First Trip!!! Help with my schedule

[Annick]

Hi! At the end of July will be my mom's, my DD and my first trip to WDW! DD is turning 5 during the trip. She doesn't know we're going. She's never been on a plane either and it's her dream. So big surprises ahead! I made a detailed schedule (because I'm a freak!) and I was wondering if anyone had the time to review it and tell me if something doesn't make sense... Is it too condensed? Attractions too far from each other? Illogical timetables? Forgot something too important? Etc. I need all the help I can get!

I really hope I can get the FP+ for the rides and the times I want! Otherwise, my beautiful plans will go out the window haha

Here it is! WARNING : IT IS DEEEEETAILED lol


SUNDAY, JULY 23rd
Night at a hotel near the airport. (DD will think THAT'S her birthday present!)


MONDAY, JULY 24th

4am : wake up time and shuttle to the airport (SURPRISE DD!!! YOU'RE GOING ON A PLANE!!)
-check-in and breakfast at the airport
7:40am : Flight from Montreal to Orlando
---
12:30 : Arrival at Port Orleans Riverside with ME
1:30pm : Lunch at Boatwright Dining Hall or Food court
2:30pm : Ol' Man Island Pool
4:00pm : Go to our room/power nap if possible
5:30pm : Boat to Disney Springs
6:30pm : Dinner at Disney Springs (Raglan if available or elsewhere)
-Shopping, enjoying ourselves
8:30pm : Boat ride back to POR
-Showers and SLEEP


TUESDAY, JULY 25th

8:30am : Bus to Animal Kingdom
9:15am : Affection Section
10:30am : Asia (try to see Baloo and King Louie)
11:00am : YAK & YETI RESERVATION for 11:15
12:30 : Kali River Rapids FP+
1:00pm : Africa
2:00pm : Snack and wait in line for Festival of the Lion King
3:00pm : Festival of the Lion King
4:00pm : Explore Valley of Mo'ara
5:00 pm : Na'vi River Pandora FP+
6:00pm : RAIN FOREST CAFE RESERVATION at 6:15pm
7:45pm : Killimajaro Safari at dusk FP+
8:30pm : Snack, try to see Tree of Life Awakenings
9:15pm : Taxi back to POR
10:00pm : Shower and sleep


WEDNESDAY, JULY 26TH - DD's 5th BIRTHDAY! **EDITED ACCORDING TO SUGGESTIONS**

8:00 bus to Magic Kingdom
9:00 Jitney to the Castle
9:15 Peter Pan’s Flight
9:45 Seven Dwarfs Mine FP+
10:15 RESTAURANT BE OUR GUEST RESERVATION @10:25
11:40 Meet Gaston at his Tavern
12:00 Under the Sea FP+
12:30 Bibbity Bobbity Boutique Makeover RESERVATION @12:40
2:20 Snack et Boutiques
3:00 Parade
3:30 Enchanted Tales with Belle FP+
4:30 Walt Disney Railroad
5:30 Barnstormer
6:40 CINDERELLA’S TABLE RÉSERVATION @18:55
8:30 Find a spot for Fireworks
9:00 Fireworks
9:45 Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
It’s a Small World
Snack
11:00 Fermeture du parc (23h30 Kiss Goodnight Show) Taxi back to POR


THURSDAY, JULY 27th

9:45am : taxi to Boardwalk
10:25am : BON VOYAGE BREAKFAST RESERVATION at 10:40
11:30am : Explore Boardwalk
12:30 : Taxi to POR
1:00pm : Down time, shower
2:00pm : Walk to French Quarters
2:30pm : Snack/lunch at Sassagoula Floatworks Food Court (Beignets!!!!)
3:00pm : Mardi Gras Pool Party (if available)
7:00pm : Cajun Campfire
8:00pm : Dinner
9:00pm : Movie under the stars
11:00pm : back to Riverside


