First time WDW trip. Need help with touring plan. Thank you!

[Disneybiginner]

Background, first time taking two Daughters to WDW in the end of Jan, 2018, 5 and 3, celebrating older one's birthday. WDW planning is so overwhelming. hopefully get some help from you veterans. It will be a short trip, from Tue - Sun, so we are planning around my two girls, AKA all things princesses related. Due to hubby's schedule, we might not be able to get fastpass. So assume that we will not have any FP for the whole trip.

Day 1, Tue, arrival day, flight departure at 5:45 and land at 9:45 am, Magical express to Contemporary, drop off luggage at bell service, Minnie van to HS, (will do Minnie van from MCO if it is available). Once in HS, will mainly see the shows, Frozen, the little mermaid, Beauty and the beast, and maybe Disney junior if has time, Hollywood vine Fantasmic dinner package, will end the day after Fantasmic.

Q: is it too much for the little ones to do a park on the arrival days?

Day 2, Wed, rope drop MK, see the opening show, go to mine train right after. The other must dos are meet the princesses, Belle, Ariel, Dumpo, meet Merida, if still have time, the small world and Peter Pan. Lunch at Columbia habour around 1, find a spot for the parade, meet Jasmine at adventure land if have time. Go back to contemporary for mid day break. Dinner reservation at CRT around 6:00pm.

Q: still possible to catch the fireworks? Or we should just enjoy the dinner since We will do another MK day?

Day 3, Thur, ropedrop AK. Check out Pandora, maybe get on the river ride if the line is not too long. Then safari and Lion King show before TH lunch ROL package. After lunch, if kiddos are not tired, will check out the bird show and Nemo. Planing dinner at Flame tree and then head to the ROL. We are flexible about this show, so if the kiddos are tired, we will head back, leave this show to the next trip.

Day 4, Fri, PPO the princess breakfast, hit FEA right after. We will just take it slow around the world showcase, since the art festival will be going on then. Not many must do rides there. Planning visiting the food booth for lunch and go to sunshine seasons for dinner. If kiddos still need to burn some energy, will hit the Nemo ride at the future world, otherwise, head back to contemporary.

Day 5, Sat, BOG PPO breakfast, and then either revisit the attractions the girls love or visit the one missed one previous MK day. Finding a good spot at Main Street for the parade, and then back to contemporary for midday break. Come back for the desert party and then the complete HEA show.

Day 6, Sun, departure day. Flight at 6:15 pm. Leave the luggage at bell service. Breakfast reservation at Bon Voyage around 9, then either check out BOardwalk, or swing to DS for some souvenir shopping.

Need advice and suggestions from all the veterans, is this plan doable? Too much for the little ones? What should we cut off and what should we add on for the princess lovers? Thank you so much!

 

[sharonabe]

Day 1, Tue, arrival day, flight departure at 5:45 and land at 9:45 am, Magical express to Contemporary, drop off luggage at bell service, Minnie van to HS, (will do Minnie van from MCO if it is available). Once in HS, will mainly see the shows, Frozen, the little mermaid, Beauty and the beast, and maybe Disney junior if has time, Hollywood vine Fantasmic dinner package, will end the day after Fantasmic.

Q: is it too much for the little ones to do a park on the arrival days?

That sounds like a VERY long day for me as an adult. If your flight leaves at 5:45, you need to be at the airport no later than 4:30 and probably 4:00. How far is the airport from home? I would either end the day after Disney Jr and not try to do F! Have dinner at Contempo Café or do room service and get to bed early, so you're ready for rope drop the next day.

Q: What does your husband's schedule have to do with getting FP+?

 

[Disneybiginner]

Thank you for your advice. We won't be able to get the park tickets early enough to snap any FP. Unless I am mistaken, we need to link the valid park tickets to be able to get FP.

We live 30 minutes away from the airport. Probably leave home around 4:30. It does sound like a long day, maybe we should try to squeeze in another day to make the trip more enjoyable.

