First Trip Itinerary and Questions

[MmmSuite]

Hi All! So we're going to be in Disney Sept 20th-27th. It will be the hub and myself, with our 7, 6, and 1 year old. My MIL, FIL, SIL, and her husband will join us on the 21st. We are also meeting a friend and her husband and two kids there.

We are driving overnight from MD Friday night. We hope to check-in early on Saturday to rest. How common is early check-in? We are going to TRex at 3:30. If we can't check-in early will they let us move this reservation to an earlier time if there are openings?

Then we would like to see Yehaa Bob at 8:00 and then off to bed.

Sunday we're in DTD for shopping and exploring after our 9:00 Ohana breakfast. We have dinner with the ILs at Planet Hollywood at 5:00. Is there any Disney theming here? I've never been to one.

I hope to do the Chip and Dale campfire or maybe swim.

Monday we're in AK for the day. We have Tusker at 9:00 for breakfast. Then we hop to Sci Fi Diner for a 5:30 dinner. I REALLY want to go to Sci Fi and and its the only time we can fit it in. Are there long lines to get into the parks in the evenings?

The kids are going off with the ILs after dinner and the hubby and I are going to MK for EMH so I can be all giddy and childlike seeing it for the first time.

Tuesday is Epcot day! We have lunch at 1:40 at Akershus and dinner at 6:50 at Coral Reef. Is there anywhere close to the tanks for a party of 9 to sit? Is it "always" Belle in her yellow dress at Akershus or only occasionally?

Wednesday I'm taking the boys to BBB for an 8:40 appt. Then dinner at BOG at 4:20! :-D Hopefully in the West Wing.

Wishes! Then kids go off with hubby and I go to Epcot with my friend for EMH.

Thursday I'm torn between seeing the rope drop and hanging in MK for a couple hours before Chef Mickey's at 10:45 or sleeping in! Is the rope drop "worth it"? Would I be able to see it even if I'm already inside the park on Wednesday? Would two hours in the morning be worth getting there only to leave by 10 and go to Chef Mickey's?

We're winging it for dinner at a CS. I was considering Crystal Palace. My kids like Pooh but don't love him. Any reason this reservation is too good to let go of at dinner time?

Then we hope to see the Electric Parade at 8:00. Any way I can see the parade AND make an 8:20 reservation? I'm torn between this one and Crystal Palace.

Friday we race to sign up for Jedi Knight training at HS. How does seating for the Fantasmic package work? I haven't gotten the same answer from any two cast members. Are they "good seats" and worth paying for the package? We booked H&V.

Then we are going to Earl of Sandwich before we hit the road home on Saturday.

Am I missing anything the I absolutely HAVE to do? Any words of wisdom for this Mommy?

Any tips to help with anything listed above? Sorry it's so long!

 

[happymommy]

Hi All! So we're going to be in Disney Sept 20th-27th. It will be the hub and myself, with our 7, 6, and 1 year old. My MIL, FIL, SIL, and her husband will join us on the 21st. We are also meeting a friend and her husband and two kids there.

We are driving overnight from MD Friday night. We hope to check-in early on Saturday to rest. How common is early check-in? We are going to TRex at 3:30. If we can't check-in early will they let us move this reservation to an earlier time if there are openings?

You may be very tired! I'd wing it that day.

Then we would like to see Yehaa Bob at 8:00 and then off to bed.

Sunday we're in DTD for shopping and exploring after our 9:00 Ohana breakfast. We have dinner with the ILs at Planet Hollywood at 5:00. Is there any Disney theming here? I've never been to one.

No I don't think there is any Disney theming at Planet Hollywood. I'd do a park that day! Probably Magic Kingdom for the kids.
I hope to do the Chip and Dale campfire or maybe swim.

Monday we're in AK for the day. We have Tusker at 9:00 for breakfast. Then we hop to Sci Fi Diner for a 5:30 dinner. I REALLY want to go to Sci Fi and and its the only time we can fit it in. Are there long lines to get into the parks in the evenings?

