HELP! I keep talking myself in circles

[BlueFairy]

I need someone to point me in the right direction for my touring plan before I lose my mind. I can't seem to stick to a plan.

The setup - DD9 (adventurer), DD6(princess lover), myself. No help from other adults. No interest in anything "scary" or remotely like a thrill ride. Right now we have one day MK tickets. They enjoy meeting characters, shows, shopping, and tame rides the most, but are getting to the age that a little thrill is sometimes tempting, especially if they can see the whole ride from the outside.

Original plan - 3 days in early August at a deluxe resort for a change of scenery and lots of Disney resort fun and pool time before we go back to school. I've booked this as a surprise, so the kids don't know. It makes it tough to get their input.

Option 1: Stick with the plan. First full day at MK. Day 2 and departure day at the hotel soaking up fun and atmosphere. Existing FP+ A&E, 7DMT (just in case they want to ride) and ETWB. Ride like crazy starting at RD. Skip the mountains. Get inside for a CS lunch. Watch FoF and then break until time for MSEP and Wishes. Given that we have 1 day, I'm tempted to keep the 7DMT and just roll to 4th FP if we don't use it. Will have to arrive early for the MSEP with this strategy and fight crowds.

Option 2: I'm intimidated by the evening parade crowds with no adult help. Pairing that with the possible reluctance to ride 7DMT, I'd love to trade in that FP for a MSEP parade FP. They are really excited about the parade and castle show. So trade it in or not? Or ask the kids to pick one and spoil the surprise?

Option 3: Add a park day and give up some resort time (and cash!). The hotel is "our hotel" and they talk about the hotel more than the parks. I can't seem to fit a touring plan for MK that will satisfy all 3 of us into 1 day. So should I bite the bullet now and get a second day. That would insure that we all get to do what we want, and we can minimize crankiness by eliminating a LONG park day. But it relegates pool time to afternoons only, and we all know that won't work if a tropical system settles in with storms. We would still have arrival day and departure day to explore the hotel, and one evening since we won't do nighttime both days. I'd likely do FoF on day one and MSEP/Wishes with FP+ for MSEP on day 2 if I had 2 days of tickets. Touring as directed by Easy WDW or Touring Plans becomes much easier. I feel like I need to decide soon before we hit 30 days and FP+ choices start getting eliminated.
Once again - tell the kids and let them vote or decide myself.

Option 4- Allow myself to add a park day after we see how day 1 and the weather are going. We'll have rope drop out of the way and could make FP selections via the website at the resort. Maybe that would also make lining up for the evening parade more palatable. Not sure I like this option.

Ugh! The more I think, the more options I find.

Thanks for reading!

 

[ghtx]

I vote Option 3. If you're going to be just 3 days at WDW, I would want at least two of those days to be park days. The problem with Option 4 is that you can't pre-book FP+ for the second day if you don't have the ticket in advance. Also, you will still be rushing on the first day to try to get everything in before the second day.

 

[GillianP1301]

I would go with Option 3. If you hit the park at RD, you can be back for pool time by lunch and hopefully still get some good pool time in, even if a storm does come through later in the afternoon. You could use the storm time to do indoor resort stuff/exploration.

 

[lam0037]

I agree, Option 3.

One way to gauge their opinion on 7DMT would be to just show it to them. Like from the commercial, or the website or something and just be like oh look at the new ride. If they seem excited about it, then they would probably want to do it. If not, then go with MSEP.

7DMT is not a thrill ride, so if they are used to riding Barnstormer they should be fine.

If the castle projection show isn't as important as the parade, you could try finding a spot in Frontierland, because it doesn't tend to fill up as fast and the crowds are more manageable. Also, are there two parades that night? You could probably find a spot for the castle show, go do something during wishes and then catch the second parade.

If you can add another day financially, I would. When I was that age, I wanted to be in the parks. I love swimming and doing stuff at the hotel, but I loved the parks. If you took a break both days and then departure day, I think that would be sufficient, but you know your kids better.

