9 days,8 parks... Would you guys give me a hand?

[htsec]

I'm arriving in Orlando in december 29. I will be visiting eight parks (the 4 disney parks, 2 universal, sea world and busch gardens) in 9 days (december 30 and 31; january 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7). I'm going to Epcot on New Year's Eve, and probably come back another day, because I'm sure it will be packed in the last day of the year. Could you help me organize a schedule, with one day in each park (except epcot), avoiding the parks in the most crowded days?
P.S. - i know, my english is terrible, sorry for that.

 

[Topo Bella]

I would recommend the "Unofficial Guide to Disney." It can give you touring plans and tell you what day is best to visit each park. They also have a website which can help you plan your days.

8 parks in 9 days is way too much for me. If I could recommend anything for you, you may want to consider taking a "free day" somewhere in there. Good luck with your trip!

 

[htsec]

That's an excellent guide, but there touring plans are limited to MGM, MK, Animal Kingdom and Epcot. And Busch Gardens is not even mentioned in the book.

 

[CapeCod53]

Actually, your English is very good. There are 2 websites that I am aware of that will provide you with touring plans & tell you which days are better in which parks. However they do require a membership fee. ***************** I think is only $6.95 and TourguideMike.com is around $20(you can get a discount by joining through DISboards.com). I don't know how much information they provide about Universal Studios. Busch Gardens is in Tampa about a 2hr drive from Orlando (or 4 hrs for a round trip back to Orlando).I would skip that park myself. I agree with Topo Bella, I could never do that much theme park touring in that amount of time. I think you need to have some time off. Did you get a special pass that includes all those non-Disney parks? Will you have park hopper passes at Disney or not? Where are you staying? Will you have a rental car?

 

[Calle&Jakesmom]

You're planning a lot in very little time--- 9 days may not seem like it, but I think you will find that 4 days at Disney parks is not enough. Universal & seaworld are ok with 1 day each... but 1 day in each of the 4 disney parks may not do it for you. You could spend 2 days at EPCOT alone. I'm afraid you may feel very rushed and will not get to simply relax and enjoy with all you plan to do. One of our favorite things is to just RELAX at EPCOT. There are lots of pavillions around the world showcase that have wonderful places to sit and enjoy- we manage this just fine with our two kids. they have gotten used to playing games and running around, while my husband and I sit on a bench and enjoy the beautiful gardens and food and drinks!

I would recommend changing your plans, but if you are set in what you want to do- prepare to not see and do everything. Go to the parks with a list of must do's and be ok with not getting it all done. The worst thing at Disney is to be stressed out that you haven't kept to a schedule or done everything you planned.

 

[MINNIE OF TWO MICE]

I know everyone has their own opinion but I would drop Busch Gardens. We left WDW and went for DH 40th birthday so he could ride the dive coaster (awesome, but you couldnt hold me down and chain me to that ride again!) and we had a safari tour which was great too. That day away from WDW cost us approx $700.00 and no one in my family was impressed. We have also went to Universal on one of our WDW trips and my DS was 7 at the time and the first thing he said was "why is this park so dirty?" We did have VIP passes which allowed us to get through the park in a day. If you decide to do US maybe you could try VIP. It takes you to the front of the lines and a guide to tell you everything. You also get a special place roped off for parades and you dont have to show up until the last minute for them. We have not been to Sea World in Orlando. I would do what others have said about tour guide Mike or maybe stay concierge so you will have a per say "personal assistant" to help you with your planning. Buy you some good shoes. I would need an oxygen tank by the end of nine days! LOL! Have a good time.