Itinerary (parks and adrs)- how does this look?

[MelissaMonicaDrake]

UPDATE! Trip has been booked for Oct 24th-29th. Did not get all reservations we wanted as we booked already inside the 180 mark, but flights were about $1000 cheaper, so we're just going to roll with it and hope for the best unless the flight situation changes.

Plans changed a bit, but I still need some help! Namely with our AK day (day or night visit?) and fireworks (HEA or no fireworks?) options:

(Fyi kids will be 14, 12 and 6...this will be our 6 year old's first trip, we went with our older 2 back in 2011)

OPTION ONE:
Day 1 - Arrival day - AK day from 4-8 - dinner @ Tusker House
Day 2 - MK - BBB at Disney Springs, Dinner @ 1900 PF (This is a MNSSHP day, so we'll be out by 6, dinner at 8)
Day 3 - Universal Studios day...Older 2 were promised a visit to HP world, so this is a must do!
Day 4 - Epcot - Breakfast @ Akershus
Day 5 - DHS - Breakfast @ Ohana, Dinner @ Chef Mickeys
Day 6 - Departure Day - Breakfast @ 1900 PF, then MK until approx 3pm.

OPTION TWO:
Day 1 - Arrival day - MK from 4-? - HEA Dessert Party - this would be the only way we'll see any of the MK fireworks as we aren't doing the Halloween Party
Day 2 - MK - BBB at Disney Springs, Dinner @ 1900 PF (This is a MNSSHP day, so we'll be out by 6, dinner at 8)
Day 3 - Universal Studios day...Older 2 were promised a visit to HP world, so this is a must do!
Day 4 - Epcot - Breakfast @ Akershus
Day 5 - DHS - Breakfast @ Ohana, Dinner @ Chef Mickeys
Day 6 - Departure Day - Breakfast @ Tusker House, then AK until approx 3pm.

 

[MelissaMonicaDrake]

Need to get this booked, book adrs next week, then read up on how in the world this new fast pass system works. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[bpx2]

Are you planning on going to the Christmas party? There is a MVMCP scheduled on November 8th, 9th, 12th, and 13th during your stay. Keep that in mind if you aren't going to the party and want to see fireworks on your MK day.

 

[Nancyg56]

Are you planning on going to the Christmas party? There is a MVMCP scheduled on November 8th, 9th, 12th, and 13th during your stay. Keep that in mind if you aren't going to the party and want to see fireworks on your MK day.

I agree, If there was an extra day for MK that would be fine because party days are quieter in the mornings, so you can get onto the attractions faster, and then the second day you go for fireworks, but if you want to see the evening entertainment you will need to adjust.

 

[Nancyg56]

I want to add that the tea party at the Grand is nice, but it takes time. If this is your departure day, and you want to visit a park, the party will probably wipe most of that visit out.

 

[sharonabe]

Need to get this booked, book adrs next week, then read up on how in the world this new fast pass system works. Any advice is appreciated!

As PPs said, you're probably going to want to move your first MK day to Day 3 or 4 in your trip. I'd choose Day 4 personally. This is crucial since you're hoping to get BBB, CRT, and BoG on your MK day. Please know that BoG will be difficult, and do you know that BoG will be a prix fix dinner at that point with a 3 course meal?

As to FP study, please find and read the FP sticky. It gives you all the information you need to know in a very easy to understand format.

 

[MelissaMonicaDrake]

As PPs said, you're probably going to want to move your first MK day to Day 3 or 4 in your trip. I'd choose Day 4 personally. This is crucial since you're hoping to get BBB, CRT, and BoG on your MK day. Please know that BoG will be difficult, and do you know that BoG will be a prix fix dinner at that point with a 3 course meal?

As to FP study, please find and read the FP sticky. It gives you all the information you need to know in a very easy to understand format.

