Help me plan for our Sept 2014 trip

[mrs.ariel]

So, we go to DL every year and this will be our first (maybe only) trip to WDW.

We are planning for 3 or 4 days (this is the max we can go!) in Sept before our cruise. We're staying at POP, so we will use AM EMH when we can!

I guess I am looking for advice regarding what not to miss!
For example, my boys like TTMM, Star Tours, Soarin...but they can do these exact rides at DL, right?
My older son won't ride big coasters, and my dare-devil little guy is only 43" (hoping for 44 by sept) They are comfortable with space mountain, splash mountain and matterhorn (BTMM was closed this last year when we went, but I'm sure they would go on it).


Animal Kingdom is a must, my boys love animals! And Epcot is a must for Test Track.

Should we go to DHS if we don't care too much about missing TTMM, ToT, and ST? The coaster there looks too much for my boys- are the other rides do-able in a half day?

If we go Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat....which days should we plan which parks?
We are early risers, make it for RD every day at DL. (hoping the time change doesn't have an impact!)

Also, one more q- I just learned that the MNSSHP will be debuting the week we are there....never been, even at DL, should we try for that extra on the Friday we are there?
Sorry so long, for DL, hopping is so easy, I've never had to plan so much:/
Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[DisneyAnytime]

One of the better crowd predictors is easy wdw... You can check out your specific dates to plan which day for which park.

I would also recommend doing Kilamanjaro Safari early on your Animal Kingdom day with a fast pass for later on. The animals like to "show off" at different times of the day!

Also, plan for at least one character meal. If you are on the dining plan, you could potentially make all your table service meals character meals.

As for Hollywood Studios, there is much more there than just the headlining rides. It is more about the shows, at least for our family.

There really is no right or wrong way to "Do" WDW. It's all about you and your family. Don't over think it..... Enjoy!

 

[TreeSapp]

Sorry I don't have time to answer every question just now (PM me later tho, if you'd like)
But one piece of advice I CANNOT stress enough: be sure to use a map in the magic kingdom. You will have the Disneyland layout burned into your brain from previous trips and MK is similar-but-not-the-same. I was so disoriented at DL when I moved to CA and had to readjust when I moved back to FL. Just FYI