First time poster - please give plan feedback...

[lgkeeper]

Hello, all - very excited about our trip in a couple of weeks. I would love some input on ideas, things we NEED to see, etc.

Traveling with my wife, daughter (2 1/2) and son (5 1/2), and taking my mom as well.

We're arriving on the 26th, have park-hoppers from the 27th through the 31st then leaving NY Day. We're staying at Port Orleans Riverside.

Sunday -
Our flight gets in just after 5pm. If the kids have any energy, I was thinking of hitting DTD (Lego, Goofy Candy Co). If not, just walk around the resort.

Monday - Epcot
Dinner Reservations at Garden Grille and then the Candlelight Processional

Tuesday - AK
Lunch Res at Tusker House and the Parade in the afternoon
- Will the Dinosaur ride be too scary for my 5 1/2 year old - that's what he's really looking forward to, but I don't want him traumatized.

Wednesday - MK
Pirates League for my son at 12:30 then lunch at Crystal Palace at 2.

Thursday - jumping
Chef Mickey res at 12 then Akershus Res at 6:30

Friday - DHS
50s Cafe res for dinner

Leaving Saturday am.

My kids are the typical huge modern Disney fans (Toy Story, Cars, Playhouse Disney) and aren't as intrigued with Belle, Ariel etc as I thought they'd be. But my daughter just wants to see Mickey and the "Princetheth" (That's princesses...)

Thanks for any input...

 

[mesaboy2]

Looks fine to me. Just be aware that is the busiest week all year for the parks. Go with a plan and realistic expectations and you will have fun.

And to the boards!

 

[ChristaDeVil]

Welcome to the Dis!!!
I'm going to chime in on your Sunday night plans. Great ideas. Remember that you will probably get the "Disney High" when you get off of the plane, so your kids will probably have lots of energy when they get there!!!! DTD is a great place to spend a few hours, do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, and basically just kind of chill.

As for Dinosaur, it's pretty scary. Only you know what kind of kid you have, but it wouldn't have bothered mine at that age. However, he has a high "scare" threshold. I, however, am 34 years old and Dinosaur TERRIFIES me. I ride the whole thing with my eyes closed because my husband and son make me go on it. If dark, bumpy rides with lots of flashing lights and dinos jumping out at you would bother him, it might not be a good idea. (There might be a ride video on Youtube that you can watch beforehand).

Anyway, have a great trip!!!!!

 

[lgkeeper]

Thank you, both.

I checked the dinosaur ride video - yikes. I may even have him watch it and check his reaction.

Do you think doing Chef Mickey's and Akershus on the same day is a good idea? It might kill the whole day for us...

 

[ChristaDeVil]

Thank you, both.

I checked the dinosaur ride video - yikes. I may even have him watch it and check his reaction.

Do you think doing Chef Mickey's and Akershus on the same day is a good idea? It might kill the whole day for us...

To me, that's a lot of big meals and character dining for one day. We typically only do one TS per day because of the amount of food that you get (but we have done the dining plan in the past). Now, you do have enough time mapped out between them, but I remember our last dinner at Chef Mickey's lasting forever because we wanted to see all of the characters come around at least once. Of course, going at a busy time of year, you might not be able to switch your reservations around. I'd probably try to get a CM reservation at another time (maybe even breakfast). Of course, our family might tour differently from yours. We like to hit the parks early, eat lunch, then go to the resort or DTD for some down time before going back to the parks around 5 or so.

 

[Nahanni]

A couple of things to consider:

Tusker House lunch (no characters) reservation - check to see if it includes tickets to see the Nemo show (gets you in without waiting in line).

Not sure if you are avoiding character meal at DHS but lunch at Hollywood & Vine is PHD-based (I'm trying to get confirmation but I think the current characters are Leo & June from Little Einstein's, Handy Manny and Agent OSO).

If you think Chef Mickey and Akershus is too much time spend on dining (hold your reservation until you see how the waits are earlier in your trip), you'll have to decide which to cancel (we like the food better at Akershus, princesses and the included photo is a great bonus).

