***1st Week of December Thread ADR Plans, Park Hours, and dealing with Pop Warner***

[BDFmom]

For those who have toddlers, how do you get your toddlers interested? I tried showing mine videos of stuff and I have no luck in catching his attention I'm so scared he would not sit still for anything! At this point, I'm considering just not planning for any shows besides fireworks and F! I'm not even sure that would work...

When mine were toddlers I just when with the flow. No matter what they did they were wide eyed and in utter amazement.
When DD was 4 she loved the afternoon parade.... Sleeping beauty blew her a kiss and she still talks about it, while my son slept during the parade.

Just be flexible... seek out the characters they like. No matter what you guys do it will be MAGICAL!!

 

[Candycane83]

When mine were toddlers I just when with the flow. No matter what they did they were wide eyed and in utter amazement.
When DD was 4 she loved the afternoon parade.... Sleeping beauty blew her a kiss and she still talks about it, while my son slept during the parade.

Just be flexible... seek out the characters they like. No matter what you guys do it will be MAGICAL!!

Thanks for the assurance! I'm hoping that he would be wide eyed and enjoys it when we get there, somehow he is not into any of the videos I show him! I guess since this will be our first (long) family trip, it's getting overhwelming thinking about every aspect of the trip. One day I'm so worried about what he would eat, the next I'm worried how much he would nap, how he would like shows, how he would wait in line... Ahhh im going nuts thinking about all this! Sorry for the rant

 

[JamieOak]

This is really a neat tool! I'm getting so overwhelmed with ak!! I think because it's the only park I've never been to, and I'm having a hard time seeing what everything really is!! If it's like a zoo, then I'm hoping we can just pass by the maharajah jungle trek? And what is gorilla falls and rafikis planet watch? Are those just like animal exhibits?

@JamieOak I hope you don't mind me asking, I'm not sure if I'm reading your chart right, but do those yellow #s correspond with the order of activities you have planned? Does that program recommend that particular order or did you type in what and when you wanted? I am just curious because I've heard that the park is big, and on the map it seems like the order jumps around the park. I was probably going to just try to make our way around? But that's probably a bad plan. I need to really research this park a ton more.

Yes, those numbers are the activities. So you are right there is some jumping around that I should fix. No, this isn't the order the program recommended. I messed with the order. Part of the problem is that I wanted to get in a ride at RD before our wild africa trek, but EE is pretty far from the trek (10 min walk). What helps is looking at the amount of walking time between activities (far right number on each line). And in some cases I have 10-16 minutes of walking. So that's where I will go back and try to re-work stuff.

 

[Candycane83]

I know all families are different, and all wdwplans are different, but in general, what do you guys think is the ideal amount of time to spend at Epcot and AK?

For me, I think we would spend more time at EPCOT than AK. This is only because it's DH's preference. He does not like AK. I personally would like to spend more time at AK but DH has the mentality that it's like a zoo. The reason we would probably not spend too much time at this park this time is because DS would not have the attention span to watch shows and is too short for most rides here. We only have a few things to do here- safari, boneyard, triceratop spin, a couple character meet and greets, maybe some trails and wildlife express. The wildlife express is a train ride that goes to rafiki's planet. I think you can sometimes catch veterinary procedures there and there is also a petting zoo there. It does take a bit of time so we would only do this if we have time.

As for EPCOT, I loved this park as a kid... I want to try and see if DS would like it so we will probably do a few things here- seas and land pavilion seems like something he might enjoy a little (in small doses of time). I would probably try for figment and spaceship earth too. Then Mexico boat ride looks great for little ones too. At WS, there are a few outdoor shows I want to catch plus the santas around the world... Since this is outdoors and we can easily leave, I'm hoping it won't be a problem for DS.

 

[rasadkowski]

Thanks for the assurance! I'm hoping that he would be wide eyed and enjoys it when we get there, somehow he is not into any of the videos I show him! I guess since this will be our first (long) family trip, it's getting overhwelming thinking about every aspect of the trip. One day I'm so worried about what he would eat, the next I'm worried how much he would nap, how he would like shows, how he would wait in line... Ahhh im going nuts thinking about all this! Sorry for the rant

I'm worried about the same !! But mine are 6 and 4! I'm really really trying to expect that they'll just want to go do whatever we walk by..... I'm picturing the girls spending 3 hours at Swiss family tree house and that Casey Jr. Splash place then just wanting to go back to the hotel pool. I have no idea?! I'll try to keep them going and interested because there is just so much to see!!! ( you're gonna ride Peter Pan at 10:30 and you're gonna like it!) But who knows!! It's fun to have surprises I think. We're not doing the sw dessert party, but I would think that would be such a cool surprise event...they'd be excited for the next day , ( I'd hope

You are doing such an awesome job planning @Candycane83 . Of course he'll be tired sometimes or hungry or upset, but he will laugh and be so happy with sooo much!!

 

[Iowamomof4]

I know all families are different, and all wdwplans are different, but in general, what do you guys think is the ideal amount of time to spend at Epcot and AK?

