Hopefully this is the right place for this...?

[Canadian Harmony]

I'm a little overwhelmed with planning our first WDW/USO trip for next summer. The basics are:
family of 4 - two adults, one 18 and one 16 (by next summer) girls who are Disneyland Veterans. We are really excited to finally go to WDW! The girls are dancing in NYC 25-30 July, and then we're headed to Orlando. Based on the start date this year of the MNSSHP, I decided to do Universal first for 3 days then WDW. We're DVC, so will be trying for AKL - either Jambo or Kidani - for our final 9 days before flying out on a Sunday back to B.C.

I think I have Universal pretty much covered - we can get a discount on tickets and vacation packages through Tickets @ Work. We want to do a VIP tour on the second day between parks, and just hang out first and third days exploring the parks on our own.

At WDW, after taking some advice from others in a different forum, our itinerary is as follows. Some notes - DH does not like Disney at all - he's only there for the food. We do like to eat though, and even though the girls are older, they do like the Character Meals still (as do I!). What I'd like help on, is what restaurants do I make ADRs for - only Table Service ones? This is what I have planned (and the questions I have in brackets):

Arrival day from Universal to AKL: While our bags are held at Bell Services, breakfast (second breakfast because DH will be snacky) at Mara, then head into DAK and have a bite at Satu'li in Pandora (I can't attempt a Genie+ for FoP until we're in the parks, correct?), then Donald's Safari meal at Tusker House for dinner (ADR - 60 days out of arrival day or day we want to eat?). We'd also like to do a safari - does anyone have info on when I can book that - is it 60 days out too and only by calling direct?
Must-do rides/events: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Dinosaur, meet Mickey & Minnie, Tree of Life, FoP, Na'vi River,
Maybe-do rides: Expedition Everest (like Matterhorn?), Kali River Rapids (like Grizzly River?),
Kids can do rides: Primeval Whirl

Day 2 - Epcot. (How do we get there - is there transportation from AKL?) Breakfast at Boulangerie, Lunch at Space 220 (I know this is an ADR for sure), dinner at Regal Eagle.
Must-do rides/events: spaceship earth, mission: space, Test track (although only DH is a speed guy so maybe just him?), Imagine Works (DD16 is an animator), journey into imagination, Frozen, Remy, Guardians
Maybe-do rides: Soarin' (we have that in DCA),

Day 3 - Orlando Speedway for some racing. Any idea about transport to and from (should we rent a car for the day?) and decent places to eat off-site?

Day 4 - Hollywood Studios: Breakfast at ABC Commissary, lunch at Woody's lunch box, dinner at Hollywood and Vine Minnie meal (ADR 60 days out - from this date or from day 1?)
Must-do rides/events: Star Tours (yes we have it at DLR but it's my fave), M&MRRwy, Smugglers Run (another fave), RotR (another fave), Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Slinky Dog Dash,
Maybe-do rides: little mermaid, Indy stunts, Muppet 3D, Toy Story Mania (same as DCA), ToT (I prefer Guardians Mission Breakout in DCA)

Day 5 - AK again. Breakfast at Yak & Yeti, lunch at Harambe Market, dinner at Flame Tree BBQ (is that an ADR?)
We'll do the rides we didn't do on the first go-around, explore trails etc. We may end up doing the evening safari this night.

Day 6 - MK for the MNSSHP. Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table (ADR for sure!), lunch at Columbia Harbour House, dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern (ADR?)
Must-do rides/events: 7 dwarfs mine train, gotta see Merida (she's my fave), Tiki Room (we have it in DLR, but love it), Jungle cruise (ditto), Pirates (ditto), Haunted Mansion (ditto), Big Thunder (my fave at DLR), carousel of progress, stitch's alien encounter, peoplemover, Tron!,
Maybe-do rides: magic carpets, ariel's grotto, peter pan, princess meet, country bear,
Kids'll do rides: any spinny rides, space mountain

Day 7 - Epcot. Catch anything we missed first time around. Breakfast at Garden Grill (ADR?), lunch at Rose & Crown (ADR?), dinner at Biergarten (ADR?).

Day 8 - HS. Catch anything we missed first time around. Breakfast at Docking Bay 7, lunch at Cantina Eddy's, dinner at Brown Derby (ADR?)

