Late shows with small dk's

[bcarson]

Just curious how you all do with the late show's with smaller dk's. My dk's are 3 and 5. I see that Illuminations is not until 9:00 ,as is Fantasmic and Spectro 8:30, and wishes at 9:00. I am wondering even with a break do your dk's make this late every night? I know everybody's dk's will be different but just wanted a general idea. Also how long does it take to get out of the parks after these events. I am thinking that makes a difference. Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[goofy4tink]

I've done all these show's in the past but my dd was 6 at the youngest point. Yes, you can do them and your dk's will love them. But, take a break during the day for some 'down time'. And plan on letting everyone sleep a little late the following day.

Getting out of the parks after the shows can be a nightmare. If you do Fantasmic, I would suggest that you sit at the very top of the stadium, close to the exit. The crowd is immense. As far as IllumiNations goes, just take your time. It is a long, crowded walk back to the entrance to Epcot. Hold those kids hands tightly. Same goes for the exits after Spectro/Wishes. You can not believe what the crowd is like until you have been there. You can probably plan on about 1/2-3/4 hr. more to get back to your resort than what it would be normally. The crowds leaving the park itself, and then the lines to get transport back.

 

[laughinplace199]

We try to pick one "late" event per trip. We make sure the kids (they are 2 & 4) have had naps back at the hotel that day and we bring pj's with us. Last time we went they were 1 & 3. We went to the Baby Care Center before the MK parade and took care of diaper changing and got their pj's on them. They watched the parade in their strollers and we were lucky enough to be able to exit the park right after the parade.

Only you know how your kids will handle late nights. Ours surprised us. We probably could let them have more than one "late" night, but we haven't wanted to push it.

Have fun!

 

[jl3614]

Our kids were the same age (almost 3 and just turned 5) when we went last April. There normal bedtime is between 8:00 and 8:30.

We also only did one late night - at MK. We chose the night before our one down (non-park) day of the week. Also that afternoon we took a little longer break, and it was a little later - probably didn't get back to MK much before 5:30.

I agree with goofy4tink - unless you are watching the parade from the exit, allow 30 - 45 minutes longer than usual for the return trip. Your bus will be packed, just be patient and it will work out.

I think we would have been safe working in a second night, but just have to plan on sleeping in the next morning.

Have fun.

Jeff

 

[moinab]

We have yet to see Illuminations or Fantasmic with our DS (3.5) and DD (13 months), after 4 tries.

We were able to see Spectro at 8 PM during Presidents' Day week. We wanted to try for Wishes, at 9, but after waiting 15 minutes after the parade, it was clear the kids just couldn't take it anymore. We headed out and took the ferry boat to the TTC. Just as we were getting off the boat, Wishes began. Most people stayed on the dock to watch it. We headed up to the TTC, and discovered that the Wishes soundtrack was playing at the ticket kiosks, and that we could still see the fireworks. We stayed there to watch it, and as soon as it was over, we were first in line for the tram.

Obviously, this only works if you drive, but I thought I'd share it for anyone in a similar situation.