In general, I think you want to spend the bulk of your time in Magic Kingdom unless you have kids who are particularly crazy about animals or something. Still, MK offers the most rides and entertainment to kids of all ages compared to every other park. Epcot is truly an amazing park, imo. We don't even have passports, so World Showcase is as close as we're likely to ever get to seeing some of these countries. We feel like we hardly saw any of it last time and we walked into Epcot on 4 or 5 different occasions! Still, I think it can be difficult to figure out how to entertain littler kids there, especially if you aren't very familiar with it. For a first trip, I do think one day at Epcot is enough, unless your trip is long enough that you can do 2 days at MK and Epcot as well as a day each at AK and DHS. Animal Kingdom is large and also has a lot to explore. It's so much more than just a zoo, yet it does have a similar feel (in MY opinion - put the flamethrowers away!). The shows are amazing though (Lion King and Nemo) and Kilimanjaro Safari is really neat. We only spent one day there last time and didn't get to see everything so I hesitate to say one day is enough!

Clear as mud, right? lol

 

[rasadkowski]

Yes, those numbers are the activities. So you are right there is some jumping around that I should fix. No, this isn't the order the program recommended. I messed with the order. Part of the problem is that I wanted to get in a ride at RD before our wild africa trek, but EE is pretty far from the trek (10 min walk). What helps is looking at the amount of walking time between activities (far right number on each line). And in some cases I have 10-16 minutes of walking. So that's where I will go back and try to re-work stuff.

I honestly have no idea what I'm talking about!! So I honestly don't know if anything needs fixing. I think the stuff you selected sounds great.i need to look at the distances of things now and with such a big park it is important to try to get fp right! It's really overwhelming. I can see my day here either being really awesome or disastrous

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

For those who have toddlers, how do you get your toddlers interested? I tried showing mine videos of stuff and I have no luck in catching his attention I'm so scared he would not sit still for anything! At this point, I'm considering just not planning for any shows besides fireworks and F! I'm not even sure that would work...

Seeing something on a small screen does not do it justice. He will be immersed in everything, the sights, sounds and wonderful aromas! There is no reason to worry, you can always leave a show to find something more exciting for him if he truly hates something, but I really doubt he will (I know it's not popular opinion, but M, my niece & I thought Finding Nemo was boring and we fell asleep).

 

[Candycane83]

I'm worried about the same !! But mine are 6 and 4! I'm really really trying to expect that they'll just want to go do whatever we walk by..... I'm picturing the girls spending 3 hours at Swiss family tree house and that Casey Jr. Splash place then just wanting to go back to the hotel pool. I have no idea?! I'll try to keep them going and interested because there is just so much to see!!! ( you're gonna ride Peter Pan at 10:30 and you're gonna like it!) But who knows!! It's fun to have surprises I think. We're not doing the sw dessert party, but I would think that would be such a cool surprise event...they'll be excited for the next day , ( I'd hope

You are doing such an awesome job planning @Candycane83 . Of course he'll be tired sometimes or hungry or upset, but he will laugh and be so happy with sooo much!!

We'll see each other at the treehouse dumbo playground and casey's splash place! Haha! But of course you're right. Thanks we're all such hard planners that even if we do know what to expect, sometimes emotions do get the better of us... well me at least, lol! I'm sure your kids will be over the moon happy during this trip! it's Disney! (I know I need to keep reminding myself everything will be magical no matter what)

 

[Maryemcd]

Hi all! Been staying off the boards (and electronics) and relaxing in the Outer Banks. Have not started planning FP+ yet at all.

I think I saw 2 other birthdays on the 9th

Take care, friends.

 

[Candycane83]

I honestly have no idea what I'm talking about!! So I honestly don't know if anything needs fixing. I think the stuff you selected sounds great.i need to look at the distances of things now and with such a big park it is important to try to get fp right! It's really overwhelming. I can see my day here either being really awesome or disastrous

I think take a look at the map first and see what you would like to do make a list and then arrange it by area and go from one area to another?

 

[Candycane83]

Seeing something on a small screen does not do it justice. He will be immersed in everything, the sights, sounds and wonderful aromas! There is no reason to worry, you can always leave a show to find something more exciting for him if he truly hates something, but I really doubt he will (I know it's not popular opinion, but M, my niece & I thought Finding Nemo was boring and we fell asleep).

LOL! I'd be happy if he just falls asleep. I think I will try one or two shows and see how he does. thanks for the reassurance! It's funny how we need to plan but make it seem flexible and spontaneous -like...

