advice on how to work days arriving and leaving park vacation

[theycallmewinnie]

I have HRH booked for 4 nights in early July. We have 9 and 7 year old boys. We want to do the 2 parks, SW, and probably a pool day break in mid-stay. We will have a short drive the a.m. on check-in day (probably from Tallahassee) and then a short drive on the check-out day (probably to Fort Myers) How does everyone handle check-in and check-out day? My DH is one to hit the road at dawn when we leave a hotel, but I'm concerned that if I don't use the check-in and check-out day for some time at the parks, that we will be missing a lot. Any suggestions?

 

[gschmerl]

I would get there as early as possible on check in day. Get your magic express key even if your room isn't ready and hit the parks. You can check out of the hotel on the last day--KEEP your key for express access. They will store your luggage at the hotel until you're ready to leave. I would certainly take advantage of that last day to revisit any attractions you really loved.

 

[robvia]

Agree. Wake up at 3am, leave at 4am, kids will sleep on the way, you'll arrive HRH at 7am or so. Kids won't fight or drive you nuts because they'll be alseep until the sun comes up. Pre check in, get your magic keys and goto the park.
On the last day, wake up early, pack, check out of your room, goto the parks until noon, drive about 1 hour out of Orlando, stop and eat at a fast food place. You'll be shocked when the entire lunch for 4 is only $10 at McDonalds. Kids will fall asleep in the car, and you'll arrive home at dinner time.

 

[theycallmewinnie]

Wow, I thought I'd get some advice on these boards about using every minute! I'm afraid if I ask DH to get up at 3 a.m. on the third day of his vacation, that I'll be walking to Orlando! I think, though, that a pre check in is a good idea. Since we are thinking about SW, maybe do that on the first day? Thanks for the advice!