expecting to buy groceries and potentially save money by eating some dinners off property (Subway!!!)

CON:

1. Dolphin daily charge

2. Gas cost

3. Opportunity cost of Hertz points


Really hoping that PRO #3 will be valuable...comments?

 

[ChitownFamily]

Phineas & ferb- must do- agent p's world showcase adventure. http://touringplans.com/epcot/attractions/agent-ps-world-showcase-adventure
Really a very fun way to tour the showcase with kids!

Car- we like the freedom a rental car offers. I like to be able to come & go on our own schedule. Car or no car- it's a hot button issue on the dis

 

[PHXscuba]

There is also a Phineas and Ferb character meet-and-greet in Hollywood Studios. There is interactive entertainment some of the time while you wait (DJ, games).

DS6 playing inflatable guitar:

Our family with P and F:

PHXscuba

 

[happymommy]

Thanks to all who have responded.

1. I think the Richard Petty thing sounds like a nice event for the DS (~$100) in lieu of Pirate League.

2. We will definitely do the Jedi Academy for both.

3. Regarding the "engagement strategy".... I think links ChitownFamily mentioned could form the basis of the full 10 day plan.

If others have proposed 10-day plans I'm all mouse ears....

4. The entire family are big fans of Phineas and Ferb. I just learned there are attractions based on this...does anyone have thoughts on their value?

5. Still looking for table dining experience for DS to match Royal Table for DD. I will review Sci Fi Dine In Theater.


Regarding the rental car....

PRO:
1. The car is paid for with Hertz points so no out of pocket expense for the rental proper.

2. Will have "free" airport transfers

3. Expecting to buy groceries and potentially save money by eating some dinners off property (Subway!!!)

CON:

1. Dolphin daily charge

2. Gas cost

3. Opportunity cost of Hertz points


Really hoping that PRO #3 will be valuable...comments?

So, you'll pay either the $15 a day parking (so roughly $150 extra) for the rental car versus the $110 or so round trip to take a town car service (and do a free quick grocery stop for snacks like breakfast foods and drinks). Honestly, you may not feel like getting the car and driving to the store once you get to the resort. If it were me I'd save the points, take a town car, and if you need other cheap snacks and drinks (beer, wine, etc) you can walk the short way to the Hess station right by the Boardwalk. Either way it's kind of a wash for the cost.

The nice thing about a town car service is that instead of going to get the rental car, the driver meets you a baggage claim and helps you with your bags and then you're off. It is more relaxing for sure! They can stop at a place like Super Target or Publix and wait for you to run in and load up.

I've done Disney with and without cars, but when we do have a car it's because we're staying at a condo nearby. If we're on the property, it's easier to me to just use Disney transport. I know, however, that many folks like to have a rental car even on property, so it's really whatever you feel you'd rather do.

 

[norbert white]

Thanks for the feedback on rental cars. I think we're going to stick with it.

I'd like to broach another potentially hot topic-Memory Maker ($150)

The whole thing seems like a complete waste of money. Planning to bring our own cameras and have Disney folks take pictures as needed with our cameras.

If it turns out that any ride photos are absolutely fantastic, we will suck it up and pay.

Can anyone sell me on the Memory Maker?