If there are more rides/things you really want to do, get the ticket ahead of time. You can do a FP for FoF the first day, and then the other ride and another plus MSEP the second. Because your other daughter likes adventure, I would do A&E, Pirates or Jungle cruise (or other ride she likes) and FoF the first day and MSEP, ETwB and 7DMT the second. This way everyone is guaranteed to have something they like each day, and you can see if they want to ride 7DMT and if not, you can change it after the first day.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Option 4: Relax! and go with the flow.

You also sound slightly torn between completely avoiding thrill rides and trying something new.

What are you defining as 'scary' and 'thrill'? Everyone defines those differently. Can you be more specific?

No interest in anything "scary" or remotely like a thrill ride...but are getting to the age that a little thrill is sometimes tempting, especially if they can see the whole ride from the outside.!

Are you concerned because of past experience? Meltdowns? Last minute chicken-outs? Motion sickness? Big drops? Are the children the ones who are afraid? Lots of four year olds ride the MK mountains just fine. I would better be able to answer if I had more specific idea of your specific concerns, the rides you've enjoyed before.

***************************
Personally, I would think the hardest part - and it is a challenge- of being one adult with two small kids- is knowing when to take a break, the airports, and heavy crowds. You don't want to get stuck trying to carry two sleeping children of that age! Heavy luggage might also be a pain. If you hold hands, you should be able to do the fireworks just fine.

You say you are staying deluxe; you may wish to consider seeing the fireworks from the comfort of your resort. You specifically mention the stay is short, and at a deluxe. If I may be so bold, if your deluxe resort is CR or Poly- then I suggest a club level room! Both CL's feature lounges that pump in the fireworks music, you get a an amazing view, no crowds, AND until 10pm - you'll get to munch on desserts! (of the two, I strongly suggest Cr Bay lake, 14th floor! also called Atrium floor with Standard view)

As one adult with two small kids- you'll get the benefit of an extra safety barrier: all the CL's are key card access only. They are not (completely) private by any means, but only CL guests get access to the CL floors. So you can let your guard down a little while eating there. At most CL's, the entrance is guarded by staff. Compared to food court dining, breakfast in the lounge will be much more relaxing. You can let your kids help themselves, or get food for them while they sit at their table - something you can't do in the food court. Check-in is also done on the CL. So in a situation like yours, it will be much less stressful. You don't wait in line, and everyone can sit.

If CL doesn't appeal, watching the fireworks from outside the park is still an option to consider. It's much easier to get to Poly from the Poly beach tan all the way from MK. If not CL, then the view from CR MK view rooms is very nice. GF also has some view near the food court, and GF has MK view rooms. If your resort is another deluxe, then fireworks view is not going to be as great an option. The Swan has some rooms with a view of Epcot. I don't think they have nay audio though. Outside the parks, you would not see the MK parade, But.. you WILL see the water parade!

I agree it is wise to keep your plans somewhat simple, in the sense of being flexible, and not pushing your endurance limits too much. You don't want anyone to get over-tired. Swim time is a great option.

One advantage of more park days is the ability to prebook more FP.

I think having a FP for the new ride is great. I have not been on it, yet, but even before it opened, one could see much - most- of the attraction from the outside. There are strong reports it is not scary.

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

Well, I've got a different opinion. I have only done two kids with help - there was a summer trip where DH was at a conference so I took a babysitter. So I've not had your exact situation, but we've been at least once a year since my two were 4 1/2months and 29 1/2months.
I vote to change 7DMT to MSEP FP+ before the MSEP FP+ run out. I vote this because you could ride 7DMT at RD or after Wishes with not too long of a line - or at least we did both in June. You can't line up for MSEP less than an hour in advance and see much w/o FP+ and you are with children who will need a snack or a bathroom break or at least a wiggle around break. While some say that the MSEP location is not ideal for Wishes, we loved it - exactly how we did it is below. If you choose this scenario, you can take an afternoon break at the hotel after FoF and before your evening - everyone will be happier with a break. (Note that we watched FoF from Frontierland then cut through Adventure land and Main Street shops to exit the park before the parade reached the flagpole on Main Street, thus beating the crowds out of the park - don't know if you can herd little ones as fast as we moved with teens) One long day would ruin the kids when they were younger and one long day ruined us adults in June. (Kids are now 16 in a couple weeks and 13 for a couple more months.)