Day 9 - MK. Catch anything we missed first time around. Breakfast at Westward Ho, lunch at Crystal Palace (ADR), dinner at Jungle Navigation (ADR).

Day 10 is a resort day where we're eating at Maji Pool Bar and Boma (ADR?)

Does that sound do-able? I'm not sure how we get to the other parks from AKL. I think there's a tram? We're ok with not doing everything at breakneck speed either, and I am hoping that 2 days/park will allow us some flexibility with our schedule.

Can I have some suggestions about tweaking the days? The only firm dates are arrival, departure, the racing on the third day, and the halloween party on day 9.

I'm getting Disney gift cards for all the food and souvenirs as we usually do.
I'm also going to get USO gift cards while we're there for our extras and such. I find them so convenient and I don't have to pay an exchange fee like my credit card wants.

Would having a Magic Band+ for each of us be easier? I am used to using the app for mobile order and I can pay with a gift card on the app, as well as using my phone for the old FastPass in DLR. Is spending $40USD/Magic Band worth it?

I appreciate your time in answering.

 

[DVCanadian]

There are buses from your resort to every park.
Expedition Everest isn’t like Matterhorn, it is a large coaster and a must do IMHO.
I suspect you will need ADRs for all table service.
The safari is a ride in a truck.
I think you might be looking to book the Wild Africa Trek.
That is the longer behind the scenes tour. Worth the money but not cheap.
We love magic bands, haven’t used the magic band + yet.
They help pay by charging a credit card, I don’t see them working with your gift card approach and you can’t order from them so you would mobile order anyway.

 

[ABCanada]

I was a little overwhelmed reading your plan.
I do have a couple of suggestion.

You take buses to all the parks from AKV and it is a fair distance to some of the parks so you will be spending a significant amount of time waiting for and on buses.
Since you are DVC I would consider a split stay with one portion at one of the EPCOT resorts. You can walk to both EPCOT and DHS from both BCV and BWV. They also have boats if you do not want to walk.
Disney will move your luggage I think it arrives about 4:30 but it could be later. You will be without a room from checkout to check-in but given your schedule I do not see this as an issue. You would leave for the park from one hotel and go back to the next at the end of the day. You will save travel time and be able to go back to your room during the day for a break if you choose.
BWV standard rooms are very good value, issue with BWV is they are all lock offs and the studios go quickly so it is generally easy to get a one bedroom but not a two bedroom.
You would do all your EPCOT & DHS days while you are at the EPCOT resort.

If you are up for moving twice I would consider a MK resort for a couple of days too. You can walk to MK from VGF & Poly or take the monorail. There are also boats. I like WL, you feel like you are away from the crowds and the boat ride after the parks is relaxing.

AKL is lovely and it is nice to watch the giraffes as you drink your morning coffee. Worth staying there but you are isolated.

For dining a couple I did not see on your list, may have missed them, that we have enjoyed in the past:
Tiffins @ DAK
Sci-Fi Diner @ DHS
Sanaa @ AKV
Marrakesh @ EPCOT (still closed I think)
Flying Fish on the Boardwalk
Jiko @ AKL Sunset Safari included a family style meal there if it is back on

For character meals we like the ones outside the parks as they tend to be more relaxing:
Story Book Dining @ WL
1900 Park Fare @ GF (currently unavailable)
Be Our Guest @ MK (not Character but Themed) Dinner was relaxing
Whispering Canyon Cafe @ WL is fun too

If you have a kitchen or a toaster in the room I would consider having breakfast in the room.
You are planning a lot of meals. There will be snacks as well. I would think a light breakfast in the room and two well timed meals would be enough and save time. (I would cut out the counter service unless they were themed.)

 

[deedubb]

I'm a little overwhelmed with planning our first WDW/USO trip for next summer. The basics are:
family of 4 - two adults, one 18 and one 16 (by next summer) girls who are Disneyland Veterans. We are really excited to finally go to WDW! The girls are dancing in NYC 25-30 July, and then we're headed to Orlando. Based on the start date this year of the MNSSHP, I decided to do Universal first for 3 days then WDW. We're DVC, so will be trying for AKL - either Jambo or Kidani - for our final 9 days before flying out on a Sunday back to B.C.
WDW can be very overwhelming compared to DLR which requires little to no planning. If you don't absolutely need AKL, I would suggest trying to book at BCV or BWV. The ability to walk to 2 parks is really a game changer. AKL is sort of out in the middle of nowhere. AK is the only close park. You will need to bus it to every park which can be time consuming, especially if you just missed the bus and have to wait for the next one. One of the monorail resorts is a good alternative.

