Calling all experts please!!!!!!!!!!

[gonnago]

I have booked the Magic Your Way package for May 31st-June3rd.It will be myself along with ds17 dd14.It is our first trip and I know that 4 days is not enough to do/see everything.With that being said I would like your input on which days for which parks(w-sat) and what attractions/shows are definately not to miss for their ages.Not much time to plan so would love all of the input/advice I can get.Thanks

 

[thelionqueen]

We'll be there during that time as well. Here are my suggestions.

MGM is a MUST for your kids. It has TOT, RNR, Star Tours, WWTBAM and lots of other stuff. Plan on an entire day here.

Epcot is also a must. Test Track, Soarin and Mission Space will send the kids into thrill overload...an entire day here as well.

on an off note, I would STRONGLY suggest going to a water park.
We personally like Typhoon Lagoon, but maybe BB would be a better choice for that age group (Summit Plummet). That may sound weird, but the water parks are more popular to my kids, and they're little, than most of the theme parks.

Magic Kingdom is a must do, even if just for a little while. It has Space Mtn, Splash Mtn and BMR, but the magic is there. It is Disney.

Forgot that Expedition Everest will be open, so I would plan a half day here to do that and Dinosaur.

I would avoid MK on Saturday and Epcot on Sunday..just my personal experience. If you can do them mid-week, should be a little less crowded.

Hope that helps. Have fun, we will!!!

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

Get to the parks at opening!!! Can't stress that enough!! We were there only 4 days this time during Presidents Week and we got to do everything we wanted to do. Also, use the Fast Pass system as much as you can. You are usually eligible for a new fast pass every 2 hours, however, check you ticket for the exact time as it could be less then 2 hours.

Have a great trip.

 

[abbie13_15]

at those ages epcot was my least favorite. its a lot of walking and looking. but i enjoy it now.

 

[scrubnurse]

Check out the magic hours for the parks during your vacation. These are hours that the parks are open only to resort guests, not to the public. For example, we just got back from our trip last night and for us, Epcot was open till midnight on Fridays. It usually closes at 9pm to the public, so that gave us an extra 3 hours at the park. We practically walked on everything. All the parks have magic hours, you just have to check out which days. There are also early magic hours, meaning you can enter the park before the public. I know you don't have much time, but I second the water park statement, we did this on our last day and had an awesome time. Also your teens would probably LOVE Disneyquest. It is a FIVE story video arcade. I could not get my kids out of there! It was their favorite place. If it is included in your package, I would try it, atleast for a few hours. It is open till midnight, so we would catch it after the parks closed.
All of the games are free once you get in and there are lots of virtual reality games that are really neat.
You will have fun no matter where you go.

 

[tiggrbaby]

For the water park, I would also recommend TL over BB. In addition to a better wave pool, they have the shark tank and the new slides that are really cool!

Since your kids are older, you can get to a water park first thing in the morning and stay until about 3 or 4. Then head to a theme park until closing. You just need to plan ahead of time what the "must sees" are and make those the focus. And go, go , go! You can sleep when you get back to work!

 

[clydenora]

Personally, I would suggest you consider a water park only if you can't go to one near home. This is only my opinion, but I have always felt the real magic at WDW is the theme parks. Each time we have gone, it has been for four full days. We have yet to go to a water park.

Other than that, I agree with the other posters. Disney Quest, if your kids enjoy video/arcade games...and make good use of extra magic hours.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I would not do a water park if I only had 4 days and it was my first trip. Just take advantage of your hotel pool.

 

[gonnago]

Thanks eveyone for the advice and quick responses.Just to let everyone know that we plan on going to one of the water parks on sun the 4th.We will be staying offsite then and can use that day for the waterpark.We also have tickets to US & IOA for 5 days.It was a great deal for the tickets buy 2 day pass get 3 extra days free so I bought them those for a Christmas present to use this summer.Always wanted to do Disney but new tickets made it too pricey.I checked out the MYW Package and with the free hopping option and free water park option it was too good of a deal to pass up.So thats why it is a last minute decision and the special is only good through June 3 so doesn't leave much time to plan this once in a lifetime vacation.So I truly am grateful to all for any/all advice/suggestions. Thanks again!!!!!

 

[KJHawley]

Since this is your first trip, I'd recommend buying a good guidebook and reading it cover to cover. Make a list of questions as you go through it, and ask them here on DIS!

Like most people, I'd recommend Passporter and the Unofficial Guide- with Passporter being the best. It has color maps, user reviews, and lots of places to take notes or make plans.
Other good guides include The Luxury Guide to WDW (even if you're on a budget) and Birnbaum's (for pictures).

Considering the hundreds (or thousands) of dollars you're spending on the trip, getting a good guidebook will be the best $20 you'll spend!

 

[renessa]

You've got plenty of time to plan your "attack" on the parks. My best tip would be to purchase tourguidemike.com ! He's in the parks all the time (private tourguide) and he can help you decided which day to do which park, what rides to do early in the day, etc. Unlike a book, he is always updating. If you prefer a book to an online source, I like the Unofficial Guide because it has cut outs in the back for each park. Have a great trip!!!

 

[BYC]

I think 5 days is too many for universal. I think 3 days there is plenty. Maybe you can get a couple of Disney days added instead, and do it all!

 

[StitchIsOurHero]

I can't really add any info to what's already been said, but I just wanted to say have a great trip! If it's your first time at WDW, you will love it and everything will be magical! Even if you can't do it "all" , you can come home and plan another trip!

 

[Thekidsmom]

You need to check out the schedule for Gay Days and avoid the park that the convention is scheduled to be at. They go to a different park on different days, and the park will be extremely buy on the days they are there.I planned our trip and then found out about this that is why I am passing it on.

 

[gonnago]

and where would I find that info?

 

[gonnago]

I think 5 days is too many for universal. I think 3 days there is plenty. Maybe you can get a couple of Disney days added instead, and do it all!

I do not know if we will do the 5 days at US & IOA just the deal of getting up to 5 days for the price of 2.Already purchased those tickets and really can't add more days to Disney $wise unfortunately. Maybe do 3 days and just use xtra 2 days to relax before going back home and back to work lol.

 

[KJHawley]

and where would I find that info?

www.gaydays.com

The schedule:

Thursday, June 1 - Animal Kingdom
Friday, June 2 - Sea World
Saturday, June 3 - Magic Kingdom

June 3 & 4 is also a Star Wars weekend at Disney Studios, so expect to find DS packed as well on those days.