New to boards, but not Disney, have a few????

[Cathy25]

We are going to WDW from July 17-20, staying at Pop Century. I have 3 kids who are girl 11, girl 6, and boy 3.

Trying to decide if we should do Animal Kingdon or Epot?

Should be do the Fantasmic dinner package or just go to the later show? If dinner package, whcih restaurant. What time is the later show?

Should we drive our car to the parks or should we use the buses.

Also, how feasible is it to eat off site for dinner after nap/pool before heading back to the parks.

We are doing MK on Monday, either Epcot or AK on Tues, and MGM on Wed.

I would appreciate any thoughts!

Thanks,
Cathy (who has not told her kids they are going to WDW, plan on telling them on the way!!)

 

[Kristina]

Hi Cathy Welcome to the Dis Boards!
Let's see, regarding Fantasmic I think what with it being July if you can go a head and book the dining package. You never know when your little one is going to poop out and it should be quiet crowded and hot out. We always do Hollywood and Vine which is a good kid friendly buffet and the cheapest of the bunch.

As far as which park, perhaps Animal Kingdom would be a good bet although people have said when it's warm out that park seems to be hotter than any other du to all the foilage and smaller pathways. Hmmm. It probably doesn't make to much difference but then I haven't been blessed with little ones myself so I haven't really thought about it. Epcot does have the Kidcot stations which kids enjoy and they can collect stamps in a passport of sorts in all the countrys. Hmm now Epcot is sounding the better choice !

I think the Disney busses are the way to go but not if you want to eat offsite, then you must rent a car. Unless you take a taxi. Of course you can bus it using the Linx and IDrive shuttle from the Ticket and Transportation Center but I don't think that would be much fun.

Remember to get to the parks early, before they open (easier if going by Disney transport) when going to MK as I think I've read, most people choose the MK on Mondays.

Have fun and say hi to Mickey for me

 

[DisneyDadFaNaTic]

I could make arguments for both Epcot and Animal Kingdom, but the question is - What are your kids into? The technology is pretty neat at Epcot, if they are into that. The Passport thing is great as well. My DS had a blast with that. But Animal Kingdom has, well, animals! The whole Dino Land and The Dig are fantastic for kids. This question would be a very hard toss up for me.

As far as dining anywhere but the Brown Derby. Do NOT try the Brown Derby with children. My DS hated it, my DW hated it, my mother-in-law hated it (well, actually she hates everything!). That is not the place to go. I'm always surprised that it gets high marks in all of the travel books. Mama Melrose or Hollywood and Vine are definitely the best bets.

Use the buses! If you are on property there is no better option. Wait times are limited to 10, 15, or 20 minutes. If you are going to go to the park early (for Early Entry) try to find out when the bus leaves and your hotel and be there at least a half hour early. At the end of the day (if you stay the whole day) the bus lines will be very crowded. Try to plan on doing some shopping or getting some ice cream and give the line about 45 minutes to an hour to thin down. There are pros and cons for both, but in my opinion you cannot beat the buses!


Naps are great ideas. We have never actually tried to leave and take one, but we only have one to deal with as opposed to your three! So naps may be the thing. Especially during June with the heat and the crowds.

Believe it or not we are going to be there from June 17 to June 23. We are staying off property for the first time ever and I don't know how that is going to go. I'm not even there yet and I miss riding the buses and visiting the food court.

Good luck on your trip. Don't forget to wear your lime green DIS board ribbon so us other DISrs can see you!

 

[spacemountain]

Should we drive our car to the parks or should we use the buses.

If you have your car it is MUCH easier to drive than use the buses. You don't have to worry about waiting for the buses or them being too crowded once you get on.

 

[Hannathy]

If you have hoppers why not got to AK for the day and then hit EPCOT in the evening for TT,MS, and soaring? I think it would be worth hoppers for this.

I wouldn't bother with the Country part of EPCOT The kids stops aren't that great unless you have time to spare my DD who usually likes that kind of stuff was bored with it at 11 and my 5 yr DS did it but wasn't greatly enthusiastic.

I would ask the older kids which rides they would rather do if you can only do one park they may have a real preference- I know both mine are dying to get on EE and there would be mutiny if we skipped it.

 

[zurgswife]

We are going to WDW from July 17-20, staying at Pop Century. I have 3 kids who are girl 11, girl 6, and boy 3.

Trying to decide if we should do Animal Kingdon or Epot?

Should be do the Fantasmic dinner package or just go to the later show? If dinner package, whcih restaurant. What time is the later show?

Should we drive our car to the parks or should we use the buses.

Also, how feasible is it to eat off site for dinner after nap/pool before heading back to the parks.

We are doing MK on Monday, either Epcot or AK on Tues, and MGM on Wed.

I would appreciate any thoughts!

Thanks,
Cathy (who has not told her kids they are going to WDW, plan on telling them on the way!!)

We have been going since my kids were young. They LOVE Epcot. There is a ton to do but most people just skim the surface. Besides the rides there is great stuff for all ages at Innoventions East and West. There are a few shows or acts to watch in the world showcase area that are fun. The fountains to run through. Doing the passport stops in the countries.

AK is a short park for our family we can do what we want in just a few hours and feel statisfied. But there are also some stuff that most people miss by racing through the park. The petting zoo area and they have an act there called Guitarman Dan...fun for the kids. You can find lots of little things that the kids will enjoy besides just the ride.