No long lines to get in, but you'll only have half a day at DAK then. I do like Sci Fi but if you're only going to DHS for that then I'd skip it and enjoy DAK, then all go to MK together personally!

The kids are going off with the ILs after dinner and the hubby and I are going to MK for EMH so I can be all giddy and childlike seeing it for the first time.

Tuesday is Epcot day! We have lunch at 1:40 at Akershus and dinner at 6:50 at Coral Reef. Is there anywhere close to the tanks for a party of 9 to sit? Is it "always" Belle in her yellow dress at Akershus or only occasionally?

Never done Akershus, but I imagine you'll still be full for a long time! No matter, you can order light for dinner. Coral Reef is good, but I don't know if they have large tables by the tank. I'd plan more than one Epcot day if you can swing it! It's so fun to explore the countries, having snacks and drinks along the way!!

Wednesday I'm taking the boys to BBB for an 8:40 appt. Then dinner at BOG at 4:20! :-D Hopefully in the West Wing.

I'd personally skip BBB. Unless your boys are insisting - it seems to me a waste of money (sorry, that's just my opinion).

Wishes! Then kids go off with hubby and I go to Epcot with my friend for EMH.

Thursday I'm torn between seeing the rope drop and hanging in MK for a couple hours before Chef Mickey's at 10:45 or sleeping in! Is the rope drop "worth it"? Would I be able to see it even if I'm already inside the park on Wednesday? Would two hours in the morning be worth getting there only to leave by 10 and go to Chef Mickey's?

I'd do rope drop at MK that day, then hop to Epcot for the afternoon!


We're winging it for dinner at a CS. I was considering Crystal Palace. My kids like Pooh but don't love him. Any reason this reservation is too good to let go of at dinner time?

No, I'd let it go. Ate there once, only by chance (we were walking by during a slow time). Unless you are really INTO Pooh.


Then we hope to see the Electric Parade at 8:00. Any way I can see the parade AND make an 8:20 reservation? I'm torn between this one and Crystal Palace.

Friday we race to sign up for Jedi Knight training at HS. How does seating for the Fantasmic package work? I haven't gotten the same answer from any two cast members. Are they "good seats" and worth paying for the package? We booked H&V.

I have never done that package - seen Fantasmic once and it was a bit dark to my kids. I do think you get reserved seating though. How good? Depends on how busy it is there I guess.


Then we are going to Earl of Sandwich before we hit the road home on Saturday.

Am I missing anything the I absolutely HAVE to do? Any words of wisdom for this Mommy?

I'd do Epcot twice for sure!


Any tips to help with anything listed above? Sorry it's so long!

Please, keep in mind, this is just my opinion! I hope this helps!!

 

[MmmSuite]

I want ALL the tips and advice I can get! Thank you! Thank you!

The only reason we're not doing a park on Sunday is because of my ILs. We want to be "around" when they land. If we're not almost immediately available my FIL will call my husband nearly nonstop until we get to the hotel to meet them.

I thought of park this day and rest day during the week.

I keep hearing this about Epcot. Hmmmm let me think on this! I'll be there during F&W Fest. I was really hoping to enjoy that.

 

[MmmSuite]

Oh and AK closes at 5:00 while we're there so we can't stay much later than we were already planning to.

 

[lazer]

The only thing that stands out to me is the two reservations at Askerhaus and Coral Reef. They're pretty close together. And, honestly, if you're paying out of pocket, Id skip Askerhaus and get a quick service dinner later at night in Epcot. I didn't see any larger tables by the tanks, and we waited forever for our table last time (not by the tanks) and won't be headed back. I know some people love it, but we're just not fans.

IMO, I wouldn't want to spend that much time downtown at once (when you do Ohana, then dinner there), unless you have DisneyQuest passes. We go downtown on each trip (numerous times), but seems like a good chunk of time that could be spent swimming or hanging at the pool.

