For Disney AND US lovers...a newbie question

[wrldpossibility]

Hi,

We have never been to either WDW or US, and have 8 days planned in WDW staying onsite. I want to do it at a leisurely pace, so I didn't plan any US in the trip (so we'd have time to do Disney more slowly). We also have three young kids, so I thought Disney would be better as a first trip. But for the point of my post--DH would really like to do one day at US. But I have a few questions:

1. For those who also do Disney...do we have enough time to fit US in? We are going in mid-Dec, but wouldn't do US until the end of the trip. Closer to Christmas means bigger crowds and less time.

2. Do we go with the kids, or let them explore more Disney with Grandma and Grandpa (coming with us) while DH and I go to US?

3. If we go alone, which park is better? DH LOVES thrills, but I'm more of a wuss. I can't handle the huge drops. Everything else is ok.

4. Can we get the park done in a day? Even without FofL? Wow... that sounds great BTW!

I think when the kids are all older, we should try a longer US trip and stay in a US hotel. But for now, I think Disney "fits" us better. Any thoughts? I was thinking of giving DH the park tickets to US on his birthday, which is during our trip, and telling him the two of us are going together that day (a break from the kids + DH's beloved roller coasters). That would be Dec. 19th though. Too crowded without FofL passes?

 

[Rella Bella]

Our first trip we stayed for 11 days and didn't see all of Disney! And we did a park 10 of those days! We didn't have to rush and we had a wonderful time. And we were still anxious to go back soon! There is so much to see and do!

I think US/IA are more aimed at an older audience... I mean older than 6. There are a few things for little ones but Disney has much more to offer them (JMHO).

We have done both US and IA a couple of times, and I think either could be done in one day (not both). IA has more coasters and thrills, US has some thrills but more of the movie themed rides. Not being a coaster lover, I prefered US.

If you go to US/IA... I would recommend not bringing the kids, you'll see more and most likely after a week together a break from the family would be fun for you... and fun for Gramma & Grampa too!

 

[damo]

It is really hard to judge what little kids will like and dislike. Sounds like your husband would love both USF and IOA. There are lots of big drops in IOA but not in USF so maybe you could compromise by doing the highlights of both. You can buy two park/one day tickets and maybe just a day with the two of you would be a good way to judge whether your kids would like it or not on their next vacation.

Let us know what you decide and we will try to guide you to the rides that would suit the two of you.

I would imagine that the crowds are just starting to build on the 19th. It wouldn't be as bad as the week between Christmas and New Years though and if you went early in the morning you could get the big attractions done right away.