INPUT PLEASE!!! Too much planned?

[minmate]

I have just revised our trip plans based on a lot of info I've gotten from here, so -- please take a look and let me know if this is too ambitious or where there may be any surprises -- longer than planned for wait times -- etc. -- all listed meals are already PS'd. Times are based on most recent schedules on disney.com and e-nights according to recent postings (also assuming we get tix for those???!!!)
TRIP PARTICIPANTS: Self, DH, dd5, dd4, ds2 3/4, dd21 months, my mom and my adult sister. My dad will join us Sat night -- isn't planning on joining us for all activities though (he's got business, etc) -- so from Mon morning on, it will be mostly my dh, me and the 4 kids in the parks.

FRI 6/11
11:55 DEPART for Orlando
2:45 ARRIVE ORLANDO
5 ARRIVE GF, CHECK-IN/KIDS POOL TIME
7:30 DINNER @ PARK FARE
9P-1A MK E-RIDE NITE

SAT 6/12
7:30 RISE&SHINE, EAT IN-RM
8ISH HEAD TO TTC
8:18/8:39 CATCH LYNX BUS TO SW
9-6P SEAWORLD
RET TO WDW BY BUS
7:40 DINNER @ CHEF MICKEY'S
***DAD JOINS US FROM HERE ON OUT
ELEC WATER PARADE (FROM CONTEMPORARY OR GF)

SUN 6/13
6:45 AM R&S/EAT IN-RM
7:30A MONORAIL TO MK
8-1PM MK (EARLY ENTRY)
1:30-3:30 R&R @ GF
3:30 HEAD TO MGM
*5:30 PARADE & 9P FANTASMIC

MON 6/14
6:45A R&S/EAT IN-RM
7:30A BUS TO AK
8-1:30 AK (EARLY ENTRY)
9:20A DONALD'S BREAKFASTASAURUS
***** SIS & MOM DEPART FOR PROV.
2-6P R&R @ GF/POOL TIME
6:50P DINNER @ CRYSTAL PALACE
8:30-2AM MK (E-RIDE NITE)


TUES 6/15
SLEEP IN SLEEP IN SLEEP IN!!!
10ISH BUS/MONORAIL TO EPCOT OR MGM
10:30-? EPCOT OR MGM WHATEVER WE CHOOSE
APPROX
4:30-7:30 BUS TO DOWNTOWN DISNEY
6P DINNER @ FULTON'S CRABHOUSE
BUS TO MK
10 WISHES/11 SPECTRO

WED 6/16
SLEEP IN SLEEP IN SLEEP IN!!! MAYBE HIT POOL ONE LAST TIME
1:30-2:30 WONDERLAND TEA PARTY
4:20 LIMO PICK UP
DEPART FOR HOME

I know we won't be able to hit both Epcot and MGM, but we were just at WDW with our 4+5 yo dd's in March and went to both places... didn't see any night time entertainment that time though -- that is why we're heavy on that this time around. Haven't been able to talk my mom out of doing SW to go to a Disney Park that Saturday -- would love to though -- any help??? We're on the go all the time at home -- picking up and going somewhere else every 1-2 hours -- we keep a hectic schedule and none of the kids (not even the baby) naps much but I know they will at WDW... all can fall asleep anywhere if tired enough -- will have a double stroller for the babies with us at all times. Will rent in the parks for the older two.

I would love to know what you all think of this plan -- does it seem workable or too much? Obviously, if the kids get tired, we will cut things out on the fly -- but I'm hoping we at least have a good chance to fit most of this in -- pls feel free to offer suggestions if you have any... TIA!!!!!

"13 more sleeps til Disney!"

 

[zippehsmom]

It looks like you have a well thought out plan.

The only thing that I would probably reconsider is the Enight you have planned on your arrival day. Combining that late night with an early morning planned the next day might be a little hectic. You have a long day planned that Saturday, so I might reconsider the Enight or maybe even going to Sea World a little later in the day. I read in a guide book, I think the Unofficial guide, that the crowds at SeaWorld begin to thin out around midday. If SeaWorld & your 2 Enights are a must, I would consider arriving at Sea World a little later.