At WDW, after taking some advice from others in a different forum, our itinerary is as follows. Some notes - DH does not like Disney at all - he's only there for the food. We do like to eat though, and even though the girls are older, they do like the Character Meals still (as do I!). What I'd like help on, is what restaurants do I make ADRs for - only Table Service ones? This is what I have planned (and the questions I have in brackets)
ADRs are for table service only. You can book at 60 days + your entire stay, so at the 60 day mark, you can book for every day of your stay. Some ADRs can be very difficult to get, so use that to your advantage. If you know which ADRs are particularly hard to get, book them first at your 60 day mark, 6am EST.


Arrival day from Universal to AKL: While our bags are held at Bell Services, breakfast (second breakfast because DH will be snacky) at Mara, then head into DAK and have a bite at Satu'li in Pandora (I can't attempt a Genie+ for FoP until we're in the parks, correct?), then Donald's Safari meal at Tusker House for dinner (ADR - 60 days out of arrival day or day we want to eat?). We'd also like to do a safari - does anyone have info on when I can book that - is it 60 days out too and only by calling direct?
Must-do rides/events: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Dinosaur, meet Mickey & Minnie, Tree of Life, FoP, Na'vi River,
Maybe-do rides: Expedition Everest (like Matterhorn?), Kali River Rapids (like Grizzly River?),
Expedition Everest is a fairly intense roller coaster, nothing like Matterhorn. Kali is like Grizzly, but inferior IMO.
Kids can do rides: Primeval Whirl
Sadly, Primeval is no more. It was a great ride.
Day 2 - Epcot. (How do we get there - is there transportation from AKL?) Breakfast at Boulangerie, Lunch at Space 220 (I know this is an ADR for sure), dinner at Regal Eagle.
You can get anywhere via free Disney transportation (bus, boats, monorail, skyliner), but it can be very time consuming. If you plan to eat at a resort, you have to plan for up to 1-1.5 hrs to get there. You may need to transfer to get to your final destination. eg. if travelling from one resort to another, there is no direct bus. You would have to travel to one of the parks or Disney Springs, then take another bus.

Must-do rides/events: spaceship earth, mission: space, Test track (although only DH is a speed guy so maybe just him?), Imagine Works (DD16 is an animator), journey into imagination, Frozen, Remy, Guardians
Test track is a lot of fun, and different from Radiator Springs. You should all do it, but it is a long wait usually.

Maybe-do rides: Soarin' (we have that in DCA),
Yeah, skip it.

Day 4 - Hollywood Studios: Breakfast at ABC Commissary, lunch at Woody's lunch box, dinner at Hollywood and Vine Minnie meal (ADR 60 days out - from this date or from day 1?)
Must-do rides/events: Star Tours (yes we have it at DLR but it's my fave), M&MRRwy, Smugglers Run (another fave), RotR (another fave), Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Slinky Dog Dash,
IMO, concentrate on rides that are not available at DLR. Slinky Dog lightning lanes go very quickly. Get that first if you want to ride it.
Maybe-do rides: little mermaid, Indy stunts, Muppet 3D, Toy Story Mania (same as DCA), ToT (I prefer Guardians Mission Breakout in DCA)

Day 5 - AK again. Breakfast at Yak & Yeti, lunch at Harambe Market, dinner at Flame Tree BBQ (is that an ADR?)
Flame Tree is excellent and is quick service.
We'll do the rides we didn't do on the first go-around, explore trails etc. We may end up doing the evening safari this night.
See the gorillas! If you like the drawing class at DCA, make sure you do the one at AK as well. You have to take a short train ride to get there.