I just looked into the party dates. I may just slide our whole trip back a day and I think it may work out better. That or move our MK day around. I did not know that about BoG dinner! Maybe I should swap CRT for dinner and BoG for lunch? This will most likely be our last trip to Disney, but not sure if BoG is a must do. Would like to try to get an adr regardless on my 180 day mark (if possible, I know it can be hard to get) so the option is there at least.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I just looked into the party dates. I may just slide our whole trip back a day and I think it may work out better. That or move our MK day around. I did not know that about BoG dinner! Maybe I should swap CRT for dinner and BoG for lunch? This will most likely be our last trip to Disney, but not sure if BoG is a must do. Would like to try to get an adr regardless on my 180 day mark (if possible, I know it can be hard to get) so the option is there at least.

I would do that. Otherwise you are going to end up with two, big, expensive meals on that MK day.

 

[Nancyg56]

I just looked into the party dates. I may just slide our whole trip back a day and I think it may work out better. That or move our MK day around. I did not know that about BoG dinner! Maybe I should swap CRT for dinner and BoG for lunch? This will most likely be our last trip to Disney, but not sure if BoG is a must do. Would like to try to get an adr regardless on my 180 day mark (if possible, I know it can be hard to get) so the option is there at least.

I would swap the BOG for lunch. It will give you a chance to dine in the caste but you will not be stuck with an exenve signature meal.

 

[MelissaMonicaDrake]

Updated with some new questions/options. Opinions appreciated!

 

[sharonabe]

Updated with some new questions/options. Opinions appreciated!

I'm not going to be much help, but I think I would go with Option #2. HEA is worth it to me.

I do have some questions, though. That BBB appt at DS. What time is that? You have a shortened day at MK as it is. How are you getting to DS for that appointment and will everyone go or just a parent and said child?

DHS day. I guess you're not doing F! or the Star Wars Spectacular? Dinner at Chef Mickey will probably make either one of those impossible.

 

[Nancyg56]

I am also focused on your dinner ADR's. I agree with @sharonabe and would try to cancel Chef Mickey and to book Hollywood & Vine in DHS instead. You are creating very short park days with a breakfast outside of your park, and then leaving for dinner outside as well. The evening entertainment at DHS is worth considering.

Your DS appointment at BBB is also a concern. Again, you have chosen to cut a park day short, and I am concerned that by the time your appointment is finished, and you travel to MK, a good portion of your park time will be gone.

On your departure day, I would get to DAK early, hit a few attractions and have a later breakfast in TH. If you get a PPO breakfast there that would work, too.

 

[MelissaMonicaDrake]

I'm not going to be much help, but I think I would go with Option #2. HEA is worth it to me.

I do have some questions, though. That BBB appt at DS. What time is that? You have a shortened day at MK as it is. How are you getting to DS for that appointment and will everyone go or just a parent and said child?

DHS day. I guess you're not doing F! or the Star Wars Spectacular? Dinner at Chef Mickey will probably make either one of those impossible.

I am also focused on your dinner ADR's. I agree with @sharonabe and would try to cancel Chef Mickey and to book Hollywood & Vine in DHS instead. You are creating very short park days with a breakfast outside of your park, and then leaving for dinner outside as well. The evening entertainment at DHS is worth considering.

Your DS appointment at BBB is also a concern. Again, you have chosen to cut a park day short, and I am concerned that by the time your appointment is finished, and you travel to MK, a good portion of your park time will be gone.

On your departure day, I would get to DAK early, hit a few attractions and have a later breakfast in TH. If you get a PPO breakfast there that would work, too.

BBB Appointment is at 925am. Because we just booked, the only time available in the MK BBB was at 615pm on a party day. Too late. We're staying at CBR so, close to DS. I'm hoping that will help with time. We did F! last time with our older 2 children, and they enjoyed it, but I'm not sure enough for us doing it again. Will have to think about that one!

 

[bpx2]

Is the BBB a must do? If it were me, there is no way I would give up morning hours with low wait times at MK for BBB, especially on an already shortened MK day. That is just my opinion though...do what you think is best.

 

[MelissaMonicaDrake]

Is the BBB a must do? If it were me, there is no way I would give up morning hours with low wait times at MK for BBB, especially on an already shortened MK day. That is just my opinion though...do what you think is best.

Yes, definitely a must do. We took our older 2 back in 2011 and now 6 year old DD has been waiting and waiting for her turn to go and she oohs and ahhs over the pictures of her older sister getting all dolled up. I know she will love it.