Sounds like you're going to have a great trip

zippehsmom

 

[Lora]

FRI 6/11
11:55 DEPART for Orlando
2:45 ARRIVE ORLANDO
5 ARRIVE GF, CHECK-IN/KIDS POOL TIME
7:30 DINNER @ PARK FARE
9P-1A MK E-RIDE NITE Will this be just the adults, or the kids, too? I don't think my kids would be able to do that and rise at 7:30 the next morning. I don't even think my dh would want to do that.
SAT 6/12
7:30 RISE&SHINE, EAT IN-RM
8ISH HEAD TO TTC
8:18/8:39 CATCH LYNX BUS TO SW
9-6P SEAWORLD
RET TO WDW BY BUS
7:40 DINNER @ CHEF MICKEY'S
***DAD JOINS US FROM HERE ON OUT
ELEC WATER PARADE (FROM CONTEMPORARY OR GF) I've seen the electric water parade and I don't really think it's worth it on such a short trip - unless you've been lots of times to WDW and plan to go often in the future. I'd rather get a quick dip in the pool or go to bed early. Just my opinion.

SUN 6/13
6:45 AM R&S/EAT IN-RM
7:30A MONORAIL TO MK
8-1PM MK (EARLY ENTRY)
1:30-3:30 R&R @ GF
3:30 HEAD TO MGM
*5:30 PARADE & 9P FANTASMIC

MON 6/14
6:45A R&S/EAT IN-RM
7:30A BUS TO AK
8-1:30 AK (EARLY ENTRY) I realize you already have a PS for Donald's, but I think in your situation, it would be better to switch Mon. and Tues. and skip the early entry and just arrive at the parks at regular opening.
9:20A DONALD'S BREAKFASTASAURUS
***** SIS & MOM DEPART FOR PROV.
2-6P R&R @ GF/POOL TIME
6:50P DINNER @ CRYSTAL PALACE
8:30-2AM MK (E-RIDE NITE) Again, I think it would be worth it to just be at the parks for regular openings (except once for MK early entry), get in a good morning and then get a good afternoon rest. In the evening, you can return for some of the special shows like fantasmic, etc. I don't see the need for staying up so late - even if you have a babysitter.



TUES 6/15
SLEEP IN SLEEP IN SLEEP IN!!!
10ISH BUS/MONORAIL TO EPCOT OR MGM
10:30-? EPCOT OR MGM WHATEVER WE CHOOSE
APPROX
4:30-7:30 BUS TO DOWNTOWN DISNEY This trip to DTD can wipe you out. Could you maybe do this on your last day in the morning? Again, I see you have dinner plans there. I just don't know if I would want to go from there back to MK and stay so late with little ones.
6P DINNER @ FULTON'S CRABHOUSE
BUS TO MK
10 WISHES/11 SPECTRO

WED 6/16
SLEEP IN SLEEP IN SLEEP IN!!! MAYBE HIT POOL ONE LAST TIME
1:30-2:30 WONDERLAND TEA PARTY
4:20 LIMO PICK UP
DEPART FOR HOME

I don't mean to sound critical. You know what your family can handle. We like to take it a bit easier. When we go in the fall, the closing times are much earlier (which means the firework and fantasmic are also earlier). We usually go to a couple EE at MK, but mostly the other parks are fine on a regular day if you get there early. I hope others chime in here and balance out what I've said with other opinions. Have a great trip!!

 

[Disney Doc]

The E-ride nights are great planning... if you plan on leaving the kids with Grandma, and enjoying MK with your husband and/or sister. The attractions that your youngsters will enjoy are few - Buzz, Peter Pan, and Winnie the Pooh (I think), and you'll have no problem getting on these during your MK early entry day. The summer heat will make long days difficult for those under 5 - even with your planned afternoon rest periods. Also, what kind of passes are you using- I assume APs? Hard to use up a day of a park-hopper for only an hour or two that first night. Overall, you look like a fantastic trip is planned - have fun!

 

[kilee]

I would definelty give up the first enight too. It's too much. Especially for the little ones. To be out that late-- after traveling all day. Then to get up that early and start all over again.

The only other thing is-- how will your kids deal w/ eating so late for dinner especially the little ones. By that time of day my DS (who's 11) is about wiped out after a full day in the parks. As well as we took our 15 month old neice this past fall and she did great everyday until about 6ish-- then she had enough.

