my very loosely made itinerary :)

[alac1980]

so, i'll be entertaining two little girls (and one non princessy husband!) throughout our Disney stay. we'll be there for 5 nights/6 days, which isn't very long, but we'll make the most of it.

I don't know if we'll ever go back to Disneyworld, as it's such a huge expense, not one that we can afford to do often. so..it's time to make this trip as enchanted as can be

we have a loose itinerary. here is what it looks like. you can give me some suggestions if you like. the best suggestions would be geared toward princessy/girly and animal related.

im basing our trip around extra magic hours, so my days correspond with such.

day one. Hollywood studios day. kicking off our disney vacation with a resort character breakfast. fastpass+ for tower of terror, toy story, star tours. we'll spend the morning riding whatever we happen to be able to get on. it doesn't seem like there are many HS attractions that will appeal to my family so if we don't get to do much, that's okay. mama Melrose fantasmic dinner package. is this worth it? it didn't cost me any extra money, and a ticket was available so I grabbed it. doesn't really matter to me where we eat for lunch so that isn't a deciding factor. after we eat lunch, we might go on a few more rides (should anything really appeal to us), and maybe go back to the resort to explore the pool. it is going to be December. I don't know if swimming is an option or if it will be too cold. later that evening we do fantasmic. take a quick walk beneath the osbourne lights. go home and talk about how blessed we are to be having a good time

day two. magic kingdom. fastpass+ for peter pan, big thunder, and enchanted tales. eat breakfast aka cupcakes and candy at main street bakery! that might set us up for icky stomachs for the rest of the day. only time will tell! meet as many characters as possible, but i'm not too worried about that because we have character meals to go to. do as many rides as we can. fantasyland rides are our priority. eat dinner at crystal palace. rest period. then fireworks, electrical parade, etc.

day three. epcot. fastpass+ for soarin', mission space, and I haven't selected another yet. we will really enjoy the world showcase. I hear that if you bring an autograph book or passport book they will write merry Christmas in different languages. we have akershus booked for lunch. I booked le cellier for supper on the suggestion of a friend but I don't like how it takes two credits...we'll see what I decide to do with this. illuminations fireworks, then bed. as for a break that day, I think we'll just cruise around the world showcase nice and slow and take our time. if time allows, we'll go back to resort.

day four. animal kingdom. fastpass+ for safari and Everest. we have a character breakfast at tusker house and a supper reservation at sanaa. I hope we can get a second ride on the safari before closing. as for supper, i'm hoping we can look out the window and see the animals while we eat after we are done eating, we might go back to magic kingdom and try to ride some rides that we might have missed the day before. I booked a fastpass+ for jungle cruise if we happen to be there. and catch a second viewing of wishes fireworks.

day five. backtrack to magic kingdom/go to the hoop dee doo for supper. as for backtracking to MK, i booked fastpass+ for splash mountain. this is the day when we are going to get the girls all fancied up in dresses, so I booked fastpass+ for meeting rapunzel and meeting Cinderella.

day six, our last day. one last character breakfast (alice in wonderland) then walking throughout the parks seeing decorations, eating sugary treats, shopping for souvenirs, visiting magic kingdom rides we may have missed or would like to do again. I booked fastpass+ for tomorrowland speedway, buzz lightyear and space mountain. the kids had one final supper request for sci fi dinner. they are so excited about sitting in those stupid cars!

so, as you can see, my plan is loose and probably doesn't make much sense, lol. I don't know if i'm using fastpass+ efficiently or not...i'm unsure of how much territory i'll be able to cover in MK during one day, so I wrote out plans to go for a few days. just short days each time so the kids don't get worn out. what's your opinion on this? break MK up over several days (which maximizes fastpasses) or go full tilt one day and get the whole shebang done?

I have a question regarding rest periods with kids. is it better to go all the way back to the resort OR are there places at the parks that could be considered down time? like, some grassy park areas where we could sit for a while and people watch. or low key playgrounds/walking trails.

feedback wanted

 

[dprincessmom]

Some questions that would get you answers possibly: How old are the kids? Are you doing morning or evening EMH?

