First time to WDW: family needs advice

[renchick]

I am planning my family’s first trip to WDW this July, and would love any thoughts/advice on what I’ve planned so far.

As background, the boys are 1.5 and 6 years old. Neither is a Mickey fan. DS1.5 loves Pooh, and DS6 is enjoying a Cars phase and Nemo phase, as well as starting a Power Rangers phase . Younger son needs to take a daily nap, but often fights it.

I tried not to schedule too many meals, in order to allow us to “go with the flow”. I am thinking of perhaps not having dinner at Jiko as part of our DDP, but rather pay cash for this meal, and use those two TS credits elsewhere (is this possible)? The remainder of meals will likely be counter service.

Our family goal for this trip is to relax, have a good time, and be together. We know we won’t see it all, and that is fine.

The plan as of now:

Day 1:
arrive around noon
AKL check in, perhaps pool time (I will bring suits, etc. in carryon), wander to MK
5 p.m. dinner at Crystal Palace
Enjoy wandering in MK, most likely leave before fireworks begin (DS6 is autistic and sounds of fireworks are terrifying to him)

Day 2:
9 a.m. breakfast at Boma
Epcot
(AKL for nap/rest time)
Epcot
5 p.m. dinner at Coral Reef

Day 3:
(my bday)
Magic Kingdom
(AKL for nap/rest time)
MK
6:30 dinner at Jiko

Day 4:
9:30 breakfast at Hollywood and Vine
Hollywood Studios
(no set plans for nap time)
boat in afternoon to another resort, just so we can ride a boat

Day 5:
9 a.m. breakfast at Rainforest Café
Animal Kingdom
(AKL for nap/rest time)
Animal Kingdom

Day 6:
Typhoon Lagoon – morning
(AKL for nap/rest time)
Downtown Disney – afternoon/evening

Day 7:
Epcot
Noon lunch at Restaurant Marrakesh

Day 8:
Animal Kingdom
(AKL for nap/rest time)
Animal Kingdom
5:30 dinner at Boma

Day 9:
MK
(AKL for nap/rest time)
MK
Monorail to Ohana for 7 p.m. dinner

Day 10:
????
Leave airport at 7 p.m.

 

[Aliceacc]

HI and welcome!

I started a newbie thread a while ago; it may help you:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1715551

I love day 4 where you ride a boat to another resort, just to ride a boat. Maybe the Wilderness Lodge?? I've never been there, but from what I understand, your son may find it more soothing and less frenetic than some of the other resorts.

 

[Bob P]

Hi and welcome to the DIS!

I realize that you say We know we won’t see it all, and that is fine.

But I want to alert you that July is VERY BUSY at the parks. If you do not arrive at park opening time, you will limit yourself to very few attractions per day, and the ones you do see will be after waiting in very long lines.

I would urge you to re-think your plans and maybe make your sit down meals at mid-day and in the evening instead of in the morning. You really need to get there at park opening in July if you want to see anything.


You will also find that between the crowds in July and the popularity of the Dining Plan, it will be necessary to make ADRs for most, if not all, of your sit-down meals. Otherwise be prepared to eat at counter service (more long lines!) or at very early or very late times.

People have been making ADRs for July since January, so you should get some booked ASAP. Even if you need to cancel them later, it's no problem. ADRs are free.

 

[colonialtinker]

Welcome!!! I noticed on day 10 your flight doesn't leave until 7p. You do realize that check out time is 11?
As for your palnning, remember it is cooler in the mornings, even in July. I would plan on being at the parks when the ropes drop.

 

[Rylee]

Hi,

You have a great trip planned! A few thoughts...

I tried not to schedule too many meals, in order to allow us to “go with the flow”. I am thinking of perhaps not having dinner at Jiko as part of our DDP, but rather pay cash for this meal, and use those two TS credits elsewhere (is this possible)? The remainder of meals will likely be counter service.

Yes, you can pay out of pocket (oop). Just let the waitress know.

I agree with a previous poster, you might want to do the attractions in the morning and take advantage of the lighter crowds, and cooler temps. Be sure to learn about fast passes and use them.

Will you be taking advantage of the Extra Magic Hours (EMH)?

The plan as of now:

Day 1:
arrive around noon
AKL check in, perhaps pool time (I will bring suits, etc. in carryon), wander to MK
5 p.m. dinner at Crystal Palace
Enjoy wandering in MK, most likely leave before fireworks begin (DS6 is autistic and sounds of fireworks are terrifying to him)

Day 2:
9 a.m. breakfast at Boma
Epcot
(AKL for nap/rest time)
Epcot
5 p.m. dinner at Coral Reef Great choice for the whole family.

Day 3:
(my bday)
Magic Kingdom
(AKL for nap/rest time)
MK
6:30 dinner at Jiko

Day 4:
9:30 breakfast at Hollywood and Vine
Hollywood Studios
(no set plans for nap time)
boat in afternoon to another resort, just so we can ride a boat
You can catch a boat, right at the Studios. It is a nice boat ride to the Boardwalk, Y & BC resort, and the Swan and Dolphin. This is a great way to check out other resorts and/or spend some time at the Boardwalk.
Day 5:
9 a.m. breakfast at Rainforest Café
Animal Kingdom
(AKL for nap/rest time)
Animal Kingdom

Day 6:
Typhoon Lagoon – morning This is a good morning for a character meal.
(AKL for nap/rest time)
Downtown Disney – afternoon/evening You may want to schedule an ADR at one of the Downtown Disney restaurants.
Day 7:
Epcot
Noon lunch at Restaurant Marrakesh

Day 8:
Animal Kingdom
(AKL for nap/rest time)
Animal Kingdom
5:30 dinner at Boma

Day 9:
MK
(AKL for nap/rest time)
MK
Monorail to Ohana for 7 p.m. dinner

Day 10:
????
Leave airport at 7 p.m. Check out is 11. If you are using Magical Express, it will pick up about 3 hours before flight time. Disney will store your bags after you check out, if needed. We usually just hang around the pool until we leave or do some shopping at DTD.

Have a magical trip!

 

[wdwfamilyinIL]

There was one thing I noticed that wasn't mentioned, heat and humidity. I don't know how your family handles this, but again this is another great reason to start early. One of the other things I have learned over the years with kids is don't be to suprised if you can't keep your schedule, a general overview but with subject to change works best for us. Another poster mentioned the wilderness lodge, this is a wonderful place. We eat here every trip, I am planning on staying here on trip, but right now the kids like pop.
An area that I have a problem with is people getting to close to me, I like my personal place. AT this time of year you will have huge crowds, use fastpasses to help with line waits where you can. Make sure you have adr's, I have seen people on every trip turned away from somewhere because of not having one. One last note is that we always take poncho's with us, I fold them up in my baggalini there in there if needed.

 

[Disneysoloist]

I agree with the other posters who said to get to the parks for rope drop and to take advantage of fast passes. By late morning, return to your hotel to cool off/nap/grab lunch. You can return to the parks early evening, and spare yourself the agony of the mid-day heat and humidity! And, yes, make ADR's if you have your heart set on a certain restaurant.
Have a wonderful time!