Need expert opinions (long)

[jkmmah]

Our vacation is coming up really soon and I could use some input on whether I’ve got an itinerary that can realistically be done or not. I need some expert opinions, please.

We’re driving down the day after Thanksgiving, but will spend the first couple days at DTD and relaxing at the resort b/c we want to leisurely start the vacation instead of being immediately thrown into the crazy crowds. The cast is dh, me, dd 7, and dd 2 ½. I’ve planned this itinerary knowing what my girls will tolerate. The younger one will nap in the stroller well so taking a mid day hotel break probably won’t be necessary. The older child will do just fine with a full day as long as she can occasionally steal her sisters stroller to rest her legs. We did Disney last year so we know what each park has to interest us, thus the half day at AK rather than a full day, and more time spent with Epcot and MK. OK, here goes…be honest with your advice….

Fri 11/26—drive down (6 hr drive), stop at Largest McD’s playland, check into POR for one night, drive out to Ft Wilderness for campfire and movie, watch Wishes from Ft W.

Sat 11/27—Leisurely morning. DTD for shopping. Lunch at Earl’s, sundaes at Ghiradelli’s. Check into POP for rest of stay. Resort touring for Christmas décor at SOG, GF, and Poly. Grab coffee and snacks from Kona coffee bar. Snack on Poly’s beach while watching EWP at 9 am.

Sun 11/28—Lounge at resort, pool hangout. PS at RFC 1:00 pm. Afternoon open—possibly more resort decoration touring, or back to DTD. Early to bed.

Mon 11/29—MK PS @ Cindy’s 9 am. We’ll get there about 8:45am (cross fingers), and hope to be able to wake Tink if we’re not seated yet. Afternoon hop to Epcot. Stay for Illuminations at 9 pm.

Tues 11/30—sleep in from late night before. Lunch at B&C. No parks until 4 pm MVMCP. Stay late at MVMCP.

Wed 12/1--sleep in if desired. Head to Epcot when ready. I know this is Epcot’s EE day, but we’ll take our chances. If too crowded we’ll hop to MGM. Early to bed.

Thurs 12/2—early morning. EE at MK. Spend couple hours on rides. Boat to WL for PS at WCC 10:40 am. Bus to MGM after brunch. Stay for Fantasmic and Osborne Lights.

Fri 12/3—Not sure what we’ll do this day. If we only get 4 day hopper tickets we’ll spend this day at the resort. If we get 5 day tickets we’ll do the parks. Leaving this open for now.

Sat 12/4—AK morning. Hop to MK by mid afternoon. Stay late for 9 pm Spectro and 10 pm Wishes. Park’s open til midnight. May stay til closing if kid’s are doing well.

Sun 12/5—sleep in. Checkout of POP. PS at Boatright’s at 10:30 am. Head home.

What are your opinions?

 

[kyirish25]

Sounds like a great plan to me. You are never going late night followed by early morning so the kids and adults should do just fine.

 

[kilee]

I think it sounds fine. I for one though would break up my "off days" rather than doing them all in a row right away. I like breaking them up every few days so that we don't go 4-5 days in the parks straight. It tends to be park overload by that time. I've found that we tend to have a better time this way.

 

[paigevz]

I was imagining as I went along, and it seemed very relaxing, yet fun. I think I'm going to look at redoing my plan tonight, as it seems not nearly as relaxing as yours..............maybe I'll make one "rockin" plan (as my ds says) and one relaxing one, and see which the family likes better. I am jealous of all those going to MVMCP. I know we'll see a lot of Christmas stuff, but it would be so nice to do it when it's less crowded at the party!

 

[kda]

Looks like a great trip! If you were there last year, you know how to gauge your DD's fatigue level or oversaturation.

We never go to MK on Saturdays (especially afternoon or evening) because of everything I've read about the really big crowds. Don't have recent personal experience because we haven't done a Saturday at MK for at least 15 years. You might want to post a separate question asking about that, to get input from others.

 

[epcotfan]

I think it sounds fine. I for one though would break up my "off days" rather than doing them all in a row right away. I like breaking them up every few days so that we don't go 4-5 days in the parks straight. It tends to be park overload by that time. I've found that we tend to have a better time this way.

I agree. I too would break up the rest days. Especially if someone isn't feeling well. I would hate to rush the last few days of my trip to see and do everything.

 

[Luigi's Girl]

you might want to add the Wilderness Lodge to your touring of Christmas decorations. I've never seen them but so many disers say they're a must see during the holidays.

 

[MelanieC]

Not sure if I'm in the minority or not, but it seems like a lot of park hopping to me. We've always done better and been less tired when we stay in one park all day. We also seem to see more that way.

I think that may come down to personal preference before and if you did it before you're family may feel it's a break in the day.

My kids always did well sleeping in the stroller while we did baby swaps. Then later in the afternoon they were happy clams.