2nd guessing my plan???

[iluvepcot]

We are leaving Wed for a quick, 5 days. This includes the day we leave. Here is my original plan for my sister and her husband, children ages 4-7-15, who have never been to the parks. I have many, many times. I would appreciate any feedback.

Arrive late Wed
Thurs: AK until 4 then Epcot and Illuminations
Fri: Breakfast at Boma, Resort day until 4, LTT and MNSSHP
Sat: MGM, fantasmic
Sun: EE MK, brunch CM, HDDR, Hayride
Mon: Epcot and WS until 3. then back to resort for airport pickup.

I am thinking maybe I should be taking advantage of EE on Monday to AK but concerned about rushing my sister's family on our last day. Also, maybe we are not doing enough time in Epcot. Also, since we are doing MNSSHP, I did not schedule Wishes on Sat. I want them to see it all but afraid I may be pushing them comando style.

 

[kilee]

Relax, there is no way that with that short of time they can "do it all". I think overall it looks good. Really depends on if they are looking for a "snapshot" of the parks-- or looking to really get a good feel. With such short time and so much planned you'll only be able to skim the surface (which I'm sure you know).

You'll have a 4 & 7 yr old along too, which is going to double the lengths of time you're going to need to complete tasks. Well, a larger group usually needs double the time anyhow. As it's much harder to get everyone going same place, same time, same pace.

Personally you could think about cutting 1 park out-- then concentrating more so on the other 3. This allows you more time to really get the attractions done and get a real Disney feel for a park.

Last year I took 9 newbiew to Disney (of the 9, seven were adults). Anyhow, they said they loved Disney but felt so overwhelmed by the whole thing. We were there for 8 days and did a full day at Epcot, MGM, and MK. We also did a night at MNSSHP (Halloween night),we did Cirque, as well as a day at US. Now, that was spread over 8 days. Anyhow, at the end they still said it was just so much to take in that it seemed overwhelming. Fortunately, they are curious enough they wanna go back to continue exploring what they missed. We're planning another huge trip next October. Now this past March we also took 1 adult newbie-- she was so overwhelmed with the schedule-- we were to do all 4 parks and 1 waterpark in a week. That we had to cut out Epcot at the last minute and she still thought the week was too hectic. She has no intention of going back.

So, take into consideration the adults and children. Decide how much they can take (realistically) than plan around that. Too much too fast can ruin it for some people.

 

[JFrey4240]

AK is our least favorite park. We love the MK and always spend the majority of our time there. Our daughter is 4 and that is another reason we like the MK--more for her there that she likes. We like MGM and Epcot too but when my daughter is looking for rides we head over to the MK. Your plan looks fine and you can always change your mind once you get there. That's the fun of being carefree and on vacation.

 

[ainmama2001]

I agree...take your time or you won't enjoy it. I would sacrifice something else to see "Wishes" though. It's beautiful.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

This is a little off topic, so please forgive me. I was reflecting on kilee's story of her friend who was overwhelmed and doesn't plan on returning to WDW. This just proves how different we humans can be. We tried planning a Christmas trip this year, somewhere other than Orlando. We live an hour away and let's just say we've been there and done that over, and over, and over..... The problem was, we couldn't think of anywhere to go that would give us the holiday feel, and we didn't think we'd be bored. I think to biggest appeal to WDW, is that there's always something to do.

Back on topic: I think your plan sounds great. It was a good idea to go to the HDDR, to show your family there is so much more to WDW than just rides. One thought, if you have the park pass available, you may want to consider leaving open the option of touring a park before MNSSHP. The kids have a big age range, and while the 4 yo. will probably need the down time, the 9 yo. and most definitely the 15 yo., would probably rather be on the go. If not to a park, then maybe DTD. All girls love to shop, and if there's a boy then he an dad would probably enjoy DQ, or looking in Virgin Records. We veterans must have our down time, but I remember when we first starting visiting WDW we went from park opening to park closing. There's so much to see, and we didn't want to miss any of it. Just a thought. Have a great trip!

 

[threeboysmom]

I would not worry about not having enough time at Epcot. Kids usually are not big fans of Epcot. I think your plan the way it is looks great!! Have FUN!!

Just remember the 4 yo is going to need her sleep. Don't plan any late nights paired with early mornings!! That is setting all of you up for disaster!