For all you experts out there

[Andy Lou & Meg]

Can some people take a look at my itinerary and let me know your thoughts.


Thursday 23rd Fly to FloridaLook around I Drive
Friday 24th Magic Kingdom
Saturday 25th Animal Kingdom
Sunday 26th Epcot
Monday 27th Typhoon Lagoon
Tuesday 28th Islands of Adventure
Wednesday 29th Universal Studios
Thursday 30th MGM Studios
Friday 1st Shopping – Beltz / Millenia Mall
Saturday 2nd Animal KingdomI Drive
Sunday 3rd Free Morning MK / MNSSHP
Monday 4th Sea World
Tuesday 5th Blizzard Beach
Wednesday 6th Busch Gardens
Thursday 7th MGM Studios / Fantasmic
Friday 8th Universal Studios
Saturday 9th Shopping – Florida Mall
Sunday 10th Epcot – World Showcase
Monday 11th Island of AdventureI Drive
Tuesday 12th I Drive
Wednesday 13th Magic Kingdom
Thursday 14th DTD Check In / Flight home

Thanks

Lou

:thewave: :thewave: :thewave: :thewave:

 

[angel659]

Hi

Starting and ending with Magic Kingdom is an excellent choice. We do the same. Great park to start the WDW holiday feeling.

Perhaps on the days you are shopping you could go to Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island or even book a dinner show.

I noticed there are lots of days of shopping. Sometimes you can fit a whole lot more shopping in one day so you can see more of Florida.

Have you thought of:

Clearwater Beach - you can go on a speedboat for some Dolphin spotting

NASA - Its free entrance unless you want the tours. This is also a half day event if you dont do all the tours and you could then go to Coco Beach to have at look at the big surf shop or just laze on the beach. The waves are quite rough.

I hope this helps a little bit.

Have a great time.

Regards
Michelle

 

[MickeyMcMouse]

Just a personal thought, but since its your first time, I would build in alot more free time.

Thats a pretty tough schedule you have given yourself.

(Only my personal thoughts )

David

 

[Rannoch]

You haven't mentioned if there are any children, or where your staying (I'm assuming it's on or near I-drive).

Are there any rides which you will definitely not be trying. This may make a significant difference to the time spent at each park, or even if you need go twice.

Regards,

Rannoch

 

[rhysd2]

from personal experience heres a few pieces of advice.

try and switch around the days so your not doing the busier parks on weekends when local residents are there. it willkeep the lines down.

2ndly avoid the florida mall. its below par IMO and over priced compared to the rest of florida. as it sounds like your staying on or close to I-Drive do the two belz outlet malls, the belz festival mall(right by the outlet mall) and pointe orlando(where theres a giant FAO schwartz toy store). the florida malls a little disappointing really.

also unless theres something you really really really want to do again in animal kingdom 1 day is plenty. its pretty small compared to the other parks.

if you could give us some info on where you are staying and how many adults/children(ages) are traveling we can probably help you out a bit better

 

[fizz13]

I didn't like the florida mall either but the Premium Outlets mall was fantastic. I think if there are children on this trip you might want to slow the pace a little. You may find after 3 days you are burnt out from the parks. However, if you're sure you've got the energy then go for it. It looks like you'll have a great time.

Claire

 

[vernon]

I would agree that AK is probably not two full days worth of entertainment (although I'm not sure if that is what you're planning), unless you are MASSIVELY into animals. I would probably do it as two (slightly more than) half days each and then move onto MGM or Epcot if that made the best use of your ticketing (i.e. hopper passes).

I notice you've only got one day at SW, again depending on ticketing I think you may find you get better use of your time by having 2 visits each of slightly more than half a day, mixed in with shopping the rest of that day. I would have one early start at SW , then move onto the shops by about 4-5.00 , then have one late starting day at SW to take in the Shamu night time show (which is slightly different to the regular day time shows) and the fireworks.

Again I would agree that maybe you need to space your "break days" out a little more, you're starting off with 7 straight days in the parks. I would try for a non park day every 4 or 5 days to break it up a little, otherwise you do tend to get sensory overload after a while LOL . I'd also be another "thumbs down" for Florida Mall, I think it has moved down market recently while Belz, LBV mall and the Premium Outlet Mall all offer better quality goods. If you're looking for an "exclusive" shopping treat then the Mall at the Millenium is a great place to window shop and if you've got a few bob to spend there are some very nice things to buy. The Cheesecake factory there is also a great place to eat and it's only a 5 minute drive from IDrive.