FRIDAY, JULY 28th

9:00am : Breakfast
10:00am : Shower and packing
11:00am : I check out, Mom and DD go to the pool
12:00 : Boat to Disney Springs, lunch
3:00pm : Boat back to POR
4:00pm : Magical Express to the Aiport

9:00pm : Flight back to Montreal, Canada

 

[pitpat]

IMO, you should try for more than 2 park days with a M-F trip coming all the way from Canada.

and since you're rope dropping, you can fit better rides in first thing. For example, that's when you should do Peter Pan. The fireworks FP stops you from getting extra FPs all day. Affection Section first at AK is a waste of time, better off with the safari then even if you want to FP it later at dusk.

 

[mjkacmom]

Five days, five rides? There is so much more to do!

 

[Annick]

Five days, five rides? There is so much more to do!

I know But I really don't have the money for more park days unfortunately I'm paying for everyone and I'm a full-time student/single-mom hahaha

Plus, we're going in July, which is SUPER busy, so I have no idea how many rides I can do without FastPasses. There's my DD's BBB appointment that,s going to take so much time (she's getting the whole deal) and I tried to make the schedule so that we don't spend those park days hurrying for the next thing.
I could take a FastPass for something other than the Fireworks, but since the MK will be fully packed in July, I really want a good seat without having to wait 60 minutes for a spot...

I'm open to more suggestions though!

 

[loves to dive]

Personally, I'd cut out all the taxis. At that time of day you should be just about the only one's on the bus and it really doesn't take up that much time. As far at getting to BW, bus to HS and walk to BW.

You should be able to catch a number of rides in the morning if you are at the parks at RD without much of lines. I wouldn't over schedule, WDW can be overwhelming the first time and trust me, your little one is going to be just so excited to be there that all the extras are not really necessary.

 

[gap2368]

I agree with the others 2 park days ( remember the more you play in the parks the less you pay, so add days.

One thing that stands out to me is do not take a Taxi to the MK they will just drop you off at the TTC and then you will have to take the boat or monorail to the MK if you really want to do this have them drop you off at the contrary hotel and walk over. But Disney busses are fine your hotel ( I believe ) is not big and there should not be long lines to get back so I would just do this.

2 there is no more FP for wishes or the fire works show for the MK but you can do the desert party for extra $$$$

also I would try to get all FP for MK early in the day starting about an hour after parks opens this park is one of the easiest to get more FP at the 3 I would get is 7DMT PP and maybe under the sea, then once you use your last one get another one, since you only have 2 park days would you take out the nape rest time since that really dose take away a good amount of time, you know your DD but I know some will rest in a stroller. If your DD can do thins this might be a better idea ( I know some kids can not)Since you have BBB your DD will be sitting inside with AC for a good amount of time so this in it self might be a good rest for her then you have CRT again inside AC. like I said you know your DD.

 

[Annick]

For our break at MK in the afternoon, if I count 20 minutes to wait for the bus, 20/30 minutes to get to POR, (same to get back to MK), won't it leave us like 30 minutes to shower and rest at the hotel?

It's true that I could fast pass some other things in the afternoon instead of taking a break. I just read everywhere that we needed a break to get away from the crowds...

 

[StaciaRae]

Personal opinion here, but unless you or your daughter loves roller coasters, I wouldn't do SDMT. I took my 5 year old daughter on it last year and she was terrified! She did, however, love the Barnstormer and we were able to do that multiples in a row without a fast pass.

 

[pitpat]

I would see how much you could save by staying in a Little Mermaid room at Art of Animation. For a first trip with a 5 year old girl it is perfect. If that can cover an extra day at the Magic Kingdom, I would do it in a heartbeat.

