April 2020 First Trip - would love input on plan and when I can squeeze in a sitter

[Jen81NYC]

Hi! First trip in less than two months! Only just booked in early January so planning still in process. Two boys: one turning 7 on this trip and a fairly impatient 4.5yo, who’s gonna be a real wild card! This is a surprise trip for them

Details:
Hotel: Poly, Deluxe Studio Villa
04/12 arrival day: 8am flight from NYC, arrives at 11am. Went ahead and booked some MK FPs just in case; FPs done by 4:30. No ADR scheduled to keep some flexibility since no idea what the boys’ mood or energy will be.
4/13: AK, first FP at 9:50, done with FPs at 2, late Tusker House brunch. Didn’t get FOP FP, unfortunately (look at me using acronyms now!) No evening ADR so thinking resort day afternoon?
4/14: Epcot, PPO breakfast at Garden Grill. Initial FPs done by 1. 5:30pm ADR at Via Napoli and probably resort time in between. However: There’s a ticketed after hours event in AK this night—wondering if worth getting a sitter and going there with DH? Least convenient park to Poly, unfortunately and do have rope drop the next day. But riding FOP once or twice would be great, along with some no kids park time.
4/15: HS, FPs done by 2:30. Right now have two early dinner ADRs—Ohana, much more convenient, Storybook dining—maybe better? But who knows how ROTR boarding pass stuff will shake out so may cancel ADR.
4/16: Early Morning Magic (7:45am) at MK. FPs done by 1:45. ADR at Biergarten at 5:30—maybe resort time before that.
4/17: Back in HS. FPs done by 1pm. This is my son’s actual bday and considering HEA dessert party or pirate pals as a fun and special splurge (but could also do this on another day). Alternatively, there’s a villains after dark event in MK this night and could get sitter and do that with hubby (but feel guilty since it’s my son’s bday—would be so fun though, right? Very torn!!)
4/18: departure day, 6pm flight. Current ADR breakfast at Ohanas at 8am, some early MK FPs scheduled.

Would love any input!! And also any thoughts on when would be good to schedule a sitter (if any) and when to schedule HEA dessert party or Pirate Pals. Not really wedded to any of the ADRs apart from maybe TH and Garden Grill, in case you think I need to cancel or change ADRs.

Thanks so much!! DH thinks I’ve gone mad and just says “sounds good” any time I ask what he thinks

 

[DWillowBay]

You've been busy planning, that's for sure. I don't know if you're giving yourself enough time to get from landing to the resort and then to the park on the first day. Are you taking Magical Express? Renting a car? All that takes more time than most people budget for it. To be on the safe side, I always budget 2 - 2.5 hours from landing to park...and I'm not moving little ones through time and space.
Day 2 looks good and I'm glad you're thinking of some down time.
Day 3 - I'd say, if you're going to get a babysitter, this would be the night to do it. AK at night is beautiful and if you and DH want some alone time, there's a peacefulness at AK that allows for that.
Day 4 - Just my opinion having done ROTR (and AAAALLLL that was) last week, I wouldn't schedule out of park ADRs on that day. Yes, currently, you have 2 hours to get back to the park, but with little ones, this could be very stressful if they have to be rushed through dinner. Again, just my opinion.
Day 5 - looks fine though I'm not a fan of Biergarten, but MANY people are, so ....
Day 6 - I've done the Pirates & Pals....SO WORTH IT!! Great snacks! Totally funny Pirates that take you out on the water and amazing fireworks from 7 Seas Lagoon. There are also some "special guests" that are very fun! (No spoilers here). That would be a REALLY special birthday!
Day 7 - Ohana breakfast is great! Stitch is fun and it's the only place to see Lilo.
Sounds like you're gonna have a great first trip. Just remember not to overdo and stress everyone. There's no way to do EVERYTHING. Just know you're priorities and have fun.

 

[Jen81NYC]

thanks so much for your input! So appreciated! I did have a friend who can also book Disney travel help me pick a hotel and sketch out which days to do what or I would be sooo lost now! I think I am going to go for it in terms of AK after hours so may end up cancelling Via Napoli/Epcot at 5:30 (unless it’s not much of a schlep to go from Poly to Epcot at 5 and then back to Poly to meet sitter after dinner? I just can’t quite tell how long this stuff takes). And if I do that, I’ll swap out Biergarten for Via Napoli I’ve never been to AK so not ordinarily a park Id envision paying extra money for but seems the most doable that week. Thanks so much again! Especially for the Pirate Pals input!!

