Advice would be appreciated.

[holcomb-mania]

I respectfully submit this to the collective knowledge of the board. I've learned so much just lurking, hopefully my plans will show it.

Two families: 1) me, DW, DD8, DS6; 2) friend, wife, DS6, DD3. This is their first, our second.
Resort: CSR.
Arrival: 12-1pm. Driving.

Head to MK: I know it’s crazy on Saturday, but what better way to tell the kids “we’re at Disney World” than heading straight to MK? Throw ‘em in the deep end, I say. We did this last year, and it wasn’t so bad.
Dinner: 5-6pm PS at the Plaza (tba). We liked it last year, not too fancy, but a step up from counter-service. Keep that Disney magic flowing.

Here’s where it gets interesting, and maybe I’m OVER-thinking the situation:
After dinner leave MK and head to EPCOT to watch Illuminations, which we missed last year. Yes, I know. Also we would like to make an attempt at M:S and/or Test Track (our fave last year). Is it true that some things in FW stay open AFTER FW “closes?”

I know this time of year Spectro and FITS are only on Saturday, but we are going to MNSSHP on Sunday, the 5th, so we will see the parade and fireworks that night. This way, I get Illuminations out of the way early in the trip, without “missing” anything really at MK.

Another compelling reason: MK is a packed for the stuff on Saturday nights, and getting back to CSR will take considerable time (it took nearly an hour to get back to Poly last time!). EPCOT is much closer to CSR, and we can even walk over to the Boardwalk, which we missed last year. Does this make sense? Or am I being too analytical?

Sunday the 5th:
Park – EPCOT, not as crowded on weekends as MK, the kids don’t care for WS so we can head back to CSR for pool/rest and go to MK for our 5:50 PS at LTT and MNSSHP that night.

Monday the 6th:
Park - MK. Pepper Mkt for breakfast, Cosmic Ray's or Pecos Bill's for lunch. I have two PS at Whispering Canyon that night, at 6:40 and 8:10. I think I should cancel the early one, to give us more time in MK, and time to make space for that Skillet! Afterwards, try to get the water pageant if possible (not crucial), and maybe visit the Poly because the kids loved it last year and our guests may want to check out a deluxe for the future.

Thank you for your thoughts. I will submit the remainder at another time.

 

[swilphil]

I like the idea of going to Epcot Saturday night, you might even want to go earlier. I also regret not catching Illuminations in Epcot. I would wait and do MK Sunday, but that's just me. MK has Early Entry Sunday, which may save some time.

I just returned from WDW with my 3 yo. His favorite things were in MGM. You might want to head to MGM before or after an Epcot visit since you can take a short boat ride between the two parks.

DS loved the MGM shows--Muppets, Playhouse Disney and Mermaid. We weren't able to do Beauty and Beast, but I've seen it before and it would be good for smaller kids--I even enjoyed it. He also loved the 5:30 p.m. parade and going to Pizza Planet. We were able to get more character autographs at MGM than any other park. His favorites were Buzz and Woody from Toy Story. Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster are favorites of the adults and older kids in our extended family. Note that some of the MGM kid shows don't have showings later in the evening.

Good luck

 

[donna in Oz]

Just to make sure you're aware of this: the parade held during MNSSHP is not Spectro.

If you really want your first-time guests to see Spectromagic, you may want to re-think your plans.

Yes, it's true that some of the major attractions in FW stay open past 6:00. Spaceship Earth, Test Track, and I imagine that Mission: Space would now join this group.

 

[tjkraz]

I'm sure you'll get many differeing points of view, so I'll throw my hat into the ring.

I choose to NOT visit the Magic Kingdom on the first day of the trip--and probably never will again. Frankly, I think it makes some of the other parks seem anti-climactic.

Looking at what you've posted so far, I'd personally stick to Epcot on your arrival day and build your itinerary from there. You've already pointed out the following:

- Epcot is probably not a full day park for you, and you won't even arrive at WDW until after noon.
- You are thinking of going to Epcot the evening of your arrival day.
- MK will be BUSY on a Saturday.

Travel days can be very hectic, especially if you encounter any delays along the way. With such a large party, there's a good possibility that some members of your party will not be at their best by the time you arrive. Why make matters worse by planning a hectic day that begins at the busiest spot in the entire World?

My opinion: settle for the wonder and awe of Spaceship Earth on Day One, and shoot for rope drop at MK a day or two later.

 

[tar heel]

I'll join the other posters in recommending that you not go to MK Saturday afternoon. We did a quickie weekend trip July 18-20 and I was amazed at how much more crowded WDW was than last July. Needless to say, MK was the worst. I saw waits at attractions that we've walked on for years. I would spend Saturday afternoon/evening at Epcot and/or MGM Studios -- it's easy to go between those two parks. Then I would hit MK for emh Sunday a.m. I personally would spend the afternoon at Epcot even if seeing Spectromagic was a priority -- would go to MK on the monorail about 7.

We had no trouble getting on Mission Space at 8 p.m. Test Track is another matter. Even though it's open late, it had hour-plus waits right up until closing.

Have your kids ever done the masks in World Showcase or seen the shows in Italy or France? My 9-year-old loves the living statue, mime, chair act and candy maker in Japan and is always up for a few minutes play on the viking ship. His favorite restaurant is Teppanyaki, too. He doesn't like the musical acts that dad and I enjoy, such as American Vibe, Voices of Liberty and Off Kilter, though. He used to think he didn't like World Showcase either, but has enjoyed it for about three years.

 

[holcomb-mania]

Many thanks, guys.