Now for the parks: DHS don't forget the shows. Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. There is also the fun show at Disney, Jr (again will depend on the girls ages). If they like to draw, don't miss the animation studios character drawing.

Mk - Main Street Bakery is now Starbucks, so you might have to go further in the park to find the offerings that you would like. You might find what you like in the Big Top area.

AK - if the girls like animals a trip to Rafiki's planet watch might be cool for them. Early in the morning they do animal medical procedures and animal handlers.

Naps - they are a love hate topic here on the DIS. While we don't nap at home very often, rests are important for us at WDW but we also do the late night EMH and most days we hit rope drop on a short trip. You will have to decide what works best for your family. You might get away with no nap on DHS or AK day but might need them on MK, Epcot days. One tip that work for us - don't call it a nap. We "rest" maybe read a book, or lie quietly, no tv or movies and that helps facilitate the nap.

Good luck and have a great time.

 

[alac1980]

Some questions that would get you answers possibly: How old are the kids? Are you doing morning or evening EMH?

Now for the parks: DHS don't forget the shows. Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. There is also the fun show at Disney, Jr (again will depend on the girls ages). If they like to draw, don't miss the animation studios character drawing.

Mk - Main Street Bakery is now Starbucks, so you might have to go further in the park to find the offerings that you would like. You might find what you like in the Big Top area.

AK - if the girls like animals a trip to Rafiki's planet watch might be cool for them. Early in the morning they do animal medical procedures and animal handlers.

Naps - they are a love hate topic here on the DIS. While we don't nap at home very often, rests are important for us at WDW but we also do the late night EMH and most days we hit rope drop on a short trip. You will have to decide what works best for your family. You might get away with no nap on DHS or AK day but might need them on MK, Epcot days. One tip that work for us - don't call it a nap. We "rest" maybe read a book, or lie quietly, no tv or movies and that helps facilitate the nap.

Good luck and have a great time.

such a great help! thanks so much for your suggestions. my kids are 8 and 9. we will be doing nighttime EMH at MK and HS. morning hours at AK. we have to skip morning hours on epcot night - doesn't work with our plan.

the tip about rafiki is awesome. the kids would absolutely adore that.

 

[ChitownFamily]

Hi! I didn't see specific travel dates- just that you are traveling in December. ( possibly I need more coffee & somehow missed this info)
Where are you staying?

 

[alac1980]

Hi! I didn't see specific travel dates- just that you are traveling in December. ( possibly I need more coffee & somehow missed this info)
Where are you staying?

we're staying at pop century during the second week of December. also visiting discovery cove for one day.

 

[emilyd1974]

We are going also the second week and staying at Pop Century! How neat! I am also really having a tough time with my itinerary. My travel agent and I made our ADR months ago and now I'm trying to fit everything around that!

 

[alac1980]

We are going also the second week and staying at Pop Century! How neat! I am also really having a tough time with my itinerary. My travel agent and I made our ADR months ago and now I'm trying to fit everything around that!

same here. planning for this trip is most certainly not easy! i, too, made my ADRs a while back. i will probably shuffle them around to some extent between now and departure. where are you eating? i booked quite a few...but character experiences at restaurants and trying disney themed foods and so on is going to be a big deal for my kids, i think! we booked cape may, mama melrose, chef mickeys, akershus, crystal palace, ohana, sanaa, tusker house, 1900 park fare, sci fi. i'm on the fence about cape may. we do need a breakfast of some sorts that day so i might as well keep it.

 

[ChitownFamily]

same here. planning for this trip is most certainly not easy! i, too, made my ADRs a while back. i will probably shuffle them around to some extent between now and departure. where are you eating? i booked quite a few...but character experiences at restaurants and trying disney themed foods and so on is going to be a big deal for my kids, i think! we booked cape may, mama melrose, chef mickeys, akershus, crystal palace, ohana, sanaa, tusker house, 1900 park fare, sci fi. i'm on the fence about cape may. we do need a breakfast of some sorts that day so i might as well keep it.

