Have I lost my mind? Advice Needed!

[cgerdon02]

I am planning our family's First time ever staying in a Disney World Resort for this October. We have been to MK before and also HS, but these were all for just one day. Last year we spent every moment possible (that the park was open) at MK and also HS. My DH and I are both up for a commando style 7 night vacay this year, but there's a catch.....my ds7, dd4 & dd2. One of the most fantastic things about my kiddos, is that they can take a nap anywhere. I have rented a double stroller and the seats can recline all the way back. So after all this rambling, I want to find out what parks are best for my family.

6 Days/6 Parks
We know that we want to go to MK for 2 days (Including MNSSHP), Also wanting to go to AK & HS. We have 2 days of Epcot on the schedule, but I'm just not sure if there is enough there to keep my kids entertained for 2 days. I actually have 7 days of park tickets, but we most likely will not use one day. If we choose to do Epcot for a half day with a ticket, and another park for the other half, can I use that extra days ticket to do so? On top of that question, what's the best park to do for the second half of the day? Another day at MK, AK or HS? Or is there enough to do at Epcot?

I would love all of you input on what parks are the most kid friendly. Also, any tips you may have or similar stories of taking the commando approach with children and living to talk about it

 

[wdwscout]

Personally- I don't think you are at all crazy...

But first things first. Are your tickets Park Hoppers? If not, you cannot use 2 days of tickets on the same day (one park in the morning , and another in the afternoon using 2 days). The only way to go to 2 parks in the same day is with Park Hopper tickets.

Now, commando with young kids is possible- especially if you say they can/will nap anywhere. My boys were like this and we never did the afternoon break at the resort thing. They could stay out all day, nap in the stroller (we had the reclining stroller like you described, just for that reason!)
We also made sure to schedule lunch and dinner at sit down restaurants. That also helped to give everyone a break, refresh and regroup. It never felt like we were overdoing it. BUT- we also always had park hoppers, and I think that makes a difference. If for nothing else than the mental change in going to a new place.

If you'd like a break/change without Park Hoppers- then take advantage of staying on site and do go back for a swim mid-day and then go back to the same park in the later part of the day. It will feel like a new place after the break.

I don't recommend commando touring for little kids to everyone. But you know your children best- and if they can nap/rest in the stroller, it is possible.

Epcot- in my opinion- is the BEST place for kids. My kids always enjoyed Epcot more than the MK!! Even for little ones. There's plenty of room to run around and explore. They liked the Future World rides and pavilions. And the World Showcase was great for letting them run off a little steam! (and get ready for a nap ). Check out this week's podcast of "Epcot for Kids." Julie did a great job explaining all the places you can go with kids, and gave out a few secret places they can run without getting lost or in trouble!

I would keep the 2 days in Epcot.

 

[auroralark]

I second keeping the 2 days in Epcot. I enjoyed it as a kid (and there were less kid friendly stuff). The park is huge and there is a lot of live entertainment - trust me, you will want 2 days!

 

[figment3258]

I would keep epcot as two days its a really big park also if you are doing mnsshp i would not do magic kingdom that day. with the ticket you can get into the park on that ticket at 4 till the end of the party and with most of the rides open you can pretty much do all the rides with little or no wait. Hs can be done in one day it just depends on hoe many shows you are doing.

 

[ccgirl]

As a PP mentioned you need to have a park hopper ticket in order to do 2 days in 1 park regardless of how many park tickets you have. It is around $55 to add it to each ticket (regardless of the number of days on the ticket).

You can get in as early as 4pm to the MNSSHP. We would take it easy that day then go to the park as it is a late night - the "party" doesn't officially start until 7pm. My DD's favorite park has been Epcot for quite a while. There is actually tons of things to do for kids. Innoventions is great for kids, Figment, Finding Seas with Nemo, the boat rides in Norway and Mexico. Plus, my DD8 loves doing the Kim Possible Missions. If your DS7 watches Kim Possible he will love this.

If you are looking to combine a day we would go to AK when it was morning EMH and then go to DHS in the late afternoon. Again, you would need a park hopper to do this.

Have fun!

 

[cgerdon02]

Thanks for all of the advice!! I've decided to keep my 2nd day at Epcot since everyone keeps telling me that kids love Epcot too!!

Can't wait till we go, and also can't wait to book my ADRs. 10 more days and I can start!!

 

[Cherinva]

Have a wonderful time !!!

 

[cgerdon02]

Thanks!! Working on a PTR now!

 

[cgerdon02]

Seriously can't wait! I'll post a link to it when I get one