Help with plans for 3 days in WDW

[AUSyTyIN]

I'm going to be in WDW with my mother, wife, and two sons aged 9 and 5 (he turns 5 on our trip!). We're setup to do a VIP Tour on Sunday 1/16, then returning the 2 following days. We are staying 4 nights at Animal Kindgom Lodge, so we have early access. We're also going to spring for Genie+, lightning lanes, and whatever else makes the best use of our time. This is the boy's first trip, so we're going big! Here's my current plan:

• Day 1: Leave hotel at 7am. Since this is both of my son's first trip (mine too), I'm wanting a magical entrance vs the VIP Tour "behind the scenes" entrance, so I'm thinking we should take the bus to ticket & transport, then ride the monorail to MK, go through the main gates, and meet the tour guide at 9am at the Town Square Theater.
  • In MK, The plan is to introduce my kids to roller coasters on Seven Dwarf Mine Train, then proceed to (ride order tbd by the guide) Buzzer Space Ranger, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mt, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and Pirates.
  • Hop to Epcot where I'm hoping to do everything that Epcot has to offer us so we don't "have" to return later in the trip. Planning on riding Mission Space, Ratatouille, Soarin', and Test Track
  • Hop to HS for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway RR, Smugglers Run, Rise of the Resistance, Rock n Rollercoaster, Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, and maybe Star Tours if there is time (I've seen that the lines for Star Tours are typically short, so it doesn't seem like a good use of the VIP time). Our tour will end before our 6:40PM reservations at Prime Time Cafe. I figure after that we can walk around HW until everyone is exhausted. I also have reservations at 8:10PM at Oga's for all 5, but I might drop that to just my wife and I as everyone might be a zombie by then. Thoughts? Would kids like Oga's? Would they be burnt out by then?
• Day 2: Start in HS. Rope drop Rise of Resistance, assuming everyone likes it from the previous day. Ride whatever rides we didn't do on the tour or want to ride again. He have reservations to build sabers at 12:05 and droids at 12:40. We're planning on eating lunch during the busy ride times, and be on rides when most people are eating. We'd hop to AK, ride things until 6:55PM dinner at Tusker House.
• Day 3: Start in MK. Rope drop...I don't know, honestly. Ride/see whatever we want, then hop to another park if we missed anything.

All of that said, does this seem like a solid plan? What is the best use of Genie+/Lightning Lanes? I obviously won't buy that on Day 1, but I'm wanting a plan heading into Days 2 and 3. Is it better to get something to ride after the planned rope drop ride or something later in the morning (or even afternoon/evening)?


I have to apologize in advance. I'm an engineer, and over thinking is my trade. I'm wanting to maximize the enjoyment, and feel that a proper, flexible plan is the best way to make that happen.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[sophy1996]

You know your kids best, but I’m tired and hangry just reading this. Maximizing enjoyment may require throttling back a bit.

You’re going to be exhausted after your VIP tour. Seriously, it’s go-go-go and I don’t see a plan for any kind of break during the day. We had a 7-hour tour with two adults (starting at 10, so we got to sleep in) and we were tired. We ended up doing takeout in our room and going to bed early. I can’t imagine trying to get out of the hotel at 7, then do an 7-9 hour tour with two young kids, then still planning to walk around the park, eat in a restaurant, etc. I absolutely would not plan on Oga’s that late. Remember, it could easily take an hour to get back to your room that night!

I also wonder if your kids are going to be able to do three early mornings in a row, especially after an intense first day. And then after the early mornings, are you planning on being out all day? We are big fans of the midday break. And every kid I’ve ever traveled with desperately wants to go to the pool, even when it’s cold. You’re staying at a wonderful resort, so maybe plan a bit of time to enjoy it?

Every trip we’ve had (and that’s a lot) we’ve seen crying kids and frustrated parents. Really, give yourself a break.

 

[MainMom]

Personally I would take Epcot out of your day one plan and hop over there on day 2 after HS. Take the skyliner.
I would also start day 3 at AK, take an afternoon break since your hotel is right there and enjoy the pool (love that pool!), then go to MK for rides & fireworks.