 

[seenellie81]

Hi All! So we're going to be in Disney Sept 20th-27th. It will be the hub and myself, with our 7, 6, and 1 year old. My MIL, FIL, SIL, and her husband will join us on the 21st. We are also meeting a friend and her husband and two kids there.

We are driving overnight from MD Friday night. We hope to check-in early on Saturday to rest. How common is early check-in? We are going to TRex at 3:30. If we can't check-in early will they let us move this reservation to an earlier time if there are openings?

Then we would like to see Yehaa Bob at 8:00 and then off to bed.

Sunday we're in DTD for shopping and exploring after our 9:00 Ohana breakfast. We have dinner with the ILs at Planet Hollywood at 5:00. Is there any Disney theming here? I've never been to one.

I hope to do the Chip and Dale campfire or maybe swim.

Monday we're in AK for the day. We have Tusker at 9:00 for breakfast. Then we hop to Sci Fi Diner for a 5:30 dinner. I REALLY want to go to Sci Fi and and its the only time we can fit it in. Are there long lines to get into the parks in the evenings?

The kids are going off with the ILs after dinner and the hubby and I are going to MK for EMH so I can be all giddy and childlike seeing it for the first time.

Tuesday is Epcot day! We have lunch at 1:40 at Akershus and dinner at 6:50 at Coral Reef. Is there anywhere close to the tanks for a party of 9 to sit? Is it "always" Belle in her yellow dress at Akershus or only occasionally?

Wednesday I'm taking the boys to BBB for an 8:40 appt. Then dinner at BOG at 4:20! :-D Hopefully in the West Wing.

Wishes! Then kids go off with hubby and I go to Epcot with my friend for EMH.

Thursday I'm torn between seeing the rope drop and hanging in MK for a couple hours before Chef Mickey's at 10:45 or sleeping in! Is the rope drop "worth it"? Would I be able to see it even if I'm already inside the park on Wednesday? Would two hours in the morning be worth getting there only to leave by 10 and go to Chef Mickey's?

We're winging it for dinner at a CS. I was considering Crystal Palace. My kids like Pooh but don't love him. Any reason this reservation is too good to let go of at dinner time?

Then we hope to see the Electric Parade at 8:00. Any way I can see the parade AND make an 8:20 reservation? I'm torn between this one and Crystal Palace.

Friday we race to sign up for Jedi Knight training at HS. How does seating for the Fantasmic package work? I haven't gotten the same answer from any two cast members. Are they "good seats" and worth paying for the package? We booked H&V.

Then we are going to Earl of Sandwich before we hit the road home on Saturday.

Am I missing anything the I absolutely HAVE to do? Any words of wisdom for this Mommy?

Any tips to help with anything listed above? Sorry it's so long!

Happy kids make a happy trip. The kids may need breaks from running. Going between parks can be very time consuming and tiring for the little ones.

I would pick a park a day to stay in and make your reservations based on the park you pick. If a park closes early and you want to hop over to another for the evening that is always nice to do.

BBB is super neat for the little ones however i notice you are taking boys. I would reconsider BBB and maybe do Pirates League instead. My son and my daughter for that matter love Pirates League. They really do a fantastic job with the kids. Its very entertaining as well. The pirates that transform the kids into pirates can be hilarious. The kids get a pirate name, made over, take a pirate oath, go to a secret private room for treasure and pictures, and are invited back later in the day for a pirate parade and watch a little show with jack sparrow himself.

If you can change your Tusker House reservation to be earlier before park open, when you are done eating you are already near safari before the rest of the gate guests get back there. Tusker house breakfast is a must for my kids every trip. They love the juice! If park opens at 9am i always try to get in at 8am to tusker house. I would skip Sci-Fi if this is the only time you can do it. For some reason my kids are always tired after animal kingdom, it always seems hotter there and i think its more walking between attractions. Sci- Fi is a fun restaurant experience, but i wouldnt rave about the food. I for sure would not take the time to park hop only for that! If we are in HS for that day we would do Sci- Fi. Although our next trip the kids want to do 50's Prime time again so we are doing that.

