Multi-Generational WDW trip; itinerary help needed

[justplainme7997]

The people on the trip are me (32), mom (62), my half-sister from my dad's side (12), my other half-sister from my dad's side (20) and my niece (2). Days in the park start on June 8.

It's a two-day car drive down there, but we will have eight days and seven nights at CBR and no half-days in the parks.

We already have ADRs which dictate pretty much which park we will see in the morning on 6 of the days. Mostly we are doing early lunch and early dinner ADRs.

I need an idea of how to break down the day to give naps and breaks to mom and to niece and anyone else who needs one without missing too much and without boring anyone.

Starting with MK. How much should I plan on seeing in a day?

 

[justplainme7997]

When I write an MK itinerary, I always seem to think I will make it completely around the park even if we take a three hour break in the afternoon. What am I missing?

If I get there at the beginning of the EMH and go to Fantasyland first, then move on to Tomorrowland when we are done there, how long would that take? I'm planning on skipping Snow White, Stitch, PeopleMover, and the Indy Speedway.

We have lunch at CRT at 12:20. Will we be able to see anything besides Main Street, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland before lunch?

 

[justplainme7997]

For anyone who has travelled with a senior citizen, please help me understand what to expect from mom! Some days she thinks she can do everything. She wants to ride ALL the rides except for Rock N Roller Coaster and the Intense version of Mission:Space. Should I caution her about anything in MK?

I want to push her to go hard in the morning with a plan and then travel at her pace in the afternoon. The evenings will be all about dinner and parades and fireworks and such.

How do YOU plan breaks? Every hour? At the end of exploring each land? Everytime someone whines?

 

[jdb in AZ]

We just set priorities, then stay flexible. Your mother could give you a better idea than we could, of how much time to allow for naps. She may be more tired on one day, or have more energy on another. I wouldn't lock myself into an itinerary. What would you tell mom -- no, you can't have a nap til we've been on such and such a ride? As long as you have cell phones to stay in touch, and everybuddy knows when and where to meet for ADR's, it's o.k. to divide and conquer.

 

[fairestoneofall]

we regularly go with my parents or ILs. we are very flexible. but we also don't expect everyone to do everything we do. for our next trip, both sets of grandparents are going, along with my sister. because it is a birthday trip for DD, she has chosen most of the restaurants (although, DS chose some as well). we let everyone know where we're eating and then let them decide if they want to join us or eat elsewhere. i don't like being responsible for everyone's happiness. it stresses me out. i've done it on previous trips, but i'll have a six-month old on our next trip, so i just can't stress.

anyway, we did request they eat with us for the birthday celebration meal and the early-entry breakfast at Crystal Palace. other than that, i want them to do what they want to do.

thankfully, they are all great about going back to the resort early, if they'd like. or, we've had times that they go to an entirely different park. and that's fine. everyone should get to do what they want to do. we mostly focus on the kids (which i know that isn't always appealing for the adults).

for the little ones, i'd definitely follow their clues. if they need a nap, go back to the resort and let them rest. everyone will be happier in the long run.

 

[justplainme7997]

I think I have a problem with the splitting up thing. Let's just assume that we DO need an itinerary.

It will not occur to my sisters to split up from the group. They get to leave the town they were born in if I come and take them. It would be like dropping them off in a strange city and telling them I'll be at such-and-such restaurant at four, hope you can make it.

Plus, the baby would go with her momma... so in a child swap situation, the twelve year old would be stuck watching the two year old then riding a roller coaster on her own. She has only been on one roller coaster before, and she wouldn't ride with her other sister, convinced that she would push her out.

I need help making an itinerary, for a group, for the morning at least.

 

[JZCubed]

My wife & I travel with 4 seniors and a toddler.

We follow the guide book recommendation that suggests the toddler only has 4-hours to give. Our time in the the Parks are arranged around this notion.

Like you, we typically make one ADR each day for either a big lunch or early dinner.

The preference for our family is an early start that allows the adults to gather FastPasses. We use the FastPasses after deciding what age-appropriate things we're going to do with the toddler. Some of the Seniors go on these attractions, some stay with their grandchild. By the time we head back to our on-site hotel, the toddler is ready for her nap (if she hasn't done so in her stroller). And if we're lucky enough for the toddler to take that nap, we use the time to shop. We have also done nighttime events with the toddler (i.e., Candlelight Processional, MVMCP, Osborn Lights, and Illuminations Boat Ride) with varying success.

So, you ask, what about the seniors? Fortunately, they still have enough strength to outperform my toddler. The early dinners give grandparents the opportunity to put the child to bed and babysit while my wife & I go back into the Parks for late evenings.....we call these Date Night.....it's a win-win...

 

[tzolkin]

With your group, I would just plan for the mornings.

Our plan most days is to get to a park at rope drop (usually EMH) and do as many attractions as we can. We usually do a good portion by 11:00 and are ready to head back to the resort to rest.