 

[Marthasor]

I'm going to be in WDW with my mother, wife, and two sons aged 9 and 5 (he turns 5 on our trip!). We're setup to do a VIP Tour on Sunday 1/16, then returning the 2 following days. We are staying 4 nights at Animal Kindgom Lodge, so we have early access. We're also going to spring for Genie+, lightning lanes, and whatever else makes the best use of our time. This is the boy's first trip, so we're going big! Here's my current plan:

• Day 1: Leave hotel at 7am. Since this is both of my son's first trip (mine too), I'm wanting a magical entrance vs the VIP Tour "behind the scenes" entrance, so I'm thinking we should take the bus to ticket & transport, then ride the monorail to MK, go through the main gates, and meet the tour guide at 9am at the Town Square Theater.
  • In MK, The plan is to introduce my kids to roller coasters on Seven Dwarf Mine Train, then proceed to (ride order tbd by the guide) Buzzer Space Ranger, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mt, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and Pirates.
  • Hop to Epcot where I'm hoping to do everything that Epcot has to offer us so we don't "have" to return later in the trip. Planning on riding Mission Space, Ratatouille, Soarin', and Test Track
  • Hop to HS for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway RR, Smugglers Run, Rise of the Resistance, Rock n Rollercoaster, Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, and maybe Star Tours if there is time (I've seen that the lines for Star Tours are typically short, so it doesn't seem like a good use of the VIP time). Our tour will end before our 6:40PM reservations at Prime Time Cafe. I figure after that we can walk around HW until everyone is exhausted. I also have reservations at 8:10PM at Oga's for all 5, but I might drop that to just my wife and I as everyone might be a zombie by then. Thoughts? Would kids like Oga's? Would they be burnt out by then?
• Day 2: Start in HS. Rope drop Rise of Resistance, assuming everyone likes it from the previous day. Ride whatever rides we didn't do on the tour or want to ride again. He have reservations to build sabers at 12:05 and droids at 12:40. We're planning on eating lunch during the busy ride times, and be on rides when most people are eating. We'd hop to AK, ride things until 6:55PM dinner at Tusker House.
• Day 3: Start in MK. Rope drop...I don't know, honestly. Ride/see whatever we want, then hop to another park if we missed anything.

All of that said, does this seem like a solid plan? What is the best use of Genie+/Lightning Lanes? I obviously won't buy that on Day 1, but I'm wanting a plan heading into Days 2 and 3. Is it better to get something to ride after the planned rope drop ride or something later in the morning (or even afternoon/evening)?


I have to apologize in advance. I'm an engineer, and over thinking is my trade. I'm wanting to maximize the enjoyment, and feel that a proper, flexible plan is the best way to make that happen.

Thanks in advance!!

Day 1 - there is no bus from AKL to the Ticket and Transportation Center. The resort buses go directly to the MK bus area, so, while you will still get the grand MK entrance by going on your own and not utilizing the guide, you wouldn't be able to do it via monorail unless you take a car service to the TTC. We use Lyft XL in WDW.

If you are visiting MK on another day, I would take Space Ranger Spin off of the VIP tour. If you want to do a Toy Story ride/game, I highly recommend doing Toy Story Midway Mania in DHS instead and using the guide for that ride which would be a better use of your time, IMHO.

I think your plan for Day 1 is really ambitious. I would definitely do Star Tours on another day as that line is typically not very long. I would definitely cancel Oga's - as you have it now, you are looking at a 15 hour day, getting back to AKL around 9:45 pm or so and then rope-dropping the next day. That's a lot. What time does your tour end? I would consider either eating dinner right after the tour ends so you can get a little break or even dropping dinner altogether, having the guide drive you back to AKL and just eating dinner there.

 

[AUSyTyIN]

Thanks all. Our kids don't tire too easy, but that is on my mind. They are typically awake early in the morning anyways, so I don't think that the early start will be a problem. I forgot to mention that we will have the day before the tour to spend at AKL, planning on hitting up the pool then. One thing that I am considering is dropping the Oga's reservation down to just the wife and I, and letting Gram take the kids back to the room. The tour is scheduled to end at 4. As for a break on Day 2, I had been thinking that we could take a break while transitioning from HS to AK.

Marthasor, thanks for the heads up on the Monorail. I'm a bit surprised to hear that though as the VIP tour service actually recommended that method of entry. I'll have to dig further. I got the dinner reservation for as early as possible. I was shooting for ~4:30, but the 6:40 was what was available.