 

[rasadkowski]

In general, I think you want to spend the bulk of your time in Magic Kingdom unless you have kids who are particularly crazy about animals or something. Still, MK offers the most rides and entertainment to kids of all ages compared to every other park. Epcot is truly an amazing park, imo. We don't even have passports, so World Showcase is as close as we're likely to ever get to seeing some of these countries. We feel like we hardly saw any of it last time and we walked into Epcot on 4 or 5 different occasions! Still, I think it can be difficult to figure out how to entertain littler kids there, especially if you aren't very familiar with it. For a first trip, I do think one day at Epcot is enough, unless your trip is long enough that you can do 2 days at MK and Epcot as well as a day each at AK and DHS. Animal Kingdom is large and also has a lot to explore. It's so much more than just a zoo, yet it does have a similar feel (in MY opinion - put the flamethrowers away!). The shows are amazing though (Lion King and Nemo) and Kilimanjaro Safari is really neat. We only spent one day there last time and didn't get to see everything so I hesitate to say one day is enough!

Clear as mud, right? lol

Thank you for this! It's really hard I think what's making it even harder for me is that I'm not talking to the girls about anything. They know about the trip but that's all. I should ask them and show them rides and things, and they would probably pick the complete opposite of what I'm planning! If so, lesson learned hopefully we'll be back in 5 years and I'll ask them to help plan

and I completely agree about mk!! We have 3 days there. I kinda wanted four but then didn't want to push it we're not going to get to HS this time, unfortunately. But, I really want to see everything at both Epcot and ak!!! I need to wake up and realize that won't happen! But, Still time to think they LOvE animals, so I'd like to spend some time there. I need to learn that park!

 

[JamieOak]

I honestly have no idea what I'm talking about!! So I honestly don't know if anything needs fixing. I think the stuff you selected sounds great.i need to look at the distances of things now and with such a big park it is important to try to get fp right! It's really overwhelming. I can see my day here either being really awesome or disastrous

I have maps with scales on them so I can estimate distances. But mostly I'm relying on the TP plan's walking estimates between attractions. I set it to an average pace of walking, with a balance between waiting and walking. But personally I'd much rather walk than wait! Standing for long periods will do more damage to my feet than walking will.

 

[pigletgirl]

Hi everyone!

Couple of things, I wasn't sure if anyone was aware but Splash Mountain is down December 7th, and will reopen the 8th. Is anyone going to try and book the holiday brunch at 1900 Park Fare?

 

[pigletgirl]

I'm worried about the same !! But mine are 6 and 4! I'm really really trying to expect that they'll just want to go do whatever we walk by..... I'm picturing the girls spending 3 hours at Swiss family tree house and that Casey Jr. Splash place then just wanting to go back to the hotel pool. I have no idea?! I'll try to keep them going and interested because there is just so much to see!!! ( you're gonna ride Peter Pan at 10:30 and you're gonna like it!) But who knows!! It's fun to have surprises I think. We're not doing the sw dessert party, but I would think that would be such a cool surprise event...they'd be excited for the next day , ( I'd hope

You are doing such an awesome job planning @Candycane83 . Of course he'll be tired sometimes or hungry or upset, but he will laugh and be so happy with sooo much!!

I've gone to WDW now with a child who was 15 months, and 2. This would also apply for older kids too. It's really important to remember that Disney is an overwhelming and stimulating place with kids. It's something that's completely out of their norm, and some kids do better than others with that.

So, don't feel like it's a "failure" if your child wants to swim or play in the splash pads. You are the parent, and you know what's best for them at a particular time so if you have to forfeit a FP because of a child who's hit a wall, its okay!! Just remember to pace yourself, and you'll have an amazing and magical vacation!

 

[areno79]

Hi everyone!

Couple of things, I wasn't sure if anyone was aware but Splash Mountain is down December 7th, and will reopen the 8th. Is anyone going to try and book the holiday brunch at 1900 Park Fare?

Yes, I think someone mentioned the Splash refurb a couple of pages back, but thanks again for the heads up.

I'm doing a breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, but I don't think it's for a day/time that they're offering the holiday brunch.

 

[pigletgirl]

Yes, I think someone mentioned the Splash refurb a couple of pages back, but thanks again for the heads up.

I'm doing a breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, but I don't think it's for a day/time that they're offering the holiday brunch.

Yeah I didn't read further back to see if someone had posted about. I saw it on FB and thought I'd mention it.

 

[rasadkowski]

Hi everyone!

Couple of things, I wasn't sure if anyone was aware but Splash Mountain is down December 7th, and will reopen the 8th. Is anyone going to try and book the holiday brunch at 1900 Park Fare?

Wow! I also saw someone post that haunted mansion was down 11/28-12/1. Phew !! Hope they're done scheduling renovations!!

I would love to do a holiday brunch!! Just saw that it's not during my visit. Only 11/20-26 and 12/18-1/1. Darn!! Well, more $$ for other things I guess!

 

[rasadkowski]

Morning, all! I have a question for everyone! I was wondering, what is everyone's favorite must do at each park aside from things you can fp Or reserve!
Including shows/ snacks etc! Any ONE thing that you just have to do!
Sorry if this has been discussed

Mine would likely be:
MK: the tiki room! I think the girls will love that and want to go back!

EPCOT: I'd say it's visiting inside Mexico !! I'd say it was the Mexico ride but I haven't been there since they changed it!!

AK: never been there, but I'm going to guess the bird show, or some sort of snack there the food sounds great here!!

HS: never been