March 2025 trip help

[Njc0001]

Looking for help for our first DW trip. We went to DL for the first time in 2023 and had a blast and are now looking to have just as much fun in March. It will be our family; 2 adults a 8 year old and an almost 3 year old, as well as 2 grandparents who will be there for the first time. We will be there for a full week, Saturday to Saturday, and staying at Shades of Green. We will have park hoppers for all days except travel days. Any recommendations or things we should know before going? We will probably need to split our days up with midafternoon rest/naps for our littlest and oldest members of the group. Any advice on how to plan out the days or things to make a priority?

 

[CharissaOKC]

I'm sure you have done some research since you are on here, but the biggest thing is that WDW is massive compared to DL. Just plan for extra time getting back and forth to the parks.
We are big fans of midday breaks. With park hoppers, we usually rope drop at one park and then hit a different park in the evening.

 

[Lewandowski]

Hey! First of all, Welcome to Walt Disney World, and I hope you have a wonderful time!

I have a few questions to ask you. Do you plan to visit the parks on travel days at all? I assume the answer is likely no, so you'll have a 6 day ticket. Let me know if I am wrong.

Since you have park hoppers, I would do 2 days at Magic Kingdom, 1 day at Animal Kingdom, and Split 1 day with Hollywood Studios in the Morning and Epcot in the Evening. I'll need to know your exact dates in order to tell you which parks to visit on which days, but if you tell me that I can help you more.

Since you are staying at Shades of Green, you'll be eligible for Extra Magic Hours, but NOT the Disney Dining Plan as it is not a Disney Owned Resort.

I would take advantage of character dining, in order to avoid long lines for character meet & greets. I'd recommend Cinderella's Royal Table Dinner at Magic Kingdom one night (Disney Princesses), Crystal Place Dinner at Magic Kingdom another night (Winnie the Pooh & Friends), and Tusker House at Animal Kingdom one night (Mickey, Minnie, and Friends). Then on your two nights at Epcot, pick two Table Service meals to have dinner at of your choice. I personally love Biergarten and Via Napoli; but Tutto Italia, Teppan Edo, Les Chefs de France, San Angel Inn, and Spice Road Table are all good options as well. You can also consider Space 220 in Future World, but I personally feel like the World Showcase has better options. Then on arrival day, I recommend doing Disney Springs that evening and maybe T-Rex Cafe Dinner. You want to make reservations for all those places ASAP; you can do that now.

Knowing what I know right now, Here's my recommendation on how to do this:

Saturday: Arrive at Disney World, Disney Springs in the Evening (Try and book an ADR for T-Rex Cafe anytime between 6-7pm)
Sunday: Magic Kingdom (Try and book an ADR for Crystal Palace between 7-7:30pm)
Monday: Hollywood Studios (NO ADRs this Day)
Tuesday: Epcot (Book a Dinner ADR of any TS Restaurant of your choice; around 7-7:30pm)
Wednesday: Animal Kingdom (Book a Dinner ADR at Tusker House, around 8-8:30pm)
Thursday: Morning at Hollywood Studios, Evening at Epcot (Book a Dinner ADR of any TS Restaurant anytime between 7:30-8:30pm)
Friday: Magic Kingdom (Book a Dinner ADR at Cinderella's Royal Table at around 7:30-8:30pm)
Saturday: Go Home

I recommended certain parks on specific days because of crowd levels, etc. I'll post this and make another post with the rest of tips I have as well as touring plans.

 

[Njc0001]

Wow! Thank you so much for all the advice. Yes, we have a 6 day hopper with water park add on. We will be there March 15 - 22nd. We were planning one character dining (preferably with Minnie). We are trying to find a good balance for everyone, the grandparents are not very Disney included but love their grands. They are also willing to take the little while we do something with the 8 year old for some of the time. Another important factor is there will be a time adjustment for all of us with us 2 hours behind FL time and the grands 6 hours ahead, so the first day or two may need to be a little more flexible for jet lag.