You didn't mention if you have done a trip to WDW in the past w/ all 4 kids. Too me, it almost seems like a bit much for 4 young kids. Alittle too much, too fast. If you can I'd try to kick it down just a notch. It might help prevent any major meltdowns as well as make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

 

[mic_key_mouse]

FRI 6/11
11:55 DEPART for Orlando
2:45 ARRIVE ORLANDO
5 ARRIVE GF, CHECK-IN/KIDS POOL TIME
7:30 DINNER @ PARK FARE
9P-1A MK E-RIDE NITE forget the eride night- just relax tonight

SAT 6/12
7:30 RISE&SHINE, EAT IN-RM
8ISH HEAD TO TTC
8:18/8:39 CATCH LYNX BUS TO SW
9-6P SEAWORLD
RET TO WDW BY BUS
7:40 DINNER @ CHEF MICKEY'S
***DAD JOINS US FROM HERE ON OUT
ELEC WATER PARADE (FROM CONTEMPORARY OR GF)

SUN 6/13
6:45 AM R&S/EAT IN-RM
7:30A MONORAIL TO MK
8-1PM MK (EARLY ENTRY)
1:30-3:30 R&R @ GF
3:30 HEAD TO MGM
*5:30 PARADE & 9P FANTASMIC

MON 6/14
6:45A R&S/EAT IN-RM
7:30A BUS TO AK
8-1:30 AK (EARLY ENTRY)
9:20A DONALD'S BREAKFASTASAURUS bag the char bfast- the major attractions need to be completed at this time
***** SIS & MOM DEPART FOR PROV.
2-6P R&R @ GF/POOL TIME
6:50P DINNER @ CRYSTAL PALACE
8:30-2AM MK (E-RIDE NITE)


TUES 6/15
SLEEP IN SLEEP IN SLEEP IN!!!
10ISH BUS/MONORAIL TO EPCOT OR MGM
10:30-? EPCOT OR MGM WHATEVER WE CHOOSE
APPROX
4:30-7:30 BUS TO DOWNTOWN DISNEY
6P DINNER @ FULTON'S CRABHOUSE
BUS TO MK
10 WISHES/11 SPECTRO do wishes/spectro eride nite- do dinner/illuminations here and forget DTD- that is a side activity you can do when you have more time

WED 6/16
SLEEP IN SLEEP IN SLEEP IN!!! MAYBE HIT POOL ONE LAST TIME
1:30-2:30 WONDERLAND TEA PARTY
4:20 LIMO PICK UP
DEPART FOR HOME

I also like to relax a bit during my vacation. IMHO you have way too much stuff planned. I left in EMH at AK and MK, I think it is essential to use it at those 2 parks. Eride nites are mostly rides for older kids. I would probably take that out too with kids as young as yours are and just eat, see the parade (preferably the first one with little kids) and fireworks that nite. If you get rid of the late night stuff, most nights with my itinerary you would be done at a reasonable hour and your kids would be getting enough sleep. Then you could consider the MK Wednesday AM if you are willing to spend $$ on park admission. WDW isn't going anywhere, you can do some of these things next time

Blessings,
mic_key_mouse

 

[phyllis1966]

Nice planning - I like to have a somewhat organized plan, too, and your plans look great! I think, though, that I'd have to agree with the others about the E-nites - they may be too much for such little ones. Our DD is 5, so we haven't tried this yet - also, DH conks out at about 10:30 when we're at WDW, so he couldn't stay awake for it either!

HAve a great time!

 

[CRCrazy]

Just another small FYI about that first e-night. What type of tickets will you have?

To participate in e-night, you must be a WDW guest, and have some type of multi-night pass. The e-night ticket is not a hard ticket event, so to get into the MK that night, you will have to use both a day off your Parkhopper (if that is what you are using) as well as your e-night ticket. That means you will be paying an awful lot of money for those 3 hours in the park!

Of course, if you have AP's, or are using UPH's - disregard this note!

 

[minmate]

... please keep 'em coming... I am open to all the above ideas. My kids' sleep schedules are erratic. Normally, at home, they are up and awake -- dragging ME out of bed by 7 a.m. -- no matter how late they get to bed... and if they have a nap in the middle of the day... forget it, even the baby has been up until 1 in the morning raring to play... they inherited their grandmother's genes for very little need to sleep... I know time spent at the world will be more draining -- so you guys may be right about rethinking ALL the late nite plans... any more ideas on how to fit some of this stuff in then? thanks for all the tips so far!

 

[sarahsmom73]

My best advice is to keep some flexibility with your itinerary. We went over Easter and had a wonderful time because we didn't push until it got ugly.. I saw lots of families not having a good time... Lot's of parents screaming at kids and kids melting down.. Pool time and a rest are well worth it! (I was skeptical about this but it really worked to our benefit!)

BTW.... We did the how many sleeps until Mickey's castle too!

