I am very stressed and confused.

[hollyb]

Yesterday in the mail we got a DVD about Disney. While DH and the kids loved it I became very overwhlemed and stressed. I kept thinking so much to see and do so little time. We are going for 6 nights 7 days. Thats all DH and I can afford. All along we have been telling the kids that are staying at the Nick Hotel. Now we think we should stay on site.

How can we fit MK, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and everything else? This is turing into a nightmare for me instead a celebration.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Hi

Went last August for the same amount of time. Because of this we did stay on site so we coukd take a pool break for DD with the heat.

Managed to see everything we wanted - although have been before. Not sure if you have?

Advise to get up early especially for MK rides and make early breakfast ADR to get there before the crowds.

Whatever you do you will enjoy it. Don't get stressed if you don't see everything - choose what you really want to do - anything extra is a bonus.

Have fun!!

 

[thelionqueen]

Our 1st visit was 6 nights 7 days and just wasn't enough, however, you can make the most of your visit if you use a planning service or the DIS boards to maximize your time.

I wanted to also suggest that if you stayed onsite (highly recommend) @ a Value, you could stay longer. The Nick hotel is almost twice as much as a value (sometimes even more). Just food for thought.

But whatever you do, don't stress! Do what you can and leave the rest for your next trip. Disney is suppose to be fun, don't let it overwhelm you

 

[Gales4Goofy]

Holly B...PLEASE, relax!! You can do this!!

Last year the Gales stayed for the same length of time at the same Nick Hotel. We all had a terrific time, and found time to go to MK twice, Typhoon Lagoon, Animal Kingdon, a quick evening at Epcot, and full days at Universal and Sea World. In between we spent time at the Nick Hotel pool.

We crammed in a lot, but we didn't see even half of all there is to do. Remember that its not humanly possible to take in all that there is to see and do even if you had a month!
Spend a little time before you go deciding what are your must-do's, plan out your itinerary, and forget the rest. Not all of the "world" is for everyone. Just decide the best plan that fits your family and the time frame you have to do it, do what you can do within that framework, and then--exhale!

You'll find that if you have a plan (not too aggressive) and then are willing to go with the flow, you'll have a wonderful time that the whole family will remember for a looooong time!!

 

[lilprincessnbuzz]

We have about the same amount of time to spend, but we don't have our dates picked out yet.

I had the same concerns as you, we haven't been in years and I know they have added a lot! Neither child has ever been. From the help of everyone here, I figure we will spend one day at each park, probably 2 days at Magic Kingdom and then we'll see what's left. I'm hoping we can arrive early and catch a late flight home to add a few more hours. We are hoping to go during value season, I know the park hours will probably closing early, but I'm hoping the short lines will outweigh the shorter hours.

I've think it would be best to stay onsite, we will probably stay in a value, but even that is still Disney! It just seems to me that staying on site, taking the buses, eating in the food courts etc will add to magic to the time we are there.

I think if we decide ahead of time what we MUST do, then everything else will be a bonus!!!

We have the DVD too, I know what you mean about being overwhelmed and stressed. I finally decided we don't have to try to see it all this time, and we will just have to go again in a few years!

Don't stress it, your family will have a great and memorable time no matter how much or how little you see and do!

 

[casey49781]

you will never be able to see all disney has to offer at the parks in that time frame,,,,best is stay onsite,,get park hopper,,,hit early morning park til noon, leave take a rest then go to late night park and do all of what you can do and most important is to have fun,,,

 

[scheddj]

Buy the Unofficial Guide to Disney World and try to follow their touring plans if you're going during a busy time of year. That book is great for WDW vacation planning.

 

[newman7501]

This is also our family's first trip to disney and I haven't been in years. We are also staying 6 nights/ 7 days and at Christmas on top of it all. We are staying on site and the best advice I have been given by friends who have done the trip is to plan, plan, plan. I have already invensted in a few Disney books, would recommend Fodor's Walt Disney World with Kids and the Unofficial Guide to WDW, and I have spent time on these boards. While I am coming up with a game plan I also know it is a vacation and not to be too strict with our time. Relax, just do a little homework and you will be fine

 

[EthansMom]

Relax... breath deep. Admit to yourself that you will NOT be able to do EVERYTHING. Now, start choosing the things you and your family really want to do.

I agree with other posters. If your family is intending to do only WDW theme parks, then staying at WDW will decrease your travel time and be more convenient.

