Going NEXT WEEK - critique our itinerary!

[capenor]

Cast: me (first trip in 15 years), DH (first trip ever), DD3.5 (first trip ever). Staying 3/14-3/21 at CSR.
Editing to add: I'll be 6 1/2 months pregnant when we're there; one of many reasons to take it easy!

Our goal is to take it easy, drink it all in, not to try and see everything. So for our six full days I'm thinking we'll get 4 day hopper passes (going to commit tomorrow, I promise!) or possibly 5 day since the difference is so minimal, but we might only use 4 days.

We're early risers (6:30 usually) and so plan to get to the parks at opening/just before every day we do go; tour, head back to CSR for swim/nap about 11:30, back to parks by 4ish. DH will go to at least one Braves spring training game, as well (he's so happy!).

Here's where I really need advice; I have the unofficial guide and I'm trying to chose which parks/which days to avoid the worst of the crowds; the whole EMH strategy thing is a little confusing, as are the charts in the UG about which parks to avoid.

Roughly:

Monday: arrive 3pmish, settle at hotel, dinner at AKL (Mara) or Poly (Kona)
(can you see real animals from AKL if you're just visiting?)
Tuesday: AK in the am; Epcot in the pm
Wednesday: MK am and pm
Thursday: day "off" - swim, shop, nap
Friday: Epcot in the am, MK in the pm
Saturday: another day "off"
Sunday: MK am, whatever we liked best in pm

I must say the *only* reason I'm thinking MK on Wednesday instead of Tuesday (our first full day) is the UG's advice and reading here that everything else might be a letdown for DD. Well, and I guess that the UG says Wednesday is the "best" day for MK - though at this time of year that's probably not a big difference.

We *must* go back to MK Saturday or Sunday because I want to do Small World! It's a mission.

I know MGM isn't on here - we'd add it if we did 5 days, probably one morning - it jsut seems to hold the least appeal for us. But I bet we'll check it out.

Am I crazy not to have set up PSs yet? I'm hoping it won't be too late to get a few if I call tomorrow or Monday - we're very flexible on times and would tend to eat early, and I hate to be locked in (getting this far is hard enough but I gather it's probably worth it to have a game plan). The only "must-do" restaurants on property for us that I've come across are Boma, Ohana and Coral Reef, but we can do lunch or dinner, whatever, once I nail down the schedule.

No character meals - not our thing.

Many thanks for looking and any comments are appreciated!

AV

 

[luvdisney999]

First, you should definately get a 5-day pass! It's only like $10 or less difference and it's so worth it!

I love MGM Studios and you should really try to do it. Some of my favorites are : Tower of Terror (if you like extreme), Beauty and the Beast show (if you like Broadway-style), and Millionaire (quiz show that is GREAT!)

Even if you don't want to do most attractions, MGM also has some of my favorite restaurants in Disney. We have been arguing during our planning b/c we can only hit 2 restaurants and we want to go to all 4. 50's Primetime is my favorite. It has TV's at most tables and a 1950's style theme. The prices are also REAL cheap and they have the best CHICKEN in Disney! Also, we love the Sci-Fi Rest. This one is EXPENSIVE, but the themeing is so neat! You sit in a convertible, like you're at a drive-in and get to watch cheesy horror movies on the screen. Last time, we just went in for a snack and split food to save money.

One more thing - are you up late at night? If so, go to MK on Wed. It has late EMH hours (usually) and is open 3 hours later. If you aren't going to stay for those hours - avoid that park. It will be more crowded through the day, but will be worth it at night!

Love the AK + EPCOT plan - did that the last time I was there. However, be prepared to walk A LOT that day b/c those are the 2 largest parks (per sq. mile) - didn't know that when I planned it. Then again, we did all of EPCOT in that 1/2 day b/c the park was virtually empty and some stuff was closed.

As far as PS - it depends on the restuarant. We don't go again until May and I called for lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table for lunch - not the elusive Princess breakfast - and could still barely get in. It depends on the popularity of the restuarant. I'm a planner and have already somewhat deceided on times for our PS's. Try to do it tomorrow if you have time for the restuarants you REALLY want. Disney is busy right now and you might have trouble otherwise.

Hope this helps! I love Disney!