Can you Critique my Trip Itinerary for Universal Studios with Preschoolers?

[devotedchristian]

This will be a very short weekend (Universal Studios) trip combining 2 families of 8 people total.

Friday, July 6- Sunday, July 8.

Me
DH
DS (4 in July)
DD (15 in July)

SIL (DH's Sister)
BIL -They are divorced but he is only going "for the kids"
Niece-(2 in July)
Nephew-(7)

Driving together in an 8 passenger.

Depart Atlanta GA-?? I'm still not sure what time. I can't make up my mind on the best time to leave with young kids.

Friday, July 6- Arrive at Marriott Grande Vista, no later than 10:00am.

If the room is not ready, I still want to check in. I have a reservation for a 3bedroom/3 bath Villa.

Let the kids burn some energy at either the Pools or the Large Chuck E Cheese type Play area inside the Lobby of MGV... or rent the duck/swan paddle boats on the lake.

Have frozen tropical drinks and order lunch by the pool. Look over the daily activities sheet to see what time the Dive-In Movie will start that Friday night.

Lunch at either Nick's Grill (onsite restaurant) or Pizza Hut (near the pool).

Dinner order it from Nick's Grill or cook it in the villa.

Friday (our Arrival day) is simply driving from Atlanta and head straight to the resort and stay there the rest of the day.

Saturday, July 6- Breakfast in the resort and try to get everyone out and at the Gates of Universal no later than 8:30am.

I have ordered a park map so I can plan a simple touring strategy for the younger kids.

Lunch at International Film Festival no later than 11:45am.

Depending on how we feel after lunch and since we are not all day park goer's, we should be leaving Universal no later than 1:00 and not returning.

1:00- Head back to the resort and relax by the pool and enjoy the resort (especially at a rate of $419 per night) for the rest of the day.

Lunch- ?? (Nick's grill may be too expensive)

Dinner- ??

I'm not sure, if I want to pack to leave the resort at all that Saturday, but everyone has to eat.

Help!!

Sunday, July 8- Breakfast in the villa. Check out (10:00am) and head to Downtown Disney. Shop and have lunch at either Rainforest Cafe (for the experience) or the Earl of Sandwhich.

After lunch...around 1:30pm...get gas and head back home to Atlanta.

What do you think? Do you see anything in my intinerary that will lead to overtired and cranky kids?

 

[damo]

I think you need to plan to be out of the hotel around 7:30 to get to the gates at 8:30. I wouldn't plan on leaving the park until at least after 3. You really aren't giving yourselves enough time to enjoy the park. It sounds like you will spend all of Friday at the hotel so you don't need another day there.

 

[sha_lyn]

I really don't think you are allowing enough time for US. Basically you are allowing 3 hrs in US the weekend after July 4. Have you ever been before? Paks will be extremely crowded that time of yr. I would skip the $419 per night villa and get 2 rooms at RPR instead. You will have FOTL priviges fromarrival day to depature day.Spend 1/2 day (evening)on Fri in IOA after relaxing aroudn the pool, grabbing lunch at Islands Diningroom then hopefully resting in the room for a couple of hrs.
Sat Hit US gates by 8:15 am, grab lunch when park really fills up around 11:30. Head back to room to rest if needed, then hit either park in the evening.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

If the park opens at 9 and you take an hour out to eat that leaves you 3 hours on a holiday weekend to see Universal. I totally wouldnt bother. The frustration of the crowds with your group size makes me believe you would have wasted three hours. (more with getting there and parked) I agree with the above posts that you need more time for any enjoyment in seeing this park.