Day 6 - MK for the MNSSHP. Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table (ADR for sure!), lunch at Columbia Harbour House, dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern (ADR?)
Must-do rides/events: 7 dwarfs mine train, gotta see Merida (she's my fave), Tiki Room (we have it in DLR, but love it), Jungle cruise (ditto), Pirates (ditto), Haunted Mansion (ditto), Big Thunder (my fave at DLR), carousel of progress, stitch's alien encounter, peoplemover, Tron!,
Maybe-do rides: magic carpets, ariel's grotto, peter pan, princess meet, country bear,
Kids'll do rides: any spinny rides, space mountain
Stitch is gone, and be thankful that it is.

Day 7 - Epcot. Catch anything we missed first time around. Breakfast at Garden Grill (ADR?), lunch at Rose & Crown (ADR?), dinner at Biergarten (ADR?).
Yes, all ADR.
Day 8 - HS. Catch anything we missed first time around. Breakfast at Docking Bay 7, lunch at Cantina Eddy's, dinner at Brown Derby (ADR?)

Day 9 - MK. Catch anything we missed first time around. Breakfast at Westward Ho, lunch at Crystal Palace (ADR), dinner at Jungle Navigation (ADR).

Day 10 is a resort day where we're eating at Maji Pool Bar and Boma (ADR?)

Does that sound do-able? I'm not sure how we get to the other parks from AKL. I think there's a tram? We're ok with not doing everything at breakneck speed either, and I am hoping that 2 days/park will allow us some flexibility with our schedule.
Doable, BUT, you will not be prepared for the heat and humidity of a Florida summer. It zaps the energy from you. You will need to be prepared to change your plans due to the unpredictable weather. Pop up thunderstorms are possible every day and they can derail your plans. Many rides shut down during thunderstorms. The drenching rain will soak your shoes, I mean completely soaked. Some storms are brief, but some can last for a while, such that you may end up abandoning your plans and leaving the park.

Can I have some suggestions about tweaking the days? The only firm dates are arrival, departure, the racing on the third day, and the halloween party on day 9.

I'm getting Disney gift cards for all the food and souvenirs as we usually do.
I'm also going to get USO gift cards while we're there for our extras and such. I find them so convenient and I don't have to pay an exchange fee like my credit card wants.

Would having a Magic Band+ for each of us be easier? I am used to using the app for mobile order and I can pay with a gift card on the app, as well as using my phone for the old FastPass in DLR. Is spending $40USD/Magic Band worth it?
I don't know why some people don't like MagicBands. Totally worth it. They make your life so much easier. MB+ is a gimmick. Hard to say if you will think it is worth it or not. You do have to charge them every day or 2 which can be a nuisance.

I note that some days, you have a buffet AND another table service meal booked. IMO, too much food!!


Have a great time and have fun planning.

 

[Aladora]

Let me see if I can answer some of your questions! My answers may be duplicates of others but I'll go through them one by one. For background, we are DL vets and also on Vancouver Island, we have done 2 WDW trips so far and have 2 more planned or in the planning stages between Nov/22 and June/23. FTR, we have rented DVC privately on all of our previous trips and are doing the same for our next two. First trip was just AKV - Jambo, the second was BWV and then Jambo. Our upcoming Nov trip is going to be Kidani and then our trip next year is planned to be Jambo again. As you can see, we love AKV and don't find the bus trip to any of the parks from there overly onerous. Last trip I timed it and the absolute longest bus ride was Jambo to MK which took 20 minutes total.



Arrival day from Universal to AKL: While our bags are held at Bell Services, breakfast (second breakfast because DH will be snacky) at Mara, then head into DAK and have a bite at Satu'li in Pandora (I can't attempt a Genie+ for FoP until we're in the parks, correct?), You can buy G+ each day of your trip, as soon as the clock hits midnight, but you can't book a ride until you get into the park.

then Donald's Safari meal at Tusker House for dinner (ADR - 60 days out of arrival day or day we want to eat?). We'd also like to do a safari - does anyone have info on when I can book that - is it 60 days out too and only by calling direct? When you mention wanting to do a safari, are you talking about one of the specialty tours such as Savour the Savanna or Wild Africa Trek, or are you talking about the safari ride? The tours can be booked online 60 days out, same as dining reservations.