I think you've overbooked your meals. It looks like you have booked 10 meals for 5 days. Many of the table service meals consume between 60-90 mins at least. Not including wait time to sit down. I hope someone with more experience will pop in here & offer some insight, I would maybe start a new thread... More experienced Diser's will be able to suggest which meals to keep. Maybe titled it something catchy like 10 meal ressie's in 5 days

 

[Alesia]

I think you've overbooked your meals. It looks like you have booked 10 meals for 5 days. Many of the table service meals consume between 60-90 mins at least. Not including wait time to sit down. I hope someone with more experience will pop in here & offer some insight, I would maybe start a new thread... More experienced Diser's will be able to suggest which meals to keep. Maybe titled it something catchy like 10 meal ressie's in 5 days

I absolutely agree with this. If this is a once in a lifetime trip, why spend 3 hours every day in restaurants (plus transportation time,) especially when the park hours are so short?

 

[5stljayhawks]

Can I third? for overbooked meals.

thoughts on food and way to ease the budget & free up time is back off some of these -rought cost per table service - ball park per $50 adult $40 for kids w/ 2A 2K you are in for $200 per meal with tip. Also I would not leave the park for a meal, that is me UNLESS you are at MK and eating at Ohana.

The other thing with less scheduled meals your flexibility goes way up from park to park or even within the park, as you don't have to go from one side of the park all the way to the other.. just a for a meal. Dude it sucks when you are tired and feet hurt and the ride you want has a small wait line.. BTW make sure you have great walking shoes for all


My picks - for rest-
Crystal Place eat at your own pace , Ohana sit down long meal 3 hours complete time from going to coming back , tie 3rd - akershus or tusker house.

There are some great quick serve that cost a fraction like 25% of what you will spend for TS. Tommorowland across from race track - 1/2 chicken. BBQ place in AK. Britain at Epcot - fish and chips. By far Epcot has best quick service food service.

 

[PEC]

First. Please do a trip report upon return. Will be bringing an 8 yo DGD in a couple of years and that is an age group I would be interested in hearing of their experience.
As far as the meals. I assume you are on the Delux Dining Plan? If not you need to do this immediately if you intend on keeping your meal schedule. Rather it saves money is a point that comes up some of the time but with an 8 and a 9 yo with the choices you made then yes it will save you a good bit of money.
Next issue is rest, nap etc. One advantage of going in December is the heat will not wear you out nearly as much as the Summer heat. You could consider the meals as a way to relax so the long lunches can get you off your feet at least. Also shows in the afternoon are a good was to sit for a few minutes. Plus some of them could turn into a quick nap for the children. With 2 days at MK planned I would not do the extra time at MK on your AK day. A couple more hours of sleep will be valuable by that day. If you decide to do the full day parks then by Day 3 or 4 really start watching for the fatigue to set in and emotions to overload. If you see a "meltdown" happening just go to a side, find a bench and relax for a few minutes. Example would be don't press the second Safari Ride. If you see the "meltdown" starting then concede the 2nd Safari ride. Relax on a bench for about the time the ride would take.

 

[PEC]

Oh one more thing. My 12 yo twins loved Sci-Fi Diner when they were 11 and when they were 12. I am sure your 8 and 9 year old will like it.

 

[yeahdisney]

I would not do splash mountain when they are all dressed up in fancy dresses. They could get soaked or they might get lucky and get wet bottoms. I would do that ride a different day. If you have a backpack, I would throw in $1.00 flip flop, have them wear for ride and then change back into dry socks and shoes. We do same thing for rapids ride in AK park.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

I would not do splash mountain when they are all dressed up in fancy dresses. They could get soaked or they might get lucky and get wet bottoms. I would do that ride a different day. If you have a backpack, I would throw in $1.00 flip flop, have them wear for ride and then change back into dry socks and shoes. We do same thing for rapids ride in AK park.

This is exactly what I was thinking. Don't do Splash on their fancy dress day. They could very well get soaked.

As for things to do that are "rest like" in the Magic Kingdom here are several ideas:
1. Take in a show instead of a ride, I list these in decreasing order of sleep inducing, last one would be most sleep inducing (Mickey's Philharmagic, Carousel of Progress, Tiki Room, Hall of Presidents)
2. Take in a slow relaxing ride to just stop and rest (Train around the park, Liberty Steam Boat, Tomorrowland Transit Authority). You can stay on all of these as long as you'd like so if one child does fall asleep, just keep going around. The TTA is my personal favorite for taking a quick break.
3. Get away from the noise and hustle and bustle by heading over and exploring Tom Sawyer Island. Your girls will enjoy exploring, and it's a completely different pace than the rest of the park.

