Going in December--PS questions??

[JessetheCowgirl]

We will be at the Swan Dec 20-28. Arriving late on the 20th. Our party will be me, DH, DS 4 and DS 2 as well as my parents (in their mid 50s)

Places I think we will eat: Hoop Dee (5:00 on the 22nd)
50's primetime
H & V
SciFi for burgers
CP
Chef Mickey's
Breakfastasaurus
Cindies breakfast if we can get it

My question is, we will hit the parks at opening/EE if available because we are all early birds. I'm thinking we will spend the first 3 days at MK because it will be less crowded?? MK offers the most for my two DS's. If we break for lunch/nap every day, would that be the best time to schedule PS???

We will have 7 day PHP. Most of our PS would be at MGM, so would that be doable??? EE at MK til 11:00 or so, then head to MGM for lunch and nap at Swan?? Would heading back to MK around 4:00 be a nightmare?

What would you recommend?

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

Are you planning to go to MGM just to eat? I'd plan to eat at MK if that's the case (Crystal Palace, LTT, Tony's).

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

We will need to go back to the Swan for nap everyday. So would you eat at MK then go back for nap??? Just do counter service to save time?? Save the PS for dinner?

So would it be a big hassle to eat at MGM from the Swan if we weren't "doing" MGM that day?

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

Have you ever been to WDW? It's larger and more time consuming than most first timers estimate. Are you driving or relying on WDW transportation? Either way, figure on 30 minutes park to park or park to resort (including the lines/security at the gate). That's a lot of commuting for little kids, and you shouldn't add to it unnecessarily IMHO.

I'd eat at whatever park you happen to be in prior to taking the nap break.

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

I've been but without kids. So backtracking to the hotel will be new to me.

I thought walking to MGM from the Swan was feasible. That was one reason we chose the Swan--proximity to Epcot and MGM.

The only thing I'm sure of is that we do want to do several Character meals, but I can't decide if we should do lunch or dinner. If we are at the Swan in early afternoon each day for nap, we would be closest to MGM/Epcot from say 1:00-4:00.

But certainly we could eat in Magic Kingdom for lunch, then return.

This whole nap thing is just ruining our schedule

I thought my parents would enjoy SciFi and Primetime, but we could do those on MGM days.

Just looking for ideas on when to PS--lunch or dinner??? I guess we will end up with one a day to get it all in.

Any other ideas??? Thanks

 

[ahutton]

It is very possible to walk from Swan to EPCOT or MGM - but could be difficult if you have hungry small ones in tow, especially just to eat. If it were me and I was doing EE at MK I would probably select either fast food lunch there, or a monorail resort for lunch, then head back to Swan for a break, then visit EPCOT or MGM in the afternoons/evenings. I was surprised how many things there were my DDs were interested in at EPCOT and MGM - both are a lot more kid friendly than I ever realized. On days that you want to be at MK in the afternoon or evening I would consider starting out at one of the other parks. I've found that is the best way to fight overtired or bored kids. Also, be prepared for food emergencies. The little legs burn a ton of calories and ate a lot more than usual and a lot more often. You mention Premium Park Hoppers - review what you plan to do and make sure you are getting the best value for your dollar. Many find they don't use the Premium part as much as they expected to, it can be a bit cool for water parks, and Swan/Dolphin has an unbelievable pool area.

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

thanks, ahutton.

What did your dd's like at Epcot/MGM??? At Epcot I can see us doing Spaceship Earth, Universe of Energy, the Mexico ride, the Norway ride, the living seas, the land, and all of the innoventions stuff. My oldest DS and DH will probably do Test Track. I will have to divert my youngest DS. He will not like missing out on anything!!

At MGM, I don't see alot we could do. I think again my oldest DS/DH will like TofT. And the shows like Little Mermaid and Playhouse Disney. It seems like most of the other stuff will be too intense. Am I wrong?

Also, how about AK???? From the descriptions (I've never been), I can only see Kilomanjaro Safari and the Lion King show. It looks like the Bug show would freak out the boys, and I think the Rapids in winter would be too cold, especially first thing in the AM.

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

Is there such a thing as the 7 day PH without the plus?? I know we won't do waterparks in December or Wide World of Sports, but we would use the waterpark pluses on future trips.

I just saw the $300 7 day PHP at Paramount with free character breakfast and thought that would be our best deal. However, I'm buying our parents' tickets as well so really am looking for the cheapest way possible.

Thanks for your suggestions. You guys are a wealth of info!