One thing I forgot to mention is souvenir hotel delivery. That was one of the features I was most looking forward to about staying on site. Heck, it's the reason I booked lightsaber and droid builds for the middle of the day. I'm not wanting to carry all of that stuff around all day. Guess I'll either ship it home from the park or lug it around until we transfer to AK.

Another thing I'm wondering is what is only available for purchase in park vs at Disney Springs? We are going to have spare time at the end of our trip, and I'm planning on taking everyone to Disney Springs at that point. I'd rather buy souvenirs there so we don't have to lug them from hotel to hotel, especially since hotel delivery isn't a thing right now. Besides park-exclusives, are there anything that are better to buy in the park?

 

[npatellye]

I’ll just say that my kids are early risers and also don’t tire easily (they’re used to early and long days from dance and all star cheer competitions, which often require waking them up at 5/5:30 am to arrive at competition for the 2 hour prior to competition start call time) but what you have planned during for the tour is a ton of walking for little legs. Even if you take Epcot out, it’s a long and busy day. Are you getting a stroller or bringing a stroller? My 6 year old is go, go, go from 6 am to 8 pm when we are home but she’s exhausted after walking at Disney and often needs a stroller ride partway through the day, especially at Epcot. It’s much easier to push her in a stroller than it is to carry her so we get or bring a stroller for her.

I would also suggest taking Epcot out of your VIP tour. If you do early entry for HS on Monday, I would suggest leaving after light sabers and droids. Go back to AKL to drop them off and eat lunch and relax. Then head to Epcot in the evening for some rides, dinner, fireworks, and rides during extended evening hours from 9-11 pm.

As far as souvenirs, that is sometimes hard to say because inventory at Disney Springs and in the parks shifts. We usually like to buy a few things at MK, the bulk at World of Disney, and then a few things here and there throughout the parks based on what we see. We stopped at Memento Mori for shirts and didn’t see any of those at Disney Springs. Almost everything we saw at the Emporium, we also saw at World of Disney.

 

[AUSyTyIN]

Thanks for weighing in with similar kid experience. Mine are both active in karate, so they are no stranger to long days or physical exertion, but I do know that they will tire at some point. I hadn't thought about a stroller as ours have refused to ride in them since they each turned 3. I fully expect to have to carry the 5 year old at some point.

Are you suggesting doing HS, then a break, then AK, then Epcot? Main reason I say that is because we have dinner reservations in AK park. That is the dinner that we have specifically scheduled for to be my son's birthday dinner with characters. I guess I could talk with the guide and judge how timing is once we finish with MK to see if there will be enough time (and energy) to do the 4 rides we are wanting to at Epcot before moving to HS.

As for souvenirs, I know inventory will vary based on what sells out. I'm just wondering if there are any things that you absolutely can not do at the Springs (build sabers and droids, for example)

 

[npatellye]

Thanks for weighing in with similar kid experience. Mine are both active in karate, so they are no stranger to long days or physical exertion, but I do know that they will tire at some point. I hadn't thought about a stroller as ours have refused to ride in them since they each turned 3. I fully expect to have to carry the 5 year old at some point.

Are you suggesting doing HS, then a break, then AK, then Epcot? Main reason I say that is because we have dinner reservations in AK park. That is the dinner that we have specifically scheduled for to be my son's birthday dinner with characters. I guess I could talk with the guide and judge how timing is once we finish with MK to see if there will be enough time (and energy) to do the 4 rides we are wanting to at Epcot before moving to HS.

As for souvenirs, I know inventory will vary based on what sells out. I'm just wondering if there are any things that you absolutely can not do at the Springs (build sabers and droids, for example)

My kids haven’t been in strollers since they they were a little under 2 but Disney is a different beast. I regularly logged over 20000 steps a day at Disney; that is a lot of walking for little legs. My 8 year old was okay but even she hopped in the double stroller at 11 pm at Epcot heading back to Beach Club from the front of the park. She lasted until about the stage in Canada and then just couldn’t do it any more (we had walked the entire park earlier that day and then returned that evening and done the same).