Must-do rides/events: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Dinosaur, meet Mickey & Minnie, Tree of Life, FoP, Na'vi River,

Maybe-do rides: Expedition Everest (like Matterhorn?), Kali River Rapids (like Grizzly River?), EE is not like Matterhorn but is a must do for us! We've never done Kali but we love GRR so have it planned for our next trip!

Kids can do rides: Primeval Whirl - As mentioned earlier, this is now gone.

Day 2 - Epcot. (How do we get there - is there transportation from AKL?) Bus from AKV, very easy to navigate! Just be aware that afaik all of the buses stop at Jambo first, then to the parks.

Breakfast at Boulangerie, Lunch at Space 220 (I know this is an ADR for sure), dinner at Regal Eagle. If you can't get an ADR for S220 restaurant, maybe try to get one for the lounge?

Must-do rides/events: spaceship earth, mission: space, Test track (although only DH is a speed guy so maybe just him?), Imagine Works (DD16 is an animator), journey into imagination, Frozen, Remy, Guardians
Maybe-do rides: Soarin' (we have that in DCA), Soarin' in Epcot is the World version of this, I personally would give this a miss if time is of the essence since it is identical to the one at DCA.

Day 3 - Orlando Speedway for some racing. Any idea about transport to and from (should we rent a car for the day?) and decent places to eat off-site? No input into this, sorry!

Day 4 - Hollywood Studios: Breakfast at ABC Commissary, lunch at Woody's lunch box, dinner at Hollywood and Vine Minnie meal (ADR 60 days out - from this date or from day 1?) You can book ADRs for your entire length of stay as of 60 days out from your first day.

Must-do rides/events: Star Tours (yes we have it at DLR but it's my fave), M&MRRwy, Smugglers Run (another fave), RotR (another fave), Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Slinky Dog Dash,

Maybe-do rides: little mermaid, Indy stunts, Muppet 3D, Toy Story Mania (same as DCA), ToT (I prefer Guardians Mission Breakout in DCA) Little Mermaid is, afaik, identical to the one at DCA, same with Midway Mania. I would 100% NOT skip ToT, even though GotG-MB is superior! It is one of my favourite rides!

Day 5 - AK again. Breakfast at Yak & Yeti, lunch at Harambe Market, dinner at Flame Tree BBQ (is that an ADR?) As someone else pointed out, Flame Tree does not require reservations.

We'll do the rides we didn't do on the first go-around, explore trails etc. We may end up doing the evening safari this night.

Day 6 - MK for the MNSSHP. Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table (ADR for sure!), lunch at Columbia Harbour House, dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern (ADR?)

Must-do rides/events: 7 dwarfs mine train, gotta see Merida (she's my fave), Tiki Room (we have it in DLR, but love it), Jungle cruise (ditto), Pirates (ditto), Haunted Mansion (ditto), Big Thunder (my fave at DLR), carousel of progress, stitch's alien encounter, peoplemover, Tron!, Even though some of the attractions are both in DL and WDW, there are differences. IMHO, Pirates is better at DL, Jungle Cruise is better at WDW, Space is better at DL, and my husband thinks that WDW's version of Big Thunder edges out DL's version but a tiny bit. Stitch is gone so you can take that off your list.

Maybe-do rides: magic carpets, ariel's grotto, peter pan, princess meet, country bear,
Kids'll do rides: any spinny rides, space mountain

Day 7 - Epcot. Catch anything we missed first time around. Breakfast at Garden Grill (ADR?), lunch at Rose & Crown (ADR?), dinner at Biergarten (ADR?).

Day 8 - HS. Catch anything we missed first time around. Breakfast at Docking Bay 7, lunch at Cantina Eddy's, dinner at Brown Derby (ADR?)

Day 9 - MK. Catch anything we missed first time around. Breakfast at Westward Ho, lunch at Crystal Palace (ADR), dinner at Jungle Navigation (ADR).

Day 10 is a resort day where we're eating at Maji Pool Bar and Boma (ADR?)

Does that sound do-able? I'm not sure how we get to the other parks from AKL. I think there's a tram? There are buses that go from every hotel to every park plus Disney Springs and back again.

We're ok with not doing everything at breakneck speed either, and I am hoping that 2 days/park will allow us some flexibility with our schedule.