 

[lisa cameron]

Pirates and Pals all the way!

 

[cgattis]

My thoughts....I think you’re going to want to stay at AK most all day if you’ve never done it. It’s a beautiful park.

Personally I LOVE the Poly, so if I was looking for quiet time with DH, I’d get a sitter and stay on the grounds. Sushi at Kona, drinks at Trader Sams, just walking the grounds amid the tiki torches, maybe a tipsy Dole Whip, and then watch fireworks from the beach. THAT would be my ideal romantic evening! (But AK at night is beautiful too, for sure.)

 

[lovethesun12]

Hi! First trip in less than two months! Only just booked in early January so planning still in process. Two boys: one turning 7 on this trip and a fairly impatient 4.5yo, who’s gonna be a real wild card! This is a surprise trip for them

Details:
Hotel: Poly, Deluxe Studio Villa
04/12 arrival day: 8am flight from NYC, arrives at 11am. Went ahead and booked some MK FPs just in case; FPs done by 4:30. No ADR scheduled to keep some flexibility since no idea what the boys’ mood or energy will be.
4/13: AK, first FP at 9:50, done with FPs at 2, late Tusker House brunch. Didn’t get FOP FP, unfortunately (look at me using acronyms now!) No evening ADR so thinking resort day afternoon?
4/14: Epcot, PPO breakfast at Garden Grill. Initial FPs done by 1. 5:30pm ADR at Via Napoli and probably resort time in between. However: There’s a ticketed after hours event in AK this night—wondering if worth getting a sitter and going there with DH? Least convenient park to Poly, unfortunately and do have rope drop the next day. But riding FOP once or twice would be great, along with some no kids park time.
4/15: HS, FPs done by 2:30. Right now have two early dinner ADRs—Ohana, much more convenient, Storybook dining—maybe better? But who knows how ROTR boarding pass stuff will shake out so may cancel ADR.
4/16: Early Morning Magic (7:45am) at MK. FPs done by 1:45. ADR at Biergarten at 5:30—maybe resort time before that.
4/17: Back in HS. FPs done by 1pm. This is my son’s actual bday and considering HEA dessert party or pirate pals as a fun and special splurge (but could also do this on another day). Alternatively, there’s a villains after dark event in MK this night and could get sitter and do that with hubby (but feel guilty since it’s my son’s bday—would be so fun though, right? Very torn!!)
4/18: departure day, 6pm flight. Current ADR breakfast at Ohanas at 8am, some early MK FPs scheduled.

Would love any input!! And also any thoughts on when would be good to schedule a sitter (if any) and when to schedule HEA dessert party or Pirate Pals. Not really wedded to any of the ADRs apart from maybe TH and Garden Grill, in case you think I need to cancel or change ADRs.

Thanks so much!! DH thinks I’ve gone mad and just says “sounds good” any time I ask what he thinks

I have kids the exact same age. Considering this is your first time, there are a few things I would consider.
First, Easter is insanely busy (I guess you know that), it's your first time and your resort is *SO* convenient for MK (you are paying a premium for this). I totally agree using your mornings for HS/Epcot/AK and having lunches/FP+ finished early and heading to the poly to enjoy it (that's exactly what I would do as well). But I would definitely not go back to Epcot for the evenings, I would stick to the MK area dining instead with the possibility of going back to MK. Easter can be insanely crowded (although you are going a little late Easter so it may be slightly better) so I would take full advantage of being close to the best park for young kids and consider just spending all my evenings there.

Second, I would 100% be springing for the dessert party on the last night. Not that it's a huge deal to miss the evening of your kids birthday, but you're already feeling (unnecessarily ) guilty about taking off that night and when you get there you'll probably feel even more guilty and you won't be able to cancel. I think the dessert party would be a fun event for you all and you won't have anything to worry about then

Third, the AK after hours sounds fun and if that's where your mind is do it. Something else to consider is the fact that HS, Epcot, and MK all have evening extra magic hours while you're there. That gives you a ton more flexibility plus it's free so maybe then you could do another family event somewhere if something is available instead of AK after hours.