It will be peak season and lines will be long. Get there early and complete your must-do's. With young children we only do 1 park each day (arrive at/near opening, dinner ADR 5-6 and back to resort and its already after 8pm). We also always end up using the playgound areas more than expected (AK boneyard, DHS Honey I shrunk the kids).

Epcot - DS really enjoys Innoventions (Waste Management interactive exhibit, IBM be part of the video game, Great Piggy Bank Adventure, etc).

DHS - You know you have to go straight to Toy Story Mania if you plan to ride it at all (see posts on wait time and availability of FP's). Our children like the whole animation area. Catch the Block Party Bash parade (catch some foam balls) and Osbourne light display.

As PP mentioned, go with the flow, don't get too stressed about not doing everything you thought you would and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.

 

[EPCOT is a verb]

I don't have any comments about the plans, but WELCOME to the boards!!

 

[mesaboy2]

DHS - You know you have to go straight to Toy Story Mania if you plan to ride it at all (see posts on wait time and availability of FP's). Our children like the whole animation area. Catch the Block Party Bash parade (catch some foam balls) and Osbourne light display.

Excellent points here. Couldn't agree more!

 

[kay1864]

Hello, all - very excited about our trip in a couple of weeks. I would love some input on ideas, things we NEED to see, etc.

Traveling with my wife, daughter (2 1/2) and son (5 1/2), and taking my mom as well.

We're arriving on the 26th, have park-hoppers from the 27th through the 31st then leaving NY Day. We're staying at Port Orleans Riverside.

Sunday -
Our flight gets in just after 5pm. If the kids have any energy, I was thinking of hitting DTD (Lego, Goofy Candy Co). If not, just walk around the resort. Don't forget there's a boat to/from DTD from POR.

Monday - Epcot
Dinner Reservations at Garden Grille and then the Candlelight Processional

Tuesday - AK
Lunch Res at Tusker House and the Parade in the afternoon
- Will the Dinosaur ride be too scary for my 5 1/2 year old - that's what he's really looking forward to, but I don't want him traumatized. Our 5yo DD loved Dinosaur--but then Tower of Terror is also her favorite.

Wednesday - MK
Pirates League for my son at 12:30 then lunch at Crystal Palace at 2.

Thursday - jumping
Chef Mickey res at 12 then Akershus Res at 6:30
I would try to get an Akershus Res for Monday breakfast or lunch*, and spend this day at MK (or drop Akershus if you can't get a Res). Your kids will enjoy two full days at MK way more than two days at Epcot. Easy to leave MK for Chef Mickey's, then hop back on the monorail to return to MK. Or nap time back at POR after Chef Mickey's, then back to MK in late afternoon. By Wed/Thu they'll be tired from all the walking.

You already have reserved seats for Illuminations on Monday, so no need to see it a second time on Thursday.

*Caveat: Akershus is conventional breakfast, but Norwegian fare for lunch/dinner. Check wdwinfo.com for the menu. Some kids might not like it.


Friday - DHS
50s Cafe res for dinner Lucky you--50's is hard to get.

Leaving Saturday am.

My kids are the typical huge modern Disney fans (Toy Story, Cars, Playhouse Disney) and aren't as intrigued with Belle, Ariel etc as I thought they'd be. But my daughter just wants to see Mickey and the "Princetheth" (That's princesses...) Be at ToonTown 45 minutes after rope drop

Thanks for any input...

As always I highly recommend RideMax for such a busy time--you can put in your restaurant reservations and it will optimize waiting (and walking) around those times.

If you do use RM, run it again for Epcot just before you leave--by then it will have the country-specific timed attractions like British Invasion and Chinese acrobats.

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

Not sure if you are avoiding character meal at DHS but lunch at Hollywood & Vine is PHD-based (I'm trying to get confirmation but I think the current characters are Leo & June from Little Einstein's, Handy Manny and Agent OSO).

They are the current set I was the nov 18. Special Agent Oso looks awesome!!!!

 

[lgkeeper]

Thanks, all.

