First time poster - please give plan feedback...

[lgkeeper]

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.

It's funny to hear such differing opinions.

I did Ridemax and freaking love it. We are planned up.

I'm torn b/c I, too, don't want to wait in line for characters and the whole trip is really built around my DS5. This might be the only thing that is JUST for my DD2. Is the menu really that bad (or should I say....Norwegian?)

 

[Nebula]

Welcome to the boards!!

I don't have much to add except for my two cents on Dinosaur. As PPs have said, it depends on your child. However, my 12 year old cousin - who was riding every thrill ride as soon as she was tall enough and loved all of them, no matter how scary - is terrified of Dinosaur. She'll ride it if someone else wants to, but she really, really hates it. Heck, I'm 28 and I'm terrified of it!! However, I've seen young kids who absolutely love it. So YMMV.

Just remember to go with the flow, and take time for naps. And I'm not just talking for the kids!

 

[Grumpy92]

Welcome! Be aware that NYE is very very busy. I see you have a reservation at DHS. Make sure you enter the park early and stay. After 11am the park is likely to be filled to capacity. Being a Disney resort guest or having a dining reservation does not guarantee you entrance into the park if they have filled up.
We have done this week many times and pick our top 3-5 must does. If there is a line we just wait it out and dont stress about it. If we get to do other attractions then they are bonuses.
You are smart to line up your dining as full service restaurants that week will be difficult to get into. Forget about walking up. You wont get in without a Resv.
I hope you have a wonderful time!!!

 

[mariepapa]

Normally park hoppers for a first time trip might not be recommended because they really do eat up a lot of time BUT you are going during the busiest time of the year and it is essential to be able to get into a park. Also, Chef Mickey's doesn't have the best food but they have a lot of great characters! Dinosaur is scary and your son might be frightened. Even my 9 year old DD is scared of it. But I LOVE it!

Welcome to the boards and have a great trip!

 

[AppleSister1]

We will be at CSR for the exact same period!!!

You've planned well! My two-cents on Park Hoppers: we always have them, and I think they are especially important for this particular week. You never know when crowds might become overwhelming and having an option to change parks or even visit one park in the am and another in the afternoon/evening is essential during this week, IMHO. Other thoughts:
* Take a break in the afternooon! Like I said, it can be overwhelming.
* This time of year, early mornings are essential. Try to make rope drop or am emh. You'll be amazed how much you can get done in that extra hour.
* Dinosaur scared the crap out of my nephews when they were his age and they looove RnR.