You can always get alot done during EMH in the morning, We love to ride the rides multiple times and run from attraction to attraction with little wait between. We have found that we get more done in the Morning EMH then we get done for the whole rest of the day. We also like to go on rides during parades that we have already seen. Seems like the lines are also shorter when everyone is watching the parades.

Epcot is fun, i cant wait until my kids are older and we can explore more of it. Right now the kids are younger and they have no interest in most of it so we just dont do it. I would rather spend our time doing things that the kids love! We always do the front half of epcot with them and explore a little bit but not nearly as much as they have. The kids think that most of epcot is boring.

Personally we leave sometime for rests and breaks mid day. Sometimes we go back to the room and take naps if we know that we are going to be out late at night EMH at magic kingdom or if we are just getting a little tired or kids cranky then head back to the park for the evening. Or we make a late lunch early dinner reservation just to sit and relax while having a nice meal. Just time or us all to chill out a bit.

I hop that this helps you some. You are going to have a fantastic vacation, however you chose to spend it!!

 

[happymommy]

I didn't realize you were going during F&W! I've always wanted to do that, but we did just go during Flower & Garden. We loved the food booths!

I also agree - there isn't too much at DTD now. I'd skip it.

I agree about Akershus too - but we've never been! It's a lot of $ really, and you can enjoy snacks at the F&W booths (and wine!). My kids would rather do that.

I also agree about trying to change Tusker House earlier for breakfast (we're not breakfast eaters, so that wouldn't appeal to us) or the latest seating for dinner. That way maybe you can do the safari and not waste at FP+ on it. We did have dinner there once at about 4:30 (when the park closed at 5:00) - it's similar food to Boma (we were doing that during a free dining promotion once - paying out of pocket it would have been more than I thought it's worth). We also like Yak & Yeti counter service at DAK a lot though.

 

[MandiC]

Sunday we're in DTD for shopping and exploring after our 9:00 Ohana breakfast. We have dinner with the ILs at Planet Hollywood at 5:00. Is there any Disney theming here? I've never been to one.

We ate at Planet Hollywood in DTD on January 31. There is no Disney theming but the food was good and when staying on-site at Disney you get a coupon to use there. There are a lot of movie artifacts that you can look around at, not that our kids knew what most of the movies were


Tuesday is Epcot day! We have lunch at 1:40 at Akershus and dinner at 6:50 at Coral Reef. Is there anywhere close to the tanks for a party of 9 to sit? Is it "always" Belle in her yellow dress at Akershus or only occasionally?

Not sure on Coral Reef but yes Belle in her yellow dress is always the princess you see when first walking in that you take a picture with. Different princesses make the rounds at the tables to take pictures with yourself. When we were there we saw Cinderella, Ariel (in her princess dress), Snow White and Aurora I believe


Thursday I'm torn between seeing the rope drop and hanging in MK for a couple hours before Chef Mickey's at 10:45 or sleeping in! Is the rope drop "worth it"? Would I be able to see it even if I'm already inside the park on Wednesday? Would two hours in the morning be worth getting there only to leave by 10 and go to Chef Mickey's?

You will not be able to see the opening ceremony from inside the park. I thought the opening ceremony was worth it but I'm sure everyone is different. Just set the mood for the day. I'm sure you can youtube it, I know we took video of it.

We're winging it for dinner at a CS. I was considering Crystal Palace. My kids like Pooh but don't love him. Any reason this reservation is too good to let go of at dinner time?
There are good counter service in Magic Kingdom Honestly when we go back we will do less table service and more counter service. Columbia Harbor House and Pecos Bill were both good.

Am I missing anything the I absolutely HAVE to do? Any words of wisdom for this Mommy?

