Itinerary Advice

[madge]

I posted this a couple of days ago, buried in a different thread, but didn't get any answers.

I need some guidance

Here is my scenario:
My son's youth group is attending Faith in 3D, Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. We have a limited amount of time in the parks, only time to see one nighttime show....many of the people in the group have never been to WDW. I want to make the most of the time we have to spend in the parks, taking into consideration the MLK holiday weekend crowds.

Friday--we are staying at Coronado Springs and will only have about 3-4 hours for a park. I'm planning Animal Kingdom. There are some theater buffs in the group, and FotLK is a must-see for them. A lot of the kids want to do the Safari.

Saturday--morning is taken up with a Youth Education Series class (ends around 1pm). Our group is signed up for classes at Epcot and the Studios. I'm thinking that the group at Epcot will meet up with the group at the Studios and tour there on Saturday afternoon. We have to be back at the resort for conference activities by 7pm.

Sunday--after morning worship, the group is heading to Epcot to participate in something called "Faith Around the World", where they will spend 3 hours touring the countries, having lunch, scavenger hunts, etc. Sounds very fun. I hoping to have some of the adults pick up fast passes for Soarin' at that time. The programming wraps up at 2pm, and we're on our own for the rest of the evening. My gut is telling me to leave Epcot on Sunday afternoon and head to the Magic Kingdom for the rest of the evening and stay for wishes. I think it's the only chance we'll get to the Magic Kingdom.

I know it isn't nearly enough time to see much of anything, but it's the only way I can think of to give everyone a "taste". Any suggestions at all would be most appreciated!!! I've planned many trips for my family, but not 14 teenagers and some parents

thanks!!

 

[minmate]

That sounds pretty good to me; a little of everything. Maybe you can get the group at the Studios to get some FP's for RNR and TOT?
Good luck... have fun!

 

[kilee]

If you only had time for one evening show, then I'd probably pick Fantasmic. It is truly out of this world. Also, the kids might like to spend some time doing the thrill rides like TOT and RNRRC there.

 

[bigcrit]

I agree with Kilee. I would do Fantasmic. Older teenagers seem to enjoy MGM more than the Kingdom. Not to mention it is MGM's day for EMH. That way you could get more park time and see Fantasmic (IMHO) the hands down "BEST SHOW" at WDW. A few more questions need to be answered before we could really help you.

What time do you arrive on Friday? Do you have your own transportation?

Heres what I might do if I wwere you.....

Friday: I would think of doing MK this day since it is open MUCH later than AK.

Saturday: I would either do an entire day at Epcot or hop to AK later in the day.

Sunday: I would do Epcot till around 4 and finish off the night at MGM.

Hope this helps.

 

[bytheblood]

Sounds like lots of fun.

 

[bigcrit]

Bytheblood - How did you like POFQ. We are staying there for the 1st time this Decmeber. I am reall curious to know your opinion of this resort.

 

[madge]

What time do you arrive on Friday? Do you have your own transportation?

We land at noon, and are using Magical Express.

Heres what I might do if I wwere you.....

Friday: I would think of doing MK this day since it is open MUCH later than AK.

We have to be back at the resort no later than 5:30 for an opening celebration, dinner, and worship. We've got from the time we can get on a bus until 5:00 or so. I'm afraid that it wouldn't be enough time to even try to do anything at any other park. In reality, it isn't long enough at the AK, but I believe we can at least see FotLK and Kilamanjaro Safaris. Anything else will be gravy

Saturday: I would either do an entire day at Epcot or hop to AK later in the day.

We finish up our YES class around noon and have until 7pm for park time. Epcot or MGM would be a good choice on that day. We've always had good luck with crowds at those parks on Saturday.

Sunday: I would do Epcot till around 4 and finish off the night at MGM.

Hope this helps.

It does, thanks!!

I just cannot imagine not going to the Magic Kingdom, even with teenagers. Many of the people in this group have never been to Walt Disney World and will likely not go back after this trip.

I am definitely keeping an eye on the evening EMH schedule for Sunday.