Our MSEP FP+ experience. We tried to check in for our FP+ early to be able to pick our spot but CMs weren't letting anyone in yet and told us to come back. We still came back a bit earlier than CMs recommended to find a line of about 6 people waiting to be let in. We got in line and CMs let us (and others who had not waited in line) in at the stated FP+ time. We were lined up against the rope in order - we did not get to choose our location. It turned out not to be a problem, but I was taken aback at first. CMs patrolled the area very well and ensured that those without FP+s who tried to sneak in were not permitted to stay. Not everyone got a next to the rope spot. We were warned that at the end of MSEP that the ropes would be dropped and people would fill in all around us or the castle show and Wishes. The roped off FP+ area was a max of 2 people deep so we had lots of elbow room for MSEP - it was wonderful. We decided that we wanted to be at the fence toward the back of the MSEP roped off area for the castle show and wishes - this would limit the directions from which we could be crowded when the FP+ area ropes were dropped after MSEP. Knowing that much of MSEP is high enough to see without a front of the rope spot, we moved to the fence before MSEP giving our front spot to another family. We were able to hold our by the fence spot for the castle show and Wishes. Unless everyone stays seated for the castle show and Wishes, your children will have a decent but not unobstructed view. When we were there, everyone stayed seated except this one guy (7' and 300lbs - seriously) holding a huge iPad thing up to get pictures/video. Everyone else around us stayed seated and he would have still had unobstructed video if he had sat his gargantuan self down, but he had squished in where he really didn't fit. We wanted to throttle him! Some families even had blankets to outline their space on the sidewalk - it worked fairly well. If there had been an epidemic of inconsiderate 7' monsters pushing in at the last minute for photos, then it would have been a different story but we enjoyed the magic of the castle show and Wishes even with his ample silhouette blocking some of it. I would do MSEP FP+ again if we didn't need that FP+ elsewhere that day. Anyhow, that was our experience. Only you know what's best for your family.
If you do choose to add a day, you must do it before your one day passes expire. If you leave the park then decide the next morning to have a second day, you will have to buy another full-priced one day pass.

 

[ibela]

I'm a single mom with 2 kids close to you (mine are 5 and 8). In early August it will be crowded and it will be hot. I would plan for the park day in the middle and 2 resort days to lounge around the pool and relax, it's your trip too! There's plenty of things to do outside the parks - character meals at the resorts, mini golf, downtown disney, boardwalk in the evening. I wouldn't stress myself out with 2 out of 3 days in the parks, it's hard alone and with the heat and crowds, kids will get somewhat cranky.

Not sure about your kids but if mine saw something new was added, they'd want to go on it. Of the 3, I'd probably take my chances with ETWB for standby. I haven't been since last August when it was still pretty new and crowds were ridiculous, but now you can get a FP+ same day for it fairly with options for times most of the time. Not sure about summer crowds but I'd keep an eye on it and consider possibly moving that to MSEP.

You didn't mention which resort but if it's a monorail resort you should be able to see Wishes from there, it wouldn't help with the MSEP though.

I'd tell them that your friend or coworker was telling you about a new ride and do they want to see it online with you, still keeping it a surprise but at least you can see their reaction!

Good luck with your plans, have a great trip!

 

[ajwolfe]

My kids (ages 10 and 7) would definitely choose 2 days in the park vs a resort day and a park day. They can swim in a pool at home, but they can't be in MK. Don't get me wrong, we love checking out the resort but with such a short stay it probably wouldn't be high priority for me or them.
I would also keep the FP+ for 7DMT.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

In early August it will be crowded and it will be hot. I... kids will get somewhat cranky.