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

6 cab rides seems like a lot. I have been to WDW several times where I never moved my truck once we got there and relied totally on WDW busses/transport. If you eliminate 6 cab rides that would help with the cost of adding one more park day which would allow rerides of favorites at the Magic Kingdom. Just my 2 cents.
ETA: Maybe a value instead of Port Orleans would also help with another park day. My family of four has stayed at All Star Sports and enjoyed both trips there even though DW is a resort snob and really only wants to stay at OKW.

 

[missangelalexis]

First off- how exciting! I am sure DD will be thrilled!

Now for some critiques..

Your arrival day sounds a little packed. You guys will be up early and no doubt TIRED! I would say maybe skip the pool time (since you will be at the pool other times during the week) and head to Disney Springs earlier to shop and walk around, have dinner, and then head back at a decent time.

May I ask why you are taking so many taxis? The resort buses are great and as long as you give yourself enough time, you will have no problem. And if you are worried about leaving the parks at night, they always have a ton of buses running so you don't usually have to wait very long. I wouldn't waste the money.

Personally with only 2 park days, I wouldn't take a midday break at Magic Kingdom. There are plenty of indoor attractions you can do that don't usually see bad lines (Philharmagic, PeopleMover, Carousel of Progress, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor).

I agree with the previous poster about making sure you utilize park opening and maybe changing that fireworks FP to something else. If you are there for park opening, that would be a good time to get on Peter Pan's Flight. Since your daughter is going to Bibbidi Bobbidi, maybe schedule the 3rd FP for Rapunzel/Tiana at Fairytale Hall since they don't meet at Cinderella's Royal Table!

 

[Pkltm]

I agree with PP, cut the taxis, the money saved there would give you some funds to add park days. Disney transportation is not as bad as many make it out to be. POR is great but a value would do you just fine too!

We also come from Canada and I would spend a bit more park time.

 

[Nancyg56]

Hi! At the end of July will be my mom's, my DD and my first trip to WDW! DD is turning 5 during the trip. She doesn't know we're going. She's never been on a plane either and it's her dream. So big surprises ahead! I made a detailed schedule (because I'm a freak!) and I was wondering if anyone had the time to review it and tell me if something doesn't make sense... Is it too condensed? Attractions too far from each other? Illogical timetables? Forgot something too important? Etc. I need all the help I can get!

I really hope I can get the FP+ for the rides and the times I want! Otherwise, my beautiful plans will go out the window haha

Here it is! WARNING : IT IS DEEEEETAILED lol


SUNDAY, JULY 23rd
Night at a hotel near the airport. (DD will think THAT'S her birthday present!)


MONDAY, JULY 24th

4am : wake up time and shuttle to the airport (SURPRISE DD!!! YOU'RE GOING ON A PLANE!!)
-check-in and breakfast at the airport
7:40am : Flight from Montreal to Orlando
---
12:30 : Arrival at Port Orleans Riverside with ME
1:30pm : Lunch at Boatwright Dining Hall or Food court
2:30pm : Ol' Man Island Pool
4:00pm : Go to our room/power nap if possible
5:30pm : Boat to Disney Springs
6:30pm : Dinner at Disney Springs (Raglan if available or elsewhere)
-Shopping, enjoying ourselves
8:30pm : Boat ride back to POR
-Showers and SLEEP


TUESDAY, JULY 25th

8:30am : Bus to Animal Kingdom
9:15am : Affection Section
10:30am : Asia (try to see Baloo and King Louie)
11:00am : YAK & YETI RESERVATION for 11:15
12:30 : Kali River Rapids FP+
1:00pm : Africa
2:00pm : Snack and wait in line for Festival of the Lion King
3:00pm : Festival of the Lion King
4:00pm : Explore Valley of Mo'ara
5:00 pm : Na'vi River Pandora FP+
6:00pm : RAIN FOREST CAFE RESERVATION at 6:15pm
7:45pm : Killimajaro Safari at dusk FP+
8:30pm : Snack, try to see Tree of Life Awakenings
9:15pm : Taxi back to POR
10:00pm : Shower and sleep


WEDNESDAY, JULY 26TH - DD's 5th BIRTHDAY!

