Calling Itinerary Gurus! Help with 12/7-12/10 Trip

[ceeceegee]

I’ve got a puzzle for all you planners out there! Really having trouble deciding on itinerary for upcoming trip to do Christmas stuff (never been for holidays) and now added 2 newbies to trip so trying to fit in ALL THE THINGS.

The Basics: 12/7 – 12/10 Staying at AKL; Currently have 2-day PH tix + “free” regular dining plan (bounceback offer last fall); willing to add another park ticket day if that would help

These are our Must Dos: MVMCP, JBJB, Illuminations, FOP, Boathouse, Trader Sams, Mizners for Orchestra, Cali Grill Lounge for drink if possible

*note that we are probably going to skip Candlelight Processional – not a fan of the presenter during our trip and it’s so time consuming (and expensive with dining package); I know it seems like a must-do for everyone, but after watching a you tube of last year I’m feeling like we can skip.

Option A:
12/7 – Arrival Day – Flight lands at noon (ME to AKL)
Trader Sams 4pm open (get there early); Mizners for GFSO at 5:15pm show
MK for MVMCP

12/8 – AK AM EMH (Rope drop FOP) / HS PM (for JBJB)

12/9 – MK AM / EP PM for Chefs de France & Illuminations – Cali Grill Lounge here?

12/10 – Departure Day – Boma breakfast? Disney Springs (Boathouse lunch)
Flight out at 6:30pm (so ME at 4:30pm)

*Issues with Option A: 12/7 will be a LONG day – will need to be up by 5am central time to get to airport for flight; late night into AK EMH might be tough; also struggling with not ending trip with MK fireworks (silly maybe but just being honest!)

Option B:
12/7 – Arrival Day – Flight lands at noon (ME to AKL)
EP afternoon/evening

12/8 – AK AM EMH (Rope drop FOP) / HS PM (for JBJB)

12/9 – MK AM + Skipper Canteen lunch (cuz I love MK) or HS AM EMH * would need to buy another park day to do either of these
Trader Sams 4pm open (get there early); Mizners for GFSO at 5:15pm show
MK for MVMCP

12/10 – Departure Day – Boma breakfast? Disney Springs (Boathouse lunch)
Flight out at 6:30pm (so ME at 4:30pm)

*Issues with Option B: Have to buy another park day; no room for Cali Grill Lounge?

Thoughts? Ideas? Help!

 

[StacyStrong]

For your MVMCP day, you can get in at 4. Personally, I would take advantage of that.

 

[winnieofpooh]

Ok let me take a stab. I agree that with plan A, you seem to be running around nonstop!

12/7 - Arrival day - Trader Sam's at 4pm and then Misners for GFSO at 5:15. Rest, and then head to Epcot for Illuminations.

12/8 - AK AM EMH / HS PM for JBJB

12/9 Grab a drink at Cali Grill Lounge before MVMCP.

12/10 - Departure Day - Boma breakfast, DS + Boathouse, tour some other resorts if you have time.

Basically my itinerary looks like your Option B, but without the extra park day and the additional room for Cali Grill Lounge. Only downside is you don't get a full day at MK, but as PP said, you can get in at 4pm.

 

[ceeceegee]

Thanks for the replies! @winnieofpooh I like your version! I don't know why I didn't keep Trader Sams and Mizners on arrival day and then monorail to Epcot - that makes a lot of sense and seems to give the trip some breathing room.

 

[10CJ]

I agree with PPs. I would want to take advantage of the 4 pm entry on MK on the party day, so I would not put Trader Sam's and Mizners on the party day.