Also, determine ahead of time which rides the kids can go on (height requirements) and which would most interest them. Use Fast Pass as much as possible to avoid waiting in lines.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Hawk]

I agree with the above posts regarding not being able to see everything. Take the advice given as it will help get you to most of the Magic.

I disagree with the above posts that state that you should stay onsite as a time saving technique. We have been to WDW over 25 times and have always stayed onsite, BUT not because it is a time saver. We stay onsite for the WDW theme atmosphere. For that reason I would always recommend staying onsite; even at a value resort.

We have rented a car for the last few years and use it nearly all the time to go to the parks. It is much faster than the bus system except for MK in certain circumstances. If you have a car staying offsite will have little time impact, especially if you are staying at Nick which is literally just off the property. We routinely go offsite to eat, shop or get a quick item at a nearby store. I can get to any park or WDW destination from a nearby offsite location just as easy and usually just as quickly as being onsite. I’ve done it--many times!

Take your time, watch and read this Board, relax and remember your on vacation- not working!

Tim/Hawk

 

[BuzzNutt]

Please believe what everyone else has said so far. It is impossible to do everything in a short period of time. It would be impossible to do even if you stayed for a month. Read the posts, find what you like and try to get those special things in. Really try to relax and enjoy the time you have!

 

[Helene]

"I wanted to also suggest that if you stayed onsite (highly recommend) @ a Value, you could stay longer. The Nick hotel is almost twice as much as a value (sometimes even more). Just food for thought."

I just wanted to second this. We went to the Nick hotel last year. My kids really enjoyed it. But because of the cost, we stayed 1 night & took full advantage of the facilities for 2 days. We stayed at the end of our cruise as a way to wind down. If Disney was the main focus for the vacation, I'd recommend on-site and perhaps 1 night @ Nick just to have the experience. You could get much more value for your money by staying onsite.

JMHO

Helene

 

[luvnstuf]

Although we haven't been there yet, this is what we're doing. (I already have it all planned out... hopefully we stick to it, kinda) We are going for the 6 days 7 nights as well.

On Sunday when we arrive, we will actually be getting down around 9:30- till we get to our hotel and situtated with check in (since we can't get our room) I figure maybe 11 (I like to get extra time) I then figure we will hit Epcot. Prior I went and made a list of all the parks open late and early, so I could see where we could benefit the most. But, I figure Epcot, since we have a 10 and 8 year old, I know when we went to the zoo, they looked at an animal, o.k. lets go... next next and we were done at the zoo in litteraly like no time. So I am kinda thinking they maybe like that on the countries that don't have much to do. But then, we do already have reservations for Garden Grill at 7. (My meals I tried to plan early or late, either a early lunch or a late supper ~ I'm thinking to aviod rushes- again, this is the first time soo...)

Monday we are doing MGM (since I read somewhere MK is busiest on a Monday) same thing lunch at Sci Fi @ 11 and supper 6:00 at 50's.

Skipping to Wenesday, AK, Rain Forrest Cafe at 11. AK isn't open all day either so, when it closes we have whatever to do.. possibly Down Town Disney...

Thrusday MK...

Now, Tuesday and Friday (and Saturday) I don't have any parks planned. I figure Tuesday we'll maybe go to a water park and then hang around the hotel till Hoop De Do @ 7.

So Friday then, we can go back to any park we want to try to hit something we may have missed, or try the other waterpark... Friday I have left completely open (I would like to get to ESPN club, cause my fiance will LOVE the bathrooms!!).

Saturday then, the only thing we have is Chef Mickeys at 8, but then till we have to leave for the airport it's basically relax and take in the last of Disney... buy anything we may have been putting off not knowing whether we'd have the money whatnot.

So I think you can do it, if I one of the most stressed people I know can figure it out. (I'm more worried just of getting there and not forgetting anything) So all that equals to this, sit down get some paper and mark all the parks and see what days the parks are open till. (if you stay OS you get extra time in the park, but I know some days the parks close at different times even if you don't stay OS). Figure out how you can maximize your time at the parks. Check on what time shows are, and look into where you want to eat. Make sure you do take some time though to explore whatever hotel you are in, and relax... if not you'll come back all frazzeled. And, one thing I can tell people, that I need to work on myself.. is things always work out in the end, maybe not exactly how you dream and plan.. but they always do and it's Disney how can you not have fun!

