Itinerary Questions??? Need some advice, PLEASE READ

[jenk1013]

First some background info:

Going to WDW from Sat. 9/24/05- Fri. 9/30/05
Our group--me (30), dh (33), ds (5), dd (4) and my mom (58)

We are staying at POP Resorts with a 6 day hopper and meal plan. This is my first trip (and mom's) since '87 and dh and kids' first trip ever!! We are very excited!

I've been reading the DIS Boards, TGM and the Unofficial Guide and am getting more confused by the day. I like to plan trips, but this one has been especially challenging for me. I feel like it is a giant riddle or puzzle that I'm trying to put together piece by piece. There is so much to take into consideration--Best days for crowds, EMH, Choosing restaurants and making PS arrangements, Spectro days, Fantasmic----aaaggghhhh!!!

Anyway, this is my first attempt at an itinerary and it is pretty basic:

Sat 9/24--
Arrival
Dinner at O'Hana's
Get to bed early for MK tomorrow

Sun 9/25--
MK Day!!!
Counter Lunch (Any recommendations??)
Break in afternoon
Dinner at Crystal Palace
A few rides in the evening if low crowds? Wishes?

Mon 9/26--
Animal Kingdom Day (How long does this usually take if we start at opening?)
Break
Dinner at Chef Mickey's (early)
MGM w/out kids (Is this doable--will we be able to ride RNRC and TOT from like 7-8 pm since we have a babysitter? Or should we do Epcot since it closes later?)
Downtown Disney (adults only)

Tues 9/27--
EPCOT Day!!
Lunch in the Coral Reef (maybe?)
Break
MK for Spectro and Wishes

Wed 9/28--
MGM w/Kids
Break
Unsure of evening plans if any? Maybe just dinner (BOMA??) and early evening, because of MK tomorrow. Or Epcot??

Thurs 9/29--
MK day!
Break
Fantasmic (not sure about dinner package-- is it necessary--I hate to pay out of pocket when I have the dining plan, but I heard it isn't included).

Fri 9/30--
Departure Day


So, what does everyone think? Is this too much? Am I missing anything that you think would be fun? I purposely left out Illuminations because I felt like it would be too late for my kids getting back to the hotel. I may go with just my mom one night if time permits.

Also, I'm not totally sure about the break time. I know that TGM recommends it but my kids tend to be extra cranky after a nap, so I worry that it will be more trouble then it is worth.

I like having a schedule, but I want to try to be flexible. Please give me some feedback.

Thanks,
Jen

 

[mhingher]

It looks like you have really been doing your homework! Planning breaks is always a smart thing to do. But if your kids get cranky, another idea is to spend some time in the AM by the pool, and then head to the parks in the afternoon. I also like that you're not doing anything too crazy on your first day. A lot of people rush into the park, which in my opinion, is too much. I'd rather go to DD and then a nice dinner.

Counter service for MK- We love Pecos Bill in Frontierland and Pinocchio Village Haus in Fantasyland.

We never need a full day for AK, but then again, we don't have any children. But I think if you're there at opening you could definitely be done by 1 or 2pm. Depends on how longs the lines are. Go to the WDW website, and choose the "must see" attractions" before you go.

I like to idea of spending some time at MGM w/out the kids. RnRC and ToT are some of my favorite rides! BUt they will also enjoy being there as well.

Adn definitely don't skip WIshes or Fantasmic. We did Fantasmic without the package in March, when the crowds were really low. I don't think the parks will be too crowded in late September (let me know b/c our anniversary in 9/26 and I would love to be there one year during that time!) My parents are actually going the week before you, and they have gone in September before. Shouldn't be too bad. If you have the dining package, I would skip the Fantasmic dinner, but that's just my opinion.

Have fun!

Melissa

 

[threeboysmom]

Hey Melissa! Just wanted to say that my anniversary is 9/26 too!! We've spent our anniversary in WDW for the past few years and it is a wonderful time to visit!!!

 

[jenk1013]

Thanks for your suggestions and ideas, Melissa. Actually my dd's bday is 9/26 (not the reason we are going, but I'm glad that it works out that way.

I like your idea of heading out to the parks in the afternoon--I may post another thread on this topic. Thanks.

Jen