Finding the right touring plan for my family

[Aliceacc]

Forgive me for double posting; I also put this in the Theme Park STrategy forum.

I'm have subscriptions to both TGM and touringplans.com I've planned this trip obsessively, but I'm still hazy on exactly what to see when we get to each park.

Here's my problem: my family doesn't seem to fit any of the tidy little titles on the touring plan.

Let's take the Magic Kingdom as an example.

My 10 year old son can't wait for the big rides. If he were my only child, the first thing we would do would be hit Space Mountain, then hit the other big thrill rides.

My 8 year old probably needs to build up her courage before attempting something like Space Mountain though; I'm not sure she won't chicken out.

And of course my 5 year old is too short to even consider it.

I know we can split up, but I would like to spend SOME time touring together on this big family vacation.

Anyone with a similar family dynamic want to share what has worked for them in any or all of the parks???

 

[Ellester]

We are somewhat similar. Last trip our kids were 9, 5, and 2. Our older two love the big rides, but the youngest doesn't (and was too short anyway). I would suggest a hybrid plan. For example, you can go ahead and get FastPasses for Space Mountain first thing and then head right to FantasyLand. Even the 10yo will like most of the FL rides. They you can send him and whoever else wants to go on Space Mountain while the other adult and the nonriders ride the TTA or get a snack or play at Pooh's playground, or whatever. Don't forget about the babyswap option too. You will probably have to split up some, but doesn't mean you have to be on opposite ends of the park! If you make wise use of FastPass, babyswap, and the TGM suggestions you won't be waiting in many lines so won't be separated for too long.

With your 8yo, you may want to try Thunder and Splash Mountains first. She can see them. I think the dark factor of Space Mountain is what scares most kids. You can also see the loading area while you ride TTA, so she can get an idea of whether or not she wants to try it.

Similar strategies will work in all the parks. I would definitely follow TGM in getting FastPasses for the biggies as he suggest. Then you can work around that to make sure everyone has fun. I'm sure everyone will have a great time, it will all work out once you get there!

 

[mjkacmom]

We are somewhat similar. Last trip our kids were 9, 5, and 2. Our older two love the big rides, but the youngest doesn't (and was too short anyway). I would suggest a hybrid plan. For example, you can go ahead and get FastPasses for Space Mountain first thing and then head right to FantasyLand. Even the 10yo will like most of the FL rides. They you can send him and whoever else wants to go on Space Mountain while the other adult and the nonriders ride the TTA or get a snack or play at Pooh's playground, or whatever. Don't forget about the babyswap option too. You will probably have to split up some, but doesn't mean you have to be on opposite ends of the park! If you make wise use of FastPass, babyswap, and the TGM suggestions you won't be waiting in many lines so won't be separated for too long.

With your 8yo, you may want to try Thunder and Splash Mountains first. She can see them. I think the dark factor of Space Mountain is what scares most kids. You can also see the loading area while you ride TTA, so she can get an idea of whether or not she wants to try it.

Similar strategies will work in all the parks. I would definitely follow TGM in getting FastPasses for the biggies as he suggest. Then you can work around that to make sure everyone has fun. I'm sure everyone will have a great time, it will all work out once you get there!

Totally agree - my kids were 4, 4, 6, 9, and 11, and we all started at Fantasy Land (Dumbo), while DH ran for a Space Mountain FP. We counted of FP's for most of the biggies, and did them later. Thunder was a hit for both the grandparents and the 4 year olds!

 

[momtoty2001]

We also belong to both TGM and touringplans.com and have found it difficult to find an EXACT plan for our family. What I did is utilized a hybrid plan and then posted in the TGM forum as to what the plan was for each park. I received a lot of great advice from other forum members. Very helpful website!!

HTH