I like to leave the afternoon/evenings flexible so we can see what we're up for. Perhaps that day we take a nap until 5pm and then head to Epcot to watch fireworks. Maybe everyone is full of energy and having a great time at MK so we decide to just stay there until 3:30 then go back to the resort, eat, and go to bed early. I have two young children and one older DD, so usually one night per trip DH stays at the resort with the little ones while DD and I have a late night out.


Your mom may surprise you with rides and energy. My 80yo grandfather joined us for one day at Epcot last trip. We did rent a wheelchair for him because the walking would have been difficult, but he was still going strong after 9pm. He did take a few breaks to sample some beers and wines (we were there during the F&W Festival) But he kept up with us for everything. He even rode Test Track up front with my 4 and 6yo and put his hands up going around the big curves just like the kids. He had a wonderful time and we have some great memories of 4 generations spending time together at Disney.

 

[justplainme7997]

Thanks! That sounds like great advice. There won't be any "date nights," as it is a girls only trip, but Mom and I could grab some drinks at the cabana while the girls unwound in the room. It would allow some time apart besides child swap situations.

I had never heard or read the "four hours to give" rule. It sounds like it would work perfectly with our situation.

Although, we have two reservations a day; one lunch and one dinner. This was at the request of my mother, who desperately wanted a guarantee that we would let her sit down. ADRs meant a seat at a restaurant instead of grabbing food and walking to the next attraction. She does know me.

 

[justplainme7997]

I think I can live with a "itinerary for the mornings" rule. And I would be happy to give that up on days we have breakfast scheduled. I never have a breakfast and a lunch scheduled on the same day, so those mornings we can play it by the kids' ears instead.

I'm wondering how much of Magic Kingdom I should expect to see in one morning, if I start at Fantasyland and then move on to Tomorrowland, with an ADR at 12:20. Somehow I just think I could get most of MK on the first day, if I stuck with mostly the "big" attractions.

Fantasyland during EMH. Then Tomorrowland mostly just for Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear, but maybe Monsters Inc and Stitch. I hear you want to be out of Tomorrowland quick because there is little shade. Then move on to Frontierland for Big Thunder and Splash, probably just one and FP for the other for later. Then lunch. That would just leave Adventureland and Liberty Square for after naps and dinner, with Wishes in the evening. Is that an insane amount?

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

For anyone who has travelled with a senior citizen, please help me understand what to expect from mom! Some days she thinks she can do everything. She wants to ride ALL the rides except for Rock N Roller Coaster and the Intense version of Mission:Space. Should I caution her about anything in MK?

QUOTE]

I did this last summer- a multi-generational trip. It worked okay. My mom was 55, dad 59, cousin and wife were in their late 60's, another cousin and husband are in their late 30s and had a 10 year old son with them. My mom went on Space Mountain even though everyone told her not to. She remembered going on it in 1979 so how bad could it be? Well, she injured herself for the rest of the trip. It's a pretty rough carnival type ride - not a nice roller coaster by today's standards. Don't let your mom on that Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom.

 

[Donut23]

The people on the trip are me (32), mom (62), my half-sister from my dad's side (12), my other half-sister from my dad's side (20) and my niece (2). Days in the park start on June 8.

It's a two-day car drive down there, but we will have eight days and seven nights at CBR and no half-days in the parks.

We already have ADRs which dictate pretty much which park we will see in the morning on 6 of the days. Mostly we are doing early lunch and early dinner ADRs.

I need an idea of how to break down the day to give naps and breaks to mom and to niece and anyone else who needs one without missing too much and without boring anyone.

Starting with MK. How much should I plan on seeing in a day?

AHHHHHH - brings back memories of our "herding cats" trip with 14 of us from 60's (with Parkinsons) down to two 2 year olds.

The BEST favor you can do for yourself is allow a tremendous amount of flexibility because whatever you start out to do in the morning - WILL - change before the end of the day.

We actually planned only one "event" per day - Dining, Christmas Party, etc. Generally we could get the herd together for the beginning of the day but by lunch......the group had broken into "other ideas". We generally rallied for dinner.

It's tough to get a group together and agree 100% of the time what everyone wants to do - especially with a large age gap. Heck, last December our little group was only 6 people and we couldn't agree (we DID have a shop till you drop participant - and he got everything confused).

Don't force anything........don't over-schedule and everyone will go home smiling!

 

[Hopefully]

I think I can live with a "itinerary for the mornings" rule. And I would be happy to give that up on days we have breakfast scheduled. I never have a breakfast and a lunch scheduled on the same day, so those mornings we can play it by the kids' ears instead.

I'm wondering how much of Magic Kingdom I should expect to see in one morning, if I start at Fantasyland and then move on to Tomorrowland, with an ADR at 12:20. Somehow I just think I could get most of MK on the first day, if I stuck with mostly the "big" attractions.

