6/23 - 29 Itinerary Advice - Detailed

[marjie8230]

What do you seasoned veterans think of this Itinerary? This is our first time to "The World." Traveling with 2 kids (2 & 8) from Hotel Royal Plaza using Disney Transportation to parks (hopefully??) How do we get back to the hotel after an E-ride night?

We have prepurchased various counter service and meal vouchers, so we will be using those. Offer recommendations on restaurant experiences, please. Most mornings we will eat a light breakfast in the hotel room.

6/23 (Wed) - MK 9-12am - Cosmic Ray's Lunch. Hotel nap (12-3). Epcot 3-9pm - Counter Service ??? (suggestions). MK E-Ride night (10-1am)

6/24 (Thurs) - JFK Space Center (There was going to be a launch but it was scrubbed.) Any suggestions on lunch either in the center or nearby. Maybe do the sing-Along at 8pm and the Electric Water Show at 10pm.

6/25 (Fri) - MGM all day, 9-9pm. Try nap in stroller. Brown Derby Lunch 12:30pm. Toy Story Pizza dinner. Early Fantasmic Show 9pm. MK E-Ride Night (10-1am)

6/26 (Sat) - Airboat Ride 9-10am (where you drive it yourself for 1 hour only). Gatorland 10-2pm. Lunch there (for the novelty of eating "gator.") Flea Markets for a few hours 2-4pm (just for t-shirts...) Hotel Nap 4-5:30. Grand Floridian Character Dinner 6pm. Maybe do the Sing-Along at Fort Wilderness at 8pm and the Electric Water Show at 10pm.

6/27 (Sun) - Epcot 9-1pm. Le Cellier lunch 11:30. Hotel Nap 1-3pm. AK 3-5:30pm. Rainforest Cafe 5:45pm. MK 7-10pm.

6/28 (Mon) - Typhoon Lagoon 9-2pm. Typhoon Tilly's Lunch. Hotel Nap 2-4pm. Downtown Disney window shopping 4-?. Earl of Sandwich casual dinner or Rainforest Cafe at 5:30pm if we didn't get to go the night before. Maybe return to Typhoon Lagoon until closing at 7:30pm or stay at Downtown Disney until later and enjoy Ghiradhelli's.

6/29 (Tues) - MK 9-1pm. Plaza Pavillion lunch. Nap 1-3. MGM 3-8pm. 50's Prime Time Cafe 2:30 (If we still have a VKLV to use.) MK 8-10pm Spectromagic at 9pm.

Any information on how I can improve this would be greatly appreciated. I did a lot of research to try to find out which parks were the busiest on which days, and avoided them but summer is a busy time overall.

 

[BrerMama]

The only glaring thing I notice is that if you're staying at DTD, you won't actually be using Disney transportation. The Downtown Disney hotels contract their own transportation to the parks. I believe it runs every half hour, while Disney transportation runs more frequently than that. So if you say you're going back to hotel for a nap from 1-3, are you saying you'll leave the park at 1? If that's true, you may not get back to your hotel until closer 2 if you miss a bus and probably not until 1:30 if you time it right. Same thing on the return trip. It sounds like you're going to have a car. If you do, drive! You'll save a lot of time.

Personally, I wouldn't do e-ride nights with children those ages, but that's my own personal opinion. My kids are up early and we prefer the early hours. I can't imagine how they'd act if we kept them up until 1 am, and then still had to make the trip back to the hotel. It seems that you have fairly early activities scheduled the next day, too. I just wouldn't want you to get half way through the trip and have the kids give out on you.

 

[marjie8230]

Oh, the only one to go on the e-ride night will be my 8 year old. My husband and I will alternate taking her and the other will stay back at the hotel with the baby.

Even though both of my kids are fairly active, I am half-expecting them to give out at some point. At that point, we'll pull back and rethink the plan. No problem. I'm not a Nazi-Mama but I want to pack in as much entertainment value as possible.

Any other suggestions and/or comments? I will appreciate everything you all have to offer.

 

[HaleyB]

I have not done E-ride nights but I think you need to be in the park before its regular close time. I didn't check the hours for your dates, but just keep this in mind (and don't cut it close, transportation can take awhile). If this is the case I see an issue with the Fantasmic night, it takes awhile to get out after it is over.