 

[talicskai]

I have been to Walt Disney World many many times and still come home from each trip realizing I didn't do everything I wanted to. It just isn't possible to see it all in one trip. Write down the most important things for your family and then make a list of "bonus" attractions. If you get to check a few off of that list you will feel better. have fun and please relax ~ even if you only got to walk around the grounds you cannot go there and not have fun!
Teresa

 

[Kimmielee]

Planning is required... however... don't do the commando style tour of the parks. Pick out your favorites ahead of time (I highly suggest the Passporters Guide to WDW to read about the parks, the rides, restaurants, etc... ) and be sure to put time in your schedule for the pool and RELAXING.

I've heard and read over and over how people didn't enjoy their trips simply because they RAN, RAN, RAN and became exhausted.

May I ask... how old are the kids? My DS is only 6 and our first two trips were at ages 4 and 5. I basically planned the meals and what park, per se... but the path was up to him. He LOVES Buzz Lightyear's ride at MK and one morning we did it over, and over, and over... but hey, it's HIS vacation!

Be flexible, build in relaxation time and know that you have to go back again and again and still you will NEVER "do it all". That's the fun of going again and planning another trip! Best wishes!!

 

[crisi]

First, get it out of your head that you will do everything. Disney is vast, and not everything appeals to everyone to start with.

Make a list of the attractions (I use the Passporter, but you can just make a list from the Disney site). Have everyone score the attractions. Everyone in the family should pick 2 to 4 "A" attractions, 3 to 6 "B" attractions, as well as anything they have NO INTEREST in.

Then talley up the votes. Try to adopt a plan where you will see everyone's A attractions and most the B attractions as time permits. If you have time for the C attractions - great.

The lists will vary a lot depending on your party makeup. With our 6 and 7 year old who don't like thrill rides it looks like this:

A attractions:

MK: Haunted Mansion, Buzz, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Peter Pan's Flight (my sentmental favorite), Pirates of the Carribean

Epcot: Mission Space, Soarin, Test Track

MGM: Indy, Star Tours

AK: Kilamanjaro Safari

B Attractions:

MK: Tom Sawyer's Island, Goofy's Barnstormer, Tiki Birds, Alladins Carpet, Teacups

Epcot: Malestrom, Off Kilter (show)

etc...

NO INTEREST: No one in our family wants to do Rockn Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Space Mountain, etc.

Remember non-park stuff and shows - our A list includes a character meal.

This will make your list manageable.

 

[poohraedopey]

((((((HUGS)))))) You can have a wonderful Disney vacation in that time frame. No you can't DO IT ALL! I don't believe that's possible given any length of stay. Depending on when you are going you can do A LOT htough. Hubby and I went without kids on President's week when it's suposed to be like the 2nd busiest week of the year and we did a LOT! And we only had 4 days in the park. The wait times are never as long as posted and you will find times to enjoy the quiet moments and the surroundings. DOn't stress yourself out! Enjoy the planning part and take time to relax and enjoy your stay.

 

[Merriwind]

Please remember, it's a vacation. If planning makes you feel better, then plan. If it stresses you out, don't worry about it too much. No matter how much--or how little--you do, you will be creating magical memories with your family. That is what vacations and WDW are all about.

Enjoy--you will have a fabulous time!

 

[hollyb]

Thanks everyone. My kids will be 9 and almost 7 when we go. Your right we can't do it all. I think I just got excited for the kids when we saw the video. Staying on site is becoming our new idea. The Nick hotel looks fun though. I may see if we can stay one night there and the rest on site. Thanks for suggestions on books to buy. I will look this week while I am out.

 

[mouseplanner]

I was overwhelmed at first also - going in May with two kids 4&6. Reading and research have helped ease my mind - you'll find a ton of help here. Being the anal planner that I am, I created a spreadsheet and picked what park I'm doing on what day and made ADR's for dinner based on that. I also read up on the rides and picked a few rides/shows at each park that I think we will all enjoy most and that's what we'll do first each day. Anything else we can see or ride before collapsing from exhaustion will be a bonus! Unless you and your kids are fearless, read up on the rides because you may be able to eliminate some attractions ahead of time based on their preferences. Of course, I'm flexible enough to just toss the whole spreadsheet when we get there if needed! We were originally staying at Nick Hotel as well (I got the kids all excited showing them the brochure, website, etc.) but then changed to WL - since my kids are young and we plan to go back to the hotel in the afternoons, I thought we could all use a break from the whole character thing and thought the WL would be more soothing and relaxing. I think they would have loved the Nick hotel - but hey it's my vacation too, right? Good luck with your planning and have fun - I always say planning the vacation is half the fun!!