 

[Lewandowski]

So when you go in March 2025, the main attractions that will be closed for refurbishment are Big Thunder Mountain and Test Track. Tricera Top Spin and Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy will also be permanently closed.

Now I highly recommend purchasing the Lightning Lane Passes for every park day you are there. They do cost extra but are well worth it and will be very crucial. Also, Not to mention, You are going to be there are a VERY BUSY Time, arguably the second busiest time of the whole year after Christmas, 4th of July, and Easter Seasons. I HATE to tell you this, but I honestly do not recommend going back to the hotel during the afternoons. With the parks being very busy, you could even risk not being able to return later in the day. That being said, as a substitute, there are a lot of indoor relaxing attractions that you can maybe try to do in the afternoon and have your youngest sleep for a bit during those.

7 days prior to your first full park day, you'll need to start buying and reserving times for Lightining Lane Passes. Here are my recommendations:

Day 1--Magic Kingdom: Buy Multi Lightning Lane Pass, and prebook rides on Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Haunted Mansion, and Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Try and aim for Tiana's around Noon or Early Afternoon, Haunted Mansion Early or Late Afternoon, and Many Adventure of Winnie the Pooh in Early Evening or Evening (make sure well before 7pm though). Then Also buy a separate Single Lightning Lane Pass for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train the same day and try to reserve that ride for Late Afternoon.

Day 2--Hollywood Studios: Buy Multi Lightning Lane Pass, and prebook rides on Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, and Alien Swirling Saucers. Try to get Slinky Dog Dash, and Alien Swirling Saucers anytime between 11:30am and 1pm. Toy Story Mania can be for anytime after 3:15pm. You also want to purchase the Single Separate Lightning Lane Pass for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance; and you can try for that ride in the Early Evening (Maybe between 5-7pm).

Day 3--Epcot: Buy Multi Lightning Lane Pass, and prebook rides on Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, Mission Space, and Spaceship Earth. Mission Space and Spaceship Earth try to get at sometime between 10am-1pm. Remy's Ratatouille can be late afternoon or early evening (I'd say between 4:30pm and 6:30pm would be a great time). Then purchase a single separate lightning lane pass for Guardians of Galaxy (this is one of the best rides in all of WDW), and for that ride, anytime between 10am-2pm would be a good time; whatever you can get.

Day 4--Animal Kingdom: Buy Multi Lightning Lane Pass, and prebook rides on Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, and Navi River Journey. Try and get Kali River Rapids and Everest around Noon or Early Afternoon (Kali first). Navi River Journey can be Early Evening like after 5:30pm at some point. And get the single separate Lightning Lane Pass for Avatar Flight of Passage, and aim for Early Evening for that ride as well, preferably within 30-45 min of your Navi River Journey time.

Day 5--Morning at Hollywood Studios, and Evening at Epcot: Buy Multi Lightning Lane Pass for Hollywood Studios, and prebook rides on Rock N Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and Beauty & The Beast--Live on Stage Show. You're going to want to reserve the Morning Showtime of Beauty & The Beast (Likely be at 11am). That's your priority. Then, one of Rock N Roller Coaster or Tower of Terror can be early like 9:30 or 10am in the morning, and the other one at 11:30am or 11:45am right after Beauty & The Beast Show is good. You're also going to want to purchase separate lightning lane passes for Star Wars: Rise of Resistance, and Guardians of Galaxy at Epcot. For Star Wars Rise of Resistance, try and make that one at around Noon, NO Later than starting 1pm. Then Guardians of Galaxy can be 3-4pm or anytime after that. The Earlier, the better, but NOT before 3pm.

Day 6--Magic Kingdom: Buy Multi Lightning Lane Pass, and prebook rides on Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear's can be anytime after 11am, but try for before 4pm. Pirates of the Caribbean can be for 4:45pm or later. You also want a Single Lighting Lane Pass for TRON Lightcyle, and that as well can be between 11am-4pm.

