Family Magic Tour (May or October)

[kbkids]

We are making two big trips this year, one in May (week before Memorial Day) and one in October (not sure what week but whenever our schools have fall break). My DS will be turning 3 in May, and my DD will be turning 7 in October. Both are birthday trips. I had planned to do the Family Magic Tour in October, as I figured the parks would be less crowded, and we wouldn't miss the two hours it cuts out of ride time. Also, my DS would be older and thought he may participate a little more by then - he's kinda shy. BUT, my parents are going with us in May, and I know they would enjoy the tour as well. What are your thoughts on which trip I should try to schedule the tour? Also, since my DS would not officially be 3 on the day we would do the tour in May, would we still have to pay for him? I noticed it's the same price for adults and children, but wasn't sure about under 3. Thanks!

 

[kbkids]

Never mind on the under 3 ticket question. I'm so used to using allearsnet.com, and it didn't really specify. Just looked at Disney's website, and it does say 3 and up. But would still like opinions on which trip you think would be best. My main concern is the amount of time it will take out of our day.

 

[magicmaker]

Disney's Family Magic is a fantastic experience and is generally not impacted by crowd level.

As for time out of your day, you may already know that the operating hours of the parks are determined by estimated attendence. As a result, on a low attendence day the Magic Kingdom may close at 6 or 7pm. On a high attendence day, the parks will be open later 8, 9, or 10pm. The theory is that is takes longer to accomplish the same number of attractions when the parks are busy. As a result, guests need more time in the parks during high-attendence periods to complete a 'full day' at the park.

I am explaining all of this to suggest that crowd levels should not influence when you choose to schedule Disney's Family Magic. If it is not crowded, the lines will be shorter but the two hours out of your day will constitute a larger percentage of the total operating hours of the Magic Kingdom. If it is crowded, the lines will be longer, but the two hours out of your day will constitute a smaller percentage of the total operating hours.

Certainly the decision is up to you, but my suggestion would be to go in October due to the weather. Disney's Family Magic is an outdoor walking tour. It is more enjoyable to take any tour when the termperature is mild, versus hot and humid. While the weather is always a gamble in central florida, October is generally very comfortable.

--Well that was a very long answer to a short question. I apologize for my long-winded response, but I hope it helps you decide. If you have other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Additionally, I'm sure other board members will submit their opinions.

Have a magical vacation.