Fourth - My DH is a "meh" for Disney person when it comes to plans too, lol. We went with parents one time and did a park together and it was definitely fun so the after hours I'm sure would be an awesome choice. Just to put it out there though (Since I have no idea what your personalities are) my DH likes the resort relaxing a lot while I'm a go, go, go person at Disney. I sometimes take advantage of this and go solo to a park with evening EMH on my own. Last year I did MK on my own and it was so much fun. You don't have to lock into the after hours and it was nice to have some time to myself and try things I really wanted to that would have been a hassle with the entire family there.

I'm sure you are going to have an awesome time either way! Have a great vacation!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Hi! First trip in less than two months! Only just booked in early January so planning still in process. Two boys: one turning 7 on this trip and a fairly impatient 4.5yo, who’s gonna be a real wild card! This is a surprise trip for them

Details:
Hotel: Poly, Deluxe Studio Villa
04/12 arrival day: 8am flight from NYC, arrives at 11am. Went ahead and booked some MK FPs just in case; FPs done by 4:30. No ADR scheduled to keep some flexibility since no idea what the boys’ mood or energy will be.
4/13: AK, first FP at 9:50, done with FPs at 2, late Tusker House brunch. Didn’t get FOP FP, unfortunately (look at me using acronyms now!) No evening ADR so thinking resort day afternoon?
4/14: Epcot, PPO breakfast at Garden Grill. Initial FPs done by 1. 5:30pm ADR at Via Napoli and probably resort time in between. However: There’s a ticketed after hours event in AK this night—wondering if worth getting a sitter and going there with DH? Least convenient park to Poly, unfortunately and do have rope drop the next day. But riding FOP once or twice would be great, along with some no kids park time.
4/15: HS, FPs done by 2:30. Right now have two early dinner ADRs—Ohana, much more convenient, Storybook dining—maybe better? But who knows how ROTR boarding pass stuff will shake out so may cancel ADR.
4/16: Early Morning Magic (7:45am) at MK. FPs done by 1:45. ADR at Biergarten at 5:30—maybe resort time before that.
4/17: Back in HS. FPs done by 1pm. This is my son’s actual bday and considering HEA dessert party or pirate pals as a fun and special splurge (but could also do this on another day). Alternatively, there’s a villains after dark event in MK this night and could get sitter and do that with hubby (but feel guilty since it’s my son’s bday—would be so fun though, right? Very torn!!)
4/18: departure day, 6pm flight. Current ADR breakfast at Ohanas at 8am, some early MK FPs scheduled.

Would love any input!! And also any thoughts on when would be good to schedule a sitter (if any) and when to schedule HEA dessert party or Pirate Pals. Not really wedded to any of the ADRs apart from maybe TH and Garden Grill, in case you think I need to cancel or change ADRs.

Thanks so much!! DH thinks I’ve gone mad and just says “sounds good” any time I ask what he thinks

4/12 - Looks good!
4/13 - Looks good, too!
4/14 - I would not do resort time between your last FP+ and Via Napoli. It takes forever to get from place to place in WDW. IMHO, if you want to do AK After Hours or hire a sitter to do something else this evening, I would leave EP after your last FP+ (or shortly thereafter) and to back to Poly. You could get the kids QS for dinner and meet the sitter. If you decide you don't want to spend the money on AK After Hours, there are a TON of things you could do for a relaxing date night that wouldn't require staying out so late to ruin your RD in the morning.
4/15 - If you are hoping for a ROTR BG, you may need to keep this day loose in terms of ADRs. Maybe try rescheduling Storybook or 'Ohana for 4/13 if you decide to go back to the resort after EP to meet the sitter on 4/14?
4/16 - FP+ ending at 1:45 pm and Biergarten at 5:30 pm doesn't give you a lot of resort time - you could try re-scheduling 'Ohana or Storybook for this day - so much more convenient.
4/17 - Both the dessert party and Pirates and Pals are fun. I would just think if your younger child can sit on a boat for about 45 minutes or so on P&P. My DS got a bit antsy when we did this a few years back. I wouldn't do Villains on my DS's b-day, but that's just me. I would pick another night for the sitter.
4/18 - keep in mind, you have to pack and be out of the hotel room by 11 am. I'm not a huge fan of rigid plans on departure day. Especially if you are out late the night before. I would probably try to move the 'Ohana breakfast to another day.