I'll kick around the idea of going to EPCOT on Saturday with the others. That makes sense. I just thought we would jump right into the Disney experience, instead of easing into it. We know it's gonna be crowded, and being mentally prepared is half the battle. Another concern is having the kids at MK for a few afternoon hours, and saying "Okay, it's time to go to EPCOT." That may not go over well with them. They may want to stay with Mickey, the Castle, etc.

Again, thanks for the suggestions.

 

[CindyAnn]

Hi Holcomb-mania - just adding my 2 cents worth. When you have young children in your party, I think the very best way to see Fantasyland is during early entry (or the first hour on a non-early entry day), when you should be able to zip through just about everything there before the crowds arrive. Arriving at MK with long lines, fast-passes far in the future or sold out, and a tired-out 3 year old doesn't sound like fun. Also remember that you'll move more slowly with your larger group, and crowds may slow your progress to a crawl.

If you head to Epcot on your first day, you do run the risk of missing out on fastpasses for Test Track, too, but there's lots in Future World to see that doesn't require a fastpass and should still appeal to the children. If you want a counter service meal on your first night, Sunshine Season Food Fair in the Land has something for everyone and is one of the nicer counter service spots at WDW, IMHO. If you think everyone would be up for a sit-down meal, you could think about the character meal at the Garden Grill in the Land, or Coral Reef in the Living Seas, where the aquarium helps to keep children occupied.

It's still Disney, but Disney with some breathing space. I hope you have a wonderful time! How fun to see your friends' reactions when they first arrive!

 

[jimmytammy]

Im gonna take a different twist on this subject. Our 1st trip was with nine people. It is good to go with someone who has been before, but remember, everyone travels at different speeds.
My suggestion is for you to get a Birnbaums guide to the folks that are first timers, let them look it over and see what may interest them. Then you plug in to things that shouldnt be missed aka Illuminations, Some of the parades, that kind of stuff. Once they feel somewhat comfortable with their surroundings, ask them sincerely if they want to visit a park on their own(at their pace) and yall meet up for supper and spend the rest of the evenings together.

I only make this suggestion as another way to do things. If yall move to fast, they will get burnt out, if you move to slow, they will complain they didnt get to see everything they wanted to see. Get together for the special activities like MNSSHP and the fireworks and eating. I only write this from experience. This may be something to consider. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Jordan's MOM]

Even though we too like to do MK on our first day, we try to wait until our first full day. By arriving on Sat afternoon, i would go to Epcot and do illumination there that night. I would make Sunday an EE day and spend all of the day at MK except for a long afternoon rest break at the resort. To make it throught MNSSHP, you will all need it!!!!
Monday I would divide between AK and MGM hitting just those things that you most want to see. Since your friends have never been, this will give them a small taste of the rest of the world.
Also remember that your friend's child is much younger that your children. He may crash earlier and plans might have to change. I think just for a week-end that you might all be fine to tour together as long as you look to everyones needs.


Have fun planning,

Jordan's mom

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by jimmytammy
Im gonna take a different twist on this subject. Our 1st trip was with nine people. It is good to go with someone who has been before, but remember, everyone travels at different speeds.
My suggestion is for you to get a Birnbaums guide to the folks that are first timers, let them look it over and see what may interest them. Then you plug in to things that shouldnt be missed aka Illuminations, Some of the parades, that kind of stuff. Once they feel somewhat comfortable with their surroundings, ask them sincerely if they want to visit a park on their own(at their pace) and yall meet up for supper and spend the rest of the evenings together.

I think that jimmytammy makes an excellent point here. I don't mean to badger the original poster, but couldn't help by notice a comment made very early on that read "the kids don’t care for WS (World Showcase)".

It is admirable for you to "take the point" and be the planner in your traveling party. Everyone will likely get more out of their trip due to your hard work and research ahead of time.

The only caution I will offer is to remember that you are planning for your friends as well. The World Showcase may not be the most "magical" place at WDW, but that's no guarantee that your friends or their children won't want to spend more time there.

That said, I have a couple of other dining suggestions for the Epcot area:

ESPN Club - This is on the boardwalk, which is accessible via boat or about a 5 min walk from the International Gateway. Food isn't great, but the atmosphere is. They often have sports figures (coaches, players, etc.) there in the evenings. I think it's a "can't miss" for the sports fan.

Cape May Cafe - This is at the Yacht/Beach Club resort, which is the same 5 min walk from the International Gateway. They have Disney characters present at all meals wearing beach-theme garb. The food is buffet, with a seafood focus.

 

[holcomb-mania]

Excellent points.

Family 2 basically came into frame after hearing us talk about FTP and how awesome DW is. I told them that a Disney vacation is great, but can be a lot of work. I also warned them the 3-year old could present challenges that the 8 and 6-year olds wouldn't.

We bought them the Unofficial Guide over a month ago. I've tried to be upfront with Family 2 regarding our touring plan. I've stressed that this is our (Family 1) plan, that we would love for them to accompany us, but they can also choose their own path. I have tried to build the plan with all 8 of us in mind: by making PS under the assumption that we would be together, attempting to balance late nights with late(r) mornings (i.e., no EE after Illuminations or MNSSHP), and alotting rest/pool time several days, being mindful that their kids may not be into all-day park touring. My framework has been built as a guide. My family may not even follow it once we hit the ground.

The suggestions have me thinking. I may not go straight to EPCOT, instead hitting the pool/dig site at CSR, then Beaches and Cream or something at Boardwalk, before heading over to WS. In fact, this was my in first draft plan, and I changed it at the suggestion of Family 2.

This is good stuff. Can't get enough of it.

This task has fallen to me. Trust me, there WILL NOT be a plan if I don't do it. And I relish the challenge.