 

[glassslippergirl]

You can make FPs any time after your 60 day mark, so if you get the tickets a week before, make FPs a week before. If you get the tickets a day before, get FPs a day before. You can even get them day-of. During your travel time in Jan, you should be able to get FPs for all but the top rides, even without much notice. Even in the parks, just keep hitting refresh in the MDE app until, hopefully, the FP you want comes available.

I'm going to offer an alternative for your first day. The day will start so early. Maybe hit Disney Springs that day after check in. Make an early dinner ADR there, like at T-Rex-- a kids' favorite. Rest when you need to during the day and be ready to hit the parks fresh the next day. If you're staying at the Contemporary, there's a balcony on the fourth floor. Go there to watch HEA if you rest during the day and are up for some theme park magic at night. Then, on your last day hit DHS before your plane leaves. Yes, you will miss F!, but let's face it, with your current schedule, you'll probably miss F! anyway.

I'm thinking you'll be able to see the fireworks after your CRT reservation on day 2 without having to rush through dinner. You could also use the time to do some rides at night if you're going to see HEA at the dessert party later.

Have fun!

 

[Disneybiginner]

Thank you so much for the suggestion. I have no idea how FP+ works, I have been mistaken till now! It makes more sense than my plan, since I will be at BW for breakfast, might as well go to HS afterwards. We will keep that in mine if we absolutely can't squeeze in one more day!

 

[minniegirl19]

Yes you will definitely be able to get fastpasses right before your trip and a ton on day of! Try to book them early not later. Late January should be a quiet time so enjoy it!! Disney is definitely overwhelming but just remember if you don't see everything this time around it's okay because you don't know what you're missing and can see it next time! Go with the flow and have fun! Also I am another vote for you to have a more relaxed day arrival day and head to studios on departure (unless you add another day) I'd even consider getting a chef mickeys reservation that day to meet Mickey and have a fun dinner in your resort your first night!

 

[Disneybiginner]

Talked to hubby, should be able to add one more day to this trip!

Now, the touring plan has changed

Day 1, Tue, arrival day, flight departure at 5:45 and land at 9:45 am, Magical express to Contemporary, drop off luggage at bell service. Head to DS, shopping, dinner either at DS, or back to contempo cafe. We might be able to swing by GF for that adorable princess parade before we head to DS.

Day 2, Wed, rope drop MK, see the opening show, go to mine train right after. The other must dos are meet the princesses, Belle, Ariel, Dumpo, meet Merida, if still have time, the small world and Peter Pan. Lunch at Columbia habour around 1, find a spot for the parade, meet Jasmine at adventure land if have time. Go back to contemporary for mid day break. Dinner reservation at CRT around 6:00pm.

Q: still possible to catch the fireworks? Or we should just enjoy the dinner since We will do another MK day?

Day 3, Thur, ropedrop AK. Check out Pandora, maybe get on the river ride if the line is not too long. Then safari and Lion King show before TH lunch ROL package. After lunch, if kiddos are not tired, will check out the bird show and Nemo. Planing dinner at Flame tree and then head to the ROL. We are flexible about this show, so if the kiddos are tired, we will head back, leave this show to the next trip.

Day 4, Fri, PPO the princess breakfast, hit FEA right after. We will just take it slow around the world showcase, since the art festival will be going on then. Not many must do rides there. Planning visiting the food booth for lunch and go to sunshine seasons for dinner. If kiddos still need to burn some energy, will hit the Nemo ride at the future world, otherwise, head back to contemporary.

Day 5, Sat, Breakfast reservation at Bon Voyage around 9, then take the boat to HS. Once in HS, will mainly see the shows, Frozen, the little mermaid, Beauty and the beast, and maybe Disney junior if has time, Hollywood vine Fantasmic dinner package around 4, will end the day after Fantasmic.

Day 6, Sun, BOG PPO breakfast, and then either revisit the attractions the girls love or visit the one missed one previous MK day. Finding a good spot at Main Street for the parade, and then back to contemporary for midday break. Come back for the desert party and then the complete HEA show.

