Does this sound like a realistic holiday plan?

[~Piglet~]

I love Clyde & Seamore take Pirate Island! DFi and I were talking about it the other night and I was so pleased they're still doing that show - the mime artist before the show starts was so funny, does anyone know if they still do that too?

Shamu show is spectacular too, just the sheer size of the whales close up

 

[Howellsy]

I normally spend about 5 hours in Seaworld from opening until early afternoon, and find that I can fit everything in, buit it does depend on showtimes on that particular day. I would also think about skipping Aquatica (unless you're big water park fans..?) as I personally didn't find it as good as expected

Your schedule seems pretty decent, but my personal preference is to park hop - it can be a bit more fun to go to one park in the morning then try the evening entertainment at another. I agree that 3 full days in a row at MK is a bit much - try one full day, a morning and an evening maybe instead? Of course, it depends on whether you'd prefer to hop or not

 

[~Piglet~]

We always go to MK and watch wishes and every time it brings a tear to my eye

Me too When I left MK for the last time I cried all the way out, Mickey was standing waving at us (and everyone else!) and it was really sad to realise we wouldn't be back again that trip. When I told people back home they looked at me as though I had two heads

 

[Dimplenose]

Allow the same number of Disney days but do each of the parks early on rather than 3 days MK in a row. You may find you have a favourite (ours is DHS) where you want to spend more time.

I agree with park hopping (if your tickets have that option - 14 day ultimates do) and not doing one park from opening to closing.

Also have a list of "must do things" so if your schedule goes out of the window (which it might by the middle of your holiday) then at least you'll remember to do the things that matter most.

 

[loobylou44]

Also have a list of "must do things" so if your schedule goes out of the window (which it might by the middle of your holiday) then at least you'll remember to do the things that matter most.

I agree with this, have a list of 'must do's'.
We also have a list of 'would like to do' and a list of 'only if we have spare time' never much of that though!!!

 

[Head_in_the_clouds]

The mime artist is still there at Clyde and Seamore - the nightime show this year was amazing they take the rip out of all the SeaWorld Shows like Believe and everything! The night we were there the SeaLion got fed up and decided to abandon the show halfway through - they had to get another one out!

To the OP, I think only you know your own stamina as a family so if you feel you can do everything the way you've planned it then do. However, myself and my family would end up ill if we did all those back to back days at the park ! We usually do a park then have a rest day where we go to the pool, stay around the villa and go to the malls, DTD or premium outlets in the evenings. We also don't do full days at the park anymore - we get there early, leave to get back to the villa for 3ish and go back about 5 for the night-time shows and fireworks - having a rest in between. But that is just how it works for us so that we are all healthy and in a good mood and return home feeling like we have had a rest and not more tired than we were before we left lol, although thanks to jet lag that is pretty hard. I think you should leave out Busch Gardens this time too if you aren't that bothered. Also, this time we found it really hard to make plans thanks to the weather (EXTREME heat - 110 degrees one day and electrical storms on other days) so you are really best to try and keep a bit of flexibility in there so you have other options. I actually ended up having one of my most disappointing Florida holidays this time and I think it is because I over planned it! Also I would split MK and not do two days consecutively. I think it is nice to go there again towards the end of the holiday! Have an amazing time when you go !

 

[anthony2k7]

i feel like every time I post in one of your threads I'm giving you bad news!!! sorry!

I personally dont think you should get your plans too set in stone until the park hours are released. For example, fantasmic over at disney studios is one of the best attractions in orlando - but currently its only on a couple of times a week. Without knowing the entertainment schedule you're likely to not be at studios on a night when fantasmic is on!

Also, I dont know how far you've got with restaurant planning yet, but you may be in for disappointments getting reservations at some - so again you may need to get those reservations booked (at 90 days out) before finalising which park you do on which day!

Sorry again!!

 

[UKDEB]

Almost everyone on your Busch Gardens thread (even those who are big fans) advised against it on a first trip and, whilst I can understand the desire to try to pack everything there is on offer into a two week trip, it simply isn't possible. We were all first-timers once and most of us have made the same mistake. I can't emphasise enough that you'll get more out of your trip by doing less.

By all means draw up a rough itinerary now (as die-hard planners, we all know the pleasure in that ), but as others have said, you can't really finalise anything until the EMH schedule is released.

 

[anthony2k7]

as many others have said... I would mix up the parks more, dont do consequtive days in the same park.

Leaving a few days in between allows you time to think about any shopping purchases you arent sure about, and also means if a ride is closed on your first visit it is more likely to be open on your next visit to that park!

 

[clazza]

HIYA Sara,

I would go with what everyone else has said, mix up the parks a bit, you have a fully loaded schedule there, you will need rest days especially with a little un, me and my bf go we are 25 and 30 and by the 5th day my legs are aching so bad from all the walking and what not, I need a rest if you are planning to go again I would try and take in Busch Gardens next time!

Have a good holiday

 

[fairytale]

Is it definately not possible to do both Seaworld and Aquatica in 1 full day ??

I thought that

a) They are both near to eachother
b) Wont have to pay for parking twice

Do you think we should do 1 full day in seaworld and 1 full day in Aquatica which will use up 1 of my days but we could leave out the Bucsh Gardens.

Hiya Sarah.

IMO you will need a full day at seaworld, which means been there for opening and walking out as the gate is been locked.

We have scheduled a day and half in this year. You will find the shows are spread out throughout the day so isolating yourself to say just a morning or an afternoon you will be sure to miss something. Also SW has lots of great rides for young and old as well as many interacting activities.

We all love SW, definately not one to be rushed

 

[anthony2k7]

I think i'd drop Busch Gardens AND aquatica. I'm convinced the adults in your party wont cope with your current plan, and your little girl definitely wont!