I also think you are planning too many late nights followed by early mornings... remember if you are in a park until 1 am you are not asleep until after 2 am, and if you want to be in a park by 9am you need to be awake by 7:30ish. Your plan shows no travel time, even if you drive you should plan on 30 minutes for each place change because it takes time to walk to your car, drive, park, walk again... if you are using hotel/Disney transportation it is safer to plan on an hour (it might take 22 minutes, but it might take an hour- better safe than sorry). Because of this I would never try to do more than two parks per day (with hotel break inbetween).

On easy change would be to make Saturday a very early night, you will need one by then! I would also skip the Electric Water Parade and get in bed by 9 instead that night. The EWP is nice, but I wouldn't risk missing out on getting to MGM early for it.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Wow you really have alot planned. You really didnt mention what kind of tickets you have. I dont really have experience with the dtd hotels, but if you have your own car, definetely use it since you are hopping all over the place. I think other posters who have used those buses said they drop you off really far from the entrance at an assigned place they have, so be prepared for more walking if you use it. For the epcot counterservice : if you dont want an ethnic restraunt, then I would say the food court at the land, there are many choices there, lots of visual stuff to keep the kids occupied etc. , for your mgm day, if you are not leaving the park, I would definetly bring some drinks with you. It is really hot that time of year. Take lots of ac breaks to cut down on the grumpies. Just curious as to why you are only spending about 3 hours at the AK. There is alot the kids would love there. As far as the rainforest, the one at the AK does take PS and we were just there in april. The one at DTD was a ZOO. It was terrible and the waits were horrendous. So be prepared for a l plus hour wait etc. I really dont know if the dtd takes ps but if they do, DEFINETELY make one. If you are interested in the fw campfire you might want to check out the trails end buffet as a meal option. Its nothing fancy but the food is decent and a good value. I dont think your kids will have the energy to keep up with you. The heat at the time of the year is rough. Get a mister fan. A few squirts equals a happy face etc. My ds are older and still got the heat grumpies last aug., we have also been in june and july too. Also take into account the weather, rain, storms etc. and have a back up plan etc. At Typhoon Lagoon try to eat lunch by 11:30 as it really starts to get crowded after that.

 

[marjie8230]

Awesome suggestions. All of them. More please.

we're not staying longer in AK becasue we are from San Diego and a few of our friends say the animal part of AK is almost identical to the local Wild Animal Park (which is part of the world-reknowned San Diego Zoo.) We've been there many times and would rather spend our time on something we can't do in our own home-town.

We have 4-day park hopper plus one passes. (Ticketmania.com was the best deal I found and pleasant to deal with.)

Based on all the advice, I think we will drive ourselves (at least most of the time.) I will also chill a bit with the grueling schedule.

More advice please.

 

[HaleyB]

One other bit of advice is to study the park maps. If you are pretty used to Disneyland it is easy to get a bit turned around in the MK. My first time at MK I got 'lost' twice. It is close enough in layout (to DL) to really make you feel like you don't need the map, but you do. Our first trip to WDW we had planned more time for MK than we needed, and not enough for Epcot. It is not possible to see/do everything on one trip- even if it is a two week trip. So just see what you see do what you do and have fun!!!

 

[Disney_1derland]

I grew up in Southern CA and I don't see many similarities between AK and the SD Wild Animal Park. There are GREAT shows at AK that you don't want to miss. There are character greeting opportunities that are underused at AK. There is the 'cultural' experience at AK that you will not get at the Wild Animal Park. And, most kids loves the carnival atmosphere surrounding the Dinosaur ride. I would definitely plan for you to be spending a bit more time there. It gets crowded and hot so I find mornings to be the best time at AK. We usually do two mornings there each trip. Have fun and remember, sometimes the schedule goes flying out the window no matter your intentions!

 

[CharlesandCamilla]

You may want to be flexible with AK. There are some people that love the park and can't get enough of it and there are those of us that think 3 hours is a little too much, especially if you are there for EMH. We're part of the latter.