Make sure to see Illuminations

Any tips to help with anything listed above? Sorry it's so long!

.

 

[minniegirl19]

Hi All! So we're going to be in Disney Sept 20th-27th. It will be the hub and myself, with our 7, 6, and 1 year old. My MIL, FIL, SIL, and her husband will join us on the 21st. We are also meeting a friend and her husband and two kids there.

We are driving overnight from MD Friday night. We hope to check-in early on Saturday to rest. How common is early check-in? We are going to TRex at 3:30. If we can't check-in early will they let us move this reservation to an earlier time if there are openings?

Early check in will probably depend on what resort your at. If it is a busier resort it could be harder. I would cancel the TRex reservation and do a relaxing day at the pool you'll probably be tired from the drive and need the rest for the rest of the week.

Then we would like to see Yehaa Bob at 8:00 and then off to bed.

Sunday we're in DTD for shopping and exploring after our 9:00 Ohana breakfast. We have dinner with the ILs at Planet Hollywood at 5:00. Is there any Disney theming here? I've never been to one.

I hope to do the Chip and Dale campfire or maybe swim.

Monday we're in AK for the day. We have Tusker at 9:00 for breakfast. Then we hop to Sci Fi Diner for a 5:30 dinner. I REALLY want to go to Sci Fi and and its the only time we can fit it in. Are there long lines to get into the parks in the evenings?

There usually aren't long lines to get into the parks in the evening. If you really want to do it I would but the kids might be really tired by then after a long day at AK.

The kids are going off with the ILs after dinner and the hubby and I are going to MK for EMH so I can be all giddy and childlike seeing it for the first time.

Tuesday is Epcot day! We have lunch at 1:40 at Akershus and dinner at 6:50 at Coral Reef. Is there anywhere close to the tanks for a party of 9 to sit? Is it "always" Belle in her yellow dress at Akershus or only occasionally?

I would definitely cancel one of these reservations. Since its food and wine you'll be trying foods at all the different stands anyways. Thats just a lot of food for the day. Also you should probably plan a break. Epcot is a big park and with kids those ages they will need a nap especially to make it for illuminations.

Wednesday I'm taking the boys to BBB for an 8:40 appt. Then dinner at BOG at 4:20! :-D Hopefully in the West Wing.

If they are boys i highly recommend changing to the pirates league. Im not even sure what boys get changed into at BBB. But if its not a big deal to them I would cancel its a lot of money that could be spent elsewhere! It is a good experience and them being those ages this could be the only opportunity for them to experience it. Id also plan on a nap so they make it to wishes.

Wishes! Then kids go off with hubby and I go to Epcot with my friend for EMH.

Thursday I'm torn between seeing the rope drop and hanging in MK for a couple hours before Chef Mickey's at 10:45 or sleeping in! Is the rope drop "worth it"? Would I be able to see it even if I'm already inside the park on Wednesday? Would two hours in the morning be worth getting there only to leave by 10 and go to Chef Mickey's?

I would wake up for it and take a mid day nap instead. The park early is usually less crowded then during the day and the morning show is a special experience at least to my family!

We're winging it for dinner at a CS. I was considering Crystal Palace. My kids like Pooh but don't love him. Any reason this reservation is too good to let go of at dinner time?

Then we hope to see the Electric Parade at 8:00. Any way I can see the parade AND make an 8:20 reservation? I'm torn between this one and Crystal Palace.

I would just do CS and see the parade!

Friday we race to sign up for Jedi Knight training at HS. How does seating for the Fantasmic package work? I haven't gotten the same answer from any two cast members. Are they "good seats" and worth paying for the package? We booked H&V.

I used to work at Disney (2 years ago). When I worked there the dinner seating was all the way to the right. Definitely not worth it the middle is the best seat for the show in my opinion. When i went in November they moved the seating to the middle so that would then be worth it but with fantastic now having fast pass and the dinner package I'm not sure where the seating would be.