 

[slinky101]

hi, just read your itinerary, your first three days were exactly what i had planned for us last year, we couldnt wait for magic kingdom or animal kingdom, everyone warned me that we would be waking up really early on the first few days and we were, all i can say from our opinion was that, three parks in the first three days was too much, we went to epcot on the sunday and had a FANTATIC psb but soon after we couldn't take it anymore, by 1pm we had had it,we had to go back to the hotel to chill, too much in three days, i know water parks are best avoided at weekends but, you are going at a quiet ish time, maybe typhoon lagoon sunday, or some chill time at your pool,and maybe epcot monday. my DDs were 5 + 7 and we really glad to be back at the pool! have a great trip.

 

[Andy Lou & Meg]

Thanks guys for your help.

Just so you know I will be staying on I Drive with DH and DD (4).

If anybody else wants to make any suggestions, please feel free. I am getting excited / nervous and could use all the help I can get.

Lou

 

[vernon]

With a 4 y old, you may find you need more time at MK,MGM and BG with less at IOA,USF and Epcot, it depends a little on how much time you were planning on your MK/MNSSHP day. I would also factor in spending a fair amount of time character hunting/autographing/photo opping plus a fair amount at the various playgrounds at the parks. SW and BG both have excellent kiddie areas that they could spend hours in, MGM has "honey I shrunk the kids playground" and IOA has a really nice little water play area in Suess Landing although/particularly as there will be a lot at IOA that she won't be able to ride.

It can be very tiring for the kids at that age and there's not much that beats a tired little one for putting the dampers on things for everyone. You'll need to allow down time for her. Some type of stroller may not be a bad idea, even the cheap "umbrella" style ones on sale at Walmart in the US would at least give her the option of a ride from time to time and also if she needs a quick nap at lunch time it's a lot more comfortable than a restaurant chair.

For getting a head start on the characters, saving time, getting the best opportunities for quality time and photo shots I would strongly recommend at least one character meal. I think the breakfasts work best and my favourites are the Crystal Palace in MK and Park Fare 1900 in the GF (also gives you a chance to wander round one of Disney's hotels ). Although lunch at Park fare 1900 may give a nice mid day break away from the park to calm down and recharge the batteries, depends how your DD takes to the long days at the parks. If you find a break works well for her, alotheroption for you when at Epcot is to take the "International gateway" exit to Epcot ( between France and the UK) and take a stroll round to the Boardwalk/Yacht and Beach club hotel area to have lunch there. It's a nice stroll around the lake and helps break up the day if that proves to be needed.

With a little one I think it's even more important to split shopping days with a little bit of theme park action. That way they feel they've had their bit of fun and are usually a lot more agreeable to spending an hour or two at the shops.

Last thought, DD may be the correct age to "star" in the Whale and Dolphin show at SW. It's worth getting to the stadium for this show about 30-40 minutes before the show and keep a look out for any CM with a clip board ( you have to sign a waiver form ) that wanders about the kids at the front glass wall of the dolphin tank. They will be looking for a kid to appear in the show and usually are only too happy if a potential star comes up to them. The best way is if you can prime DD to ask a couple of questions like "what are their names", "what do they eat" and best of all "what do they feel like". If they can find a kid that's confident enough to talk to an adult and interested in the animals they are happy to finish that task ( of finding a victim , I mean star for the show) . For girls a pretty dress is an added bonus for the show. P.S. take a spare pair of shorts and a T shirt for her, although they may give you a free T if you say you don't have one.

 

[Rannoch]

As everything it all depends on your personal tastes. My tuppance worth is ...

Friday 24th Magic Kingdom
Always the first stop, but no need to go really early - it's only your first day. Pace yourself.
Leave after the afternoon parade - DD (and you) will need a rest.

Saturday 25th Animal Kingdom
I thought this was a real disappointment, and it will only take one day. Busch Gardens much better.

