How do I know my itinerary will work?

[Sleeping Becca]

You will not make it out of Fantasmic and to CG on time. No way. The stadium holds a ridiculous amount of people over 7000 guests and it takes a while to get out of the stadium. Cancel CG.

I would also cancel Ohana on your waterpark day, no one likes to hit the water on a full stomach.

I would cancel your photo session and just have another patron snap some photos of your family before the luau with your camera. It will be too hectic/stressful trying to pull off the session on your schedule.

I am also confused about your last day, MK? Epcot? AK? then Ohana?

 

[disneystacy]

WOW! That is a whole lot of stuff crammed into a short amount of time. How we go about planning our ressies is first I map out what parks we will be in on what days and then I pick the restaurants or activities we want to do in each park. If its a restaurant or activity in one of the resorts I try to plan on being in a park close to said resort. We never go back and forth or run to different parks in the middle of the day just to make a adr.

Your days seems very unorganized to me. Here is a sample of my days adr's:

Sunday - arrive at hotel, take boat to DTD, Goofy's Candy for treats, dinner Chef Mickey's.

Mon- Magic Kingdom - 1 CS Breakfast, 1 CS Lunch, Dinner at O'Hana (take monorail to Poly)

Tues - Epcot - Dinner Le Cellier, CS Breakfast and CS lunch

Weds - Animal Kingdom - Tusker House Breakfast, Dinner Flame tree BBQ

I would go back and revisit what parks you will be in on what days and base your plans on that.

 

[vicki_c]

You will not make it out of Fantasmic and to CG on time. No way. The stadium holds a ridiculous amount of people over 7000 guests and it takes a while to get out of the stadium. Cancel CG.

I would also cancel Ohana on your waterpark day, no one likes to hit the water on a full stomach.

I would cancel your photo session and just have another patron snap some photos of your family before the luau with your camera. It will be too hectic/stressful trying to pull off the session on your schedule.

I am also confused about your last day, MK? Epcot? AK? then Ohana?

+1 I can't see how in the world you would do everything you have on some days - it's kind of crazy looking. Going to 2 parks in a day is hard enough, but you have 3 parks, 2 meals, shows -- that is not very vacation like.

 

[ShatteredByLoss]

Hello there!

It sounds like you are a heavy planner type person. Don't worry, you are in good company here.

What I would suggest and something that I learned the hard way, is plan all you like. Down to the minute if it makes you happy. Then, when you are relieved and feel like everything is going to be okay. Look at what you've planned and pick three meals that you have to attend. Then, toss everything else out. LOL

Go with the flow, do what makes you happy. From what I've learned, you will never get everything done that you want to get done in one trip. It just doesn't happen. There is too much goodness, fun and pixie dust in WDW to do in a single vacation. It is one of the reasons we keep going back!

One of my father in laws favorite sayings is.. "We will get it on the way back" Which.. of course.. never happens.. at least.. not until next trip

So, take a breath, relax, look over the things you've planned. Decide what you absolutely must do and then.. make sure those things get done. Everything else, well.. if you get to do it great! If not, maybe you can get it on the way back ....

- Loss

 

[jojomoore]

HI,
There is so much to do at WDW, we want to do everything, but we can't in one trip. But that is one of the things that makes going to Disney for multiple vacations so fun. The hard part is deciding what to do and what to save for later because I promise you it can't all be done in one trip. I usually schedule 1 ride per 30 to 45 minutes and I have learned from experience that is is not a good idea to travel back and forth between parks in one day. Transportation between parks takes about 1 to 1 and a half hours. I completely understand that you want to enjoy the Poly by the plans you have made.

This is what I would do:

Monday- try to get breakfast at CP which is your MK day. This is a tradition and the one reservation my 10 year old daughter asks to repeat every year. I think you should cancel desert party i exchange for rest and relaxation.

Tuesday, I would just spend your entire second day at AK (keeping your TH reservation) and then when you get tired or have seen everything you want to see, go back to poly and enjoy resort. Maybe try to change Cali Grill to this day or get a kona reservation for sushi. I definately would not try to do epcot during this day since you have plans to visit Epcot on Saturday. So I would cancel Chefs de france.

