First timer needs help with short time schedule!

[stephbesel]

OK, as I have posted here before, we are first timers to WDW. We also have a short schedule, as I am an elementary teacher and don't want to take too much time off of work. Our party includes me, DH, DD (11) and her best friend (11). Here is what I've come up with and I'd like for all of you experts to give me your opinions...please! What would you do if you just had the short amount of time we are having? (besides sit down and cry because there just isn't enough time!!!!!) Here's what I've come up with:

10/30/04 Arrive at noon. Take bags to POP and then head to Magic Kingdom. Since we have never been to WDE before, I thought it would be good to start here to get the Magic. We can do SpectroMagic Parade and Wishes that night.

10/31/04 Animal Kingdom and MGM. Do AK until 1:00ish. Be there first thing in the morning and do Safari and Festival of the Lion King, etc. (What are the DON'T Misses here?) Go to MGM in the afternoon. Do Millionaire and some other things....any suggestions? Then do Haunted Hay ride at Ft. Wilderness or something else that night. Any suggestions? MNSSHP is sold out!

11/1/04 Back to MK. We have CRT reservations that morning. Do MK all day.

11/2/04 Epcot all day Garden Grill reservations that night.

11/3/04 Flight leaves at noon.

That is our world wind trip. Yes, we will have to go back to experience all we missed, but what do you think? What shouldn't I miss at each one?

THANKS!

Steph.

 

[jennymouse]

Okay, there are a couple things I do differently. Since you have a short amount of time, I'd skip one of the parks this trip and concentrate on the other three. If the girls are affraid of thrill rides, I'd skip MGM this trip. If they're thrill ride junkies like my granddaugter, I'd skip AK this trip. Another thing, do not go to MK at noon on a Saturday, it'll be packed and you won't get much accomplished, not a good use of your time at all. The magic is everywhere, you don't have to go to MK to find it. This is what I would do:

10/30 arrive at noon: Check in and head to Epcot for the rest of the day. Switch your Garden Grill PS to this night. If you feel you have to see Spectro parade you can hop over to MK after dinner, but it will be a zoo.

10/31: Since you're staying on site, get up early and hit MK Early Entry. Stay until after the afternoon parade if you're interested in the parade or until it gets too crowded. Check on MNSSHP tickets when you get there as you might get lucky or go to MGM and see Fantasmic even if you've decided to skip this park.

11/1: Since you've got CRT go to MK and have breakfast then hop to either AK or MGM.

11/2: Spend all day at MK and end your visit with Wishes.

Have fun!

 

[kilee]

I agree w/ the previous poster. It's too much in such a short time for someone who hasn't been before. I'd think about eliminating a park. This way you can concentrate even. more on the other parks. If you try to do too much you're going to feel overwhelmed rather than the magic. This happened our first trip, we were so stressed by the middle to end of the trip we were never going back!!!

I'd also make a list of the "must do's" and possibly try to make them the highlight of your trip.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Another suggestion I would give is to change your PS from Garden Grill to one of the many other wounderful choices at Epcot. Garden Grill would be nice for lunch, but a nice dinner in world showcase would be a great experience. If you want to dine with Mickey and pals I would suggest Chef Mickey's for breakfast right before you leave for the airport. Just mt 2 cents. No matter what you choose to do, just try to relax and enjoy the magic and start planning your next trip as soon as you get home!

 

[ErinInCT]

Personally I feel that AK & MGM are 1/2 day parks. Safari, Lion King, Kali rapids, maybe ITTBAB & out. MGM parade, Millionaire, if your girls like princesses - Little Mermaid & B&TB & if they like thrill rides, RnRC, ToT & stay for Fantasmic, maybe get a dinner package.
I agree, maybe EPCOT on Sat instead of MK although it is tough not to go right to MK as soon as you get there!!!!!! At EPCOT MS and TT are "must do's". You can play the other things by ear based on your interests. Have dinner in WS & watch Illuminations.
Have fun - just enough time to whet your appetite for a future trip!

 

[mickeysaver]

Ok, I am no expert, but this is what I came up with. I have no idea how much of this will actually work for you. I would be exhausted doing all of this, but at least it covers most of what you wanted to do and the highlights that should appeal to 11 year olds. Have a great time. Maggie

10/30/04 Saturday
Arrive at noon.
Take bags to POP
Head over to Epcot
Try to do M:S, TT, JiI, LS
Tour around WS....try to see these highlights (grab a schedule at the front of the park)
Maelstrom (Norway), Dragon Legend Acrobats(China), Imaginum(Italy), Blake Shelton *country music artist* performs at the American Gardens Theater at 5:45/7/8:15pm, The American Adventure, Miyuki *candy artist* (Japan), The British Invasion (UK), Off Kilter (Canada)
See Illuminations!

10/31/04 Sunday
EE MK when it starts to get too crowded or by 11:30pm leave
Animal Kingdom until close (grab a schedule at the front of the park)
Don't forget to save some money on a counter service lunch by purchasing the Animal Kingdom Meal Deal!
Try to see/do ITtBaB, KS, Kali, FotLK, Tarzan Rocks, Conservation Station, Tour the Trails, Check out DinoLand too.
Then do Haunted Hay ride at Ft. Wilderness.

11/1/04 Monday
Go to MK for CRT PS
Leave and go to MGM Studios
MuppetVision 3D, HIStK, BLT, GMR, Indy, Star Tours, RnR, ToT, and the Stars and Motor Cars Parade
Leave after the parade to see Spectro and Wishes at MK

11/2/04 Tuesday
MK for the Day Leave at 4pm
Try to see/do PoC, BTMRR, SpMnt, SM, HM, IaSW, PhilharMagic, ToonTown, Buzz, CoP, TimeKeeper, and don't forget to go into Exposition Hall to check out the neat photo op cutouts in the back of the building!
*Consider doing the Fantasmic Dinner Package*
Switch to MGM to see Fantasmic! at 7pm

11/3/04 Wednesday
Flight leaves at noon.