Itineraries for each day vs. general plans

[ErinInCT]

I had a very detailed itinerary planned & ended up not really using it. Did not need to be so detailed. Now I have planned what park for the am & the pm. We always take a break in the afternoon, if not for naps, then to go swimming or to the hotel kid's activities. That's when we take baths/showers & get ready for the evening.
I think you'll find that you want to be in the parks more often then you are thinking right now. We did not plan more then a half day at EPCOT & it turned out to be dd4's favorite park & next time we will plan 3 1/2 days (one for FW & 2 for WS). We always do 3 half days at MK (we split it up by lands - half day for Fantasyland, half day for Toontown & Tomorrowland, and half day for Adventure, Frontier & Liberty Square). AK is a half day park & MGM is a late afternoon (in time for parade) thru Fantasmic day. We can do everything in 5 full days. 7 is best giving us more down time. We also want to do a water park next time.
As long as you have a general idea of what you want to do you'll be fine. It can't hurt to be a longer time frame park pass b/c it will not expire.
Most of all, have fun!

 

[Angel1]

I've never made an itinerary like the one in Unofficial Guide -- but it's also never been that crowded while I was there.

I do sketch out each day. Our family likes to go to one park in the morning, spend a bit of time at the resort swimming, etc., and then switch to a different park in the afternoon. We spend most nights at Epcot.

My itinerary includes which parks have EE, but I also plan an alternate park in case they can't get up early. No point in going to an EE park unless you are taking advantage!

With little kids, you should try to do EE at MK though! And as someone else posted, if you arrive at opening, do the big attractions first.

Have a great trip!

PS With a 4 yo, be sure NOT to miss Fantasmic! Hearing my 3 year old shout "Get those villains, Mickey!!!!" was the highlight of my last trip.