My suggestion was like that of @MainMom - replace AK with Epcot on day 2 (so you could take advantage of the 2 extra evening hours with minimal waits at rides) but I didn’t realize you had a dinner reservation at AK. Is there any way you can do HS, leave after your droid and light saber appointments, go back to AKL for a break, and then go to AK for dinner?

If you leave Epcot in the tour, my concern is the kids will be exhausted before you get to HS.

Like @sophy1996, our family does midday breaks. We enter the parks, leave around lunch time, and head back to the park around dinner time or later. The midday break keeps our kids happy because they get to decompress, eat in the villa, get some pool time, and decompress some more before heading out or eating dinner and then heading out. It keeps us happy because the kids have hours to recharge and they aren’t crabby in the evenings.

 

[AUSyTyIN]

Is there any way you can do HS, leave after your droid and light saber appointments, go back to AKL for a break, and then go to AK for dinner?

That is what I had been thinking. The plan was actually for the wife and I to head to Epcot after the 5 of us are done at AK on day 2 to take advantage of the extra hours

As for the Epcot thing, I was really hoping that we'd bust that park out really quickly and tick it off the list. Not sure I've done a great job explaining what we are wanting to do there. All the kids are interested in are the 4 rides I mentioned (could easily be dropped to 3), and most of those are centrally located. I'm thinking that the time in transit between parks would be a mini break, offering a chance to decompress, hydrate/eat a snack, and do a sanity check to really see how everyone is doing. My thought is that the tour will be at least 7 hours, so if we skip Epcot then that time would have to be spent in HS. Think I explained the right, but if not, my brain is thinking that it would look something similar to this (times are 100% notional, but the overall 7 hour limit is certain)

• 9-11:30 MK
• Travel to Epcot
• 11:40-1:30 Epcot
• Travel to HS
• 1:40-4 HS

If I took Epcot out, that'd just mean that more time would be spent in MK or HS, with one less travel time acting as a mini break.

Sorry if this is coming across as me ignoring everyone's input, as that is not the case. I'm just trying to explain my train of thought and I guess I'm not understanding what would be gained by omitting Epcot during the tour.


Definitely considering a mid day break on Day 2 and Day 3, although Day 3 would be trickier as we check out of our hotel that AM (I misspoke earlier, we are in AKL for 3 days, not 4). I'm guessing we could take a mid day break at another resort though, right?

 

[AUSyTyIN]

I forgot to mention that following the 3 days at DW, we are doing a day at US, then I have 3 open days which we could return to DW if we missed something or want to do something again. My thought was to plan on doing all Disney in this first 3 days, and leave the open ones for doing KSC, Sea World, Legoland, etc. But the option is there to return for a 4th day in the mouse trap

 

[npatellye]

I think it’s a great idea for you and your wife to do Epcot for EEH!

Definitely considering a mid day break on Day 2 and Day 3, although Day 3 would be trickier as we check out of our hotel that AM (I misspoke earlier, we are in AKL for 3 days, not 4). I'm guessing we could take a mid day break at another resort though, right?

You can’t use pools at another resort. However, Disney will consider you a guest of AKL until 11:59 pm on check out day so you could take a break there, use the pools (keep swimsuits in your carryon), eat, etc.

 

[AUSyTyIN]

I'm really surprised to see everyone suggesting to go to the pool during midday breaks. In my experience, kids going to the pool is the opposite of a break. It would wear them out instead of provide them any rest.

 

[sophy1996]

Not sure what the rules are now, but when we had our VIP tour in May we were not allowed to eat or drink while in the vehicle (COVID restrictions).

I think your 1:40 to 4 prediction for all those rides at DHS is optimistic. Rise itself takes approximately 20-25 minutes even with no waiting. We met our guide at DHS at 10 and were leaving at 11:30ish just doing MMRR (no preshow), Slinky, MFSR, and Toy Story (x2).

 

[sophy1996]

I'm really surprised to see everyone suggesting to go to the pool during midday breaks. In my experience, kids going to the pool is the opposite of a break. It would wear them out instead of provide them any rest.

Again, you know your kids best. But when we've had kids with us, it's invariable that kids who were tired and flagging after a morning in the parks were happy and energetic again after lunch and some time in the pool. In some cases, I think they remembered the pool more than the parks!