 

[lisa cameron]

Our boys were 4 and 6 when we did Pirate and Pals, one of them has ADHD. They had no problem staying entertained on the boat ride and actually preferred it over the thousands of people at HEA.

 

[Monykalyn]

OP planning like a pro!!
Go for the AK after hours-the park is gorgeous at night and you won't want to miss FoP. Great night for a sitter, will give the boys a break and be refreshed for RD in the morning. We've used the in room sitters twice for grandson in January-they come prepared to entertain the kids (he is 4). If you can head out before the park is closed start with an app/drink at Nomads (by Tiffins) at entrance to Pandora. May be my favorite place in all of WDW. Or alternately head to Disney springs for a leisurely dinner and shopping.

Since you are going at a busy time-go for the HEA dessert party-then you can get some great snacks and great fireworks viewing out of the crowd. Normally I'm not a huge fan of these things-but during busy times I do think they have value; we did one on 12/30 a few years ago for DH and I and was totally worth getting out of the claustrophobic crowds!

HS day and boarding groups-depending on your BG number you may have time to take a skyliner to either epcot or one of the resorts for a meal-the boys may get a kick out of seeing AoA and larger than life icons at Pop Century. The food court at AoA is actually pretty decent too, then you wouldn't be tied down to an ADR for lunch. Epcot has tons of great CS as well (but doesn't sound like you have park hoppers?)

Have a fabulous trip-It is so fun to have an actual birthday in Disney! . your boys ages are perfect for the wonder of Disney!

 

[Jen81NYC]

OP planning like a pro!!
Go for the AK after hours-the park is gorgeous at night and you won't want to miss FoP. Great night for a sitter, will give the boys a break and be refreshed for RD in the morning. We've used the in room sitters twice for grandson in January-they come prepared to entertain the kids (he is 4). If you can head out before the park is closed start with an app/drink at Nomads (by Tiffins) at entrance to Pandora. May be my favorite place in all of WDW. Or alternately head to Disney springs for a leisurely dinner and shopping.

Since you are going at a busy time-go for the HEA dessert party-then you can get some great snacks and great fireworks viewing out of the crowd. Normally I'm not a huge fan of these things-but during busy times I do think they have value; we did one on 12/30 a few years ago for DH and I and was totally worth getting out of the claustrophobic crowds!

HS day and boarding groups-depending on your BG number you may have time to take a skyliner to either epcot or one of the resorts for a meal-the boys may get a kick out of seeing AoA and larger than life icons at Pop Century. The food court at AoA is actually pretty decent too, then you wouldn't be tied down to an ADR for lunch. Epcot has tons of great CS as well (but doesn't sound like you have park hoppers?)

Have a fabulous trip-It is so fun to have an actual birthday in Disney! . your boys ages are perfect for the wonder of Disney!

Thanks so much! We do have park hoppers! I’m just not totally clear on how easy it is to move from park to park—for ex, I had no idea HS is so close to Epcot? Also with two kids, transitions to places can be daunting but gonna do my best. My whole life is essentially that Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly scene where she’s like “by all means move at a glacial pace, you know how that thrills me”
I think I’m gonna do AK after dark! While I do love the idea of a chill resort time date, I *hope* to get some good resort time with the kids even though i know it won’t be exactly the same. And a theme park after dark is definitely something we can’t get in Manhattan, versus dining and shopping. I’m so excited! 54 days until i surprise the boys and 55 until we leave!!

 

[first*toright]

Thanks so much! We do have park hoppers! I’m just not totally clear on how easy it is to move from park to park—for ex, I had no idea HS is so close to Epcot? Also with two kids, transitions to places can be daunting but gonna do my best. My whole life is essentially that Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly scene where she’s like “by all means move at a glacial pace, you know how that thrills me”
I think I’m gonna do AK after dark! While I do love the idea of a chill resort time date, I *hope* to get some good resort time with the kids even though i know it won’t be exactly the same. And a theme park after dark is definitely something we can’t get in Manhattan, versus dining and shopping. I’m so excited! 54 days until i surprise the boys and 55 until we leave!!

