How long should we stay?

[Izjezted]

We would be going with our 4 year old (she will be by trip) in November/December. She has autism and is still at the single word stage. She likes amusement parks (we live in Hershey and go to Hersheypark all the time). We are thinking of one day each in MK, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios. We also want to spend a day at Seaworld. We are thinking of 5 days. I am thinking that we need six nights room accomodations, 5 day pass at Disney and 2 day pass at SeaWorld.

Any suggestions?

 

[sscassel]

I would do 2 days at each if it were me.

 

[Krystalynn]

I would add a day or two with park hopper so that you guys can have some time to relax as well

 

[bookwormde]

I would also recommend allowing a couple of days to revisit the parks that are favorites.

It somewhat depends if you are staying on site.

 

[mrsfascinating]

We always stay 10 days. If I think about our trips which is mostly in nov/dec whether we could also do seaworld in that time I would say Yes! Just to give you an example of our day and our situation. Our DD10 is physically handicap and developmentally delayed. We typically no matter how hard we try are not out to the parks much before 9:30 so morning extra magic hours never apply. Before we leave we do have a bit of a game plan for what parks we are going to because we eat our sit down meal of the day at lunch and make those ADR's at the 180 day mark. After lunch we head back to the hotel to chill whether it's a nap, going in the pool or both. The we decided what we are in the mood to eat for dinner and that's the park we head to since our night meal is typically a quick service. You need to think of how your family runs on a regular basis and how your child is after a whole day at Hershey. If you have other questions you would like to ask me specifically you can PM me.

 

[Bete]

MK and AK are two day parks in your situation if you want to see most of it. AK is actually 5 times larger in space then MK; it takes a while to go around the park. Most four year olds like MK the best; so, you need more time there.

If you are giving SeaWorld two days; you should consider it the same for at least these two, Disney parks. The other, two parks are more for older children; so, you can skip some attractions there and so you can get by with less time. This does not take into account if you want to enjoy more adult activities at these parks yourself. You can take turns and do single rides if you want the experience of thrill rides yourself.

If you have meltdown time and need a break, then you have buffer time to compensate. Don't short change your experience there.

 

[Izjezted]

O.K. I should have moved when there was availability at BLT for after Thanksgiving for 4 nights. But, I just booked a savannah view room, and dd loves animals. I am thinking of a car rental to get around on days we are going to MK. Definitely want to do Mvmcp (?). I am just bursting.

 

[Izjezted]

Thanks for your comments. I am planning to stay on within wdw. I am trying to rent points for a 2br at BLT. This will not be our only trip to wdw. My mother is coming along, and she owns a business. So time off for her is unpaid leave. Also, I do not think that I could afford a 2 bedroom for 10 days. Six is already stretching the budget.

I agree that she will be most interested in AK and MK and SeaWorld. I was reading about Epcot, and I am thinking of doing that the day of arrival. Is a half day doable there?

Also, how does the GAC work at WDW. My experience with the same card has been rather good at Hersheypark. She really cannot wait and becomes extremely anxious when she sees something that she wants to do. She will bolt and jump in front of other kids, and if they protest, she laughs and thinks its funny. I am working very hard on this behavior. GAC card at Hersheypark is a lifesaver if there is a line to get in the water park attractions. She sees water and she needs to go in.

I am thinking of bringing my stroller on the flight. (Again, this will be a first time experience.) I have a bugaboo that has a weight limit of 40, but it is really sturdy and it could work until 45 pounds. She weighs 38 pounds now. She is getting a lot better about staying with me and not dropping down and bolting.

I am doing this trip for two reasons: My mother is going to be a very young 65.

 

[bookwormde]

While BLT is great for proximity to MK, my DS11 (Aspergers) still loves stay at Kidani a lot more (we are staying at both in July plus also BWV for a total of 16 days).
There is a whole bunch of information about GAC in the stickies at the top of the page.
If you can only go for a limited number of days, be sure and not push to see everything since for our kids that is often a recipe for major meltdowns. Relax and figure that you will be back.
You might also consider if you mother is "young at heart" just getting a 1 br since the sleep sofa and sleep chair are actually reasonably comfortable. It would allow you to stretch you $ and might be more available.
We come back to the villa midday for a break so on SeaWorld days we always did a long half day and the other half at a WDW park. Staying all day at SeaWorld is way too much for most of our kids. Be sure and visit the dolphin nursery, one time the cetacean curator spent almost 30 minutes with my DS in a deep discussion about all the species and their lives.
Getting a car rental is a very good idea.
Also if you can avoid the holidays that is helpful also (both from the crowd issue and the cost of the accommodations)

 

[Izjezted]

dd is on the sensory seeking end of the spectrum. And, she does not nap. Her verbal skill are delayed. Her social skills are developmentally appropriate.

I am thinking of adding a few days because we will be there in late November to do the Christmas activities. I do not know if my mother is coming back, so I want to make this a good one for her.

dd has never flown before. I am pretty sure that she will be fine though, because she loves new experiences and will be excited to get on a plane. I am just thinking logistically of getting everything packed, including a car seat for the plane ride and stroller and all of her vitamins (she is on a DAN protocol).

I almost feel as if I am doing everything too late. My mother had her heart set on BLT, but if you want it for 4-5, it is unavailable to DVC members in late Nov/Dec. Now that I have my reservation, I feel that I have to get an itinerary together so that I could get the reservations for table service restaurants at the 180 day mark.

I am a bit overwhelmed.