Help me plan my 12/22-12/29 trip!

[dancer72]

Trying to figure out what the best plan is for an 8-day trip over Christmas (traveling with 2 kids, age 8 and 10). We've done Disneyworld enough, so plan to do the non-Disney stuff this time. Thinking perhaps:

3 days US/IOA
1 day SW
1 day DC
1 day Kennedy Space Center
2 days ?? (1 more at US/IOA? Aquatica? Busch Gardens? 2nd day at SW? gators? relax/mini-golf/dinner shows?)

In terms of crowds, would certain parks be better on Christmas Day / days before Christmas / days after Christmas? Does the holiday weekend affect the parks equally or would some get more crowded than others?

Besides crowds, are there special events at any of the parks on Christmas or other days that would help dictate which to do which day?

I assume if we go to US/IOA Christmas Day or later, we will need the express pass. If we stay on-site for a single night, would that give us the express pass priviliges for 2 days (checkin and checkout days)?

Would crowds be big enough on 12/22-12/23 to need express pass those days?

Is SW a 1-day or 2-day park?

Would it be too cold to do Aquatica and/or Wet n Wild that time of year?

Is Busch Gardens worth the drive? Is that a 1-day or 2-day park?

Does US/IAO have enough to keep interested for 4 days or is 3 enough? (Family is big Harry Potter fans, so I imagine WWOHP will take a big part of a day.)

I see quite a few dinner shows - Pirates, Arabian Nights, Al Capone, Polynesian, Wonder Works, etc. - any in particular to recommend (or not)?

Any other ideas to add to the list?

I know these topics are likely covered in other posts, but there is so much here, I've been reading pages and pages from this board for hours, and would appreciate the guidance, even if it's just pointing to the relevent threads.

Thanks for any help!

 

[damo]

I would definitely do one night onsite to get the two full days of express access. During busy times, it makes a HUGE difference.

SeaWorld is a really nice park. Depending on your family, you could do two days there...or two short days since they usually offer a buy one get one free deal.

Busch Gardens is fun if you love roller coasters. I would only allocate one day for it.

You can easily spend 4 days at IOA/USF. Just make them leisurely days. You won't be spending the better part of one day at WWoHP though. If you use your early entry wisely, it should only take a morning.

I don't think I would do the water parks at that time. However, weather is so variable in Florida, you just never know.

 

[Planogirl]

We've been to Wonder Works and it is fine for kids. To me the best part of the visit was the exterior of the building. It is a sight to behold.

As for dinner shows, we have a local Medieval Times that we've visited and it is pricey and fun. It really depends on whether you like that sort of thing so that's a hard call.

We always play some mini-golf when we visit now. There are some great Pirates courses scattered around the area.

 

[Metro West]

I can't answer the questions regarding the touristy spots (non-theme park attractions) here in Orlando because...well...I'm not a tourist.

Starting 12/26 all local parks will be jammed...every day until after 1/2. If you can purchase Express Plus passes at Universal and/or Quick Queue passes at SeaWorld, you will be much better off. Just remember...Forbidden Journey at IOA does not accept Express so you will have to wait in line and the lines will be LONG.

 

[4greatboys]

LegoLand is now open as well. Your kids are an age where they would really enjoy it.

 

[dancer72]

Starting 12/26 all local parks will be jammed...every day until after 1/2. If you can purchase Express Plus passes at Universal and/or Quick Queue passes at SeaWorld, you will be much better off. Just remember...Forbidden Journey at IOA does not accept Express so you will have to wait in line and the lines will be LONG.

What about 12/22-12/25 - any idea whether those days would be busy as well? Or would those days be OK without Express Pass?

 

[damo]

What about 12/22-12/25 - any idea whether those days would be busy as well? Or would those days be OK without Express Pass?

This thread might help.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2490956

 

[dancer72]

I would definitely do one night onsite to get the two full days of express access. During busy times, it makes a HUGE difference.

Perhaps this is going too far in order to save money...but am I correct that if I plan to go to US/IOA for 4 of the 8 days, I could stay on-site for just two nights and then stay in a cheaper hotel the other 6 nights, and that would give me express access / early access for all 4 days? So onsite hotel on nights of 12/22 and 12/27 would mean express access / early access on 12/22, 12/23, 12/27 and 12/28, right? (I know a bit crazy to go back and forth between two hotels, but we enjoy saving money!)

How early can you check in and pick up room keys on check in day - can you pick these up early enough to be there at park opening?

 

[macraven]

when you stay onsite, you can get early admission on the day you check in and the day you check out.

that would give you 2 days of EE by staying one night onsite.


you can check in to the onsite hotels anytime.
i have checked in before 6 am before.

you might want to give the hotel a call the day before you arrive if you plan to check in that early.

TM's are always on duty but might be in the back room if you come early like i have before.

just because you check in does not mean you get your room at that time.

you will be notified when your room is ready.

but, you will get your hotel cards when you do check in.
all you need is that hotel card for everyone in your party to be allowed to enter the park early.

 

[GenGen22]

SW is offering buy one day get the 2nd day for free for sure right now. I just purchased SW tickets through AAA and it also included a meal for $3 more. You can also get the 2nd day free through the SW site too if you are not an AAA member. I want to suggest Pirates Dinner Adventure. Although, I haven't seen it in Orlando, I saw it In Buena Park, CA and it was AWESOME! I don't think the Orlando and Buena Park shows can differ that much. We are going to see the Arabian Nights Dinner show when we are in Orlando in December. You can buy discounted tickets through Undercover Tourist for that also.

 

[damo]

Perhaps this is going too far in order to save money...but am I correct that if I plan to go to US/IOA for 4 of the 8 days, I could stay on-site for just two nights and then stay in a cheaper hotel the other 6 nights, and that would give me express access / early access for all 4 days? So onsite hotel on nights of 12/22 and 12/27 would mean express access / early access on 12/22, 12/23, 12/27 and 12/28, right? (I know a bit crazy to go back and forth between two hotels, but we enjoy saving money!)

How early can you check in and pick up room keys on check in day - can you pick these up early enough to be there at park opening?

Your theory is correct. You can check in as early as you wish. We've checked in at 7 am.

It is a pain in the butt to be checking in and out though. Bell Services will hold your luggage before your room is ready on the day you check in and after your check out.