Need advice for end of Aug trip with 5 and 7 year old

[sunnygirl]

I would love to do all of the parks during our end of August trip with our two DDs (a hesitant age 7 and a daring 5 year old), but I know my DH, who doesn't quite get Disney , will not go for that, especially in the heat. We'll be staying with my in-laws in their large time-share (very generous of them!).

We will have to do one day at MK. I think I could persuade DH to do another park as well. I love Epcot and MGM myself, but thought DDs may be too young for them. They love animals, so I was thinking AK (the only park I haven't visited myself). But is it too hot at the end of August, even is we get there at opening time? I've read there is little shade and air-conditioning at AK.

Also, I was thinking I could spread some magic by taking the in-laws to Boma at AKL for breakfast one day. Any other "side trips" that might be good for us?

Thank you in advance for your advice and suggestions!

 

[MelodyMack]

BUMP because I'd like to know, too.

 

[RyMickey]

Your husband might change his mind after he sees how much his daughters will love it.

Let's see - MK in a day - It can be done. You'll wanna do Fantasyland and Mickey's Toontown, maybe hitting a little bit of each other land. You'll wanna look and make sure you aren't going on an early entry day for hotel patrons (the park'll be more crowded).

It is very hot in August (we've been several times) and AK has very little shade.

As for side trips - Downtown Disney. Even if I can't go into the parks the Downtown Disney experience still lets me feel like I'm there (even if all it is is shopping - Disney is the only place this guy ever shops!)

I'm sure others will have great ideas.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I love Epcot and MGM myself, but thought DDs may be too young for them.

I don't know why I hear that so often on this board... I have 3 kids -wide range with 3-4yrs between each of them and from the youngest on up they've ALL enjoyed both those parks for different reasons on every trip! Our last trip 2003 my youngest was barely 3yrs old and she had a BLAST at Epcot and MGM. They all do... it's what you make of it and honest each park has lots of fun/things to do/etc. for any age.

So I, for one, don't think they are too young for them.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

You would be surprised at how much there is for your dds to do at MGM. There's Beauty and the Beast show, Muppets, Little Mermaid and your five year old might like Playhouse Disney. Your DH might also like Sci-Fi DInner THeatre where you eat in the cars at a drive in. All my kids and my DH never want to miss that. AK is very hot in August. I don't know why but it always seems much hotter to me than the other parks.

 

[Leota]

Epcot has always been closely tied with MK as my DS's favorite Park. He's been doing Epcot since he was 4.(Now that he's 16, Epcot has moved into 1st place) I wouldn't hesitate to do Epcot or MGM for that matter. Both Parks offer tons of fun for the little ones. Bring their bathing suits to Epcot, as there are some great water fountains that kids love to play in there. Your 7 year old is a nice age for a World Showcase Passport & the 5 year old will love the Kidcot stops.....

I love AK, but avoid it in the summer. If I go to AK in the hotter months, I only go for a couple hours in the morning. It is about 10º hotter in AK than the other Parks (less air movement, more humidity due to the plantings) and there are less A/C opportunities. I would absolutely chose Epcot over AK, but that's just my opinion......

 

[isyt]

We have been in August 2 yrs ago and it was HOT. After a day or two of pushing on we became adjusted. I have a DD8,DD6 and DS4 ( everyone just had their birthday) and they are Disney trained ( my 8yr has been 10 times). They love all the parks for different reasons. I don't think we could ever go without doing them all.

Have a great trip!!

 

[AJKMOM]

I agree with above, AK is always warm, even worse in the summer. Not sure why, since it's in the same area as the rest. Anyway, there are certainly less A/C places, and a lot of unshaded walking. The hotter the temp, less movement in the animals. You could always park hop-AK in the early morning, and move to EPCOT after a nap or pool break.

For a first time kid, EPCOT is great. There is a 3D movie, Spaveship Easrt, World of Energy, etc. MGM is also good for kids, there are shows and rides for younger ones, too. Don't think of EPCOT as an adult place, it's fun for kids.

 

[chop456]

We are going with our DD7 and DS5 August 13-20. I will also be taking my reluctant DH. I have planned 2 days at MK, 2 days at EPCOT and 1 day at MGM. I decided to skip AK this year, as DD went last summer and DS will go next summer. One way to keep DH "into" it was letting him choose some of our dining locations. He loves eating a good meal, so he enjoyed reading the menus, etc.

I think 2 days is the minimum to see MK. There is so much to see and do. Same with EPCOT. Last summer DD wanted to do the KidCot stations, which was great! She really enjoyed this.

We will also be renting a stroller, so we do not get cranky kids later in the afternoon. This will make everyone happy

 

[Schmeck]

Don't forget the fountains at EPCOT, and Turtle Talk, Journey into Your Imagination (or whatever they call it now...) the light up sidewalks, the acrobats at the China pavilion. My kids have always loved EPCOT!

 

[Miffy2003]

Would you children enjoy doing the Kidcot FunStops? Mine at ages 5 & 8 absolutely loved doing this. And it was free! Great for the adults to wander round the World Showcase with no complaining kids as they always knew they were en route to another stamp and object for their mask

 

[northwds]

I liked your idea about Bomas for breakfast. Great food and the hotel is glorious. Nice touch of Disney magic. You can even catch a view of some animals during your visit.

If you do MK in one day concentrate on Fantasyland and Toon Town and move out from there. For me, some kind of "plan" for what ride to do, and when is essential. We discuss it with the kids so they know....what comes next and why we are not going there now.

AK is truly the warmest park, but we love it. In May, we saw alot more opportunities for the little ones to get sprayed with water or misted. We have decided to dress them in swimsuits with light, quick drying shorts and let them wear sandels that day. Cooler we can keep them.....the better.

MGM is great for both ages....., but we like going slower and taking our time here. Epcot is our "must have a stroller" park, usually someone runs out of gas here.

Hope this helps.

 

[sunnygirl]

Thank you, everyone! I am rethinking my decision to visit AK over Epcot. You all made some excellent points about why the girls would like Epcot - I just need to plan well and explain things ahead of time to them. Hmmm...I guess that will give me an excuse to get on the Boards more often!!

Thanks again!