Wednesday at Holywood studios is good with Luau in evening but i don't think you are going to have time for photo session.

Thursday - I would cancel Ohana's due to the late night before and because you will want to see fantasmic. You will never make it to CG after fantasmic, so you will need to cancel this ressie.

Friday looks good. Try to sleep in this day and definately go to Halloween party this night.

Saturday - cancel crsytal palace for sure. You could try to get a lunch ressie in epcot this day. Like Chefs, etc.

I don't think it is feasable to do luau, photo session, halloween party, dessert party, fantasmic, illuminations, BBB, and pirates league in one trip. If your entire party was adults maybe???

So this would leave you with (still a very packed and tiring schedule):
Monday= CP breakfast with pirates league
Tuesday=TH - breakfast and maybe Cali Grill or Kona dinner
Wednesday= SCI-FI lunch and Luau on wednesday
Thursday= Brown dinner and fantasmic
Friday = BBB, Plaza dinner and Halloween Party
Saturday=Epcot lunch??or if its F&W may not need reservations, ohana's dinner, movie on beach.

Only you know what is important to you so you really need to evaluate what you want to do most. Last year I over planned and had to change things as we went along: One day, I planned breakfast at Boma, then to DTD with make a T- shirt, goofys candy company, bbb, and then to Mk -castle for dinner, and then to POR for a carriage ride. Needless to say we didn't make it to POR. Maybe if we had not eaten at boma and slept in a little longer. My children really got tired by 7 to 8 each evening even with very mild temperatures. And they are used to an extremely grueling schedule of school, and competive dance. I would go ahead and make a few changes now so that you don't get overwhelmed while you are on vacation.

 

[vicki_c]

Nice alternate plan, jojomoore!

 

[Colleen27]

RESERVATIONS------------!


MONDAY SEP.27TH-------
Barber shop for baby’s 1st haircut @ 12:00 MK
PIRATES LEAGUE @3:25

Wishes dessert party @ 8pm

I assume you're planning on counter service in here whenever you get hungry? If so, the food plan looks good. Just a note of warning about the Pirate's League - it will take longer than you expect and the baby might get impatient. We had to split up the day we did PL because the older kids and I were there for over an hour, so DH took the toddler off to explore a little.

TUESDAY SEP.28TH-------------
AK/E
DONALD’S BF @ 9:05
Chef’s de France(Remy) @5:00
Illuminations @9:00

Are you planning on a full day at AK, or an afternoon break? AK is a very hot park and September isn't fall in FL. We had high 90s for our entire trip when we went that same week in 2005! I think without a break this might be too long a day, but with a break it could be a lot of fun.

WEDNESDAY29th ------------- HS
Sci-Fi @1:35

Block party bash @3:00

Photo session at Poly ?

Luau @ 8:00 48 HR NOTICE 193.96

I'd skip the photo session and just rest up and enjoy the pool for a bit, since you've got such a late dinner. Take some candid photos on the beach and hammocks yourself instead.

THURSDAY30th ---------------

O’hanas @ 8 :30

WATERPARKS

Brown Derby @ 4:45
Fantasmic @8:00

California Grill @ 9:15 (maybe just for sushi)

Again this will make for a very long, hot day if you stay at the waterpark for any length of time. Personally, I'd cancel California Grill and have sushi at the Kona sushi bar instead.

I'd also think about switching days - make this your DHS day, all day, and go to the waterpark on the 29th. You's miss Sci-Fi, but you'd make your schedule quite a bit simpler.

FRIDAY OCT.1ST-------------


MNSSHP 7-12pm

1:55 BBB (one for dd and one for me thinking of cancelling one or both)
2:40 BBB

Plaza @5:10

This looks good, just remember to sleep in or take a break because the best part of the parties is after the fireworks when the park empties out!

