Critique my plans so far?

[sarahmae3]

Hi everyone,
We are going on our first Disney World trip from November 16th to 22nd. I basically took whatever reservations I could get for meals, as I booked them at 179 days rather than 180 days out. We are driving (12 hours), staying at the FW cabins, and my kids ages are in my siggy. (We do not have park hoppers.)

Here is my plan so far.

16th:
After arriving, check in and head to MK or AK ? Or just swim?
Chef Mickey's - Disney's Contemporary Resort Reservations at 9:00 PM

17:
EPCOT
Coral Reef Restaurant Reservations at 1:05 PM for Lunch
Illuminations at 9pm

18:
Hollywood Studios
Scifi Dine-In Theater Reservations at 1:30pm for Lunch
Fantasmic! 6:30pm (No reservations)

19:
Magic Kingdom
9:40am Reservations at The Crystal Palace for bfast
*MSEP: 8pm
*Wishes at 9pm)

20:
Animal Kingdom
Yak & Yeti Restaurant Reservations for Dinner at 4:00 PM

21:
Family’s Choice
1900 Park Fare Reservations at 7:05 PM

22:
MK or AK (If we don't go to the parks on Day 1, we could go this day as we have 6 day park tickets). Otherwise just eat bfast and head home?
'Ohana - Disney's Polynesian Resort at 9:00 AM for breakfast

 

[jm106]

I would be hesitant to drive that long, check in and do a park then want kids to be in good spirits for a 9 pm dinner. I would go for more relaxing day or cancel Chef Mickeys and do a park. AK closes early so I wouldnt bother if you cant get in a decent amount of time.

On the 19, could you get the CP adr earlier and go before park opens? (I know its hard to get- we couldnt and I check all the time.) We like to take advantage of the early morning to get to some popular rides then go slower later.
If not, maybe get it later/latest breakfast so you can do more in the morning when you arrive.

Not a lot to offer aside, looks pretty good but I am one to change and rethink my plans a few times before I go. I am not an expert at the planning side but wanted to reply.

 

[GWhitten98]

If you are driving through the night so the kids can sleep and arriving early a park may be OK(other then you being tired), otherwise the parks may not be worth it. As for the ADR, I would defianately keep checking for an earlier time b/c this will be a very long day, plus an early start with a long day to follow.

This mid morning ADR at CP, may not be great, especially if this is going to e your only MK day. I would keep hunting for a pre rope drop time or skip it and try for a lunch or dinner somewhere.

Epcot, HS and AK look good to me...

I have not done 1900 PF dinner, but its on our list for this visit.

 

[lcj19]

Hi , we will be there the same time as you Nov 11 to the 23.

Your arrival day is the only thing I see being a concern. You know your kids best and what they can handle in a day. Also, don't know if your driving over night while kids sleep. If your really wanting to do a park that day have each family member pick out one thing to see or do then head out of the park for some rest before dinner or just spend time at the resort before dinner.

Have a wonderful trip

 

[sarahmae3]

Hi , we will be there the same time as you Nov 11 to the 23.

Your arrival day is the only thing I see being a concern. You know your kids best and what they can handle in a day. Also, don't know if your driving over night while kids sleep. If your really wanting to do a park that day have each family member pick out one thing to see or do then head out of the park for some rest before dinner or just spend time at the resort before dinner.

Have a wonderful trip

Thanks! Yes, we plan on driving overnight so the kids will (hopefully) sleep. We may just decide to forgo the parks and hang out at the resort that first day, but if they are super excited to get to the MK maybe we will head over there and just see/do a couple of things.

 

[GillianP1301]

I think your approach to playing it by ear for the first day is best. I added on an extra day to our tickets on our first trip down with DS and was glad I did because he was so excited, we checked in and headed to MK. We were only in there for a couple of hours, but it was a great introduction for him, got to ride a few rides, meet a few characters and then have a quick before bed swim. So, even if you only think you'll have a few park hours on the first day, it's totally worth it.

The 9pm dinner would be a concern to me, but that's because I know my DS would not handle eating that late well at all, but you know your family best and if this is not too out of the ordinary for them, then it should be okay.

Overall, I like your thinking around a full day in each park with the half day added to a favourite (I'm assuming MK and AK are your faves). I also like to leave a "choice" day at the end to double back to the one your family liked best or to fill on a park that you just weren't able to accomplish as much as you wanted.