Last August- mid August- temps were so low that we for long pants! We would have been fine to wear them all day, but we wanted to get wet. I distinctly recall shivering at the top of the water slide at the BC!

We've been numerous times in August/September. It might be hot, or rather stormy, but it can also be rather temperate. Florida is a peninsula, and no large Mtn range to trap hot air.

We've gone back many times because we do NOT get cranky.

Afternoons can be a tad crowded, but mornings and evenings are usually great. The great lesson is to strongly consider an afternoon break. Dodge the worst part of the afternoon (be it heat or storms) and evenings are great!

So again I say....summer is the perfect time to stay CL. From 5-7pm, the lounge has nice appetizers, and ice cold beverages. That's the time of day we affectionately call, "thunderstorm O'clock."

 

[BlueFairy]

Wow! Thanks for all the thoughtful responses.

I vote Option 3. If you're going to be just 3 days at WDW, I would want at least two of those days to be park days. The problem with Option 4 is that you can't pre-book FP+ for the second day if you don't have the ticket in advance. Also, you will still be rushing on the first day to try to get everything in before the second day.

I agree about not being able to pre-book. I'm not sure waiting is a good idea. As for the rushing, I hadn't thought of that. You're right. I'd still be trying to squeeze it all in.

I would go with Option 3. If you hit the park at RD, you can be back for pool time by lunch and hopefully still get some good pool time in, even if a storm does come through later in the afternoon. You could use the storm time to do indoor resort stuff/exploration.

Yeah. We could also sleep in on that second day. I don't mind a stormy park. Also, we'd be doing MSEP that night and likely quit earlier than day 1 if we go to RD.

I agree, Option 3.

One way to gauge their opinion on 7DMT would be to just show it to them. Like from the commercial, or the website or something and just be like oh look at the new ride. If they seem excited about it, then they would probably want to do it. If not, then go with MSEP.

7DMT is not a thrill ride, so if they are used to riding Barnstormer they should be fine.

If the castle projection show isn't as important as the parade, you could try finding a spot in Frontierland, because it doesn't tend to fill up as fast and the crowds are more manageable. Also, are there two parades that night? You could probably find a spot for the castle show, go do something during wishes and then catch the second parade.

If you can add another day financially, I would. When I was that age, I wanted to be in the parks. I love swimming and doing stuff at the hotel, but I loved the parks. If you took a break both days and then departure day, I think that would be sufficient, but you know your kids better.

If there are more rides/things you really want to do, get the ticket ahead of time. You can do a FP for FoF the first day, and then the other ride and another plus MSEP the second. Because your other daughter likes adventure, I would do A&E, Pirates or Jungle cruise (or other ride she likes) and FoF the first day and MSEP, ETwB and 7DMT the second. This way everyone is guaranteed to have something they like each day, and you can see if they want to ride 7DMT and if not, you can change it after the first day.

I've tried to ask them about 7DMT when a commercial is on. I'm getting mixed results. I might just have to show them a ride-through.

Frontierland was my first plan, but then they saw the castle projection show online and went nuts. I think that's most appealing to them, though they haven't previewed the parade. Not sure second parade is an option with how they usually sleep.

DD9 is the pool lover. And the resort lover. DD6 doesn't remember so well, but she LOVES the parks. I do like the idea of more relaxed touring over 2 days.

Option 4: Relax! and go with the flow.

You also sound slightly torn between completely avoiding thrill rides and trying something new.

What are you defining as 'scary' and 'thrill'? Everyone defines those differently. Can you be more specific?



Are you concerned because of past experience? Meltdowns? Last minute chicken-outs? Motion sickness? Big drops? Are the children the ones who are afraid? Lots of four year olds ride the MK mountains just fine. I would better be able to answer if I had more specific idea of your specific concerns, the rides you've enjoyed before.

