Itinerary Review - Thoughts & Comments

[sarah112]

Hi All,

My family's 1st trip to WDW is approaching quickly. We are going November 27 through December 2nd. I originally picked this week as I was told that it wasn't too crowded, although now reading all the posts on the Resorts board, I am getting worried that it will be.

I've listed my itinerary below, which I have spent so much time preparing and would love your comments. We have a 5 yr little girl. We are staying at the WL and have the meal plan with park hopper tickets.

Tuesday,November 27 - Arrive Orlando at 2;45PM, Magical express to the Wilderness Lodge

7PM - Very Merry Christmas Party

Wednesday,November 28 - Magic Kingdom day

BBB Salon at 9:30AM
Breakfast at Castle at 10:20AM
5:00PM - Hoop Dee Doo
We'd like to go back to MK after the HDD to see wishes and parade

Thursday, November 29

MK - EMH
Alice in Wonderland GF at 1:30PM
Head to Epcot after
Princess Storybook at 6:40PM
See Illuminations

Friday, November 30
MGM All day
4:10PM - Mamma Melrose and Fantasmic Package

Saturday, December 1
Animal Kingdom
4:50PM at GF Cinderella's Galla Feast
Back to MK for the 8:00PM Spectromic
thought we could catch the boat to WL from MK and watch the fireworks at 9:00PM on the boat
9:30PM Carriage Ride Reservations at the WL

Sunday, December 2nd
8:10AM - Chef Mickey
9:40AM - Depart for Airport

I know I have too many reservations and will have to pay for some out of pocket. Would love your opinions!

Thanks so much!

 

[LISAMWDW]

I think you plans look great! Good job planning! My only concern would be your last day. You don't have alot of time for breakfast. Is the ME bus picking you up at 9:40? You'll need time to check in for your flights at WL before you board ME also. Due to the lines in the am for this, you might be cutting it short in time.

 

[sarah112]

Hi,

Can I give them all my information the night before? If not, than I agree it may be tight. I tried to call to switch the Chef Mickey to a different day but it sold out for the whole week we're there.

Also, I was wondering if we arrive for breakfast at 7:45AM, would they take us early?

Thanks!

 

[michaelwilliammidd]

I just wanted to say that I wouldn't be too worried about the crowds that week. We have gone during that time period before and it wasn't bad at all. The parks are never going to be completely deserted but remember that the crowds you will be dealing with are far,far lighter than those of the summer and holiday.

Also, your itinerary looks great. I think you've planned out a great 1st trip, have a wonderful time!!!

 

[Tinkerbell's Mom]

The other concern I see is your first full day, 9:30 BBB appt and then 10:20 at the Royal Table, I think you are cutting it close, at BBB they say to allow about an hour, and when you check in the next available stylist will take her, so that could be a few min wait. Just a thought.

I also agree your last day is too tight on time to check out and eat, and are you absolutely sure ME is picking you up at 9:40, sometimes they REALLY pick you up early!

 

[LMEJ]

I think your plans look great. Very princessy! (I have all boys!)
I have 2 comments.
First, my kids regularly go to bed between 8-9 and we find they get very tired by the end of the day at DW, and since we like to do early entry, we try not to stay out too late. Overtired kids at DW=Not Fun. Some of your plans look late and you have early mornings, just something to consider.

Also, we find that 2 character meals in a week are about enough. They are fun, but they do take up time. I might just skip Chef Mickey. It's fun, but you have lots of other fun stuff planned! And I doubt you would get in early if you showed up early. Maybe, but that has not been our experience.

Have a great time, see you there!

 

[LISAMWDW]

The airlines will allow you to check in no more than 24 hours in advance. You could check with the resort to see if they would let you check in for your flight the night before. I haven't ever done that so I'm not sure if its possible. In my experience it can be hectic when leaving in the morning. I would cancel Chef Mickey if you can't check in the night before. The stress really is not worth it.

As far as table service meals, yours good great. It's personal preference really. We always have at least one table service meal a day. I've been with my DD-11 now, but since she was 3 and stayed until park closings and have had no problems with her. Granted some kids can be more sensitive so it does depend on the child. Some can handle it while others cannot. It's WDW! Enjoy and sleep on the plane!

Have a great time!

 

[BoomNLeon]

Wow, great job! Can I get in your suitcase!?!?! The last day might be tight, but it appears that you might be working on that. The first day could be tight with BBB and then a breakfast.

But all in all - this looks to be a very memorable first trip for your family. Please give us all the details when you get home.

Hope you enjoy!

 

[disnut1149]

Hi
Your plans look like so much fun. I would be a little concerned about the BBB and breakfast times. We had an appointment at BBB (the one in Downtown Disney) and we waited an hour. I was panicky since our dinner was at 1900 Park Fare, and I knew we were going to be late. They called the restaurant for me to tell them we were going to be late. It was ok with them and we took a taxi to the GF. Have a great time!!

 

[sarah112]

Oh my now I'm nervous about the BBB salon timing. When I made the res. the woman told me that it would be no longer than 30-45 min. and since it's in the castle, it would be fine. Geez, I made these 5 months ago, I would of chosen a later time!

I've heard the Chef Mickey is so great to see. But what if I cancel and see if I can get the Donald Breakfast in Animal Kingdom on Sat. December 1st? Is that as good?

Also, does anyone know if they are taping the Christmas Parade on Saturday the 1st? Is that done all day long? That's why I planned AK for that day cause I was told is was crazy in MK on that day but I'd like to head there after dinner.

One last thing, I have MGM planned for the whole day on Friday.....is that too much for a 5 yr old? And I have only a 1/2 day planned in Epcot....is the enough time?

I'm so excited!!!

Thanks so much!

