Help with FP+ plan and PH with 3 small kids

[smallsy]

We have a short trip planned for mid September and will be staying onsite at the Poly. We'll be taking 4yo DS and 2yo twin DDs. We've got EDR (8am) for Bon Voyage one day and want to try to do both Epcot and HS that day if the kids can handle it. That particular day is also a EMH AM day for Epcot if that makes a difference. Only thing at HS we know we'll want to do is TSMM. Kids aren't into Disney Junior and only other thing DH and the kids may enjoy is Star Wars stuff. Kids may enjoy a show but not sure. DH and I would be happy to use RS on RnR but it's not high on our priority list. We're trying to keep the itinerary simple and focus on what the kids would enjoy. At Epcot, I'm thinking they'll love Frozen, Nemo, and TT for DS (girls are too small).

My original plan was to head to HS studios right after breakfast (I'm guessing we'd get to the park between 9:30-10), and FP+ TSMM so we could hop right on. Then check out some other stuff until lunch time, and if the kids were up for it, head to Epcot and do what we can there. I'm also well aware the kids may be losing it by lunch time and we'd have to head back to the resort for some downtime and maybe try to hit Epcot later that afternoon/evening. We have a dinner res at Napoli that day but won't be crushed if we have to cancel. DH and I would also enjoy the Food and Wine festival happenings, but just not sure if we'd be able to enjoy it with the kids in tow. Only downside to that plan is that we'll have used just 1/3 FP+ and be at Epcot when there's longer wait times, especially for Frozen. I guess I could schedule some early morning FP+ at HS knowing we would be wasting them and just hope to get a 4th for Frozen in the afternoon? Or flip the whole schedule and do Epcot first with all FP+ at Epcot and hope for a 4th TSMM FP at HS? Or something completely different? I'm open to any and all strategy advice, especially from those with experience with young kiddos. TIA!

 

[Hootch]

Would your kids like the Beauty and the Beast show or the Little Mermaid show at DHS?. Ursala can scare some small kids. Check the times for the character palooza where are a lot of fun ones like Chip and Dale. The younger ones may or may not like the Muppets. There is a boat, with multiple stops, and a bus that runs between the parks.

 

[robndani]

First, you're going to have to decide what ride is most important - Frozen Ever After or Toy Story. You'll only get a fast pass for one of them. Once you decide that, make that the first park you to go that day. Once you use three FP at that park, you can try to grab more at the other park (one at a time). (*Being an EMH Epcot morning, I would probably do HS first.)

If you want to do Food & Wine I would cancel dinner plans. When our kids were that age (they are now super old 7 year-olds lol) we would put them in their strollers and wander around World Showcase. We could easily stop and grab a bite for us or the kids when they got hungry. If you do HS first then I would go back and chill at hotel and head over to Epcot around 4:30 or 5:00. You could even feed the kids a little something in the room, or pack snacks or sandwiches to hold them over for a bit.

The good news is that you will already be at the Boardwalk for breakfast, so transportation to the first park will be easy.

Have a great time!

 

[sharonabe]

I think I would schedule all of your FP+ for EP for the late afternoon, early evening, and I would cancel Via Napoli.

I'd still go to HS after breakfast; you don't want to be at EP an hour AFTER an early EMH has started. It just puts you behind. You shouldn't need a FP for TSMM. Even if the line is a little long by the time you get there, the queue is very fun and will keep your kids entertained as you wait.