Day planning

[agamble]

If you were going for about 2 weeks next summer how would you plan your days? Possibly 14 to 17 days. We would like to do mostly WDW (including water parks) with some time at Universal. We could take a day to do something else local if anyone has any cool ideas, and would plan for a few resort days or late to the park days to keep from burning out. Do you typically do 2 days at all parks on longer trips? One full day at each and then split days? How many days would you devote to Universal? We are a family with 3 kids that will range from nearly 5 to 10 (from CA) Trying to get an idea in my early planning on days needed for tickets, etc. to help with general budgeting for both time and money.

 

[Meglen]

This might be something to ask a travel agent. These questions can be answered but everyone will have an opinion. My best advice is to use universal and wdw websites and price it all out .

 

[disneydreamer1980]

We spend 14 nights at WDW every year. We have 5 kids ages 3-19. We spend 4 days in MK, 3 Epcot. 2 AK and 1 DHS. We do 2 US days, one for each park (we don’t do the water park). We do one resort day and a couple late start days. But that’s just us. We don’t take very much time to rest because we love the parks. Having so many days in each park really allows you to go slow and enjoy the atmosphere. Though our US days always feel rushed, but we’re not willing to spend any more days away from Disney.

 

[RamblingMad]

My strategy is newest to oldest rides plus must do’s.

 

[agamble]

We spend 4 days in MK, 3 Epcot. 2 AK and 1 DHS. We do 2 US days, one for each park (we don’t do the water park). We do one resort day and a couple late start days.

Do you think DHS will be worth 2 days now that it will have Toy Story, Runaway Train, and SWGE? We would probably want to ride each ride at least once and see some shows at DHS too.

My strategy is newest to oldest rides plus must do’s.

The kids have never been to WDW, so everything is kinda new for them. They have been to DL many times and there is some crossover.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

Do you think DHS will be worth 2 days now that it will have Toy Story, Runaway Train, and SWGE? We would probably want to ride each ride at least once and see some shows at DHS too.


Yes, I think you could easily spend 2 days there after everything is open. Some people spend 2 or more days there now. DHS is just not my favorite park by far, and we’re not SW fans at all so we’ll probably just avoid it for a while after SWGE.

 

[agamble]

Thank you for your response. My DH and I went to WDW in 2008. I remember he commented at the time that he would have liked to spend more time at the other parks and felt we spent a lot of time at Magic Kingdom. They had EMH morning and night and I planned our trips around that. My research indicated that DHS was the half day park, so we went there on our arrival day and stayed through evening EMH. We didn't return, but I think he wanted to. 10 days seems like a lot, but I'm sure there is plenty to keep us occupied if we opt for 10 day tickets. I'm thinking 2 days at Universal will probably be enough, unless they have a good deal for 3 day tickets.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

Thank you for your response. My DH and I went to WDW in 2008. I remember he commented at the time that he would have liked to spend more time at the other parks and felt we spent a lot of time at Magic Kingdom. They had EMH morning and night and I planned our trips around that. My research indicated that DHS was the half day park, so we went there on our arrival day and stayed through evening EMH. We didn't return, but I think he wanted to. 10 days seems like a lot, but I'm sure there is plenty to keep us occupied if we opt for 10 day tickets. I'm thinking 2 days at Universal will probably be enough, unless they have a good deal for 3 day tickets.

I just saw on Undercover Tourist a deal for US tickets, buy 2 days get 3 free, if you’re looking for desks. I think you need to use them by the end of the year

 

[agamble]

I just saw on Undercover Tourist a deal for US tickets, buy 2 days get 3 free, if you’re looking for desks. I think you need to use them by the end of the year

Thank you. We're going next year, but I'll keep my eyes out for good deals. I figure tickets are one of the last things I'll have to purchase.

 

[Magical2017]

I would probably book a beach vacation in between. I do like the idea of a Disney/Universal combined trip, and I like your idea of spacing things out. I would do Kennedy Space Center and look for area nature parks, water tours, airboat rides, etc. Aquatica sound fun (I have never been there). I would also look for children's museums or cultural events that the kids are interested in. A few resort pool days and maybe some board games and just lounging after a few park days is always nice. I am sure you will find plenty to do--have fun!

 

[tinkerjo]

IMO US is a 2 day trip, 1 day each park and that is sufficient. On our 2020 extended trip we plan to do a couple resort days and since we are not really water park people, plan to go up to Daytona for the day for some beach time. Your kids may enjoy the warmer East coast water. ( I remember a trip to San Diego and the water was so cold) DL does have a lot of crossover rides,
But you will be overwhelmed at the size of WDW in comparison.

 

[RamblingMad]

The kids have never been to WDW, so everything is kinda new for them. They have been to DL many times and there is some crossover.

DL is superior to MK.

I’d start with AK or HS.

 

[agamble]

IMO US is a 2 day trip, 1 day each park and that is sufficient. On our 2020 extended trip we plan to do a couple resort days and since we are not really water park people, plan to go up to Daytona for the day for some beach time. Your kids may enjoy the warmer East coast water. ( I remember a trip to San Diego and the water was so cold) DL does have a lot of crossover rides,
But you will be overwhelmed at the size of WDW in comparison.

Is Daytona a good beach choice? My husband said he would enjoy that. He and I have been to WDW once. It is definitely a lot larger than DLR.

 

[agamble]

I would probably book a beach vacation in between. I do like the idea of a Disney/Universal combined trip, and I like your idea of spacing things out. I would do Kennedy Space Center and look for area nature parks, water tours, airboat rides, etc. Aquatica sound fun (I have never been there). I would also look for children's museums or cultural events that the kids are interested in. A few resort pool days and maybe some board games and just lounging after a few park days is always nice. I am sure you will find plenty to do--have fun!

I thought about Kennedy. I will have to look into it more. I know some places, like the observatory in LA, have restrictions for kids under 5. Our oldest would definitely like the space center. I would like to do an airboat ride.
When you visit WDW, how many days do you typically spend at the parks? It seems you're recommending choosing a few activities outside of WDW.

 

[Magical2017]

I thought about Kennedy. I will have to look into it more. I know some places, like the observatory in LA, have restrictions for kids under 5. Our oldest would definitely like the space center. I would like to do an airboat ride.
When you visit WDW, how many days do you typically spend at the parks? It seems you're recommending choosing a few activities outside of WDW.

We usually stay one week. If we did a Disney/WDW combo, I might do a few more days.

 

[tinkerjo]

Is Daytona a good beach choice? My husband said he would enjoy that. He and I have been to WDW once. It is definitely a lot larger than DLR.

We like Daytona but it is a beach, not a lot of touristy things like mini golf or shopping. You can drive right on the beach and it Is just a nice beach. We have also been to coco beach which is also only about an hour away but we like Daytona much better