We are quite familiar with most of the classic rides, the mountains, etc. This would be something like my 14th trip, so I feel like I have a good idea of what I'm getting into. They've had whining in dark rides, a general aversion to trying most roller coasters (except Barnstormer), an absolute freak-out over the unexpected in Soarin (DD6 stayed on and loved it but DD9 couldn't be persuaded to buckle in and had to go). Motion sickness is rarely an issue. And we have a height restriction, so no child swap is an option. I would do all except ToT, so it's convincing both kids to go along and just try it that is the challenge.
DD9 also can't stand ghosts and anything she would call creepy. I think we're iffy on the Witch. Creepy, dramatic music and loud enclosed spaces are also a concern on occasion.

***************************
Personally, I would think the hardest part - and it is a challenge- of being one adult with two small kids- is knowing when to take a break, the airports, and heavy crowds. You don't want to get stuck trying to carry two sleeping children of that age! Heavy luggage might also be a pain. If you hold hands, you should be able to do the fireworks just fine.

You say you are staying deluxe; you may wish to consider seeing the fireworks from the comfort of your resort. You specifically mention the stay is short, and at a deluxe. If I may be so bold, if your deluxe resort is CR or Poly- then I suggest a club level room! Both CL's feature lounges that pump in the fireworks music, you get a an amazing view, no crowds, AND until 10pm - you'll get to munch on desserts! (of the two, I strongly suggest Cr Bay lake, 14th floor! also called Atrium floor with Standard view)

As one adult with two small kids- you'll get the benefit of an extra safety barrier: all the CL's are key card access only. They are not (completely) private by any means, but only CL guests get access to the CL floors. So you can let your guard down a little while eating there. At most CL's, the entrance is guarded by staff. Compared to food court dining, breakfast in the lounge will be much more relaxing. You can let your kids help themselves, or get food for them while they sit at their table - something you can't do in the food court. Check-in is also done on the CL. So in a situation like yours, it will be much less stressful. You don't wait in line, and everyone can sit.

If CL doesn't appeal, watching the fireworks from outside the park is still an option to consider. It's much easier to get to Poly from the Poly beach tan all the way from MK. If not CL, then the view from CR MK view rooms is very nice. GF also has some view near the food court, and GF has MK view rooms. If your resort is another deluxe, then fireworks view is not going to be as great an option. The Swan has some rooms with a view of Epcot. I don't think they have nay audio though. Outside the parks, you would not see the MK parade, But.. you WILL see the water parade!

I agree it is wise to keep your plans somewhat simple, in the sense of being flexible, and not pushing your endurance limits too much. You don't want anyone to get over-tired. Swim time is a great option.

One advantage of more park days is the ability to prebook more FP.

I think having a FP for the new ride is great. I have not been on it, yet, but even before it opened, one could see much - most- of the attraction from the outside. There are strong reports it is not scary.

Thanks for all your thoughtful advice. We do have a lot of familiarity with WDW, so it's mainly how to structure our in-park time that is the issue. New to us is New Fantasyland, the new princesses, the Castle Show, and they've never done nighttime shows and fireworks (though I have). CL is appealing and would certainly make things easier, but it's not in the budget. I had considered watching Wishes from CR on arrival night to gauge their interest. I'm not worried so much about the food since I have a plan for breakfast in our room and most meals at resorts.


Out of time. More response later. Thanks everyone!

 

[BlueFairy]

Well, I've got a different opinion. I have only done two kids with help - there was a summer trip where DH was at a conference so I took a babysitter. So I've not had your exact situation, but we've been at least once a year since my two were 4 1/2months and 29 1/2months.
I vote to change 7DMT to MSEP FP+ before the MSEP FP+ run out. I vote this because you could ride 7DMT at RD or after Wishes with not too long of a line - or at least we did both in June. You can't line up for MSEP less than an hour in advance and see much w/o FP+ and you are with children who will need a snack or a bathroom break or at least a wiggle around break. While some say that the MSEP location is not ideal for Wishes, we loved it - exactly how we did it is below. If you choose this scenario, you can take an afternoon break at the hotel after FoF and before your evening - everyone will be happier with a break. (Note that we watched FoF from Frontierland then cut through Adventure land and Main Street shops to exit the park before the parade reached the flagpole on Main Street, thus beating the crowds out of the park - don't know if you can herd little ones as fast as we moved with teens) One long day would ruin the kids when they were younger and one long day ruined us adults in June. (Kids are now 16 in a couple weeks and 13 for a couple more months.)