I'll post this and then recommend detailed touring plans!

 

[Lewandowski]

Wow! Thank you so much for all the advice. Yes, we have a 6 day hopper with water park add on. We will be there March 15 - 22nd. We were planning one character dining (preferably with Minnie). We are trying to find a good balance for everyone, the grandparents are not very Disney included but love their grands. They are also willing to take the little while we do something with the 8 year old for some of the time. Another important factor is there will be a time adjustment for all of us with us 2 hours behind FL time and the grands 6 hours ahead, so the first day or two may need to be a little more flexible for jet lag.

Interesting! For Mickey and Minnie, definitely do Tusker House dinner at Animal Kingdom like I suggested above. If you do not want to do Cinderella's Royal Table with princess, I highly recommend replacing that with Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue which is an extremely fun dinner show at the Fort Wilderness Resort. For the grandparents, definitely pick two good Table Service Restaurants at the World Showcase for two evenings at Epcot.

I'll post again with recommended touring plans soon!

 

[Lewandowski]

OK, now to the Touring Plans! These are my recommendations based on what I know right now, but if anything looks too much or you want to change something, let me know and I'll be happy to modify things for you!

Arrival Day: If Jet-Lag might be a big issue, I'd use that day to sleep and skip Disney Springs in the Evening if you are not up for it. Also if you decide to do Disney Springs the day of, you'll miss out on advanced ADRs but Disney Springs ADRs don't usually fill up nearly as fast as the restaurants in the parks, so you might be able to get a reservation on the spot or just walk in for many of the Disney Springs restaurants. You can also consider Counter Service there as Disney Springs has many. But if you're concerned with jet lag, I recommend planning on skipping Disney Springs and just trying to get as much sleep as possible.

Day 1--Magic Kingdom
1. Be at the Park by 8:30am
2. Head straight to Fantasyland and Ride Peter Pan's Flight
3. Go over to Adventureland and Ride the Jungle Cruise
4. If you need a morning coffee break or anything like that, take it now.
5. Check Out the Swiss Family Treehouse and Ride Magic Carpets of Aladdin while in the area of Adventureland
6. At 11am, Go up to Frontierland and See Tom Sawyer Island. Feel Free to spend 30-45 min there. It's an interesting place.
7. Your Lightning Lane Return Time to Tiana's Bayou Adventure should be soon, depending on what exact time you got. Work in Lunch somewhere, and the Country Bear Jamboree show around that. Columbia Harbor House, and Peco's Bill Cafe are excellent lunch options in the area.
8. Once you've done all the above, keep track of the time and make sure you know when your Lightning Lane Return Time to Haunted Mansion is. Work in Liberty Square Riverboat and the Hall of Presidents around your Return Time to Haunted Mansion.
Note: The Hall of Presidents is a good show for your youngest to take a little nap if needed.
9. Once you're done with all the above, keep track of the time for your Lightning Lane Return Times to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Work in It's a Small World, and Mickey's PhilharMagic around that. Winnie the Pooh might not be til later, depending on the time you got.
10. At some point take a break and grab a snack somewhere.
11. Once you have done It's a Small World, and Mickey's PhilharMagic, working around your return times to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Winnie the Pooh, See the Enchanted Tales with Belle, and Ride Under the Sea--Journey of the Little Mermaid.
12. Once you have done ALL THE ABOVE, If you still have a lot of time before your 7pm, and are interested: consider checking out: Prince Charming Carousel, Mad Tea Party, Dumbo, and the Barnstormer. These are very skippable rides and really not worth it but might be interesting if you've got extra time on your hands.
13. At around 7pm, start making your way to Crystal Palace for your dinner reservation.
14. After Dinner, find a spot on Main Street to watch the Nighttime fireworks show. I am unsure of exactly what time they'll be but probably somewhere between 9 and 10pm. If your family is really tired, skip the fireworks and go back to the room early (don't worry if you end up missing the fireworks entirely).