8:00am bus to Magic Kingdom
9:00am Jitney to the Castle
9:20am : Seven Dwarfs Mine FP+
9:45am : It's a Small World
10:10am : BE OUR GUEST RESERVATION at 10:25
11:40am : Try to meet Gaston at his Tavern
12:00 : Under the Sea FP+
12:30 : Bibbity Bobbity Boutique Makeover RESERVATION at 12:40
2:20 : Snack and Shopping
3:00pm : Parade

3:30pm : Taxi to the hotel for shower, nap, downtime

6:15pm : Taxi to Magic Kingdom
6:40 pm : CINDERELLA’S ROYAL TABLE RESERVATION at 6:55pm
9:00pm : Happy Ever After fireworks FP+
EMH:
Some rides I'd like to do if we're not too exhausted and if the lines allow it :
Peter Pan’s Flight
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Walt Disney World Railroad
11:00pm : Park closing. (Last Kiss Show) Taxi to POR.


THURSDAY, JULY 27th

9:45am : taxi to Boardwalk
10:25am : BON VOYAGE BREAKFAST RESERVATION at 10:40
11:30am : Explore Boardwalk
12:30 : Taxi to POR
1:00pm : Down time, shower
2:00pm : Walk to French Quarters
2:30pm : Snack/lunch at Sassagoula Floatworks Food Court (Beignets!!!!)
3:00pm : Mardi Gras Pool Party (if available)
7:00pm : Cajun Campfire
8:00pm : Dinner
9:00pm : Movie under the stars
11:00pm : back to Riverside


FRIDAY, JULY 28th

9:00am : Breakfast
10:00am : Shower and packing
11:00am : I check out, Mom and DD go to the pool
12:00 : Boat to Disney Springs, lunch
3:00pm : Boat back to POR
4:00pm : Magical Express to the Aiport

9:00pm : Flight back to Montreal, Canada

Monday is going to be a long day, and your current plan has you up until at least 9:30. I would plan to have CS lunch at the resort, swim and relax, explore and then TS at Boatwrights. Early to bed. The best way to set yourself up for an issue is to begin exhausted.

I know I am in the minority, but your trip is rather short and you have some expensive add-ons. I would skip BBB< bring some glitter and hairspray from home. Skip the taxi, take the bus back to the resort for a nap and shower, and then bus back to the MK for dinner. Dress DD before dinner in her Royal attire. Personally, I would also skip CRT and add an extra park day and go to Epcot. Have CS in the park or maybe Crystal Palace. If you did that you could book Akershus PPO breakfast, which is less money than CRT, meet all the Princesses, and have a head start in the parks. There is a lot for kids, as well as adults in Epcot.

When you are trying to keep to a budget and end up compromising on park time, I am not at all sure that you save the money you think you will. Resort hopping and shopping tends to add up. I compromise on TS meals and add park time. If you wanted to check out POFQ, you could do so on arrival day. The water Taxi is nice and relaxing in the evening, and you could skip Boatwrights and have dinner in the CS at POFQ.

 

[TwoMisfits]

Hi! At the end of July will be my mom's, my DD and my first trip to WDW! DD is turning 5 during the trip. She doesn't know we're going. She's never been on a plane either and it's her dream. So big surprises ahead! I made a detailed schedule (because I'm a freak!) and I was wondering if anyone had the time to review it and tell me if something doesn't make sense... Is it too condensed? Attractions too far from each other? Illogical timetables? Forgot something too important? Etc. I need all the help I can get!

I really hope I can get the FP+ for the rides and the times I want! Otherwise, my beautiful plans will go out the window haha

Here it is! WARNING : IT IS DEEEEETAILED lol


SUNDAY, JULY 23rd
Night at a hotel near the airport. (DD will think THAT'S her birthday present!)