SATURDAY OCT 2ND-------------

CP 1155
FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL DAY
Movies on the beach@7
Campfire on the beach@8
OHANAS@840PM

Wishes starts @ 9pm

This one is all over the place. CP on an Epcot day? You're not going to have much time for Food & Wine between lunch at MK and getting back for the movie, and the movie won't barely be over by your ADR time at Ohana. I think you need to clarify what you want to do this day and streamline the plan a bit to have less jumping around.

 

[princessreilly]

Thanks everyone that responded. And thanks for your honesty and taking the time to check out my itenarary! This is why I posted. I knew there were pros out there that would know how to handle this! LOL! I am taking a breath as I type. Yes, I ususally try to get as much in as possible, but I am tring to make myself slow down this trip. I pretty much just grabbed the reservations I wanted when I could get them. It turned into a big mess. I've been tring to organize it for a while and it has left me confused. I know it will be hot, and I am very excited about staying at the Poly for the first time. I want to be able to enjoy the resort and get my moneys worth out of the hotel. I think you all have me convinced on cancelling CG, O'hana's bf and Pirate's league. I may cancel BBB too, I can make my daughter up the same. Photo session is not reserved and maybe if we feel we can fit it in when we get there we can make an appointment. I'm going to print this off and review it. Probably again and again! LOL! Not much longer and I will be in Disney! Yay! Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks everyone that responded. And thanks for your honesty and taking the time to check out my itenarary! This is why I posted. I knew there were pros out there that would know how to handle this! LOL! I am taking a breath as I type. Yes, I ususally try to get as much in as possible, but I am tring to make myself slow down this trip. I pretty much just grabbed the reservations I wanted when I could get them. It turned into a big mess. I've been tring to organize it for a while and it has left me confused. I know it will be hot, and I am very excited about staying at the Poly for the first time. I want to be able to enjoy the resort and get my moneys worth out of the hotel. I think you all have me convinced on cancelling CG, O'hana's bf and Pirate's league. I may cancel BBB too, I can make my daughter up the same. Photo session is not reserved and maybe if we feel we can fit it in when we get there we can make an appointment. I'm going to print this off and review it. Probably again and again! LOL! Not much longer and I will be in Disney! Yay! Thanks so much for your help!

You are so welcome! Remember, you can't do it all, so making sure that you have an enjoyable trip is the #1 priority. Running back and forth is going to tucker you guys out, and you won't get to enjoy the activities that you have planned.

Enjoy the Poly and the parks! Tiger

 

[princessreilly]

Oh, okay, now I get it.

What are you scheduled for? If you feel like you have too many, get rid of something and eat quick service @ Captain Cooks or something. But no one knows but you what you should do based on what you want. I'm sure that after a day or two you'll get the hang of a schedule for yourself and how things are working out, and be able to move forward accordingly.

For instance, DH and I have ADR's for most of our meals (check out post #1 of my PTR, link below, to see what I mean). We do breakfast, go to the parks in the morning, go back to Poly to relax around 1:00 or so (swim, nap, shower, etc) and then do dinner. After dinner we usually head back to a park - whichever we're closest to at the time. This is what works for us - I'm sure you'll find what works for you.

Most important: Relax.

How is Captain Crooks? I haven't tried it yet. I've heard you order on a computer screen or something? And where is it located? Is the food good? I'm thinking I may have a few lunches and breakfasts here. And does anyone do room service? Is it a lot more pricey?

 

[princessreilly]

19 left and I'm still stressing over my adrs. My expectations are changing more and more. I'm thinking I want to relax, the baby will get fussy and to top it off -I keep thinking of more things I want to do. My dh mentioned that he would treat dd and me to spa services at GF. Also, I completely forgot to put downtown disney in the itenerary, and I wanted to do the hot air balloon thingy. Most of all I want to enjoy the Poly and rest--enjoy the pool, that type of thing. I look at my reservations and I don't know where to start? I'm making a sample itenerary of how I want my trip to go. Then I'm rereading this thread and seeing what needs to be changed. Maybe this will start me off. Wish me luck! LOL!