Our MSEP FP+ experience. We tried to check in for our FP+ early to be able to pick our spot but CMs weren't letting anyone in yet and told us to come back. We still came back a bit earlier than CMs recommended to find a line of about 6 people waiting to be let in. We got in line and CMs let us (and others who had not waited in line) in at the stated FP+ time. We were lined up against the rope in order - we did not get to choose our location. It turned out not to be a problem, but I was taken aback at first. CMs patrolled the area very well and ensured that those without FP+s who tried to sneak in were not permitted to stay. Not everyone got a next to the rope spot. We were warned that at the end of MSEP that the ropes would be dropped and people would fill in all around us or the castle show and Wishes. The roped off FP+ area was a max of 2 people deep so we had lots of elbow room for MSEP - it was wonderful. We decided that we wanted to be at the fence toward the back of the MSEP roped off area for the castle show and wishes - this would limit the directions from which we could be crowded when the FP+ area ropes were dropped after MSEP. Knowing that much of MSEP is high enough to see without a front of the rope spot, we moved to the fence before MSEP giving our front spot to another family. We were able to hold our by the fence spot for the castle show and Wishes. Unless everyone stays seated for the castle show and Wishes, your children will have a decent but not unobstructed view. When we were there, everyone stayed seated except this one guy (7' and 300lbs - seriously) holding a huge iPad thing up to get pictures/video. Everyone else around us stayed seated and he would have still had unobstructed video if he had sat his gargantuan self down, but he had squished in where he really didn't fit. We wanted to throttle him! Some families even had blankets to outline their space on the sidewalk - it worked fairly well. If there had been an epidemic of inconsiderate 7' monsters pushing in at the last minute for photos, then it would have been a different story but we enjoyed the magic of the castle show and Wishes even with his ample silhouette blocking some of it. I would do MSEP FP+ again if we didn't need that FP+ elsewhere that day. Anyhow, that was our experience. Only you know what's best for your family.
If you do choose to add a day, you must do it before your one day passes expire. If you leave the park then decide the next morning to have a second day, you will have to buy another full-priced one day pass.

You make great points about the MSEP FP. I think it would be especially useful for us. I hadn't considered just sticking around for a late ride on 7DMT if they are just dying to ride it. I might just go with that.

You point out exactly what I'd considered for the viewing of both parades. Thanks for the details on the FoF route. Also, hearing specific details about the MSEP experience is very helpful. I hope we don't run into any iPad videographers, but I'm sure it will happen at some point.

I'm a single mom with 2 kids close to you (mine are 5 and 8). In early August it will be crowded and it will be hot. I would plan for the park day in the middle and 2 resort days to lounge around the pool and relax, it's your trip too! There's plenty of things to do outside the parks - character meals at the resorts, mini golf, downtown disney, boardwalk in the evening. I wouldn't stress myself out with 2 out of 3 days in the parks, it's hard alone and with the heat and crowds, kids will get somewhat cranky.

Not sure about your kids but if mine saw something new was added, they'd want to go on it. Of the 3, I'd probably take my chances with ETWB for standby. I haven't been since last August when it was still pretty new and crowds were ridiculous, but now you can get a FP+ same day for it fairly with options for times most of the time. Not sure about summer crowds but I'd keep an eye on it and consider possibly moving that to MSEP.

You didn't mention which resort but if it's a monorail resort you should be able to see Wishes from there, it wouldn't help with the MSEP though.

I'd tell them that your friend or coworker was telling you about a new ride and do they want to see it online with you, still keeping it a surprise but at least you can see their reaction!

Good luck with your plans, have a great trip!

YES! It's my trip too. And we will have a fun filled time even if we don't go back to a park. Thanks for your single-mom viewpoint.
I'll watch the ETWB standby lines on the apps and see what it's looking like. Thanks for the suggestion.