How do I keep away from MK? Plan says go later in the week..

[FiveOh]

Going to SeaWorld/DC on Sat and Sun. 3/13 and 3/14, and WDW Mon thru Friday, and trying to go to the best parks on the best days. Most people say Monday is not the best day for MK, but I think its going to be hard to keep DD6, DS12 and DW away from MK for that long. We normally don't do EE, and go to other parks on those days. Anyone have any thoughts about going to MK on Mondays during spring break?

 

[jennymouse]

GO! Heck, we go on Saturdays! As long as you get there at opening it won't be crowded.

 

[Steven Barrett]

FiveOh,

I expect any day during Spring Break can get crowded at the Magic Kingdom. I live in Orlando, and I feel I can go to the Magic Kingdom any day. The secret is to arrive early, before the Official Opening Time, on a non early-entry day. If the park gets too crowded later in the morning, I use Fastpass to my advantage and concentrate on the live shows and parades (arrive early to get good spots). If your kids like characters, line up early for any character meet and greet. For example, Mickey's Toontown Fair usually opens one hour after the park opens, so you can line up early to meet Mickey in the Judge's Tent and then other characters in the Toontown Hall of Fame Tent. If the crowds get oppressive, I head to another park or get on the monorail and explore the monorail hotels. The Water Mouse Boats available for rent at the marinas are a big hit with kids.

Steven Barrett, author of the "Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation" and "Hidden Mickeys, A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets", both books published by The Intrepid Traveler Publishers

 

[ChairborneRangr]

Two thoughts...

1) switch your Sunday and Monday plans. Sunday is historically the "low" day even though it is an EMH day.

2) go for it, but tell the kids you have a special plan for coming back and doing fantasyland for EMH opening on Thursday.

Unlike jennymouse I avoid Saturday, but any other day is manageable. I have been there on a Saturday, I just don't enjoy it as much.

 

[HappyMommy2]

We had a similar schedule to yours, only it was last July instead of Spring Break--but July is also a very busy time! Monday was our first WDW day and despite the guidebooks' warnings about Mondays we just couldn't stay away from MK so we hit MK first thing in the morning (we were practically the first at the turnstiles) and we had an AMAZING time! We headed straight for Fantasyland and did every ride there at least once, plus Toontown (rode the Barnstormer 5 times in a row with no wait!). We grabbed a Fastpass for Jungle Cruise, rode Pirates of the Caribbean (10 minute wait), then had an early lunch at Pecos Bill's before riding Jungle Cruise. By then (about noon) the place was truly packed and it was time to get out of there--assuring the kids we'd be back two or three more times during the week-- but we had our magical first-day MK experience and we were SOO glad we had done it that way. There is just something about the Magic Kingdom, isn't there?

 

[Russell]

We always HAVE to do the Magic Kingdom first when we go to Disney World. Impossible to avoid it with children! But don't worry, get there early and go straight to Fantasyland!

 

[goofy4tink]

We've found Mondays to be not all that bad. If you get there early and plan to leave around lunch time you'll be fine. We do that and then head back to MK on an EE day. We very seldom stay the whole day in MK. Usually do either a morning or late afternoon into evening. But, never again on Sat!!!!

 

[FiveOh]

Should be a great day - check out of HIFS early Monday, check into AK, and get to MK by opening. A great way to start the week! 57 days and counting!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I'm arriving at Sat Feb 21st. I plan on going to MK around 2-3 as I have PS for CRT at 4:30. So far, most people have told me it won't be too bad.

~Sheri

 

[tjmw2727]

I have a simliar dillemma in Feb (presidents week) so I made a deal with my girls. We will hit MK Monday morning - it just isn't a WDW trip until we have walked down main street! We will do a few fav's, probably in fantasyland and then if (ok when) it gets crowded we BAIL, lol.

We will probably take a resort break and hopefully swim as we will be catching up from the prior days traveling. I plan to hit MGM after lunch for the rest of the day and Fantasmic.

Have fun.
TJ

 

[WilliamsMom]

TJ,

That's when we are going too! 2/16 is our first day to hit the parks and my stategy is going to be like yours. It's my son's first time so I really want to do Fantasyland first. I figured if we did other bigger rides first he might think Fantasyland was too babyish. (He's 8)

It will be so great to be out of this COLD!