Then we are going to Earl of Sandwich before we hit the road home on Saturday.

Am I missing anything the I absolutely HAVE to do? Any words of wisdom for this Mommy?

Any tips to help with anything listed above? Sorry it's so long!

Honestly I would reallllllly try to fit in the halloween party even though its extra money. Even if its you your DH and two sons and the in laws take the one year old back for the night. Its the best experience, the parade, trick or treating and the amazing fireworks its a really special night i think your family would really enjoy.

Also I would just make sure you get naps in. It will make the trip more enjoyable for the younger ones. I hope you have an amazing trip!

 

[MmmSuite]

Thanks all! This is all great great stuff! I'm reading down the suggestions and responding in this one post!

I'm hoping to get FD but if not, my ILs *may* be treating us to the DDP! So I don't have to pay for all the meals. I'm kind of on overload because I know we won't be back anytime soon.

Coral Reef is the one I debated the most. It looks amazing but I only want to go if we're near the tanks. Even if it's just a good view, not necessarily right next to. My boys love marine life. I've been torn about it from the beginning, because of F&W Fest. I don't drink, so no wine, but I love trying new foods!

I do want to dine with Belle, that's top of my list and Cinderella is in my 7 year old's top 3 to meet. We all have a top list. Belle is in mine so two birds. So we're definitely doing Akershus! I just hope Cinderella is there.

So, I really want to "check out" the other resorts. If I wrap up at DTD then that's my back up and swimming is my back up for my back up. I also don't swim, lol. But the hubby would take the kids! So that's what I'll plan on. Swimming at the hotel!

I agree about overtiring the kids, I don't really plan to hop too much with kids. But we spend our summer at the drive in so Sci Fi is top of the list for us. I think I may try to do the TOT while there too. I wish I could do Fantasmic with Sci Fi. I'm going to try to find out closer to the date where the seating is. If it's not great I'll cancel H&V and eat at Sci Fi on HS night and then line up for Fantasmic! I'm just worry about DD surviving a 90 min wait. She isn't typically whiny, but I don't know after a week of Disney.

Thanks for the tips about the Pirate League. I just really want to get into the park before opening! I hear it's a wonderful experience!

That was the earliest Tusker House they had. They have EMH that morning so I may do something before breakfast at opening!

I saw the rope drop ceremony on YouTube and that's why I want to do it! It looks so exciting!

I'm going to cancel my Crystal Palace reservation. That was for a dinner with the ILs, but I really like the idea of a QS. There seems to be cool places at MK. I'll look at the Columbia House menu!

Now...my 8:20 reservation is somewhere else that I feel bad admitting. Is it doable from the parade to get to a reservation in the park? I may not really eat but I want to go nonetheless.

Oh, as far as early check in! We're staying at POR! We'll be in the Royal Guest rooms! Is it hard to check in early there because it's busy and popular?

I didn't put the breaks on the list that I posted but they are in there! I was thinking after Arkershus on Tuesday. Then maybe after Chef Mickey's on Thursday. Monday the boys will be back to the room with the ILs right after dinner. I figure they could swim or go to the arcade or go to bed.

I may do the Mickey Party if the dates don't mess with Fantasmic or Illuminations! My friend keeps showing me videos that are wearing me down.

You all are so helpful! I'm so excited for this trip. I've waited 30 years to go!

 

[lazer]

If your kids love marine life, check out the huge aquariums inside nemo and crush. They're awesome and my 17 month old could have spent all day there!

We checked in really early at POR last September, maybe you'll have the same luck!

 

[Poipu]

You've gotten some great advice but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. Definitely do the Halloween party! You can get into MK at 4:00 so you can do DTD or swim at the hotel that day to maximize your park tix. Also my tip for EPCOT during F&W is to use several snack credits during dinner time at the food booths. You will get to try lots of different food items and you can save your TS credit for another meal. Lastly I just wanted to mention Toy Story at DHS. My family loves this ride so make sure u don't miss it. Have a great trip!