Day 2--Hollywood Studios
1. Be at the Park by 8:30am
2. Go straight to Hollywood Boulevard and Ride Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
3. Go Up to the Star Wars Galaxy Edge Area and Ride Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
4. If you need a morning coffee break or anything, take it now.
5. You want to see the first Show of Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, which is usually at 10:45am. Try to be there at the theater at least 30 min beforehand in order to get a good seat.
6. You've got Lightning Lane Return Times coming up for Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. Work in Lunch around those two ride return times. Backlot Express and ABC Commissary are both good options for lunch in that same area.
7. You want to see the 2:30pm Show for Frozen Sing Along. Try and be at the theater at least 30 min prior for a good seat. This is a long show and might be a good place for relaxation and possible nap for your youngest.
8. After the show, you've got Lightning Lane Return Times for Toy Story Mania and Star Wars: Rise of Resistance coming up. Work in the Muppet Vision and Riding Star Tours around those two Lightning Lane Return Times.
9. If you've got time and are interested, you can also check out the attractions in Animation Courtyard. A good place to relax a bit. Your youngest might like Disney Junior Play & Dance, and the grandparents might enjoy the Walt Disney Presents.
10. At around 7:30pm-8:00pm, find a counter service restaurant for dinner, and take your dinner into the Hollywood Hills Theater for Fantasmic Nighttime Show. Fantasmic usually starts at some time between 9pm-9:30pm depending on the day. Do NOT skip this show; it is arguably the best show in all of Disney World. You want to be in the Theater at least 45-60 min prior to when the show starts to get a good seat.
11. After the show, head back to hotel

Day 3--Epcot
1. Be at the Park by 8:30am
2. Head straight to Norway when the park opens and Ride Frozen Ever After
3. Head back to Future World at the World Nature Area and Ride Soarin
4. If you want a second Ride on Soarin, do it now, before the line starts to build up
5. If you need a morning coffee break, now is the time to take it.
6. Throughout the Late Morning and Afternoon, you have got Lightning Lane Return Times to Guardians of Galaxy, Mission Space, and Spaceship Earth. Keep track of the time, because you do not want to miss any of those; very important rides.
7. In the meanwhile, work in the Rest of the attractions at World Nature: Living with the Land, Awesome Planet, Journey to Water (Moana), Seas with Nemo & Friends, Turtle Talk with Crush, and the Aquarium around those Lightning Lane Return Times.
8. At some point grab lunch at a counter service restaurant somewhere. Connections Eatery and Sunshine Seasons are good options in the area. If you don't mind a little trek, consider heading over to Mexico Pavilion and having lunch at La Catina de San Angel.
9. When you finish the attractions above, consider also checking out the Pixar Short Film, and Journey into Imagination with Figment.
10. Once you've done ALL THE ABOVE, start Touring the World Showcase, Starting with Canada and going counter-clockwise. Don't forget that you've got a Lightning Lane Return Time for Remy's Ratatouille Adventure in France at some point in the early evening, so you want to be in the France Pavilion at that time.
11. At some point, maybe around the time you ride Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, grab a snack at the pastry shop in France. Very good and authentic.
12. Continue touring the World Showcase at your own pace until around 15 min prior to your Dinner Reservation and the Restaurant of your choice. Each Country will have some kind of show happening at different times. Be sure not to miss the attractions: Impressions de France, Canada Circle Vision, The American Adventure, Reflections of China, and Gran Fiesta Tour. You probably won't see many of them today, but come back for the ones you missed on Thursday. I'd prioritize Impressions de France, and the Canada Circle Vision today and save the rest for Thursday; but it'll really depend on your pace because the World Showcase is a "Stop Smell the Roses Area"
P.S. You are NOT going to get through the whole world showcase today, and that is ok. You'll come back to see the rest of it (likely will be the majority of it) on Thursday.
13. Make Your Dinner Reservation at around 7-7:30pm wherever you booked.
14. After Dinner, if you guys are not tired and up for it, find a place around the world showcase to watch Luminous: Nighttime fireworks. If you are too tired head back to your hotel early.
15. After Luminous Firework show, head back to Hotel.