Day 7, Mon, departure day. Flight at 6:15 pm. Maybe can book a earlier departure flight.

Need advice and suggestions from all the veterans, is this plan doable? Too much for the little ones? What should we cut off and what should we add on for the princess lovers? Thank you so much!

 

[Disneybiginner]

Yes you will definitely be able to get fastpasses right before your trip and a ton on day of! Try to book them early not later. Late January should be a quiet time so enjoy it!! Disney is definitely overwhelming but just remember if you don't see everything this time around it's okay because you don't know what you're missing and can see it next time! Go with the flow and have fun! Also I am another vote for you to have a more relaxed day arrival day and head to studios on departure (unless you add another day) I'd even consider getting a chef mickeys reservation that day to meet Mickey and have a fun dinner in your resort your first night!

Thank you so much for you advice, now we are able to add one more day, feel much better now!

 

[sharonabe]

@Disneybiginner Your revamped plan with an extra day looks lovely! Enjoy your trip. And as PP said, as soon as you can get your tickets, go ahead and start making some FP+ reservations, even if it's on the plane or on your arrival day. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[fely1st]

Your plans sound great now. I have no Kids but I think Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot is real fun for little ones. It is in the same pavillon as the Nemo ride, so no extra way. Enjoy your visit, first visits are special ones you always remember. Also dont' forget to get a first time button. Have fun

 

[Disneybiginner]

Your plans sound great now. I have no Kids but I think Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot is real fun for little ones. It is in the same pavillon as the Nemo ride, so no extra way. Enjoy your visit, first visits are special ones you always remember. Also dont' forget to get a first time button. Have fun

Thank you for the suggestion. We will keep it in mind! Already plan on the "first visit button" and "happy birthday" one for my older one as we take this trip to celebrate her birthday.

 

[SanderMC]

The other must dos are meet the princesses, Belle, Ariel, Dumpo, meet Merida, if still have time, the small world and Peter Pan.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding your post but it sounds like a big thing will be to meet all the princesses. If that is so here are a few things you should know about meeting the princesses.

There is no regular meet and greet for Belle in MK. There is an attraction called Enchanted Tales with Belle where they retell the story of Beauty and the Beast falling in love. It is an interactive show and everyone that wants to participate can and at the end all participants get the chance to have their picture taken with Belle however she does not sign autographs. It's a quick picture that's it. Belle does have a regular meet and greet in France (in Epcot).

That being said, you might also not know that Aurora, Snow White, Jasmine, and Mulan also meet in Epcot. Epcot is the only park to meet Aurora and Mulan. AK is the only place to meet Pocahontas.

Merida tends to have long lines so you want to get there as soon as you can.
A good use of a FP+ would be for the Cinderella/Elena meet.

Peter Pan is the one classic ride that notoriously has long lines. This would also be a good option to use a FP+ on.

 

[nkereina]

Day 2, Wed, rope drop MK, see the opening show, go to mine train right after. The other must dos are meet the princesses, Belle, Ariel, Dumpo, meet Merida, if still have time, the small world and Peter Pan. Lunch at Columbia habour around 1, find a spot for the parade, meet Jasmine at adventure land if have time. Go back to contemporary for mid day break. Dinner reservation at CRT around 6:00pm.

The afternoon parade is at 3pm. By the time you finish watching that and make your way back to Contemporary, it will be say 3:45. You'll want to head back to MK for your 6pm CRT reservation by 5:15ish. That doesn't give you much of a mid-day break if you were planning on naps or pool time.

Day 3, Thur, ropedrop AK. Check out Pandora, maybe get on the river ride if the line is not too long. Then safari and Lion King show before TH lunch ROL package. After lunch, if kiddos are not tired, will check out the bird show and Nemo. Planing dinner at Flame tree and then head to the ROL. We are flexible about this show, so if the kiddos are tired, we will head back, leave this show to the next trip.

IMO, you'll have a lot of time to kill between lunch and dinner even with the bird show and Nemo. And then more time to kill after dinner before ROL. If you want to see ROL, i would plan a mid-day break after lunch and return around dinner time.

