Help planning first (quick) trip for grandkids

[Sunshine2U]

It's been 10 years since we've been to MK. We've done the DCL, but not the parks. We decided to make a quick trip in October to introduce 8yo and 4yo to the mouse. So far I've booked ASSp resorts - selected a value resort since we won't be in the room much and we need 2 rooms. At first I was thinking drive down Thursday, Oct 19, with dinner at Chef Mickey's and a monorail ride around the circle. Then do MK Friday and Saturday. Hang out at the pool Sunday morning then drive back. We live in SC so we can come back over time. I learned when our kids were young that you don't have to do everything on every trip.

Last night I realized that this is MNSSHP time. So my question is what would you suggest? I almost think we should drive part of the way Wednesday night then arrive at ASSp on Thursday in time to check-in and take bus over to MK for MNSSHP. That way the 4yo would be rested from the car ride and easier to hang late. Would this be a good first experience for the kids? What would you suggest for Friday and Saturday? Typically we would plan to do early entry to MK as part of the planning. The 4yo will want to meet some princesses so I thought with 4 adults we could split fast passes so 8yo can ride "coasters" while I hang with princesses. I'm also going to shoot for ressie to Royal Table.

Thanks for any suggestions. Things have changed a lot in 10 yrs!

 

[pitpat]

the Halloween party is a great idea on a short trip, especially pairing it with another MK day. We did that with our 4 YO and luckily she napped in the car and was still happy at midnight

 

[caliope]

4 year olds can be quirky. I know that no matter what we did to rest earlier in the day, my kiddo couldn't hang late for a party. So when we went in December, we skipped the Christmas parties. I'd definitely recommend basing your decision on what works for your particular 4 year old.

That said, if there's a way to do a party Thursday night, and then Friday and Saturday also at MK, that would be a great intro for your grandkids. We are big fans of emersing ourselves in a single park over several days, rather than jumping around. If you live close enough to return, keep this first trip focused. It's a great way to maximize time on a short trip.

Happy planning!

 

[momto3pirates]

It's been 10 years since we've been to MK. We've done the DCL, but not the parks. We decided to make a quick trip in October to introduce 8yo and 4yo to the mouse. So far I've booked ASSp resorts - selected a value resort since we won't be in the room much and we need 2 rooms. At first I was thinking drive down Thursday, Oct 19, with dinner at Chef Mickey's and a monorail ride around the circle. Then do MK Friday and Saturday. Hang out at the pool Sunday morning then drive back. We live in SC so we can come back over time. I learned when our kids were young that you don't have to do everything on every trip.

Last night I realized that this is MNSSHP time. So my question is what would you suggest? I almost think we should drive part of the way Wednesday night then arrive at ASSp on Thursday in time to check-in and take bus over to MK for MNSSHP. That way the 4yo would be rested from the car ride and easier to hang late. Would this be a good first experience for the kids? What would you suggest for Friday and Saturday? Typically we would plan to do early entry to MK as part of the planning. The 4yo will want to meet some princesses so I thought with 4 adults we could split fast passes so 8yo can ride "coasters" while I hang with princesses. I'm also going to shoot for ressie to Royal Table.

Thanks for any suggestions. Things have changed a lot in 10 yrs!

I think splitting the drive and hitting the Halloween party is a great idea. You could take your time, meet characters and trick or treat. Then Friday use FP to hit the rides, hopefully Lunch or dinner in the castle.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I actually wouldn't do MNSSHP as the first introduction of MK with the kids. It's very dark, IMHO, and goes very late. We didn't take DS9 until he was 7 and even then, with a resort rest the entire day, he barely made it through the fireworks. I would stick with your original plan. Drive in, have dinner and ride the monorail. If you want to see the MK fireworks, you could see them from outside the park at one of the monorail resorts. For me, the best first introduction to MK would be going the first day at RD to see the opening show and going from there.