Day 4--Animal Kingdom
1. Be at the Park by Rope Drop. It might be 8:30am, but Animal Kingdom has been opening early before the others these days, so it might be as early as 8:00am or even 7:30am.
2. Head straight to Avatarland and Ride Avatar Flight of Passage
3. Go to Africa and Ride Kilimanjaro Safaris
4. Stroll through the Gorilla Forest Exploration Trails
5. If you need a morning coffee break, take it now.
6. Head over to Asia and See the 11:30am Feathered Friends in Flight Show. Try and be at the theater at least 15 min prior to show time.
7. After the show, you're going to have Lightning Lane Return Times to both Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest soon. Work in Lunch and Strolling through the Maharajah Jungle Trek around those two return times. Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes is a good counter service option for lunch in the area. If I were you, I'd probably do lunch first, then Kali, then Maharajah Jungle Trek, and then Everest, but it'll depend on the return times you were able to get.
8. If you've done the above, and still have a lot of time before 3:00pm, consider Riding Everest a second time if the wait is not too long. Or if you don't mind splitting up, you can use the single rider line.
9. Once you've finished the above, your goal is to see the 3:30pm Finding Nemo Show. You want to be at the theater by 3:00pm, possibly 2:45pm if you can to get a good seat. This is a good time for your youngest to take a nap.
10. Go into Dinoland and Ride DINOSAUR. If the wait time is over 20 min, save it for later.
11. You want to see the 5:00pm Festival of the Lion King Show, and be in Africa at the theater by 4:30pm to see that. This is another long show, and a good relaxing time for your youngest one.
12. After the Lion King Show, head down to Avatarland and Ride Navi River Journey and Flight of Passage a second time with your two Lightning Lane Return Times. If you reserved right, they should both be around this time. If your return times are for later, move on, and come back to Avatarland whenever your return times are ready for each ride.
13. Go over to Discovery Island and See It's Tough to Be a Bug, and consider walking around the Tree of Life as well.
14. If you have NOT done DINOSAUR yet, Ride it Now.
15. Head back to Africa for your 8:00pm Dinner ADR at Tusker House (character meal with Minnie & Friends)
16. After Dinner, head back to Hotel

Day 5--Hollywood Studios & Epcot
1. Be at the Hollywood Studios by 8:30am
2. Head to Sunset Boulevard and Ride Rock N Roller Coaster
3. Go next door and Ride Twighlight Zone Tower of Terror
4. If you need a morning coffee break, take it now
5. You should have Lightning Lane Return Times to both the Rock N Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror for second rides on them. Do them whenever they are ready.
6. You've also got a Return Time for the 11:00am Beauty & The Beast Live on Stage Show. You probably want to be at the theater between 10:30am-10:45am.
7. Once you finished all the above, you will have another Lightning Lane Return Time to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. If it is within the next 20 min, start making your way over and Riding it. If it's longer, have Lunch first at any convenient counter service restaurant, and then Ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
8. Once you finished all the above, and had lunch, you are almost done with the Hollywood Studios. If there are any favorite rides from the other day that you would like to Re-Ride, do that now. Star Tours might be a good one to re-ride if you wish.
9. You can either head back to your hotel for an afternoon break, or head straight to Epcot early. Either one will work, but just be sure you arrive at Epcot by 4:00pm which means being at your Hotel's bus stop by 3:30pm.
10. Arrive at Epcot by 4:00pm
11. You should have a Lightning Lane Return Time to Guardians of the Galaxy just about now, so head on over there and ride that.
12. Once you did Guardians of Galaxy, make your way over the World Showcase, and continue touring the rest of it that you did not see the other day. Don't forget about the American Adventure in the USA Pavilion, Beauty & The Beast Sing Along in France Pavilion, Reflections of China in China, and Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico. Otherwise, it is mostly just Stop / Smell the Roses wherever you are. There are also a number of scheduled event performances outside in many of the different pavilions that you might want to check out. Check your Times Guide for more details on that.
13. Continue Touring the World Showcase until whenever your Dinner Reservation is. Be in the Country's Pavilion that you're having dinner at 10 min before your ADR.
14. Have Dinner at Your TS Restaurant that you reserved.
15. Head back to Hotel