Fantasyland during EMH. Then Tomorrowland mostly just for Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear, but maybe Monsters Inc and Stitch. I hear you want to be out of Tomorrowland quick because there is little shade. Then move on to Frontierland for Big Thunder and Splash, probably just one and FP for the other for later. Then lunch. That would just leave Adventureland and Liberty Square for after naps and dinner, with Wishes in the evening. Is that an insane amount?

Yes, I think that is too much to try to accomplish before a 12:20 ADR. Where is your ADR? You will need to plan time to walk to it. They also ask you to check in 15 minutes ahead, so that would mean that you would need to be there at 12:05.
Speaking from past experience, I think you are over planning. I did that in our early trips and it led to miserable days for all. I would suggest you try to relax a bit more and try to go with the flow a bit. Much of the magic at WDW is in the "little things" along the way, not the rides.

 

[jegsnakkernorsk]

I think I can live with a "itinerary for the mornings" rule. And I would be happy to give that up on days we have breakfast scheduled. I never have a breakfast and a lunch scheduled on the same day, so those mornings we can play it by the kids' ears instead.

I'm wondering how much of Magic Kingdom I should expect to see in one morning, if I start at Fantasyland and then move on to Tomorrowland, with an ADR at 12:20. Somehow I just think I could get most of MK on the first day, if I stuck with mostly the "big" attractions.

Fantasyland during EMH. Then Tomorrowland mostly just for Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear, but maybe Monsters Inc and Stitch. I hear you want to be out of Tomorrowland quick because there is little shade. Then move on to Frontierland for Big Thunder and Splash, probably just one and FP for the other for later. Then lunch. That would just leave Adventureland and Liberty Square for after naps and dinner, with Wishes in the evening. Is that an insane amount?

I think this is a good plan. Last year my sister took my mom and the cousins to MK in the morning while my dad and I golfed the family course -Oak Trail - don't do that. I wish I had gone to Magic Kingdom!

Anyway, my sister's plan was to only do Fantasyland and Tomorrowland before lunch, because of the 50 and 60 year olds and 10 year old in the group, but everyone moved well and my sister had to skip to the next part of the itinerary before noon - which meant they got Adventureland and Frontier land done as well.

After lunch and a swim/rest at the resort, we all went back for dinner in Liberty Square (everyone enjoyed tom sawyer's island and haunted mansion) and then the light parade and fireworks.

My sister and I (late 20s, early 30s) stayed for EMH, while the parents, grandparents, and child went to the Resort after the fireworks.

I think you have a smart plan. My sister would tell you to go through the castle on the way to Fantasyland and to check out the bubbles coming out of the garbage cans! She would also tell you not to skip Snow White since it is closing after this summer. And everyone but my mom hated the Pooh ride - your mom might like it too.

 

[justplainme7997]

Our reservations are for Cinderella's Royal Table. It's the one surprise I still have left for my sisters. All they know is that reservations are really tough to get for there.

My sisters are determined to hunt down Belle for a picture. So I scheduled ADRs at CRT and Akershus. Then I keep explaining to them that apparently princesses don't eat hamburgers. If they see a princess hanging around a place, expect odd food. 12 year old sister is also excited to go to the France pavillion and to Hollywood Studios hoping to see Belle there. But I am being very, very, careful not to promise a specific character at any of the character meals.

 

[justplainme7997]

I think this is a good plan. Last year my sister took my mom and the cousins to MK in the morning while my dad and I golfed the family course -Oak Trail - don't do that. I wish I had gone to Magic Kingdom!

Anyway, my sister's plan was to only do Fantasyland and Tomorrowland before lunch, because of the 50 and 60 year olds and 10 year old in the group, but everyone moved well and my sister had to skip to the next part of the itinerary before noon - which meant they got Adventureland and Frontier land done as well.

After lunch and a swim/rest at the resort, we all went back for dinner in Liberty Square (everyone enjoyed tom sawyer's island and haunted mansion) and then the light parade and fireworks.

My sister and I (late 20s, early 30s) stayed for EMH, while the parents, grandparents, and child went to the Resort after the fireworks.

I think you have a smart plan. My sister would tell you to go through the castle on the way to Fantasyland and to check out the bubbles coming out of the garbage cans! She would also tell you not to skip Snow White since it is closing after this summer. And everyone but my mom hated the Pooh ride - your mom might like it too.

I'm hoping that knowing what land to head to next and what the "big" attractions are in each land will keep them moving enough to make it to Frontierland by noon, but that is my flexibility point. If we do, we do. If not, then maybe skip Fantasyland the next time during the week that we go to MK. I would love to start at Liberty Square in the afternoon; our dinner ADRs are there!

I can't imagine why that would be overplanning! Given that we have to use child swap on everything that baby can't ride on, many rides will take us twice as long to get through. If we want to see everything, we will have to have some sort of plan to get through as much as possible before the crowds make it impossible to move.

What about the afternoon parades and live shows? Dream Along With Mickey or Move It!Shake It!Celebrate It! both sound like interesting time killers.