However big you think everything is right now, double it at least! Plus its just so overwhelming so its kinda emotionally tiring as well as physically! Plus you're trying to do all that in floridian heat and humitidy!!

 

[anthony2k7]

Hiya Sarah.

IMO you will need a full day at seaworld, which means been there for opening and walking out as the gate is been locked.

We have scheduled a day and half in this year. You will find the shows are spread out throughout the day so isolating yourself to say just a morning or an afternoon you will be sure to miss something. Also SW has lots of great rides for young and old as well as many interacting activities.

We all love SW, definately not one to be rushed

agree on SW. last year we (two adults) didnt fit everything in within a full day, and that was maybe ignoring a few things smaller children would be interested in. Plus I believe there are some massive new aquariums under the new manta coaster new this year?

 

[Head_in_the_clouds]

Sara, everyone is right - theme parks are really blooming well hard to do in all that heat and so many times I've seen families with little ones who are all hot and flustered after being in the parks all day and it just seems cruel on them even though their parents are trying to give them the holiday of a lifetime. You are going with extended family too and you may find that they can't all keep up that pace and honestly, take it from me, it is so easy for tempers to be frayed when you are out there - my Dad fought with me at Orlando Airport on Day One this year as he felt I was walking too fast . The main reason I have posted again is also to recommend that you all try and build your walking up before you go. My mum and I found it helpful to go for 2.5 mile walks a couple of times a week before we went. Just a suggestion so that everyone's legs aren't too tired by day 2!

 

[anthony2k7]

Sara, everyone is right - theme parks are really blooming well hard to do in all that heat and so many times I've seen families with little ones who are all hot and flustered after being in the parks all day and it just seems cruel on them even though their parents are trying to give them the holiday of a lifetime. You are going with extended family too and you may find that they can't all keep up that pace and honestly, take it from me, it is so easy for tempers to be frayed when you are out there - my Dad fought with me at Orlando Airport on Day One this year as he felt I was walking too fast . The main reason I have posted again is also to recommend that you all try and build your walking up before you go. My mum and I found it helpful to go for 2.5 mile walks a couple of times a week before we went. Just a suggestion so that everyone's legs aren't too tired by day 2!

thats a great point about the walking. I remember somewhere on here there was a thread with people who had worn pedometers for days in the park - most of them were showing they'd walked around 10 miles a day!

 

[sara969]

Thanks everyone, i think we should just drop BG to be honest.
Not because it dosnt look good, just simply because its the only park that is the furthest away.
Then we can spend a full day at Seaworld and take our time.
Thanks for your idea's everyone, they are all so fab

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

My opinion on Busch gardens is it wasn't for us at all sadly.
We tried it this time for the first time and it just didn't leave a good impression.
Not alot really for the younger family member's..but like I say that's my opinion.

We went with a 3 year old (turned 4 out there),and we didn't do full days.
Bear in mind the younger children are quite happy with a pool,and plenty ice cream (not at the same time though) so make sure you go at their pace.
I'd break up the Parks too 3 days solid at MK is too much,as much as I love MK I wouldn't go day after day in a row.

IOA is fantastic for the younger members,especially the water play area. we spent hours here.

Also I agree with the heat and young members of the group it's hard work...especially when they want to sit and rest but you've marked down so much on a planner...go at their pace. You don't want to wear them out,like yourselves.
We go for 3 weeks a day at a park,day off..we did cram alot in though in the final week,which we paid for once home we was shattered.

Also remember it's a holiday! so take a break..there is so much to see and do besides the parks.

 

[torsie24]

I think the best thing to do Sara, is to read some TRs, a couple of guide books, and some other DIS posts, and visit the WDW website.

Up until you know what each park has for you, (as it's pretty apparent at the minute it's all still very new to you) you really cannot plan for your park days.

If I were you I'd worry less on how many parks you can fit in, and spend a while learning about what Orlando has to offer.

A couple of weeks from now you'll read these questions and realise you were jumping the gun a bit I think.

(Trust me when I say we've all been there!!)

To me at least, a successful Orlando trip isn't defined by how many of the parks you've visited, but the fun you had whilst doing it. Personally I'd rather visit half of what Orlando has to offer, and enjoy the effort put in and feel like it's been a great trip, than rush my butt off for 2 weeks, visiting all the parks, and come home knackered and not being abe to remember certain attractions, or realised I missed important things because I was rushing from A to B so fast i cmpletely missed C, D and E.

 

[Dimplenose]

On our first trip when DD was 4 and DS was 7 we had a great time but after a few days of theme parks, crazy golf, shopping and swimming DS said, "Mum, when can I have time to play?" I'd crammed far too much in and all he wanted to do was sit and colour and play with his toys that we'd brought for the journey.

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

I think the best thing to do Sara, is to read some TRs, a couple of guide books, and some other DIS posts, and visit the WDW website.

Up until you know what each park has for you, (as it's pretty apparent at the minute it's all still very new to you) you really cannot plan for your park days.

If I were you I'd worry less on how many parks you can fit in, and spend a while learning about what Orlando has to offer.

A couple of weeks from now you'll read these questions and realise you were jumping the gun a bit I think.

(Trust me when I say we've all been there!!)

To me at least, a successful Orlando trip isn't defined by how many of the parks you've visited, but the fun you had whilst doing it. Personally I'd rather visit half of what Orlando has to offer, and enjoy the effort put in and feel like it's been a great trip, than rush my butt off for 2 weeks, visiting all the parks, and come home knackered and not being abe to remember certain attractions, or realised I missed important things because I was rushing from A to B so fast i cmpletely missed C, D and E.

AMEN!!

I completely agree,