MONDAY, JULY 24th

4am : wake up time and shuttle to the airport (SURPRISE DD!!! YOU'RE GOING ON A PLANE!!)
-check-in and breakfast at the airport
7:40am : Flight from Montreal to Orlando
---
12:30 : Arrival at Port Orleans Riverside with ME
1:30pm : Lunch at Boatwright Dining Hall or Food court
2:30pm : Ol' Man Island Pool
4:00pm : Go to our room/power nap if possible
5:30pm : Boat to Disney Springs
6:30pm : Dinner at Disney Springs (Raglan if available or elsewhere)
-Shopping, enjoying ourselves
8:30pm : Boat ride back to POR
-Showers and SLEEP


TUESDAY, JULY 25th

8:30am : Bus to Animal Kingdom
9:15am : Affection Section
10:30am : Asia (try to see Baloo and King Louie)
11:00am : YAK & YETI RESERVATION for 11:15
12:30 : Kali River Rapids FP+
1:00pm : Africa
2:00pm : Snack and wait in line for Festival of the Lion King
3:00pm : Festival of the Lion King
4:00pm : Explore Valley of Mo'ara
5:00 pm : Na'vi River Pandora FP+
6:00pm : RAIN FOREST CAFE RESERVATION at 6:15pm
7:45pm : Killimajaro Safari at dusk FP+
8:30pm : Snack, try to see Tree of Life Awakenings
9:15pm : Taxi back to POR
10:00pm : Shower and sleep


WEDNESDAY, JULY 26TH - DD's 5th BIRTHDAY!

8:00am bus to Magic Kingdom
9:00am Jitney to the Castle
9:20am : Seven Dwarfs Mine FP+
9:45am : It's a Small World
10:10am : BE OUR GUEST RESERVATION at 10:25
11:40am : Try to meet Gaston at his Tavern
12:00 : Under the Sea FP+
12:30 : Bibbity Bobbity Boutique Makeover RESERVATION at 12:40
2:20 : Snack and Shopping
3:00pm : Parade

3:30pm : Taxi to the hotel for shower, nap, downtime

6:15pm : Taxi to Magic Kingdom
6:40 pm : CINDERELLA’S ROYAL TABLE RESERVATION at 6:55pm
9:00pm : Happy Ever After fireworks FP+
EMH:
Some rides I'd like to do if we're not too exhausted and if the lines allow it :
Peter Pan’s Flight
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Walt Disney World Railroad
11:00pm : Park closing. (Last Kiss Show) Taxi to POR.


THURSDAY, JULY 27th

9:45am : taxi to Boardwalk
10:25am : BON VOYAGE BREAKFAST RESERVATION at 10:40
11:30am : Explore Boardwalk
12:30 : Taxi to POR
1:00pm : Down time, shower
2:00pm : Walk to French Quarters
2:30pm : Snack/lunch at Sassagoula Floatworks Food Court (Beignets!!!!)
3:00pm : Mardi Gras Pool Party (if available)
7:00pm : Cajun Campfire
8:00pm : Dinner
9:00pm : Movie under the stars
11:00pm : back to Riverside


FRIDAY, JULY 28th

9:00am : Breakfast
10:00am : Shower and packing
11:00am : I check out, Mom and DD go to the pool
12:00 : Boat to Disney Springs, lunch
3:00pm : Boat back to POR
4:00pm : Magical Express to the Aiport

9:00pm : Flight back to Montreal, Canada

I'd drop taxis and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique...Cinderella's Royal Table will be enough to be a princess and you'll get more attraction time in for free while losing the reservation (especially since you're going in July million degree heat - who wants to be all-dolled up sitting at the 3pm parade in that kinda heat and humidity). I wouldn't add the 3rd park day til you arrive in case lines are too long for you...you can always do it after your 1st day...

 

[Annick]

Well, for the taxis, it was my mom's idea. She thought that after being at MK from 8pm to 11pm, we wouldn't want to be on a bus for 30 minutes...
I'll try to convince her not to take a break in the afternoon... How about this then?