Day 6--Magic Kingdom
1. Beat Magic Kingdom by 8:30am
2. Go straight to Tomorrowland and Ride Space Mountain
3. Head next door over to TRON Lightcycle and Ride It
4. Ride Tomorrowland Speedway
5. If you need a morning coffee break, take it now.
6. You should have Lightning Lane Returns to Space Mountain, TRON Lightcyle, and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. Work in around those return times: Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Astro Orbiter, Carousel of Progress, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, and Lunch somewhere. Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe is a good option for Lunch in the Area. Try and do Tomorrowland Transit Authority and Astro Orbiter first in case of ride closures due to weather later. The Carousel of Progress and Monsters Inc Laugh Floor might be good to do in the afternoon so your young one can relax. Whatever you do, DO NOT MISS Carousel of Progress. It is one of the best rides in the whole park.
7. Once you have finished ALL THE ABOVE, Head over to Adventureland. You can walk, but might also want to consider taking the Walt Disney World Railroad if that interests you.
8. Once in Adventureland, Grab an afternoon snack from either Aloha Isle or Sunshine Tree Terrace
9. You should have a Lightning Lane Return Time for Pirates of the Caribbean soon. Get that done, and also See the Enchanted Tiki Room.
10. Once you have finished ALL THE ABOVE, you are pretty much done. See anything you have missed, or Re-Ride any of your favorites.
11. Make your way to your Dinner Reservation whether it's Cinderella's Royal Table, Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, or somewhere else. Just a heads up, you'll want to leave Magic Kingdom an hour before your Dinner ADR at Hoop-Dee-Doo if you chose to do that. You'll need to take the boat docks to the Fort Wilderness Resort, and that can sometimes take time.


I really hope this helps. If you need me to modify anything or have any questions, feel free to ask. If something looks like too much, let me know and I'll see what I can do. To be honest, these strategic plans are quite light and are designed expecting that there will be delays and things will not necessarily go well as planned. You should NOT feel rushed at all with this, and should be able to walk at a leisurely pace, etc. About a week before your travel, follow up with me on the Lightning Lane Passes you were able to reserve as well as ADRs, and I can slightly tweak this to match what you were able to get and reserve for both meals and Lightning Lane Times!

 

[Lewandowski]

OP, I just realized that your 3 year old kid will likely not be tall enough to ride quite a few of the attractions; and maybe your 8 year old depending on how tall he is. How tall are both your kids?

However, all the rides that have a height limit requirement have rider swaps. This means that one person can stay with the child while the others go ride, and when they're done, the non-rider can go ride with no wait. You just need to ask the cast members once you get to the ride, where to check in for rider swap and you'll be good. Should only take 5 min max per ride.

Here are the rides with height requirements:

Magic Kingdom: Tiana's Bayou Adventure (40 in), Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (38 in), Space Mountain (44 in), Tomorrowland Speedway (32 in), TRON (48 in)

Epcot: Soarin (40 in), Guardians of Galaxy (42 in), Mission Space (44 in)

Hollywood Studios: Alien Swirling Saucers (32 in), Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run (38 in), Rock N Roller Coaster (48 in), Slinky Dog Dash (38 in), Star Tours (40 in), Tower of Terror (40 in), Star Wars: Rise of Resistance (40 in)

Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest (44 in), Avatar Flight of Passage (44 in), DINOSAUR (40 in), Kali River Rapids (38 in)

 

[Njc0001]

I believe my 8 year old should be able to ride everything, he is 53 inches. My littlest is almost 35 inches and should be there by March. The good news the grandparents, but especially my mom, are not really into rides and are fine watching her while we go on the bigger stuff. If there is a show or a little ride they can go on while we do the others that would be great but not necessarily a deal breaker.another thought we have had is doing a 3/4ths day at the parks and if it’s an extended evening hours night just myself, my H, and the 8 year old going back to finish the night. Would that be a good plan. I imagine we could all go from park open to 3-4 but I just don’t think we could do longer if we won’t take a kid day rest. Otherwise we could go back to the room mid day but that might eat up too much time from my understanding.