 

[AUSyTyIN]

Not sure what the rules are now, but when we had our VIP tour in May we were not allowed to eat or drink while in the vehicle (COVID restrictions).

I think your 1:40 to 4 prediction for all those rides at DHS is optimistic. Rise itself takes approximately 20-25 minutes even with no waiting. We met our guide at DHS at 10 and were leaving at 11:30ish just doing MMRR (no preshow), Slinky, MFSR, and Toy Story (x2).

Those were notional. Star Tours has been dropped from that list. We can obviously extend a bit beyond 4 if there are still "must have" rides on our list. I do wish I was able to communicate now with our guide as I'd like to get their opinion on if my list is too ambitions. I have several rides that are "if we have time" on that list, but I'm not sure how that will play out.

Again, you know your kids best. But when we've had kids with us, it's invariable that kids who were tired and flagging after a morning in the parks were happy and energetic again after lunch and some time in the pool. In some cases, I think they remembered the pool more than the parks!

My kids are always wiped after the pool, but then again they've never had the draw of going to a Disney park immediately after. I know what you mean about them remembering the pool. We took a summer trip and saw 5 national parks in 5 days. What do they talk about most? Not four wheeling in Moab, not hiking in Arches, not seeing a giant wall of dinosaur bones. They mostly talk about the pool in the budget hotel we stayed in lol.

 

[npatellye]

I'm really surprised to see everyone suggesting to go to the pool during midday breaks. In my experience, kids going to the pool is the opposite of a break. It would wear them out instead of provide them any rest.

The pool would only be part of your break, not your whole break. The way we do it is lunch, pool, change, and about downtime after that. Then we feed them dinner. Our midday breaks are usually 3-5 hours long so it feels like a nice break.

 

[T.G.I.Friday]

I've been a long time lurker, but finally joined just so I could reply!

We also have a VIP Tour booked for 1/16! It will be me, DH and DD11. Our plan is to start at 12 at Epcot for Remy and Frozen, then head to DHS for Railway and some Toy Story rides then head to MK for whatever rides sound good at the time. Fireworks at MK then back to Epcot for Harmonious (so we can walk back to the Boardwalk to end the tour).

The reason our plan is so loose is because I am finally listening to what my daughter has always been asking for in a Disney trip. We started going when she was 5 (this will be our 6th trip), and I planned those trips so well. Every top dining reservation. All the best fast passes at the best times. All the extra fireworks parties and add-ons. From a spreadsheet perspective, they were glorious. I spent so much time making plans so that we could go and do it all and maximize every second. But instead of being amazed by my efforts, she would ask when we could take it easy or when she could pick what ride she wanted to go on. And to be honest, my favorite memories from those trips weren't of executing my plans, but they were the moments that happened when we were being spontaneous and living in the moment.

My conclusion is that while planning is important, at some point, over-planning doesn't equal more fun. If anything, it's an inverse relationship.

This is your kids first trip. Soak it up. Use the tour to let you all experience the magic of seeing them enjoy whatever sounds good to them, even if it's not checking off your list of attractions. Go at their pace. They won't know if they missed something since they have no idea what is even there!

And if you still need convincing, your list of attractions is pretty ambitious, especially if you realize how long some of the rides are. Jungle Cruise is an 8 minute ride. So is Pirates. That means that almost 11% of your MK time will be spent on those two rides. Not counting the time to get from the LL entrance to the ride.

Have a great time!

 

[AUSyTyIN]

Thanks. I'm trying to plan but not over plan. I plan to have unplanned time lol.

 

[AUSyTyIN]

Working on transportation from MCO to AKL. Really wish Magical Express was a thing, but unfortunately it's not. Looks like the options are lyft/uber, taxi (can they fit 5?), or Mears Connect. I'm leaning towards the ladder. My question is does anyone know the typical route of the standard fare? If AKL is the first stop anyways, then it's not worth it to spring for the express.

 

[T.G.I.Friday]

We’ve always used Orlando Airport Towncar Service and been very happy. I think there are several other companies that I see on the boards, too. Tiffany towncar seems to get mentioned a lot with good reviews.

I like the convenience of having someone meet us at the baggage terminal and go right to the resort and then know that they will pick us up and go to the airport at our requested time on departure day.