 

[TheNewMrsB]

How is Captain Crooks? I haven't tried it yet. I've heard you order on a computer screen or something? And where is it located? Is the food good? I'm thinking I may have a few lunches and breakfasts here. And does anyone do room service? Is it a lot more pricey?

I've never done room service but from all reports I've read, it is definitely more pricey. Check out the Poly FAQ thread - I'm sure that if you asked about that, someone would let you know. Same with Captain Cooks. I've heard that the food is good but have never been there. Can't beat those Poly pros, though - and quite a few people have just come back from there recently.

19 left and I'm still stressing over my adrs. My expectations are changing more and more. I'm thinking I want to relax, the baby will get fussy and to top it off -I keep thinking of more things I want to do. My dh mentioned that he would treat dd and me to spa services at GF. Also, I completely forgot to put downtown disney in the itenerary, and I wanted to do the hot air balloon thingy. Most of all I want to enjoy the Poly and rest--enjoy the pool, that type of thing. I look at my reservations and I don't know where to start? I'm making a sample itenerary of how I want my trip to go. Then I'm rereading this thread and seeing what needs to be changed. Maybe this will start me off. Wish me luck! LOL!

No stress. This is vacation! I keep thinking of things I want to do, too. Why not just make a list of everything you want to see/do, and try to prioritize and figure out if there's anything you could live without. Then see where your ADRs are for each day and fill in the blanks with things you want to do or see in those areas. This is what we try to do, rather than bouncing from place to place to place all day long. So for instance, if dinner is at Yachtsman, we would probably go to Epcot and see Illuminations, maybe go to World Showcase so I can pick out a pearl, try a few drinks we've learned about on the boards......or go to the Studios, especially if they have extra magic hours that night, and run around there for a while since the boat goes there from Yacht Club as well. Just an example.

One thing I know DH and I have come to rely on - going back to the room in the afternoon to rest, enjoy the pool, etc...it makes the rest of the day go so much more smoothly than if we were to go-go-go the entire time. Just my experience, though!

 

[Debbie Jean]

19 left and I'm still stressing over my adrs. My expectations are changing more and more. I'm thinking I want to relax, the baby will get fussy and to top it off -I keep thinking of more things I want to do. My dh mentioned that he would treat dd and me to spa services at GF. Also, I completely forgot to put downtown disney in the itenerary, and I wanted to do the hot air balloon thingy. Most of all I want to enjoy the Poly and rest--enjoy the pool, that type of thing. I look at my reservations and I don't know where to start? I'm making a sample itenerary of how I want my trip to go. Then I'm rereading this thread and seeing what needs to be changed. Maybe this will start me off. Wish me luck! LOL!

Take a deeeeep breath

After you make up a revised itinerary, post it here... I'm sure your Dis friends will be happy to give you more feedback...

You're going to have a wonderful time... how can you not when you are staying at the Poly? My advice is that unless you prepaid for something, like the Luau, there isn't any plan that can't be altered if you find the need... don't forget to be flexible... honestly, I think that alone can make or break a trip

 

[princessreilly]

I've been busy, but here it is: Thanks for your patience, I'm going out of my mind! LOL!


RESERVATIONS------------REVISED! Disney dining Red is what I’m sticking with:
MONDAY SEP.27TH
Barber shop for Reid’s 1st haircut @ 12:00 MK
PIRATES LEAGUE @3:25***cancel or change ***
CRT DINNER @7:05 1 DAY NOTICE***cancelled***
California Grill @5 Thinking of tring for this? Or maybe O’hana? What do you think? I need dinner here or I will just do counter at Casey's or Pinnochios
Wishes dessert party @ 8pm


TUESDAY SEP.28TH
AK/E
DONALD’S BF @ 9:05
Nap or pool time for lunch or a little after for break
Chef’s de France(Remy) @5:00
Illuminations @9:00


WEDNESDAY29th HS
Sci-Fi @1:35
Block party bash @3:00
Back for break
Photo session at Poly no appt. only if everyone feels like it
Luau @ 8:00 48 HR NOTICE
Anyone know how long luau is? Maybe downtown Disney after?