Sunday 26th Epcot
Good day for Epcot. Again there is no need to rush. Take the car to the Boardwalk (we arrived around 10.30am - car park is free) and say to the guard at the gate you are intending to have lunch (you might need to show your passport). Stroll around to Epcot, and spend the the next few hours covering some rides. If DD is OK, go to World Showcase - should be loads of characters for autographs and pictures.

Monday 27th Typhoon Lagoon
If you stayed for the fireworks at Epcot then go to Typhoon Lagoon for a relaxing day. If you left Epcot early, swap Typhoon Lagoon for Island of Adventure. So that you get a restful day between the busy days.

Tuesday 28th Islands of Adventure
See above.

Wednesday 29th Universal Studios
I'd put a shopping day here. Late start - no rush, and put Universal following week to keep the "Studios" apart, and have a no rush day between busy.

Thursday 30th MGM Studios

Friday 1st Beltz / Millennium
A late start. I found the Outlets and Malls very disappointing. The best was Orlando Premium Outlets. You won't buy much at Millennium - too expensive!

Saturday 2nd Animal KingdomI Drive

Sunday 3rd Free Morning MK / MNSSHP

Monday 4th Sea World
Sea World is definitely worth a couple of visits. The second to see shows (Clyde and Seamore is the best - DD will love it) and the night show "Shamu Rocks America". If you go to Seaworld only one day, the timetable will have you almost running to make each show, or attraction. Two days to pace yourself.

Tuesday 5th Blizzard Beach

Wednesday 6th Busch Gardens

Thursday 7th MGM Studios / Fantasmic

Friday 8th Universal Studios

Saturday 9th Shopping – Florida Mall
Depends if you like to shop. If so so, you won't spend a lot of time here.

Sunday 10th Epcot – World Showcase
If you didn't see the fireworks last week - go in the afternoon and evening.

Monday 11th Island of AdventureI Drive

Tuesday 12th I Drive

Wednesday 13th Magic Kingdom
I would say with DD you need three visits to MK. The second an early start with a Character Breakfast at the Crystal Palace (Pooh Bear, Tigger, etc). The last to see Spectromagic and the fireworks

Thursday 14th DTD Check In / Flight home

Have a nice time.

Rennoch

 

[juliebro]

Have to agree with David - that's a tough schedule you've given yourselves. We had something similar for our first trip - and all ended up with exhaustion after the first four days. We were forced to slow down a bit then.

There's a tendency to want to do everything on your first visit, as you think it will be the 'once in a lifetime' holiday. Think again! You'll be back - ask anyone on these boards!

Disagree about the shopping comments. We LOVE Florida Mall, find Belz too big (and too much junk), LBV outlet was just terrible, but we also like Premium Outlet Mall. If you're looking for something specific, then Premium may not have it though.

Just our opinions.

Julie

 

[Grumpy John]

Would definitely try and put in some free time. The parks are very tiring and if you are not careful you could easily ''knock yourself up'' if you do not have some time where you just put your feet up and recharge. A day by the pool is a great way of winding down after a few days around the parks.

Otherwise you are going to get back home wanting another holiday to get over the holiday you have just had

 

[JohnnySharp]

I think you definitely need more rest days, although the theme parks are great you will need to re-charge your batteries often.
Also think you will not need 2 trips to Animal Kingdom and Epcot - easy for me to say though having been several times over the years....I also think its difficult to plan in advance the whole of your trip, when we have done so it has always been changed after a couple of days.
I would advise to plan your first 2 or 3 and then just take it a day at a time, you will change your plan during your holiday anyway and trying to cram too much in may spoil the enjoyment of it all.

I disagree with some of the posts regarding the Florida Mall and agree with Juliebro, for us it is the best shopping experience in Orlando, although mainly beause of the Oakley and Tommy Bahama stores... some of the outlet Malls are a bit hit and miss. We have never rated Belz, most of the labels you will not have heard of and sell 'junk' and leftovers that they cannot get rid of and although Belz Festival Bay will no doubt improve in time only Ron Jon's Surf shop is worth a visit and most of the plots are empty.

As for Pointe Orlando, it's a bit like the Mercado where the popularity and quality have lessened over the years, when we went earlier this year it looked like the FAO Schwarz toy store had actually closed down.

The Mall At Millenia is very upmarket but still worth a visit for the Quiksilver and Tommy Bahama (again) stores.