 

[amym2]

I think you have a good overall plan. As others mentioned and you confirmed, you will need some breaks in there. WDW is exhausting, especially for first time visitors. Know that you will not be able to do everything and if you try to, you will likely regret it.

Touring with a large group can be great but also has its challenges. Don't be afraid to let people go their own ways (adults obviously) and meet up for meals. It's great that the grandparents will be able to take the kids for you. We always enjoyed that perk when our kids were younger.

I would NOT recommend doing the Halloween party. With multiple day tickets, it is an added charge you don't need. We did it once and enjoyed it, but it was after multiple Disney trips when we wanted something new to try. Trick or treating just means lugging candy around (we threw most of ours away) and while the parade and fireworks are great, you'll be just as happy with the standard parade and Wishes since you've never seen them. The only way we will do the Halloween party again is if we do not go to a park that day.

I agree about DTD- our kids don't care about it. The only time we go there is occasionally on our last day on our way out to buy souvenirs. You'll be better off enjoying the resort and then just getting to DTD in time for dinner.

We've never done Crystal Palace (our kids are anti-Pooh), but we did do the BBB when our DD was 5 and she loved it. It sounds like your older two are boys, though, right? I agree not to do BBB with them. If you really want to be in the park before it opens, do Crystal Palace for breakfast.

We have always found that the first day in a park we cannot get our kids to nap. They are too excited about being there and can't wind down. We've had good luck with alternating rest and non-rest days, which it sounds like you are planning to do. Usually it's me who needs the rest more than the kids!

If I'm remembering correctly, I don't think 9 will fit near the tanks at Coral Reef. You can explore the tanks in The Seas pavilion without eating at CR. We weren't thrilled with the food, but it was okay. We enjoy the World Showcase restaurants (Via Napoli or the Biergarten might be good). We haven't done F&W (going in Oct to try it this year).

 

[MmmSuite]

If your kids love marine life, check out the huge aquariums inside nemo and crush. They're awesome and my 17 month old could have spent all day there!

We checked in really early at POR last September, maybe you'll have the same luck!

Thank you, we will definitely look at that!

I hope so too!

 

[MmmSuite]

You've gotten some great advice but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. Definitely do the Halloween party! You can get into MK at 4:00 so you can do DTD or swim at the hotel that day to maximize your park tix. Also my tip for EPCOT during F&W is to use several snack credits during dinner time at the food booths. You will get to try lots of different food items and you can save your TS credit for another meal. Lastly I just wanted to mention Toy Story at DHS. My family loves this ride so make sure u don't miss it. Have a great trip!

Lobster Shepherds Pie was all I needed to hear about F&W Fest! Good thing I'm losing weight now!

 

[MmmSuite]

I think you have a good overall plan. As others mentioned and you confirmed, you will need some breaks in there. WDW is exhausting, especially for first time visitors. Know that you will not be able to do everything and if you try to, you will likely regret it.

Touring with a large group can be great but also has its challenges. Don't be afraid to let people go their own ways (adults obviously) and meet up for meals. It's great that the grandparents will be able to take the kids for you. We always enjoyed that perk when our kids were younger.

I would NOT recommend doing the Halloween party. With multiple day tickets, it is an added charge you don't need. We did it once and enjoyed it, but it was after multiple Disney trips when we wanted something new to try. Trick or treating just means lugging candy around (we threw most of ours away) and while the parade and fireworks are great, you'll be just as happy with the standard parade and Wishes since you've never seen them. The only way we will do the Halloween party again is if we do not go to a park that day.

I agree about DTD- our kids don't care about it. The only time we go there is occasionally on our last day on our way out to buy souvenirs. You'll be better off enjoying the resort and then just getting to DTD in time for dinner.

We've never done Crystal Palace (our kids are anti-Pooh), but we did do the BBB when our DD was 5 and she loved it. It sounds like your older two are boys, though, right? I agree not to do BBB with them. If you really want to be in the park before it opens, do Crystal Palace for breakfast.