ETA: We originally planned for a Nov 14-19th trip, but the flights were almost double. For 5 of us flying, it adds up. I have about a week to decide if we want to switch our trip (for ADR purposes, to give us better options booking on the 180 day). Have been keeping an eye on flight prices. But, didn't want to keep waiting and not getting any good ADRs/BBB reservations, so this is the best I could find for Oct.

 

[Nancyg56]

BBB Appointment is at 925am. Because we just booked, the only time available in the MK BBB was at 615pm on a party day. Too late. We're staying at CBR so, close to DS. I'm hoping that will help with time. We did F! last time with our older 2 children, and they enjoyed it, but I'm not sure enough for us doing it again. Will have to think about that one!

I see that BBB is a must do, however I worry that you will be missing a great deal of park time. Is it possible to make an appointment at Ivy Trellis in the Grand on your arrival day? I love this salon for personalized hair styles for children. Your DD would then have the rest of the day to enjoy her hair and dress at the MK for the HEA party.

In regards to DHS, are there no star Wars fireworks that night? My DD and DSIL went twice for this show.

 

[MelissaMonicaDrake]

I see that BBB is a must do, however I worry that you will be missing a great deal of park time. Is it possible to make an appointment at Ivy Trellis in the Grand on your arrival day? I love this salon for personalized hair styles for children. Your DD would then have the rest of the day to enjoy her hair and dress at the MK for the HEA party.

In regards to DHS, are there no star Wars fireworks that night? My DD and DSIL went twice for this show.

We have the 1900PF dinner scheduled that MK night (it's a party night and we are not doing the party) so she can be all dolled up for a princess dinner at night. Not an ideal day at all. But I booked too late for most reservations to be open (ideally, would have loved to do BBB and CRT in MK. We did this last time we went, but I booked on my 180 day). Chef Mickey's isn't a *must* do. It was on my list of places our older 2 loved last time we went. May not keep that reservation, just wanted the option there. Ohana breakfast that morning is at 745 am, so that shouldn't affect us too bad.

 

[tamerbelles]

I see BBB is a must-do for you ... but have you looked at the princess makeover package at the Ivy Trellis salon in the Grand Floridian? It's still a magical experience AND they can do pretty much whatever hairstyle your daughter wants, including curls! This was a big plus for my daughter!

It's comparable in price, and they still get a tiara. It's less popular than BBB, so you should still be able to get a reservation. Perhaps right before your dinner at 1900? It would save you SO MUCH time compared to heading to Disney Springs and back.

 

[MelissaMonicaDrake]

I see BBB is a must-do for you ... but have you looked at the princess makeover package at the Ivy Trellis salon in the Grand Floridian? It's still a magical experience AND they can do pretty much whatever hairstyle your daughter wants, including curls! This was a big plus for my daughter!

It's comparable in price, and they still get a tiara. It's less popular than BBB, so you should still be able to get a reservation. Perhaps right before your dinner at 1900? It would save you SO MUCH time compared to heading to Disney Springs and back.

We can actually get a reservation at the MK BBB before our dinner reservation (at 615pm...if still available, so when we would be unable to ride anything in the park anyway for the MNSSHP day), but we wanted her to enjoy the whole day in her dress and hair.

We can switch our MK day to one that is a full day (no party day), but all those days are "red" days on the crowd calendars and DH and DS do not handle big crowds well, so I was trying to plan everything around lighter crowd days.

ALSO, there are quite a few rides that 6yo DD will not go on (most roller coaster rides), DH can head down to MK and hit some of those rides with our 14yo and 12yo while me and 6yo DD do BBB.

 

[MelissaMonicaDrake]

I don't want to start a new thread, so hopefully someone can answer on here, but do the dessert parties sell out? I'm leaning towards option 2 with the HEA dessert party (I think we'll go with the Garden Plaza one) and AK on the last day. I know it's advance payment, so just wondering how soon I should book it! Also, I'm sure the kids will be hungry when we fly in (our flight will get in at 1130am), so any late lunch/early dinner recommendations for MK would be appreciated as well!