Help with planning my week

[tmkdmom]

hi,
I have a trip planned from Jan19-26 and was hoping for some help.
We are staying at POR, arriving 1/19 at 9:40 and leaving early morning 1/26.
I have 6yr old triplets(2B 1 G) and it's their first trip.We will be on DDP. This might be our only trip, so I want to try to see everything I can. Anything we can't miss? We booked through Dreams Unlimited and they will do our itinerary per my requests.

Are there restaurants we don't want to miss? I have been told I should make ADR's at Ohana,California Grill and Le Cellier. Character meals at Liberty Tree Tavern and Chef Micky's......Should I do a show with the kids?

Does anyone have their itinerary for 08 complete???

Please help!

 

[jakenjess]

The most important piece of advice, IMHO, is to relax and not kill yourself trying to see everything. There's no way you'll be able to do everything in less than a week, so don't even try. Use these boards to do some research, and pick up a good guidebook (I like the Unofficial Guide to WDW) and choose your "not-to-be-missed" attractions. Then work around that. You're going at a fairly slow time of year, so that will make it easier to get more accomplished.

As far as dining, are you planning on taking the kids to Cali. Grill, or are you using a childcare club or sitter? If you're taking the kids, I think I'd go for something different. I LOVE CG, but I wouldn't take my kids there. To me it's an experience to be savored, take your time and relax, and it would just be too long for the kids to sit there. I've seen kids there, and I'm sure others would disagree with me, but that's just my opinion.

Instead I would use the 2 TS credits for Hoop De Doo revue. It's a lot of fun, and kids the ages of yours would love it. If you decide to do that, call soon, as it books up quickly.

LTT and Chef Mickey's are great choices, as are 'Ohana and Le Cellier. We were there the first week of Feb. last year and they were doing the Pirate and Princess Party. Not sure if they'll be doing it again this year, but if it coicides with your visit that was a blast and well worth the money.

You'll get lots of good ideas and suggestions on these boards. Happy planning, and welcome to the DIS!

 

[Elmo888]

I agree with the above poster - the Unofficial Guide to WDW is great (and the 2008 version was just released). It can help you get organized, decide which parks which days, etc. After you figure that out, you can see where you want to be to plan for where you want to eat your meals. If you plan to rest in the afternoon and you have park hoppers, you can go anywhere for dinner.

Even the disneyworld.com web site is helpful - you can just jot down a list of "can't miss" attractions, "would like to try" attractions, and "attractions that we can skip". It really helps.

We went in Jan with DD6 (she was almost 7), and she napped most afternoons. We went back to the resort for DD2, but DD6 needed the rest and the break from sensory overload. I underestimated how that would affect her, so keep that in mind. Even if your kids don't need a nap, they might just need the break to do something simple (swim, read, etc.)

I also agree with the above poster that you can't do everything and will be frustrated if you try. Keep in mind that it is still a vacation, and you want to enjoy yourselves, whether you are at a park, eating, shopping, or relaxing at your resort. Just assume that your kids will be back someday, even if it is as adults. There are some attractions that they just might not enjoy at this age.

As for meals, can you squeeze in a princess meal for your girl? The one in Norway is 1 TS credit. I wouldn't do more than one 2 TS credit meals, which includes Cinderella's Royal Table (CRT), California Grill, Hoop Dee Do, Jiko, among others. If your kids like the Pooh characters, we had a great dinner at the Crystal Palace with the Pooh characters. We did 3 character meals - princesses (CRT), Mickey and friends (Chef Mickey's), and Pooh and friends (Crystal Palace). That seemed to cover everything. If your kids are still into Playhouse Disney, there is a character meal at Disney MGM Studios with the Little Einsteins and Jojo and Goliath at Hollywood and Vine.

Enjoy your trip (we will be there the week after you)!

 

[Sunshein]

If you do go to a princess character meal, might I suggest taking the girls to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique beforehand? There will be two open at the time you are going, but since you also have a sun I suggest Downtown Disney. The boutique will do you DD's hair and make up like a princess and if you bring your own princess dresses it is pretty affordable. Not too far from there is a build your own light sabre place where your DH can take your son.

As for great meals and places to eat, the Coral Reef at Epcot is pretty neat with the sharks and giant sea turtles swimming by while you eat. I agree with the previous posts about California Grill. That is really great for a date but not the most cost effective or the most enjoyable with kids.

We have ADR's for Ohanas as well and I think my girls are going to love it! Your best bet is to read the Unofficial guide which has been great for us and read these boards whenevr you get the chance. You could only see half of Disney World and it will still be an absolutely amazing experience for your kids!

 

[tmkdmom]

Thank you for your replies!
After reading the posts, I've decided against California Grill. This vacation is really for the kids. I am going to try to make a res. for The Hoop De Doo revue. As far as a princess meal, I would love to do that with my daughter, I am just waiting to see if they are going to have a Princess Pirate Party. I have read that they might start it up again after the Holidays.

One more question, My kids would love to use the pool, but do you think it will be too cold in January?

Thanks Again for all the advice!!!
Sue

 

[Elmo888]

We went last January, and we swam 3 days. There were 2 days that were too cold, but I think that there were other days that would have been fine for swimming. The pools are heated.

Just check the weather a few days before you leave, and you can see what to expect. Generally, I think that there will probably be at least one or two days good for swimming.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[jakenjess]

Our kids went swimming the last week of Jan. and first week of Feb. (two different years). It was a bit cold for me, but they were fine. We didn't do the water parks, though, as I felt it would be kind of a waste since I didn't think it was THAT warm!!