 

[dougsmom98]

Rethinking your plans and not doing E-Nights is probably a good idea. Don't forget how tired you are going to be too. As I am sure you know, it is a lot of work taking children to the park. Our twins were 2 the last time we went to the parks and wanted to be held a lot in line. I notice that your youngest children are at the age that they may want to or need to be held a lot too. Between holding them and pushing the stoller, your arms and back will be aching at the end of each day. I would probably try to push myself to make it to the evening parades and fireworks on a couple of nights, evenings in the park are really a magical experience.
If you do end up cancelling those plans for E-Nights, then I would definately plan more time at MK during the day. The last time we went, our kids were 4 and 2 and that was their favorite park. This trip, they are 5 and 3 and all they have been talking about is going on the rides at MK.
Overall your plans do sound wonderful. Your kids are going to have a blast no matter what you end up doing! I hope you write a trip report when you get back and let us know how it went!
-Amy

 

[mic_key_mouse]

I was glad to read you were open to suggestions, as I was wondering how you would react to your hard efforts being picked apart Whew...

I just have 2 more cents to throw into the pot then I will be quiet We leave June 7th for a 10 day trip. You have as many Character events and dinners planned and eride nights as I do- and your trip is half the length. I would suggest that if you do too much you miss the magic, and the parks become just another generic theme park where you are running around doing rides. WDW is so much more than just the attractions and nighttime events. Slow down a bit and let the magic catch up to you, and immerse yourself in it. Having some flexibilty in you plan allows those magical moments to happen. Without some flexibility, you are always pulling your plan out and checking your watch and running here and going there. I've been there, and don't plan to go there again. Many of our most special moments and memories happened when we weren't expecting it. Give yourself some downtime and allow them to happen for you, too

Blessings,
mic_key_mouse

 

[campingcorgi]

I'd for sure keep the first E-ticket night cause that's the one where your mom and sis will be there, too. With 4 adults you can swap out and hit a lot of the adult rides, and the kids will have fun with the things they can do: a few rides, the parade, and meeting the characters because they have a lot of characters there on e-ticket nights. Then you can skip the later ones if you feel like you covered it all or do them if you want. Just keep flexible and have fun!

 

[minmate]

I DO tend to overplan -- guess I'll have to think about how much more tired out we may get... I tend to want to keep moving on my vacations... not necessarily trying to hit every ride and show but def. not into just sitting in the room watching t.v. vegging out kind of thing... that's what weekend nights at home are for! lol

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Has Mom ever been to SW? It can be miserable in the summer... only one indoor ride. And packed, they offer Flex Pay so there are LOTS of locals in the summertime... we avoid it like the plague, hot hot hot... did I mention HOT? I would remind her of this, we enjoy SW in the spring/winter months not summer... If you are looking for a reason to skip it that would be why.

 

[minmate]

is that my mom's cousin is a VP there and I guess he was going to meet us and spend some time with us there. I don't know if this would give us any advantage though while there because as you said, it is hot and such... It's not like we'd be getting to the front of any lines or anything... my kids are all too small to ride the rides there anyway (or most of the kids are at least)... hmmm... my mom's a piece of work... she claims she doesn't care what we do as long as we are spending the time together -- then when I broached the subject of NOT doing SW -- she said, well, fine, you guys can do what you want that day and maybe I'll just go to Sw myself! egads! That's a sticky subject right now! lol...

 

[tomerin]

you do have one well planned trip!

the only thing i can think of that could possibly sort of ruin your plans is the heat. your kids may love to be awake and play well into the wee hours of the morning but the combination of the trip, pure disney excitement and the heat may wear them out very quickly. i noticed your last trip was in march so the heat may not have been a factor then. since the e-ride tickets wil be costing you an extra 50 dollars just for the kids you may want to be careful about purchasing them. i am not sure if they are refundable so you dont want to lose that money.

you know your family better then anyone else so i am sure you will know exactly what to do.

enjoy your trip.

 

[zippehsmom]

I have to agree with mic_key_mouse. On our first trip to WDW, which was our honeymoon, it was only DH and I. I tend to overplan and we ran all day and all night. When the trip was over I realized that I could not even remember the little things because we ran around like crazy. The next trip I vowed would be alot more laid back, and it was. Now don't get me wrong. I still had a detailed Itinerary (I can't help myself ), but I actually put time in there just to wander around and stop and smell the flowers. My DH got quite a laugh when he seen that I actually wrote stop and smell the flowers. Well that trip went so much better. So, make sure you have time to stop and smell the flowers. Just my .02.

zippehsmom

 

[minmate]

I will have to put that into the itinerary! I will take a picture of it too! Good idea -- at least if I can "plan it" it will feel like "something" --