The late show is usually about 10pm. If your kids can stay up for it I vote for that over doing the package. The package is way overpriced in my opinon.

If you have a car Drive to AK or MGM, Epcot isn't bad. I would definately take the bus for MK. Personally I take the bus to all parks. It really isn't too bad.

As for dining off site. Depends on how far and what type of restaurant. The closet I've eaten off site is DTD. If your planning on driving everywhere it shouldn't be too bad.

I assume by your touring plan that you are not getting park hoppers. If you are only staying 3 days I wouldn't travel too many meals off site. I would also know the hours of the park times so you can plan your days accordingly.

 

[java]

Wow I would disagree on skipping the countries! My kids (12,8,3,1) love it there. It is a slower pace and there is so much to see. The candy lady alone in Japan is worth the trip over there. Get and entertainment schedule and see the performers! They are all great but in particular the Chinese acrobats (there are children performers and my kids loved it) and the Drum group(sorry can't remember what it is called) in Japan. We skipped the craft section since it is only a coloring thing now- it used to be much much better.(once you do the mask... you don't need to do it again. imho) But between the two in the heat I would say Epcot. If you are getting hoppers I would combine MGM and AK on a single day.

 

[erikthewise]

We are going to WDW from July 17-20, staying at Pop Century. I have 3 kids who are girl 11, girl 6, and boy 3.

Trying to decide if we should do Animal Kingdon or Epot?

Should be do the Fantasmic dinner package or just go to the later show? If dinner package, whcih restaurant. What time is the later show?

Should we drive our car to the parks or should we use the buses.

Also, how feasible is it to eat off site for dinner after nap/pool before heading back to the parks.

We are doing MK on Monday, either Epcot or AK on Tues, and MGM on Wed.

I would appreciate any thoughts!

Thanks,
Cathy (who has not told her kids they are going to WDW, plan on telling them on the way!!)

You can't go wrong on picking a park to visit. Just choose and don't let anyone tell you you're wrong. I love both AK and Epcot. On the downside Epcot is the biggest park (hint: rent a double stroller -- it's worth it), and everyone seems to agree AK is the hottest. Just be prepared.

If you're planning to eat at a table service restaurant in MGM anyway, consider the Fantasmic Package at Hollywood & Vine. It's a decent buffet and the Package there is about the same as standard cost plus tip.

I suggest driving to the parks most or all of the time, maybe try the bus once. Also suggest considering moving MK to Tuesday. EVERYBODY goes there on Monday, so Tuesday is likely to be less crowded.

This is a personal matter, but think about telling your kids a week ahead of time. Anticipation is half the fun!

WELCOME to the DIS!!

 

[disney1313131313]

My kids have always loved Epcot! I know a lot of people avoid it with little kids, but mine have always found it fun. We like AK, also, though. In July, you might want to think about how hot it will be getting into a car that has been sitting in the hot sun for hours. Personally, I prefer putting the kids onto an air conditioned bus(even if it takes a little longer-the waits are usually shady), rather than into a hot car that i then have to drive, while listening to hot tired kids whine! But maybe that is just me and my kids. Good luck and have a great time.

 

[Julylady]

We have done trips where we have rented cars and others where we have not. Personally, I prefer to drive to the parks. However, in talking to my 4-year old about our upcoming trip in September last weekend, she told me that what she was looking the most forward to was riding the busses. Go figure...

If you do decide to eat outside of the parks, there are several nice places in the Crossroads area. However, it does take up a lot of time. We prefer to make advanced reservations (or whatever they are calling them now days!) at less expensive places in the parks. We are not a "fast food" loving family. You can check the menus at allearsnet.com Some of our favorites are: Plaza at MK, Prime Time or Sci Fi at MGM, Tusker House at AK (counter service), and any of the counter service places at the World Showcase in EPCOT. Everyone in my family likes Earl of Sandwich at DTD. All of these places are reasonably priced.

Another way to save $$ on meals is to eat breakfast in the hotel. Bagels, cereal, pop tarts, and breakfast bars all travel well in checked luggage. We just buy milk from the hotel shops when we get there.

Both EPCOT and Animal Kingdom have their own charm. If you are a family that really enjoys animals, I would probably pick AK.


Have a great trip!

Donna

 

[DisneyDadof2]

I would go with AK over EPCOT. My daughters werent thrilled with EPCOT but always love to see the animals. I learned my lesson about the buses two times. First it took us 1 hour and 30 minutes to get from Pop Century to Polynesian Village and second we waited over an hour to get on a bus from MK to Pop Century. The line at the MK bus stop was longer than the lines for rides in MK.

 

[LaPatita]

Last year we stayed in Pop Century and we rented a car. My daughter was 8 and my son 5 y.o.

We only used buses one time, it was much better to drive in the car, because we didn't have to wait for buses, because some times is 20 minutes the wait. So we could go to the hotel anytime.
I recomend a break in the afternoon, so you can take a nap or go to the pool and refresh, and then come back to the parks.
We went 2 times to Fantasmic (last show) and there is no long waiting time and is plenty of room. You can do that if you don't want to do the dinner package.

About AK or Epcot. I think AK would like more to your children, theres more for them.

 

[DisneyDadFaNaTic]

We made the mistake of telling my DS he could buy Yu-Gi-Oh cards at the Japan Pavilion and now that is all we are hearing about with Epcot. He loves doing the masks or the passports that come with each land. It takes time, but it is enjoyable to see them having so much fun.