Itinerary - help! First family visit in Oct 06

[Cinderella2006]

Hi - i am new to this board but have found it really helpful. This is going to be my ninth time to Disney but my first ever with children! I have a two year old son and a seven year old step son, it is my husbands to-be second trip (we went three years ago; our first holiday together and he loved it). I am a bit worried; this time its going to be different - its about the children having a good time but to add to the pressure, we are getting married in Disney and there are 17 of us! Where do I start! Need a bit for everyone, there are 9 adults and 8 children. I have written an itinerary - I would appreciate people’s info - especially on character meals as we have never done these.
Thanks!

Itinerary

Saturday Arrive in Sanford at 3pm, time we get through customs and drive to Disney approximate time of arrival at Port Orleans 5pm. Check in, have dinner and catch an early night.

Sunday Breakfast at the hotel, Epcot followed by dinner in The World Showcase maybe the Rose and Crown.

Monday Magic Kingdom all day (Honeymoon Shoot). Character dinner/ lunch. Wishes in the evening.

Tuesday (Halloween) Water park in the day. Magic kingdom in the evening for Mickey’s Halloween party.

Wednesday Day of our wedding in Disney’s Wedding Pavilion followed by a cake cutting/ champagne reception on Commanders Terrace at the Grand Floridian followed by evening meal at Citricos.

Thursday Shopping in the day, MGM studios in the afternoon – stay to watch fantasmic

Friday Animal Kingdom

Saturday Discovery Cove all day. Downtown Disney/ Pleasure island in the evening

Sunday Sea World all day

Monday Universal Studios

Tuesday Islands of Adventure

Wednesday Day at water park, Character dinner, miniature golf/ Disney quest

Thursday Day of shopping, Magic Kingdom in evening for dinner and fireworks

Friday Park of choice

Saturday Any last minute rides/ shops etc. Character dinner and leave for airport for a 16.40 departure back home.

 

[carolfoy]

looks pretty good to me, the only thing I'd watch is making your ADRs, because you have to leave a cc deposit for character meals, make sure you know exactly how many people will be attending each one, also turn up early if all of you will be eating as the more people, the longer it may take to get you all seated, there was a party of 13 waiting at H&V last year at thanksgiving for an hour!!!
also I'd try and get some alone time for the two of you after the wedding, maybe a nice dinner at California Grill or something, just so you don't feel like you're constantly guiding a tour around

 

[Chris and Pooh]

May I suggest when you are at Magic Kingdom pre book seating at The Crystal Palace, it is a goodclass eat all you care buffet and includes characters from Winnie the Pooh, my girls loved it and they were in their late teens as did DW

 

[Chris and Pooh]

Sorry another thought, not really a character but when you go to Seaworld why not have a Dine with Shamu experience its different, you can book online via the Seaworld Orlando website

 

[wee-haggis]

Sounds good but remember to include break time (swimming, relaxing etc..) especially for the kids, it can be a very long day. We have seen many families losing it in the parks because of tiredness and frustration. We usually go early(for openning) to the parks back to your resort around 1 or 2 pm for a break then back out for more fun.
Have a great time.

 

[Cyrano]

Just wanted to say great itinery and have a lovely Disney wedding

 

[Cinderella2006]

Thanks for your help everyone, really appreciate it, not going until october but its not long until i can start making dinner reservations.
carolfoy - thanks, i had a look at the menu and it looks lovely, we were thinking of Victoria and Alberts but its expensive and im not a fan of posh food! I prefer steak and chips! Luckily enough my aunty and uncle are coming and they dont have children so they would love to look after the children for a night or two.
Chris and Pooh - think the girls would love The Crystal Palace but i dont know about the boys but i love the dine with shamu - i didnt even know that exsisted so thanks!
wee-haggis - thats what ive been trying to do but i think we will end up going back to the hotel for nap time - my youngest is nearly two so he will definately need a sleep in the afternoon. Two days at a water park isnt much but there is so much to fit in.