 

[septbaby]

Hi All,

Tuesday,November 27 - Arrive Orlando at 2;45PM, Magical express to the Wilderness Lodge

7PM - Very Merry Christmas Party

You can use your party tickets for park entry, thus saving a day on your park hoppers! So if you need to see the castle just one more time, before leaving...lol

Thursday, November 29

MK - EMH
Alice in Wonderland GF at 1:30PM
Head to Epcot after
Princess Storybook at 6:40PM
See Illuminations

This is a long day without a break for your little one. I'd consider a break at hotel right after lunch. Then arrive at Epcot by 6pm to do one attraction or the Character spot before dinner. We had a similar day and found we were starving before our ADR, we arrived early and were seated. We ate everything they put in front of us too!

Friday, November 30
MGM All day
4:10PM - Mamma Melrose and Fantasmic Package
You could spend early AM at Epcot to recover some of that time you took for a nap; then take a boat to MGM for your day as planned. By the way we went from MK to MGM for our Fantasmic dinner, took longer than I anticipated, so if your aren't coming from a resort or Epcot to MGM, allow extra time. Also many of the characters at MGM were gone by 6pm, so you may need to do that stuff before dinner.

Saturday, December 1
Animal Kingdom
4:50PM at GF Cinderella's Gala Feast
Back to MK for the 8:00PM Spectromic
thought we could catch the boat to WL from MK and watch the fireworks at 9:00PM on the boat
9:30PM Carriage Ride Reservations at the WL
PP makes a good point about Chef Mickey's and your final day. If you can get a Chef Mickey's ADR this day I'd trade out the Gala Feast. You could also trade out Akershus earlier in your trip for Chef Mickey's. You are doing at least 2 Princess meals already. CM's was by far the favorite meal for our 5yo boy. We did a late breakfast there and hope to go for dinner next time.

Sunday, December 2nd
8:10AM - Chef Mickey
9:40AM - Depart for Airport
If your trip is anything like ours, you'll have CS credits left so a meal at your resort is probably less stress and a good use of those left over credits! Even if you did that last gasp in MK, Main St Bakery would be a good, quick stop.

You should be absolutely fine at BBB as 30mins is about right. CRT is right outside the door to BBB so it will take all of 1 minute to get to your ADR!

Finally, our 5yo asked to go to MK everyday, and we took him, so be flexible and if she is the focus of the trip, be prepared to adjust. Also, not sure of the December weather but the pools were open until midnight and it was nice to take advantage of the pool/whirlpool after a long park day!QUOTE]

 

[f7prez]

Your schedule looks good except for BBB. I think you are cutting it too close. Maybe you can push back your meal time.

A bit of advice. Rent or bring a stroller. There is a lot of walking involved.Your 5yo may not like the idea at first, but if you are getting up that early and staying out that late, she will be glad you did. These parks are HUGE.

Also, let the 5yo set the pace. Take your time and enjoy what you can. Don't rush through it. You WILL be back.

 

[sarah112]

Thanks again for the advice!

I've tried to call several times and Chef Mickey is booked the entire week I'm there for Breakfast and dinner.

I did call and reserve the Donald & Daisy breakfast and AK for Sat. the 1st, is that as good? They said it's a new Safari theme at the Tusker house.

Thanks!

 

[septbaby]

Thanks again for the advice!

I've tried to call several times and Chef Mickey is booked the entire week I'm there for Breakfast and dinner.

I did call and reserve the Donald & Daisy breakfast and AK for Sat. the 1st, is that as good? They said it's a new Safari theme at the Tusker house.

Thanks!

For Chef Mickey's, just keep calling, even checking with your concierge once you arrive. As for the AK breakfast its kind of new so you'll be reporting to us what you think of it!

By the way we went to the Pirate & Princess Party this summer, a ticketed event just like, MVMCP. Our party tickets would have gotten us in the park as early as 4pm, yours may be similar so that you don't have to actually wait until 7pm to enter the park.

Have a Magical time!

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

Your last day appears to be packing alot in- we only scheduled two or three things on our last day and we barely made it back to the resort to board ME on time.

If you are a master budgeter of time, then you might make it.

I was told the same thing about the crowds when we went the last week of April and it was a packed madhouse in every park....the only relief we had was at Universal and SW, but I hope you don't experience packed parks!

 

[Avivasmom]

I guess we are different..my DD will be almost 7 when we go end of Nov. (will be there the same time as you). We have been going since she was 2 and we never took a break in the middle of the day. She would sleep in her stroller if at all.

She loves Epcot just as much as MK...so we do equal time there. Your meals look great too.

We play it by ear now and do what my DD wants.

But your plan looks great and just remember have fun and if what you have planned does not work out you are still in Disney.

 

[mboss1]

We are going to be there at that time also!! Where are you staying?
We have a 2 1/2 yr old boy and our daughter will be a year the week before.
You are a much better planner than we are. It looks like you have your days all set and they look great.
Have a great time, and lets hope the weather is great!!

Meg

 

[Joan1]

I honestly would not worry about Chef Mickey the last couple of times we dined there the food wasn't that great.

I would make sure you have some down time scheduled because you won't be able to go all day every day. After 3 days straight in the parks, even with breaks, we are very tired.

The best thing to do is not to be upset if your plans don't go as planned. Alot of times people get to WDW and then find that their plans were too ambitious. Just tell yourself there will be another time

 

[sarah112]

Hi,

We're staying at the Wilderness Lodge. I reserved a woods view with bunk beds. My daughter is thrilled to sleep in a bunk bed! I'll probably be sleeping on the bottom! I hope it's comfy!

I called reservations and they said that I can cancel the day of if need to, so I will just see how we feel.

I think I will need a vacation from this vacation! I probably won't sleep the whole time I'm there!