Can I have some suggestions about tweaking the days? The only firm dates are arrival, departure, the racing on the third day, and the halloween party on day 9.

I'm getting Disney gift cards for all the food and souvenirs as we usually do.
I'm also going to get USO gift cards while we're there for our extras and such. I find them so convenient and I don't have to pay an exchange fee like my credit card wants. Have you looked into getting a credit card that does not charge the foreign exchange fee? I have a HomeTrust Visa that I use only for purchases in currencies other than CAD.

Would having a Magic Band+ for each of us be easier? I am used to using the app for mobile order and I can pay with a gift card on the app, as well as using my phone for the old FastPass in DLR. Is spending $40USD/Magic Band worth it? Hmm, good question and one that I am struggling with right now. We have (if I can find them!) old Magic Bands from previous trips and I plan on DH and I using them for our November trip but my sister does not have one so we will likely buy her a MB+. You can also get *some* non + Magic Bands while supplies last.


Okay, so all of the questions I can answer are above. Here are some thoughts though.

On our first WDW trip, we planned the heck out of our days and found that the pace of what we were doing was too much for us. Our next trip, we did 6 day tickets and added in 2 rest days in the middle because we were SO tired! From what I can tell, you only have a single rest day planned on day 10, you may want to rethink that and move your rest day to the middle of the trip. Also, I know you said that your husband is only there for the food but you do have a lot of sit down meals planned. We try and hold it to a single sit down meal per day, not because of the cost but none of us are really big eaters and we found that we felt icky with more than one big meal per day.

We did MNSSHP on our last trip and what we ended up doing was not going to any park that day until it was time to go for the party so we had a partial rest day before the party. It worked well for us.

I think that is everything!

 

[Canadian Harmony]

Thanks all. I have made a slight change:
DH said he trusted my judgement, so to explore different resorts, I'll move us on day 4.

Days 1-3 at AKL, visiting DAK. Food at Tusker and Jiko (and the evening Safari), etc. There is a 'rest' day on day 3 as we're going off site, then we'll just hang out at AKL and check things out there.

Days 4-10 at BCV, visiting the other parks in rotation, and last day is a rest day at the Resort before leaving on day 11.

For our MSSHP day, we may just skip a morning go at MK, and go for a brunch ADR at Crystal Palace instead.

Thank you all for the differences on the rides too - much appreciated!

So for ADRs - the order I have them listed for priority are:
Breakfast with Cinderella
Space 220 lunch (or lounge)
Brown Derby dinner
Crystal Palace brunch (should that be higher?)
Jungle Navigation dinner
Hollywood & Vine Minnie meal dinner
Tusker House dinner
Jiko dinner
Liberty Tree dinner
meals in Epcot
Cape May dinner
Yacht Club in-room breakfast (is that even an ADR?)

Does that sound about right or should I change the order around?

 

[Aladora]

Thanks all. I have made a slight change:
DH said he trusted my judgement, so to explore different resorts, I'll move us on day 4.

Days 1-3 at AKL, visiting DAK. Food at Tusker and Jiko (and the evening Safari), etc. There is a 'rest' day on day 3 as we're going off site, then we'll just hang out at AKL and check things out there.

Days 4-10 at BCV, visiting the other parks in rotation, and last day is a rest day at the Resort before leaving on day 11.

For our MSSHP day, we may just skip a morning go at MK, and go for a brunch ADR at Crystal Palace instead.

Thank you all for the differences on the rides too - much appreciated!

So for ADRs - the order I have them listed for priority are:
Breakfast with Cinderella
Space 220 lunch (or lounge)
Brown Derby dinner
Crystal Palace brunch (should that be higher?)
Jungle Navigation dinner
Hollywood & Vine Minnie meal dinner
Tusker House dinner
Jiko dinner
Liberty Tree dinner
meals in Epcot
Cape May dinner
Yacht Club in-room breakfast (is that even an ADR?)

Does that sound about right or should I change the order around?

From what I have heard, Space 220 is the hardest ADR to get at this time so you may want to move that to the top of your list?

 

[youngdeb12]

Thanks all. I have made a slight change:
DH said he trusted my judgement, so to explore different resorts, I'll move us on day 4.