I think doing AK as your date night is a great idea. In addition for FoP and the pandora part (very pretty at night), Everest is one of my favorite rides anywhere. You will appreciate being able to move through the park unencumbered by your kiddos. Don't try to squeeze in an Epcot dinner - feed the kids at Captain Cooke's and have a bite to eat at AK before the after hours starts - you can show up as early as 7pm. I like Nomad Lounge at Tiffins - good drinks and tasty small plates (and calm atmosphere). Just remember if you stay until the end, you may well not be back in your room until 1am or later. So, consider giving yourself permission to sleep in and skip RD at HS the next morning, if you don't feel like getting up early after a late night. Yes, that would mean you'd have no shot at a RoTR BG, but you do have another HS day where you could go for that.

The ride is awesome but HS is so mobbed first thing in the morning, even if you get there early enough to be at the front of the pack for one of the big rides, by the time you get off, there are huge lines everywhere. Ask whether its worth doing a theme park day on 4 hours of sleep of sleep for a chance at a BG and one additional ride (and then having to stick around in a park with crazy lines for most of the day, if you get a late BG). If you don't have a BG messing with your timing, you could show up, do your FPs, check out Galaxy's Edge, head back to the resort and then plan a nice ADR for that evening (I've heard Storybook Dining is really fun, and if you aren't in a rush or too tired, the monorail/boat trip to WL from the Poly can be a nice little adventure with kids, just give it plenty of time). That way you could enjoy your date night and not have to get up at 5am.

Make your other HS day your early day and try for a BG/good first ride. Yes, this means there is a somewhat higher chance you won't get a BG and will miss out on the newest ride available (if you only try for it on one day), but I would trade out the 20 mins of RoTR for a fun 4-5 hours alone with my DH in the middle of a family vacation and a decent night's sleep, personally.

I've heard nothing but good things about Pirates & Pals- that would be a v. cool birthday celebration.

In my opinion, there are really no food options at Disney that are worth hauling yourself to a park just for a meal. From Poly to Epcot, its probably a 45 minute monorail or walk/monorail ride to the front of the park, and then a good 20mins or half hour walk to the restaurant from the front of the park (at kid speed - or maybe longer depending on the distraction factor). So Ohana would win over your Epcot food choices, if I were in your shoes (even thought I'm not crazy about the food there). The trip to dinner is fine, its the trip back with tired kids that makes it less worth it to me.

Sounds like a fun trip!

 

[Alison S]

Hi! First trip in less than two months! Only just booked in early January so planning still in process. Two boys: one turning 7 on this trip and a fairly impatient 4.5yo, who’s gonna be a real wild card! This is a surprise trip for them

Details:
Hotel: Poly, Deluxe Studio Villa
04/12 arrival day: 8am flight from NYC, arrives at 11am. Went ahead and booked some MK FPs just in case; FPs done by 4:30. No ADR scheduled to keep some flexibility since no idea what the boys’ mood or energy will be.
4/13: AK, first FP at 9:50, done with FPs at 2, late Tusker House brunch. Didn’t get FOP FP, unfortunately (look at me using acronyms now!) No evening ADR so thinking resort day afternoon?
4/14: Epcot, PPO breakfast at Garden Grill. Initial FPs done by 1. 5:30pm ADR at Via Napoli and probably resort time in between. However: There’s a ticketed after hours event in AK this night—wondering if worth getting a sitter and going there with DH? Least convenient park to Poly, unfortunately and do have rope drop the next day. But riding FOP once or twice would be great, along with some no kids park time.
4/15: HS, FPs done by 2:30. Right now have two early dinner ADRs—Ohana, much more convenient, Storybook dining—maybe better? But who knows how ROTR boarding pass stuff will shake out so may cancel ADR.
4/16: Early Morning Magic (7:45am) at MK. FPs done by 1:45. ADR at Biergarten at 5:30—maybe resort time before that.
4/17: Back in HS. FPs done by 1pm. This is my son’s actual bday and considering HEA dessert party or pirate pals as a fun and special splurge (but could also do this on another day). Alternatively, there’s a villains after dark event in MK this night and could get sitter and do that with hubby (but feel guilty since it’s my son’s bday—would be so fun though, right? Very torn!!)
4/18: departure day, 6pm flight. Current ADR breakfast at Ohanas at 8am, some early MK FPs scheduled.