Either way you should definitely study the maps and know where you are going. Some people think they'll just go and wing it and spend half their vacation studying the park maps in the park asking each other, "What next?"

Also if you love Disneyland beware, WDW is different. My first wife (we lived in Arizona) spent many vacations as a kid in DL and went several times as an adult before we got married. We went to WDW for our honeymoon in '93, and she was horrified by the differences. Everything is more spread out. You have to figure out the transportation system. She hated waiting for the bus. Epcot was not what she expected from a theme park. You walk ten times as much in WDW. The humidity was a problem for her. The list goes on. We started our trip with MK and she enjoyed that morning. But in the end she wound up hating it and trying to make me miserable too. I personally loved it. Standing in Epcot one afternoon I swore that my next wife will have to love WDW and she does.

And as for transportation on e ride nights I asked the same question myself and was assured that buses will be running. Not that it matters because you'll be using the DTD resort buses. We stayed off site on our last visit and had a problem with the non-Disney transportation. I wish we'd gotten a car and driven.

 

[undertheradar]

You need to budget more time for your travel between locations. WDW is very spread out compared to DL. The transportation for the DTD hotels picks up in the parking lots, not in the gate areas like the Disney resorts. AK is very different from the SD Zoo. The safari is like the Wild Animal Park, but that is the only likeness. The heat and humidity will have an effect as the day wears on. The best plan would be to pick 2 or 3 must do attractions at each park, allowing extra time to be used for non-E ticket attractions. We will be there the same dates as you and know that there is a HUGE Librarian Convention taking place in Orlando during these dates. Many of the "family" resorts are SOLD OUT during these dates. Just going with a must do list that includes several priority attractions per park will help you maximize your park time.

 

[marjie8230]

Thank you all for your suggestions.

 

[DonnaDavid]

As I was reading your itinerary, I was thinking that you're going to be exhausted! As the above poster mentioned, you're not budgeting enough time for transportation. I go to WDW a lot, but I remember my 1st trips and my desire to do it all. I am no longer commando mom (except for getting them going in the am) I think that with your children's age, the crowds, and the heat, you should be prepared to alter your plans or else you may find yourself miserable. I love the WDW water parks but you are going to spend a lot of time waiting in line during the summer; I don't know about planning on spending 5 hrs there and then planning any ambitious evening activities. I'm going to be at WDW with my kids who are 3, 7, and 10 during the same week. I'm going to Universal for 3 days followed by 5 days at the world. I am making a vow not to plan too much and be ready to change our plans as needed. Also, have you given any consideration to the time change. We West Coasters are at a disadvantage when it comes to early mornings in FL.

AK is not my favorite park, but the Festival of the Lion King is fantastic. Also Kali River Rapids is one of our favorite rides (along with Grizzly River at DCA). I think that someone with easy access to San Diego should not worry about skipping the animals at AK. You will certainly find lots of repetition between DL and WDW but there is plenty that is unique to each park. Also, as mentioned above, WDW is huge compared to DL.

And, one other suggestion would be the Garden Grill at Epcot. It is our favorite WDW restaurant and it has always been our best character interaction. We've eaten at Le Cellier also and we thought the food was quite good, but GG was better for atmosphere for kids.

Have a wonderful vacation.

 

[mad4themouse]

I have to agree with the other posters.

1. Too many late nights followed by early mornings.
2. Not enough "down" time
3. too little time allowed to "commute".

You also have not taken in to consideration the fact that you will be suffering jet lag from the 3-hour time difference between the coasts. 9 am on the East Coast is your West Coast 6 am!

I think you're going to need a vacation when your vacation is over!

 

[corpkid]

I've stayed at DTD and can vouch for the long waits for the buses and the long walks from the bus to the gate. Best to drive if you have a car, especially with such a packed schedule.

MAKE SURE that you make a reservation for the Rainforest Cafe at DTD - it's very busy and you will wait forever to get seated unless you do. This one doesn't take PS - call them directly: (407) 827-8500.

