Any comments on our itinerary would be greatly appreciated

[Threegirls]

This is our first family trip to WDW. Our family consists of myself, DH, DD(11) and twin DD(5). My mom will also join us for three days while DD is working at a conference.

We are staying at HIFS 4/24 - 5/2. We needed the extra space with my mom coming to stay with us.

So far I have planned the following:

Sat: Check in - hang out at hotel, dinner PS at 1900 Park Fare and trip to Downtown Disney to pick up autograph books

Sun: AK, Lunch PS at Rainforest
Pick up mom from airport 7:00 pm

Mon-Wed will be with my mom and not DH

Mon: Seaworld (high priority for DD(10))

Tue: MK (rest midday at hotel), Spectro and Wishes at night

Wed: TL drop mom off at airport at 6:00 pm

thur: rest day maybe mini-golf, PS Hoop-De-Doo and try to catch EWP

Fri: MK in morning then over to MGM for Fantasmic PS at 4:10 PM

Sat: Epcot (rest midday at hotel); back for dinner PS at Teppanyaki and Illum

Sun: check out then MGM, lunch PS at 50's diner then late flight

What do you think? Do I need to rent stroller(s) for the 5 year olds? I want to have a definite plan but I also want to allow time for character interaction etc.

Any tips would be great. This board has been a HUGE help but this is my first post. THANKS!

 

[XStAnt]

I like this itinerary. You avoid the EMH parks, since you can't take advantage of it. Good pacing with an off day.

One suggestion. On your arrival day you are going to DTD at night. If your flight gets in early enough to let everyone rest up before heading to DTD, I'd suggest getting tickets to see Cirque. It's a great show. I know it's expensive and you already have a lot planned so it's just a suggestion.

One comment. I like the idea of a mid day break, especially with two 5 year olds. Just keep in mind when HIFS says they are one mile from Disney it means 1 mile from the entrance gate. The MK is another 6 miles on Disney property and the other parks are a couple of miles from the entrance. You'll need to factor in that time to drive to and from HIFS. Don't get me wrong, I think the break could be very helpful. I just wanted you to be sure you planned for travel time.

Perhaps on your off day on your TL day you could schedule a late character breakfast at Chef Mickey's. I lnow you've already got one character meal so this is just another suggestion.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[Fooboy]

i agree, since you don't need the EMH's, it's good to stay away from those parks on their EE days. The stroller probably wouldn't be a bad idea since the kids will get tired. But the afternoon rests are a definite MUST!! When my girlfriend and I went back during the Christmas crush season, we were at the parks from 6AM - Closing. I finally couldn't take the exhaustion any more and we had to begin resting in the afternoons. It was AMAZING how much more energy and more importantly, fun we had! Good luck!! Have Fun!!!

Foobs

 

[disneyfan551]

I have to disagree. Personally, we don't like hotel breaks. You are at Disney, why rest!? We just go, take our time, and don't worry about rushing around like crazy. Our dd takes naps when she's ready, and we never have to 'make' her take one at a certain time, while we are in the parks. As others have said, you are staying off-property and that's going to add travel time. Not to mention the frustration and stress of going back and forth. Just because you stay at the park all day, does not mean you have to do it commando style. JMHO...

Regarding the stroller, it will be a must have! It can make for a long day for our feet, much less a childs!

I like your plan overall. I would suggest looking into the vouchers for your meal at AK. And possibly the Safari Club, we love ours!

And, just curious about taking the kids to 50's at MGM. I would think that age would prefer SciFi or ToyStory. Just a thought.

Have a great trip! We'll be in the World the same time as you!

 

[JudithM]

What a nice family vacation you have planned!

I believe you should be able to buy autograph books at the GF before your dinner at 1900 Park Fare. Is this still a character dinner? It has been awhile since I have had dinner there. If it is, then you probably want those autograph books before dinner.

I hope you enjoy Sea World! We visited SW for the first time last trip. What a lovely park!

You might want to consider a stroller for your daughters. My 6 year old niece was with us on a trip last year & my sister retned a stroller. That way when my niece got tired of walking, she could sit in the stroller for awhile.

 

[MikeWazowski]

Perfect dining choices. 1900 Park fare is my families favorite character meal

 

[Threegirls]

Thanks everyone for your tips!

I will have to think more about the rest breaks. The day we go to MK my mom will be with us and I think she will need a break even if the twins don't.