Would love any input!! And also any thoughts on when would be good to schedule a sitter (if any) and when to schedule HEA dessert party or Pirate Pals. Not really wedded to any of the ADRs apart from maybe TH and Garden Grill, in case you think I need to cancel or change ADRs.

Thanks so much!! DH thinks I’ve gone mad and just says “sounds good” any time I ask what he thinks

Hi, I've gone recently with my son who was 6 & 7 at the time. First time stayed at the Poly in the studio villa.

-Arrival day sounds good, since your room may not be ready I like your plan of going to MK for as long as you guys want. Then you could come back at check out the pool & eat supper at the resort (we loved eating at the pool, or you could try the QS). If you arrive at 11 AM you may be at the resort at 1 PM, check in/drop off bags, transport to MK, security, etc I would plan on being at MK at 2. Does that work with your FP? Maybe the first could be 1:30-2:30. Plus you'll need to eat lunch somewhere along the way.
-AK: you could RD FoP, or just try for a same day FP. I didn't find it that hard to get same day FoP. When my son was 7 he LOVED it. We didn't bother when he was 6. For your family I probably wouldn't worry about it, if you happen to get a FP then great. Even without doing any of the "thrill" rides your kids will have a great day: Navi, Lion King show, Safari, animal trails, meet Mickey & Minnie, Meet Donald, Meet Chip & Dale, triceratop spin (my son loved going on it multiple times), plus your ADR.
-doing an AH event would be fun if you're comfortable with a babysitter!
HS- I agree with not scheduling any ADR that day unless they're in the park. You could replace the Via Napoli one with one you want more that evening?
-EMM we did last year, so that's a great idea for your kids. Remember to not go on SDMT first thing! Do other rides first then do SDMT in the last half hour.

DS loved the pool at the poly so you'll probably end up spending a couple hours there every day.

I'll also echo what the other poster said about transportation taking FOREVER. We definitely had no desire to go back to a park (unless it was MK) later in the day.

 

[Jen81NYC]

Thanks so much everyone for the input! If we get a sitter for AK Tuesday after park hours and then forego trying to get a ROTR boarding pass that Wednesday due to tiredness, does anyone know if this affects my plan for the boys to do Jedi Academy? I figured I’d sign up first thing since we’d be there before rope drop but if we get there maybe an hour after RD, not sure if that means a long wait for Jedi Academy? Thanks!!

 

[first*toright]

Thanks so much everyone for the input! If we get a sitter for AK Tuesday after park hours and then forego trying to get a ROTR boarding pass that Wednesday due to tiredness, does anyone know if this affects my plan for the boys to do Jedi Academy? I figured I’d sign up first thing since we’d be there before rope drop but if we get there maybe an hour after RD, not sure if that means a long wait for Jedi Academy? Thanks!!

We did Jedi Academy in late January. On the first day I checked, they still had spots at a little after 9am - and the park had opened at 7am. They were later in the day, but they had them. The day we actually did it, we signed up at about 8:30 (again, 7am opening) and could choose anytime after noon. The line to sign up wasn't very long either day. You are going at a busier time, so YMMV, but it seems to be less crazy than it used to be.

 

[SwanVT2]

thanks so much for your input! So appreciated! I did have a friend who can also book Disney travel help me pick a hotel and sketch out which days to do what or I would be sooo lost now! I think I am going to go for it in terms of AK after hours so may end up cancelling Via Napoli/Epcot at 5:30 (unless it’s not much of a schlep to go from Poly to Epcot at 5 and then back to Poly to meet sitter after dinner? I just can’t quite tell how long this stuff takes). And if I do that, I’ll swap out Biergarten for Via Napoli I’ve never been to AK so not ordinarily a park Id envision paying extra money for but seems the most doable that week. Thanks so much again! Especially for the Pirate Pals input!!

We love Biergarten and the entertainment is so fun! Our daughter loved dancing during the music when she was 5!