I changed some things up and ended up getting a meal at H&V which the kids will absolutely love. I dropped the Crystal Palace reservations for a few reasons:
1. we have Pirates League 1 1/2 hours before and I was worried we'd get there with time to spare.
2. my kids aren't really into WthePooh
3. More time to explore MK.

Can someone give me a link or more info on RideMax? In all my research either I haven't seen it or just plain missed it. Thanks!

 

[lmbcdb]

We went in January with our at the time DD 2 1/2 and DS 6 1/2.

Hello, all - very excited about our trip in a couple of weeks. I would love some input on ideas, things we NEED to see, etc.

Traveling with my wife, daughter (2 1/2) mine loved the Mad Hatter/teacup ride at MK (by Dumbo) and son (5 1/2) my DS's favorite ride was Pirates of the Caribbean, and taking my mom as well.

We're arriving on the 26th, have park-hoppers from the 27th through the 31st then leaving NY Day. We're staying at Port Orleans Riverside. I would take the park hoppers off and save money. It's your first time, you have small children, and it's a very busy time. Park hopping takes time and on some days the parks close when they reach capacity.

Sunday -
Our flight gets in just after 5pm. If the kids have any energy, I was thinking of hitting DTD (Lego, Goofy Candy Co). If not, just walk around the resort. I would just walk around the resort. Realistically, it may be 7:00 before you get checked in, then I'm sure everyone will want to eat. Get to bed early after a long travel day so you'll be refreshed for the next day!

Monday - Epcot
Dinner Reservations at Garden Grille and then the Candlelight Processional

Tuesday - AK
Lunch Res at Tusker House and the Parade in the afternoon
- Will the Dinosaur ride be too scary for my 5 1/2 year old - that's what he's really looking forward to, but I don't want him traumatized.My son hates dark places and loud noises - this ride was full of them. I convinced him to go on it after reading about it on the board, but didn't know the full extent of the dark and loud parts. He hated it. But like the PP poster said, some kids like it. You have to know your kid.

Wednesday - MK
Pirates League for my son at 12:30 then lunch at Crystal Palace at 2.
We did Pirates League when they were having a 1/2 off special. He got the whole makeup and pirate outfit. People stopped us in the park so they could take their picture with him. If you have any pirate clothes, I would take them.

Thursday - jumping
Chef Mickey res at 12 then Akershus Res at 6:30 I would also go with just one of these. Lots of traveling, and both tend to be long. I would take one off, stay at one park, ditch the park hoppers and save yourself some money. I haven't done Chef Mickey's, but LOVED Akershus. Both my kids loved meeting the princesses and the food was awesome.

Friday - DHS
50s Cafe res for dinner

Leaving Saturday am.

My kids are the typical huge modern Disney fans (Toy Story, Cars, Playhouse Disney) and aren't as intrigued with Belle, Ariel etc as I thought they'd be. But my daughter just wants to see Mickey and the "Princetheth" (That's princesses...)

Thanks for any input...

Have fun!

 

[formytinkerbelle]

You are coming the day we are leaving : ) I just posted too about help with my 2 yo and 3 yo. I just wanted to comment on the dino ride because I did go on that without kids a couple years ago, and if it is the ride i'm thinking, I was scared to death. I had to plug my ears along with close my eyes and bury my head into my husband's armpit. BUT - I am a huge wus. If I had a 5 yo I wouldn't take him, but that's becuase I won't go on it again myself.

 

[gingerbread4life]

We (My husband, myself, DS, age 6.5 and DD, age 3.5) did Chef Mickey's our first year and Akershus last year for lunch. Our Princess-crazed DD loved the princesses and it was nice since we refuse to stand in the Christmas lines for characters, but we all hated the food. We all loved Chef Mickey's. Hands down, I would choose Chef Mickey's if I had to choose. In fact, we got free dining this year and chose not to do Akershus again.

We do have a lot of the same reservations as you (on different days, though) so you chose some good ones.