Also, really (REALLY) consider scaling it all back a bit. I live in Orlando and it has been 95+ degrees everyday, ALREADY! - they are predicting a very hot summer. You will not have fun if you are hot and tired, and think you need to consider that. Better to do less and enjoy it than to do more and be miserable. You need to get lots of sleep - Disney is exceptionally exhausting, especially with a 2y/o in tow in the June crowds and heat! Plan for less and you won't be disappointed, and in fact might be happy when you find you have some free time to explore the parks... Been to Disney enough time to make that my STEADFAST rule (for me and my guests at least).

Finally, you are eating meals at a lot of "prime times" - not the best idea. If you can eat at an off schedule, you realize two benefits: 1. Shorter ride lines while everyone ELSE is eating 2. Shorter dining lines while everyone ELSE is riding! I would suggest either a 11AM lunch or a 3PM lunch as an example.

HAVE FUN!

 

[marjie8230]

Excellent feedback everyone! I do appreciate it and considering that every singe poster said that I was planning too much into every day, I guess you must be right. I am working on scaling back on the "must-do's" and focusing on the vital stuff instead.

To adjust this I think I will drive instead of using the shuttle, have more down-time during the afternoon, schedule off-peak lunches, and sleep in that first day.

Thank you everyone for your feedback. Is there anything else I should know?

 

[theboysmom]

Having stayed in DTD we experienced the shuttle service. It is lacking. We did not have a car and found the taxis to be great and used them as needed. If the kids (4 and 10 mo at the time) were too tiered we found a taxi and took that back. If the slept longer at nap we took a taxi to dinner and than shuttle back. Since we hadnt rented a car we didnt have a problem paying for the taxi and they are available most anywhere you go.

 

[DonnaDavid]

I don't know if your older kid is a space nut or not, but my 5 yo DD hated the JFK Space Center. It wasn't the most pleasant place to have to walk the halls with my bored child and my toddler.

 

[S. C.]

We go in late june and early july. One thing that helps us is to bring our own water into the parks. We have insulated bottles with shoulder straps, fill them with ice and bottled water from our resort and then refill them in the parks (drinking fountains)when needed. It really helps when waiting in lines or walking thru the parks to have cold water when you need it. They are very easy to carry With the shoulder straps. Sure beats waiting in the long lines for a cold drink.
You can get free ice water at any of the drink stands, but they will only give you a small cup.

 

[iluvtink]

Unless someone has a real fascination with Cape Canaveral AND eating gator, I'd skip one of these excursions and spend that day at the hotel pool and perhaps exploring the resorts at WDW. I'd do that on Saturday, because it's in the middle of your trip, and you don't want to be late to your 6:00 PS. You could sleep in, eat breakfast, swim in the a.m., eat lunch at DTD, nap, and then plan to do the "monorail tour," exploring the Contemporary, the Polynesian, and end up at GF in time to look around before dinner.

Like any first timer going to WDW, you just can't imagine the magnitude of what you'll want to see and do, and how long it will take to do each one of those things. Most people will describe their first WDW trip as "intense." You'll be amazed at how many scowling parents and crying kids you will see at what is the most magical place in the world. Most of that comes from "trying to get your money's worth" and not wanting to miss anything "important." As far as I'm concerned, keeping the kids and parents as happy and relaxed as possible will make the trip worth your money, whatever you end up doing or not doing.

WDW cannot be done in a day or two like DL and CA, at least not with small children and sanity left intact. If you haven't already, invest in "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World." I have found it to be the most realistic, down-to-earth picture of how to make WDW a magical trip instead of a miserable trip. It has all kinds of hints about planning your days, as well as detailed descriptions of restaurants, transportation, and attractions. It will help you put time into your schedule for "unexpected delays." For example, I didn't see any time alloted in your schedule for getting autographs from characters in the parks. Don't be surprised if you're headed for a FastPass ride that you can't find in Cal., and your DD digs in her heels when she sees Ariel in the Grotto and decides she has to wait in line for her autograph. She won't give a flip if your FP is about to expire! Start your mantra now ... "must be flexible, must be flexible, don't have to see and do it all, don't have to see and do it all!"

One last thing, during your trip, make notes of what you missed seeing and doing, so it can be top priority when you go back for another visit! You can't do WDW just once!

Have a great time!