Getting enough MK in?

[lindsayjs]

This will be my little DS's (age 5) first trip and we likely won't be back for a few years. ( Older kids visit the parks frequently with other family) I'm not sure I've budgeted my MK time wisely. Previously we have never spent full days at DHS or AK. I thought DHS would be ideal for sleeping in a bit after the Halloween Party. Not planning a full Epcot day since it'll be Saturday during F&W. We do have park hoppers so things could shift around a bit.
Here's my rough schedule:

DAY 0:
Travel day
Arrive around 8pm

DAY 1:
Late start MK around 10?
Stay until 2pm
Afternoon break
Return for MNSSHP
(Not doing meet and greets. Just rides, candy, parade and fireworks)

DAY 2:
Late start HS
F! Dining for lunch
Afternoon fp+
Dinner
F!

Day 3:
PPO Epcot Garden Grill
Future World
Some WS early afternoon
Break
Evening open?

Day 4: AK
RD
Full day
With afternoon break

DAY 5:
PPO BOG
Take a break around 1pm
Dinner at Ohana 4:20
Return to MK for more fun and stay for HEA.

DAY 6:
Travel

 

[pitpat]

on day 1, I would hit MK at RD and shift your break a little earlier.

Why do you have hoppers? AP?

 

[lindsayjs]

on day 1, I would hit MK at RD and shift your break a little earlier.

Why do you have hoppers? AP?

I wasn't sure RD before the party would be the best idea. I guess we could aim for a longer rest in the middle of the day.
We have Military Salute tickets so hopper is included.

 

[Gophers]

Looks fine. On your Epcot day maybe you hop back over to MK for just a little bit to get a little more MK magic. Like pitpat stated you could start earlier on day one and move the break time. Looks pretty good. Enjoy your magical trip!

 

[mouseketeerwannabe]

I would be tempted to skip EPCOT and HS during this first trip with him and focus on MK and AK. MK is where the magic will happen for him. By focusing on just two parks, there is time to ride everything he wants, stand in line for characters, and then have plenty of swim time at the hotel. My daughter did not enjoy EPCOT at the age of 5, but every child is different. The most fun we ever had was when we made the goal of riding every ride and seeing every show and parade in Magic Kingdom. Took us about 3 days to do it (with lots of rest and swim time). Of course, at 5, you might be limited by height and fear factor.

 

[Nancyg56]

The only thing I will add is that Fantasmic is a little intense. Is your 5 YO adventurous? I know all kids are different by my DGD at 5 would have been upset. Iam not suggesting you do not go, but that you check it out.

 

[lindsayjs]

I would be tempted to skip EPCOT and HS during this first trip with him and focus on MK and AK. MK is where the magic will happen for him. By focusing on just two parks, there is time to ride everything he wants, stand in line for characters, and then have plenty of swim time at the hotel. My daughter did not enjoy EPCOT at the age of 5, but every child is different. The most fun we ever had was when we made the goal of riding every ride and seeing every show and parade in Magic Kingdom. Took us about 3 days to do it (with lots of rest and swim time). Of course, at 5, you might be limited by height and fear factor.

DS is a huge Nemo and aquarium fan so a brief Epcot visit is required for us. Plus its my DH's first WDW visit and I have to show him some of glorious Epcot!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

All kids are different but at 5, with my DS my party days were all about "energy conservation mode." They still are and he's 7 now! I find I need to take the day real easy/slow and build in a lot of downtime. If we have an intense morning/day, he'll fade early into the party. We have RD'd MK on a party day, but really only stayed 1-2 hours and headed back.

It can be frustrating because you're there and want to make something of the day, but for us - we've gotten more out of the party that way.

Have fun!