I would also agree to save your money on park hoppers. Our kids are still too young to really enjoy those and during this super busy time at Disney, you'll be lucky to see everything anyway, much less get bored at any one park.

We leave this week for our third Christmas at Disney. It's always magical. Hope you have a great time!

 

[kay1864]

Thanks, all.
Can someone give me a link or more info on RideMax? In all my research either I haven't seen it or just plain missed it. Thanks!

Here you go: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35460390&postcount=945 Well worth it IMHO. Saved us at least two hours a day during a busy July trip. You're going at one of the most crowded times of the year, so it will definitely help, and it works out to $4/day.

I'd still recommend dropping/rescheduling Akershus in favor of a 2nd day at MK. Either way, definitely check out the Akershus adult and child dinner menu here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=126#menu

ETA: If you spread MK over two days (or Epcot, if you must ), then RideMax will most likely put in a long afternoon break.

 

[kay1864]

I would take the park hoppers off and save money. It's your first time, you have small children, and it's a very busy time. Park hopping takes time and on some days the parks close when they reach capacity.

I agree with this 100% on all counts!

(But can you take off Park Hoppers after the fact? If so, I imagine the POR Concierge can do this Sunday before the time in the parks)

 

[mikat]

Hi there! Our first trip ever was last month, and I'm so jealous, hope it's a great time!

Sunday - Our flight gets in just after 5pm. If the kids have any energy, I was thinking of hitting DTD (Lego, Goofy Candy Co). If not, just walk around the resort.

The boat from POR to DTD would be a great way to start the trip!

I changed some things up and ended up getting a meal at H&V which the kids will absolutely love.

This was our first character meal and my DS4 LOVED it. The characters were so wonderful and came around to the table several times. We followed it up by going to Playhouse Disney, and that was hands-down my kids'favorite show of the trip. It includes Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, and Pooh. Garden Grill was another huge hit for our kids

A couple of things to consider:
DHS - ...Catch the Block Party Bash parade (catch some foam balls) and Osbourne light display.

Osborne Lights are a "must-do" - truly amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UySCUo_ek4

I would also agree to save your money on park hoppers. Our kids are still too young to really enjoy those and during this super busy time at Disney, you'll be lucky to see everything anyway, much less get bored at any one park.

This is very good advice if you can stay for most of a day in one park, but I was thinking that at a busy time, Park Hoppers would be a life saver for people with younger kids. My #1 lesson learned on our trip was that DS4 HAD to have a midday break back to the room. It was, for us, an absolute essential, and I think it would really be helpful for you as well. If that's the case, and you take a midday break, when you head back in the late afternoon, having Park Hoppers gives you the chance to go to a different park if the one you visited in the morning is now closed to capacity. So if you go to MK in the morning, head back to the room, and at 4:00 head back out and MK is closed at capacity, you could head to Epcot for dinner. Just a thought.

Have a wonderful time! Happy Holidays!

 

[kay1864]

If that's the case, and you take a midday break, when you head back in the late afternoon, having Park Hoppers gives you the chance to go to a different park if the one you visited in the morning is now closed to capacity. So if you go to MK in the morning, head back to the room, and at 4:00 head back out and MK is closed at capacity, you could head to Epcot for dinner.

From what I've read on these boards, the "closing" issue happens only at NYE, not any other day. And only for MK. The OP is going to DHS on 12/31.

You can take a break at any park and return later to the same park, without the PH option.

 

[lgkeeper]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone. We're in a position, thankfully, where we'd rather spend the money and have more options. Especially since I'm looking at canceling our Chef Mickeys ressies since I've done more research on the Disney card holders photo op - which will allow us to get some time with at least a couple of the Big 5.

So, we'll probably spend 1/2 the day at MK and then go to Epcot for our Princess Character dinner.

Thanks, Mikat for all of that great input. We're definitely planning on seeing the Osbourn Lights. My mom went a couple of years ago with my sister's family and can't wait to see them again...

 

[kay1864]

Looks like a plan!

As always, #1 piece of advice: get there before the park opens! Don't sleep in. You'll have way shorter lines the first couple of hours.