THURSDAY30th

O’hanas @ 8 :30***cancel?***
Captain Crooks

WATERPARKS
Back at the hotel for lunch or a little after for rest break J

Brown Derby @ 4:45
Fantasmic @8:00 (go at least an hour early to get good seats)

California Grill @ 9:15 ??? cancel--------------
E/HS

FRIDAY OCT.1ST


O’hana’s, or Captain Crooks, pool, rest before party
MNSSHP 7-12pm parade 8:15 , 10:30 fireworks 9:30

1:55 BBB ???cancel

2:40 BBB ??? cancel?

Try for 4pm appt.
Plaza @5:10


SATURDAY OCT 2ND

Via Napoli @ 11:30
CP 1155 ???cancel-------------------
FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL DAY
Movies on the beach@7
Campfire on the beach@8 may leave movie early AK
OHANAS@840PM
Downtown Disney?

 

[etail]

Menke the elder said no battle plans survives engagement with the enemy. Your enemies are crowds, fatigue and hunger. Regardless of the itinerary deal with those three as soon as detected and you'll be fine. For many on this board, part of the fun is making the itinerary and dreaming about being at Disney. And when some part of the plan works we congratulate ourselves. But keep fluid and enjoyr yourselves.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Monday:

Cancel Pirate League and move it to Friday same day as the Halloween Party and BBB (I'm assuming you have a boy and a girl)

You will not be able to do CRT and make the dessert party.

However to me the 5pm reservation at CG is perfect, you will prob get a window seat and it will be a much more relaxed atmosphere at that time. We love to eat there at that time.

Wednesday
Luau is pretty long, I don't think you will make it to DTD.

Thursday

I would cancel breakfast and cancel CG. Get to the waterparks at opening and enjoy a relaxing day.

Friday

You may consider heading to DTD rather than hanging at the pool.

Keep BBB at 2:40 and get a Pirate's League around the same time you bring one and have your husband bring the other

Saturday
I'm still confused about Saturday. The movie is at the Poly beach right? What is the AK annotation about?

 

[princessreilly]

Monday:

Cancel Pirate League and move it to Friday same day as the Halloween Party and BBB (I'm assuming you have a boy and a girl)Yes I have a girl and two boys. 4 and 1 years. Worried about the baby waiting on both though

You will not be able to do CRT and make the dessert party.
CRT is cancelled
However to me the 5pm reservation at CG is perfect, you will prob get a window seat and it will be a much more relaxed atmosphere at that time. We love to eat there at that time.
I will work on getting a ressie at this time. Crossing fingers
Wednesday
Luau is pretty long, I don't think you will make it to DTD.

Thursday

I would cancel breakfast and cancel CG. Get to the waterparks at opening and enjoy a relaxing day.

Friday

You may consider heading to DTD rather than hanging at the pool.
I will definately consider this
Keep BBB at 2:40 and get a Pirate's League around the same time you bring one and have your husband bring the other

Saturday
I'm still confused about Saturday. The movie is at the Poly beach right? YesWhat is the AK annotation about?

That must be a typo. I have no idea why that is there?

 

[princessreilly]

Menke the elder said no battle plans survives engagement with the enemy. Your enemies are crowds, fatigue and hunger. Regardless of the itinerary deal with those three as soon as detected and you'll be fine. For many on this board, part of the fun is making the itinerary and dreaming about being at Disney. And when some part of the plan works we congratulate ourselves. But keep fluid and enjoyr yourselves.

I love this! Thank you for the encouragement

 

[lucyem]

Just remember - anything you cannot do this time gives you a reason to go back

 

[Sleeping Becca]

If you are worried about the baby sitting through both the BBB and the Pirate League for your older two, then divide and conquer (dh take son, you take daughter or vice versa) is def. your best option. Then your prince and princess will both be made up already for the Halloween Party, and all you will have to do is slap a costume on the baby!

Sounds like you have a fantastic week planned! Have a blast and be prepared to throw your best made plans out the window, melt downs happen to the best of us.