 

[Lewandowski]

OP, how important are the nighttime shows for you guys? Like fireworks? If you want my honest opinion, Fantasmic is the only MUST-DO nighttime show I tell people. The rest are interesting but neither Luminous nor the Magic Kingdom fireworks, I'd call a MUST-DO. What you could do is if you are cool skipping the nighttime fireworks at Epcot and Magic Kingdom, and sticking with Fantasmic only is plan the days from rope drop until 5pm, and then either have dinner at the park, or go back to your hotel and have dinner. Would that sounds good? Would Rope Drop to 5pm every day be doable with maybe one day sleeping in and Going to Hollywood Studios from 1pm until 10pm for Fantasmic?

I can definitely modify a few things here. Maybe Try this:

Day 1 Sunday--Magic Kingdom from Rope Drop to 5pm
Day 2 Monday--Hollywood Studios from Rope Drop to 5pm
Day 3 Tuesday--Epcot from Rope Drop to 5pm
Day 4 Wednesday--Animal Kingdom from Rope Drop to 5pm and then Dinner at Tusker House with Mickey & Minnie
Day 5 Friday--Sleep in the Morning, Arrive at Hollywood Studios at 1pm and go until 10pm?
Day 6 Saturday--Magic Kingdom from Rope Drop to 5pm

Here's another thought I have. If your grandparents and 3 year olds are not so much rides people, how about you guys and your 8 year old hit the park at Rope Drop and do the rides, and then your parents and 3 year old can sleep in, and meet you guys at Noon or 1pm and finish the rest of the day together? Because if you are not rides people, rope drop isn't necessary (it's only important for big rides with long lines). Is that doable for your 3 year old and the grandparents? Let me know what you think of this option!

Honestly I do not recommend extended evening hours, and I feel it's really overrated. The truth is that Non-Resort Guests CANNOT get ON a Ride once the park closes, but there are still a lot of long lines when they got on like minutes before that can sometimes be hour waits, and by the time all the Non-Resort Guests are actually out of the park, you only have 1 hour left of extra evening hours for resort guests.

 

[Skywalker3]

Looking for help for our first DW trip. We went to DL for the first time in 2023 and had a blast and are now looking to have just as much fun in March. It will be our family; 2 adults a 8 year old and an almost 3 year old, as well as 2 grandparents who will be there for the first time. We will be there for a full week, Saturday to Saturday, and staying at Shades of Green. We will have park hoppers for all days except travel days. Any recommendations or things we should know before going? We will probably need to split our days up with midafternoon rest/naps for our littlest and oldest members of the group. Any advice on how to plan out the days or things to make a priority?

We went this past March, and it was super fun, but it was super busy! We went earlier, but spring break runs throughout the month. Wasn't a big issue, but just something to be aware of, plan for. Like extra time for things like meals, bathrooms, transportation, or whatever.
Our in-laws have stayed at Shades/Green on their last few trips, and they love it there. The busses are scheduled though, so definitely find out as much info as you can about the bus schedules for each park. I do remember MIL had some issues getting to HS very early, like she missed rope drop, so if planning to be at the front of the rope drop group, it's something to consider.
There are some great Shades of Green threads on the boards, lots of info.
and lots of great info on the theme parks threads too!!
And totally agree with the poster who said it is way more spread out than a lot of people realize.
Happy planning. Hope you have a wonderful first trip!!