MK- one day with DS3

[ajksmom]

Good Morning! I hope that some of you "Disney Experts" will be able to help me out. There is a possibility that I can add a day to MK into our current vacation plans. We have been before but at a much more leisurely pace and with older kids. How do I make the most out of 1 day at MK with my DS3(40"tall)? The day will be for him, the older kids are going to the water parks and DQ. I am thinking of splurging and staying at the CR for the good access. We are leaving two weeks from today for Orlando, and I can't seem to get any good results using the search feature.Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!! TIA!!

 

[bigbabyblues]

Alot would depend on your ds, my ds is also 3, and I don't think he's up for any of the roller coasters, even if he's tall enough (which mine is not).

I would say arrive early, at opening if at all possible. Start in Fantasyland, do all the ones there you think he'd like, then move on to Toontown, where he's tall enough for the Barnstormer (if he's ok with riding it), and he might enjoy the other things there.

After TT, have a nice lunch if it's late enough. Maybe in the castle? If not the castle, maybe Pecos Bills, or Cosmic Ray's?

If you're staying at the CR, or anywhere onsite, would you want to return for a swim/nap after lunch? This would be a must with my 3-yo, but they're all different. If not, it might be a good time to take in Philharmagic, a ride on the train, or TS Island to give you a break from the heat and walking.

After that, on to Buzz Lightyear and whatever other rides he wants to do, revisit some if you want to, then find a good spot for the parade. If you took the nap/swim break, got to Philharmagic in the afternoon, then whatever else looks good. And, of course, dinner if you'll be staying that long.

Hope this helps, I realize it might not all be possible, but it's just my suggestion for my 3-yo!

Steph

 

[ajksmom]

bigbabyblues,
Thank you for your reply. Your ideas have gotten me on the right track. I honestly couldn't begin to plan a course of action. My older 2 sons were 7 and 10 when they first went so I've never catered to such a young one at MK before. I believe my DS3 will go on anything he's allowed to go on!!! He's one crazy little guy. Thank you very much for all the ideas, if we get to go I know I will put most to work for us.

 

[donnajon]

bigbabyblues is right about getting there at opening. And not just going to Fantasyland first, but ride Dumbo first. Otherwise, you'll have an hour wait the rest of the day. Don't forget to use fastpass. My DD was 3 when she first went of Splash Mountain. She saw it on the planning video and that was the ride she talked about wanting to ride the whole way to Disney. And she absolutely love it. He favorite - if you sit in the back you don't get as wet! - at least we never did.
We also went to a little cinema for a break rather than going back to the hotel - knowing our kids, they would have rested on the way to the hotel then been wide open. There is a little place that plays old cartoons - Steamboat Willie and a few others. If you are standing if front of the train station looking toward Cinderella Castle, it is to your right. It is right next to Tony's Restaurant but I can't remember what it is called (Exposition Hall maybe?). When you go in, you can view photos taken of you in the park and to the side, they have green screens where they can put you in a picture with your favorite character. Anyway, around the back is a little movie theater and it is a great place to cool off and rest. We would sit back there for an hour and rest, nap, cool off - whatever. And one day we happened upon Cruella DeVil with no one else around!

 

[ajksmom]

donnajon,
The cinema idea sounds perfect for my son. I think he'll love splash mtn as well. I was happy when I was reading the height requirements, he can ride most things at MK. Did your DD ride Big Thunder Mtn? And like it? Thanks for the tip about Dumbo also.

 

[Eeyore2003]

If this is an EE day, you can get quite a few things done in Fantasyland and then go over to Splash Mountain at 9:00. Although, I agree Dumbo is #1, if he wants to do that one. Would he like a little autograph book for when you run into characters??? Mine liked that when he was little. How about a brunch or lunch at Crystal Palace with the Pooh characters??? If you think a break at the park would be OK for him rather than going back to the resort, that might add another "cool down" feature to the middle of the day.

 

[donac]

If Dumbo is #1 then 2 and 3 should be Peter Pan and Indy Cars. These both have very long lines during the day.

Dona

 

[grammagail]

I know the best advise is to arrive at MK first thing at opening. However, our plane lands at 10:00 a.m. and I'm hoping to be at our resort by noon (wishful thinking???) My original desire was to check in and book as fast as we could to MK to start our vacation. It's my 4 yo grandson's first visit plus only our 2nd in 10 years.

However, the more I read on here I think I'll be setting us up by trying to arrive at MK around 1:30ish.................

Would we be better off - checking in, maybe eating lunch, checking out the resort, rest/swim and then maybe try to head to MK around 4:00ish instead? The park wil be open to either 10 or 11 by then.

Seems like I hear a lot of people do that anyways - leave the park mid-afternoon and return around dinner time.

 

[ajksmom]

Eeyore2003,
It won't be an EE day . I was hoping to have that option but I can't arrange it. As for the autograph book, we started one in 2001 for him(he was only 9 mos. old) and I do plan on bringing it again. I hope he loves the characters this time as much as last time! We have some awesome pictures of him with Pooh, Tigger, and Mickey. Does the Crystal Palace do PS? and will that be available to us at this late date? If we do get to go we will be there on June 29.

donac,
Thank you for the heads up on Peter Pan and the Indy Cars, both are on the must see list that with all of your help is slowly coming together!!!

Really, again thanks to all who have helped me start to make some concrete plans for a great day with my DS.

 

[ajksmom]

Eeyore2003,
It won't be an EE day . I was hoping to have that option but I can't arrange it.) As for the autograph book, we started one in 2001 for him(he was only 9 mos. old) and I do plan on bringing it again. I hope he loves the characters this time as much as last time! We have some awesome pictures of him with Pooh, Tigger, and Mickey. Does the Crystal Palace do PS? and will that be available to us at this late date? If we do get to go we will be there on June 29.

donac,
Thank you for the heads up on Peter Pan and the Indy Cars, both are on the must see list that with all of your help is slowly coming together!!!

Really, again thanks to all who have helped me start to make some concrete plans for a great day with my DS.