Days 1-3 at AKL, visiting DAK. Food at Tusker and Jiko (and the evening Safari), etc. There is a 'rest' day on day 3 as we're going off site, then we'll just hang out at AKL and check things out there.

Days 4-10 at BCV, visiting the other parks in rotation, and last day is a rest day at the Resort before leaving on day 11.

For our MSSHP day, we may just skip a morning go at MK, and go for a brunch ADR at Crystal Palace instead.

Thank you all for the differences on the rides too - much appreciated!

So for ADRs - the order I have them listed for priority are:
Breakfast with Cinderella
Space 220 lunch (or lounge)
Brown Derby dinner
Crystal Palace brunch (should that be higher?)
Jungle Navigation dinner
Hollywood & Vine Minnie meal dinner
Tusker House dinner
Jiko dinner
Liberty Tree dinner
meals in Epcot
Cape May dinner
Yacht Club in-room breakfast (is that even an ADR?)

Does that sound about right or should I change the order around?

Space 220 should be your #1 priority, especially if you're planning it for near the beginning of your trip. You may have better luck with this on your day 7. Also know that you will have to prepay for Cinderella's Royal Table when you book it. I'm not sure if you were aware of that. I had difficulties getting Tusker house dinner earlier in my trip but this might change by the time you go. I was also booking for 10 people.

Also, with regards to Genie+, you can book your first Lightning Lane at 7am EST whether you're in the park or not. I believe it's the same for Individual Lightning Lanes too.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

So even though my Space 220 day isn’t until later in the trip, I can book it 60 days out from the first day of the whole trip? I’ll be sure to move it to top of the list.

 

[youngdeb12]

So even though my Space 220 day isn’t until later in the trip, I can book it 60 days out from the first day of the whole trip? I’ll be sure to move it to top of the list.

Yep! But since you're planning a split stay, you might only be able to book up to day 3 from your 60 days out and then should be able to book the rest of your trip 60 days from check in to your second hotel. I don't think there's a way to get around that, but I could be wrong.

 

[deedubb]

So even though my Space 220 day isn’t until later in the trip, I can book it 60 days out from the first day of the whole trip? I’ll be sure to move it to top of the list.

Yes. Space 220 ADR is very difficult to get. Book that first. As already mentioned though, if you do a split stay, you cannot book all your ADRs at the 60 day mark. You won't be able to book your last half of the trip until 60 days from when you check in to your 2nd resort. Often times, if you call, a CM will help you book the last half of the trip at the 60 day mark of the first half, but I have heard that some people have not been able to do that since COVID.

 

[dancin Disney style]

WOW...that's a lot of plans. Just my 2 cents but I think you have over planned. The biggest stand out for me is that you have not planned a rest day until day 10. WDW is massive in comparison to DL. I would highly recommend that you do a couple of park days and then a rest day and then a couple park days then a rest day. The August heat can be exhausting and it often rains in the afternoon.....we have been many, many times in August. We go out to a park early (rope drop) and then go back to the resort after lunch until around dinner then go back to the park for the evening.

Another stand out for me is that you have a bunch of dining plans for DHS. The food is notoriously bad there so I would suggest only booking Brown Derby or 50's and just eat your other meals where ever you happen to be at that time. OK...maybe it's not 'bad' but it's not all that great. It's just not the place to spend time criss crossing the park for food.

Also, you are planning to stay at AKL which is about as far as you can get to everything, except AK. You will end up spending a lot of time on the bus. You might want to choose another resort or consider a split stay.

 

[DVCanadian]

The day you have mickey Halloween party, you don’t get in the park until 4pm. You can use a full day park ticket to enter prior to 4pm but that seems wasteful for a brunch reservation. Wasn’t clear what your plan there was so thought I’d mention it.

I’m in Ottawa and been to DL once but WDW 7 times. DL is tiny in comparison. Get ready for a lot of walking. Epcot is a death march.
I’ve stayed at AKL 2x and the buses were great, like another poster said 20 mins to a park. Some visitors hate the buses no matter how long they take.

You are looking at a Yacht club in room breakfast but staying at beach club DVC. That doesn’t sound right but I have to admit I have no idea. Not sure if you are booking studios or if you have the rooms yet but beach club studio can be hard to get