For a fun/sweet breakfast you may want to check out Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square and get your girls a nutella covered fresh hot waffle. So DELICIOUS!!! They also sell other things like giant ice cream cookie sandwiches if you are looking for something truly 'sillly' for breakfast.


I think your plan sounds wonderful. Don't underestimate Hollywood Studios, especially if you've never been there. Everything there is worth doing once, and like others have said, make sure you catch Little Mermaid. At age 8/9 they will also still think the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground is pretty cool, and the Muppet Show they would probably like as well. Indiana Jones and/or the Lights Motor Action shows are also worth watching.

Have a great trip.

 

[jimandami]

I agree with the PP about too many TS meals. They really do take a lot of time. Also, I wouldn't use a FP+ for Star Tours at DHS just because the line rarely, rarely gets over 10 minutes. Finally, how in the world did you book 2 FP+ in one park and a FP+ in another park for the same day?

 

[alac1980]

hi folks! I was giving the deluxe dining plan as a gift. so..i'm not really sure what to do with it if I don't use it offer free meals to other passerbys in the park, maybe? if that's an option? sit down family meals are a big thing in my family with everyone (extended, as well). it's always been a HUGE part of our upbringing, even when traveling and/or other super awesome family things

 

[alac1980]

I think you've overbooked your meals. It looks like you have booked 10 meals for 5 days. Many of the table service meals consume between 60-90 mins at least. Not including wait time to sit down. I hope someone with more experience will pop in here & offer some insight, I would maybe start a new thread... More experienced Diser's will be able to suggest which meals to keep. Maybe titled it something catchy like 10 meal ressie's in 5 days

we have six days
one of which will likely be a random non park day as we prepare to head home. we plan to leave early in the evening. I had hoped to get some park time in that day but we've talked about it and I think we're just going to call it a sit around and talk and laugh day

 

[alac1980]

First. Please do a trip report upon return. Will be bringing an 8 yo DGD in a couple of years and that is an age group I would be interested in hearing of their experience.
You could consider the meals as a way to relax so the long lunches can get you off your feet at least. QUOTE]

that's sort of what I have in mind

I wish I could explain the culture thing it is in my family to sit down for long, loud, crazy family meals...I don't really know how to put it into words..just know that it's a massive part of who we are

I tried to my best to book meals that are in the park (aka CP on MK day, tusker on AK day, mama's on HS day, etc). there are a few meals at resorts that are before the parks open in the morning (when we aren't going for rope drop). the resort meals are also for days when I don't know for sure 100% if we'll be going to a park or doing something else in the Orlando area. it's hard to say right now..things are very up in the air I found out last night that my aunt and uncle are going to be in Orlando for the same days so I can imagine we'll make some time for them along the way!

 

[alac1980]

I agree with the PP about too many TS meals. They really do take a lot of time. Also, I wouldn't use a FP+ for Star Tours at DHS just because the line rarely, rarely gets over 10 minutes. Finally, how in the world did you book 2 FP+ in one park and a FP+ in another park for the same day?

oh my god, im just cluing into this now! I have NO idea why it let me book two different parks. I just went back into MDE on my phone thinking maybe I misunderstood but nope..sure enough...I've got two fast passes at one park and one at another. it's supposed to be three per day at ONLY one park..right? did I understand that right? if so, something tells me they will give me the boot when I show up at the ride with my fastpass+ all ready to go !

 

[jimandami]

oh my god, im just cluing into this now! I have NO idea why it let me book two different parks. I just went back into MDE on my phone thinking maybe I misunderstood but nope..sure enough...I've got two fast passes at one park and one at another. it's supposed to be three per day at ONLY one park..right? did I understand that right? if so, something tells me they will give me the boot when I show up at the ride with my fastpass+ all ready to go !

Yes it is supposed to be only one park per day. It was probably one of the infamous glitches MDE seems to have on a daily basis. If you have it scheduled and it shows on your itinerary they will most likely let you use it!