We have always found that the first day in a park we cannot get our kids to nap. They are too excited about being there and can't wind down. We've had good luck with alternating rest and non-rest days, which it sounds like you are planning to do. Usually it's me who needs the rest more than the kids!

If I'm remembering correctly, I don't think 9 will fit near the tanks at Coral Reef. You can explore the tanks in The Seas pavilion without eating at CR. We weren't thrilled with the food, but it was okay. We enjoy the World Showcase restaurants (Via Napoli or the Biergarten might be good). We haven't done F&W (going in Oct to try it this year).

My friend's family and I are only meeting up for some dining and a couple attractions. My SIL and BIL are probably going to very rarely see us. They don't have kids and want to ride mostly grown up rides. My MIL has two knee replacements, so there was definitely be lots of splitting up.

I'm so excited to explore POR!!!! It looks beautiful!

The oldest are boys! I just asked them about the Pirate thing and they said they want to be Knights or Princes they can be pirates at home. lol

My oldest just wants to go because it's in Cinderella's castle. He LOVES Cinderella, she is at the top of his list! My middle is for sure to have me standing in the 2 hour line for Anna and Elsa! And his favorite color is pink so he likes the inside of BBB. They love the princesses just as much as they Star Wars. Well, not that much. I don't think they could love anything as much as they love Star Wars. But you get the idea. I wish there were a Prince Charming package at BBB. Or better yet, a Jedi Knight package! lol

A lot could change in 5 months, so I'm open to them changing their minds and gathering information on the Pirate League as we speak.

The middle just asked to eat at Tutto Italia("the spaghetti and meatballs place") after we watched another Disney special from the Travel Channel. If it's the same tanks and we're doing that ride first thing. I guess Coral Reef isn't necessary. And we could always eat there if we come back with us the five of us.

I agree! I figure there was no way any of my kids were napping on day one in the parks. None of them nap at home. Baby pretty much only naps in the car.

I figured Sunday would be restful, Tuesday we could regroup, and Thursday we could have a couple down hours.

 

[minniegirl19]

My friend's family and I are only meeting up for some dining and a couple attractions. My SIL and BIL are probably going to very rarely see us. They don't have kids and want to ride mostly grown up rides. My MIL has two knee replacements, so there was definitely be lots of splitting up.

I'm so excited to explore POR!!!! It looks beautiful!

The oldest are boys! I just asked them about the Pirate thing and they said they want to be Knights or Princes they can be pirates at home. lol

My oldest just wants to go because it's in Cinderella's castle. He LOVES Cinderella, she is at the top of his list! My middle is for sure to have me standing in the 2 hour line for Anna and Elsa! And his favorite color is pink so he likes the inside of BBB. They love the princesses just as much as they Star Wars. Well, not that much. I don't think they could love anything as much as they love Star Wars. But you get the idea. I wish there were a Prince Charming package at BBB. Or better yet, a Jedi Knight package! lol

A lot could change in 5 months, so I'm open to them changing their minds and gathering information on the Pirate League as we speak.

The middle just asked to eat at Tutto Italia("the spaghetti and meatballs place") after we watched another Disney special from the Travel Channel. If it's the same tanks and we're doing that ride first thing. I guess Coral Reef isn't necessary. And we could always eat there if we come back with us the five of us.

I agree! I figure there was no way any of my kids were napping on day one in the parks. None of them nap at home. Baby pretty much only naps in the car.

I figured Sunday would be restful, Tuesday we could regroup, and Thursday we could have a couple down hours.

If anna and elsa are important to see I would definitely consider getting a fastpass+ for them so you don't have to wait all day your new plans look great! I'm excited to hear about everything after the trip!

 

[MmmSuite]

Ooooo, I haven't even begun to look into what I can FP! I didn't know(or wasn't sure) I could FP character meets!