input on my strategy?

[cali2gagirl]

Ok...it's gettin' so close, and I'm soo excited...so just wanted to share my intinerary with anyone who wants to see it...it is, afterall, my first trip..and any input is appreciated

We're leavin out 6am Sat mornin (driving)..should put us at ASMu around 2-3.. We'll check out Downtown Disney, then chill out at our pool and eat dinner either at DTD or our hotel..
Sunday I believe is early entry to MK (either way..that's where we plan to go) and our day will be spent there...since that is where most the rides are that we're looking forward too - We definitly want to see a parade..is it in the afternoon..or evening wtih fireworks???

Tues (our 8 yr anniversary) we plan to go to AK (EE again). We really just want to do Kilimanjaro Safari and that new coaster Triceratop Spin?? - We'll walk around for a little...but hope to be over to MGM by 2 at the latest. (This will be our only day to park hop..and our last ticket for the parks )
At MGM we defitnitly want to do TOT and RockNRollRollerCoaster, and take my littlest to see Bear in the Big Blue House - We have dinner reservations at Hollywood & Vine at 7pm...not sure how much we can get done in approx 5 hrs there... Then...Fantasmic is at 9pm...
Wed, we check out of ASMu and head over to CSR. We were thinking of letting them move our luggage..but we probalby will..and just chill out that day...enjoy the new hotel, maybe that night go to Fort Wilderness for some low-cost fun - Any other ideas for this 'free' day??
THursday - Go to Blizzard Beach (I wanted Typhoon Lagoon..I was outvoted)
Fri - we have to leave

Soo...anything that is a MUST DO..for a first timer that I dont' know about???

 

[Cindy'sCastle]

Cali,
First of all congratulations on your first WDW trip. I'm leaving Sat for my 4th trip, 1st for my DH.
The Share a Dream parade I think is at 3, Spectromagic and Fantasy Fireworks that night, different times.
Do you have plans for Monday or did I overlook it? Downtown Disney has a lot of stuff to do and see. We're probably gonna spend 2 evenings there, after we do US & IOA. When I'm in the Disney parks-I don't have time for any other activities. I like spending my time from open to close in the parks. I will, though, take an afternoon break before hopping to the next park. I've never done the water parks so I'm not sure when's the best time or days for them. We're not gonna get to do EE since we are staying off site this time but definitely take advantage of it and FP as well. Just enjoy yourselves, and remember what you don't get to do this time-you can plan it for your next trip. Have a great vacation!
Cindy

 

[XStAnt]

Your first trip to Disney World! How exciting!!!

I don't know the ages of your children or your budget, so tips and advice are just generalizations.

What's on tap for Monday? I don't see anything listed. You don't have a day in Epcot. If not, do Epcot that day. Do Test Track, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Body Wars (and Cranium Command), Maelstrom, and tour the countries. Have a sit down meal (lunch or dinner) at one of the countries--try something different like Moroccan. Stay for Illuminations if it's not too late for your children.

At AK, definitely do Kali River Rapids (not scary but will soak you--great on a hot day). Also see It's Tough to be a Bug. Also try to see the Lion King show--kids love it. You should have plenty of time to do most of this if you get there at 8:00 am and stay till about 1:00 pm. Of course, you do have to grab lunch and may even want a midday break to rest before going to MGM. So you'll have to play it by ear and see what you can do.

At MGM I would try to see Muppets (fun for all ages), Millionaire, and Indiana Jones Stunt Show. Beauty and the Beast and Little Mermaid are great also. Just see when the shows are and see what you can fit in. Seven hours is a lot of time.

On your day off why not tour some of the resorts?

Other must do things (depending on your budget) are Cirque (which you could see your first night since you're going to DTD), Hoop De Doo Review (at FW, where you may go on your off day) and the Polynesian Luau. Also, a character meal is great fun for the kids. Have them bring an autograph book. How much of this you do depends a lot on your budget.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[cali2gagirl]

Oops..bump that all back a day.. Tuesday is actually Monday..etc etc.
Our budget is somewhat limited..and we only have 2 day hopper passes..but if it allows, we MAY pay for a 1 day in Epcot!
Whats the difference between the 2 parades in MK? Is one better than the other where I can miss it and ride rides while spectators are watching that?? There are just soo many rides we want to do there that I'm afraid 1 day won't be enough!!
I love shows..but hubby really doesn't...I may try to catch a few while hubby does water rides with the oldest, so I dont know how many I can maneuver him into ..LOL

Thanks for all the advice!! (hmmm...I'm having to retype this...trying to remember what I said...LOL..cuz I keep getting an error that I have too many images... Geez..never had that problem before...temp glitch I hope!!!)

 

[XStAnt]

This is your first trip to Disney and you're only there for 4 days of activities [Sun(MK), Mon (AK & MGM), Tue (off day) and Wed (BB)]. If it's at all possible, I would pay for the extra day and do Epcot on your currently planned off day. With only 4 days of activites I don't think you need an off day (if you can afford it).

Try to convince your husband to try some of the shows. The Indy Stunt Show is great for the "non-theater" guy. Also, HISTA and ITTBAB are "4-D" movies, not live action shows.

 

[Harambe]

I would also do something at night, on your Blizzard Beach day. Since you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to get to BB, you may have some energy for the evening. How about a round of minigolf, which is very reasonable (and they usually have deals, like 20% if you use a certain credit card, etc.)

Or go over to Boardwalk (no admission charge) and bring everyone to Beaches & Cream (at the Beach Club) for the Kitchen Sink ( a huge sundae that feeds an army. I think it's around $20).

Hope you have a great trip!