 

[LionKingCPA]

Sounds like a really good plan so far, especially for a first timer. Only advice is similar to others - get fastpasses whenever you buy the tickets, preferrably at 60 days but at least as early as possible. It really helps with the popular attractions.

 

[Disneybiginner]

Maybe I'm misunderstanding your post but it sounds like a big thing will be to meet all the princesses. If that is so here are a few things you should know about meeting the princesses.

There is no regular meet and greet for Belle in MK. There is an attraction called Enchanted Tales with Belle where they retell the story of Beauty and the Beast falling in love. It is an interactive show and everyone that wants to participate can and at the end all participants get the chance to have their picture taken with Belle however she does not sign autographs. It's a quick picture that's it. Belle does have a regular meet and greet in France (in Epcot).

That being said, you might also not know that Aurora, Snow White, Jasmine, and Mulan also meet in Epcot. Epcot is the only park to meet Aurora and Mulan. AK is the only place to meet Pocahontas.

Merida tends to have long lines so you want to get there as soon as you can.
A good use of a FP+ would be for the Cinderella/Elena meet.

Peter Pan is the one classic ride that notoriously has long lines. This would also be a good option to use a FP+ on.

Thank you for the FP+ suggestions. I meant the "enchanted tales with Belle" when I mentioned meet Belle. certainly will try to snap a FP+ for merida and Cinderella/Elena. Our plan for Epcot is slow stroll around world showcase, especially according the princesses meet time.

 

[Disneybiginner]

The afternoon parade is at 3pm. By the time you finish watching that and make your way back to Contemporary, it will be say 3:45. You'll want to head back to MK for your 6pm CRT reservation by 5:15ish. That doesn't give you much of a mid-day break if you were planning on naps or pool time.



IMO, you'll have a lot of time to kill between lunch and dinner even with the bird show and Nemo. And then more time to kill after dinner before ROL. If you want to see ROL, i would plan a mid-day break after lunch and return around dinner time.

Thank you for the suggestion of midday break. MAybe we should schedule a later CRT on that day. AS for AK day, we plan to go slow, so, if we finish lunch around 2:30, see the bird show/the walk trial close by, it will be close 4. The nemo show might take 1-1.5 hours, then dinner for another 40-60 minutes, it will be around 6 by the time we finish dinner, probably can let the kiddo play around the dinoland if they are up for it. If they can't hold up, we will just go back. ROL is not on our must see list for this trip, it certainly will give us a reason to come back for another trip!

 

[Disneybiginner]

Sounds like a really good plan so far, especially for a first timer. Only advice is similar to others - get fastpasses whenever you buy the tickets, preferrably at 60 days but at least as early as possible. It really helps with the popular attractions.

Thank you for your advices, will try to get FP+ asap after we get park tickets.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Q: is it too much for the little ones to do a park on the arrival days?

Well, January is not very hot, and you are just going to some shows, so no, I don't think so. I guess it depends on how your children react to the flight.

Day 3, Thur, ropedrop AK. Check out Pandora, maybe get on the river ride if the line is not too long. Then safari and Lion King show before TH lunch ROL package.

I have no experience with Pandora, but I wanted to mention that the animals at Kilimanjaro Safari are most active in the early morning. If possible, do that first.

 

[Disneybiginner]

Well, January is not very hot, and you are just going to some shows, so no, I don't think so. I guess it depends on how your children react to the flight.



I have no experience with Pandora, but I wanted to mention that the animals at Kilimanjaro Safari are most active in the early morning. If possible, do that first.

Thank you for your suggestion. We are planning go to safari around 10, is it a bit too late? If we can snap a FP+ for the river ride @ pandora, we certainly will go to safari the first thing once we are in the park.

 

[Disneybiginner]

I read a post regarding doing AK during EMH and rode FOP 30 minutes. should we do AK that way, take advantage of the EMH, so we not only can do the river ride the first thing after get in to park, but are able to do safari early enough when the animals are more active?