8:00 bus to Magic Kingdom

9:00 Jitney to the Castle

9:15 Peter Pan’s Flight
9:45 Seven Dwarfs Mine FP+
10:10 RESTAURANT BE OUR GUEST RESERVATION @10:25

11:40 Meet Gaston at his Tavern
12:00 Under the Sea FP+

12:30 Bibbity Bobbity Boutique Makeover RESERVATION @12:40

2:20 Snack et Boutiques

3:00 Parade

3:30 Enchanted Tales with Belle FP+ (daughter doesn't speak English, would she find this boring you think???)

4:30 Walt Disney Railroad
5:30 It’s a Small World

6:40 CINDERELLA’S TABLE RÉSERVATION @18:55

8:30 Find a spot for Fireworks
9:00 Fireworks

9:45 Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Snack

11:00 Fermeture du parc (23h30 Kiss Goodnight Show) Taxi back to POR

 

[glassslippergirl]

I would do what I could to prioritize parks. IMHO, you're putting too much priority on expensive dining experiences and BBB. Can you take a look at the numbers again? If you drop your ADRs and BBB (I would not recommend giving up time from my one MK day to do BBB) and take what you would have spent on these experiences, would you have enough money to add park days? Once you pay to get into a park, you can spend as much of the day there as you like, whereas a dining experience only covers you for a few hours. At WDW, the right CS restaurant can be an experience in and of itself and will cost you about 1/2-1/3 per person what a buffet costs.

Alternatively, if you cannot add park days, I would plan to spend the entire day in the park. Get there at RD and go until you drop. Encourage the little one to use her stroller (even nap there if she will), take breaks in shady places, etc. Really maximize your park time because you'll have the next day to rest. If the time you allot to rest at the hotel is so short that you think you need to take a cab to make up some time, then it's going to be too short no matter what time-saving measures you take. Skip the stress and stay in the park. Also, look into spending some of your off time in Fort Wilderness. I think your daughter will enjoy the offerings there.

Finally, especially for the Pandora rides, don't expect to be able to get a FP for the time you want. Take what you can get if you can get anything and structure the rest of your day around it.

 

[RADOPT]

Try the bus at least once, it may save you money. I think your plan sounds good but this is coming from a mom who's daughter only goes on the tea cups as many times as possible, maybe the carrousel 2x, and the Bear show at MK - and we still have a blast. You can always add and change as you go. Your daughter will be so happy it won't matter if you do 2 ride or 20. Have a magical trip.

 

[Annick]

Thank you so much, all of you!

I picked POR because it's always been my mom's dream to go there. And I'd rather have a full day there (we've never seen palm trees either!! haha) than add another park day.

I think I'll follow you guy's advice and skip the break on MK day though.

Would I need a FP+ for Peter Pan's Flight if it's the very first ride we do?

 

[gap2368]

I would look at changing your BBB to disney springs ( I think they do it here too) this way you are not wasting time at the parks,

I also think that between PP and if you FP 7DMT you can add ride too maybe small world or pooh ride that are close by,

I would think you will be fine doing Peter Pan first thing the line is really neat ( for about 15 minute) but if you walk there right after RD then you would be fine)

 

[gap2368]

here is a youtube video of bells thing so you can decied if DD would like it

If yu have not seen @Robo maps they are great. here is the MK fire works maps

https://www.disboards.com/threads/wdw-maps-by-robo.3545729/#post-56460944

when going to Peter pain go to fanticey land direct one ( you can get there by going thought the castle but they hold you put for about a minute longer then the other paths,
( you can see this on the second map)

The 4th map has where you will want to stand for the fire works. If you do not mind crowds/someone infant of you then you can normally find a spot right before ( like 10 minutes before hand. just know that kids will be on there parent shoulder so you may not have the best view.