newbie needs itinerary opinions please

[3littlemonsters]

I need the Disney experts to look at my itinerary and tell me if it's okay or what I should change.

Monday (Columbus Day)-arrive at Orlando airport at 11:30, towncar to POFQ, Hoop De Doo Review at 5:00
Tuesday-MK in the morning, hopefully breakfast at Cinderella's, break, dinner at Garden Grill
Wednesday-AK in the morning, break, dinner at Ohana and we'll stay to watch Wishes from there if they have it that night
Thursday-MK in the morning, early lunch at Crystal Palace, break, dinner at Mama Melrose's for the Fantasmic package
Friday-Disney Studios, a carriage ride at POR in the evening
Saturday-sleep in, hopefully a late Princess breakfast in Norway at Epcot, then over to Germany to let my DD choose a doll for her birthday (she turns 3 today), dinner at Chef Mickey's and then over to MK for hopefully Wishes and SpectroMagic
Sunday-sleep in, just hang out by the pool maybe, 5:30 dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern, then Mickey's Halloween party
Monday-we leave for the airport at 10:00

Does this look okay? Is there anything I should change? Thanks for looking.

 

[RyMickey]

Everything looks good. The only comment I would have concerns your Tuesday and Thursday. Whenever we go, we always plan for one big meal a day and then either fast food the other two meals or bypass one of the meals, while fast-fooding the other.

That being said, I know that with younger kids, it's tough to pass up the character meals. However, many of the characters that you would see at the Garden Grill are the same characters you will see at Chef Mickey's later in the week.

Our family has gotten older and character meals aren't a neccesity anymore, so I completely understand the need/want to do character meals. The only thing is they take up a lot of time...but they also provide unique experiences.

Now that I've see-sawed back and forth over this whole issue, I'll conclude with saying, think about maybe cancelling one or two meals and looking for character experiences elsewhere.

RyMickey

 

[3littlemonsters]

Thank you. I know what you mean about the meals. I did plan to do only one "big" meal a day originally but it seemed to "grow" lol.

I chose Garden Grill more for the meal than the characters really, because they bring everything to the table family style. I will be solo with my DD and thought that might make it easier on me, and the menu appealed also. Chef Mickey I think might be more "hectic" than I would really enjoy, but so many people recommend it and I thought it may be fun for her birthday, with the convenience to the MK it seemed to "fit" there. Crystal Palace I did choose because my DD loves Pooh and friends, ditto the Princess meals. Liberty Tree was chosen for the menu and style of service, like Garden Grill, rather than for the characters. Maybe I'll try to pare that down some. I don't mind spending the time as we're really trying to make it as relaxing a trip as possible, but I don't want to overload my DD either. I'm having a bit of a time trying to balance making it easier on myself with keeping her occupied and not overwhelmed. Sorry this got so long and thank you again.

 

[RyMickey]

Whatever you do, you're going to have a great time. If it comes down to it and you're having such a good time in the parks, you can always skip the meal. It's not as if you're locked in and YOU MUST ATTEND THE MEAL OR ELSE! We also like the family style/serve-you-at-your-table style meals.

Have fun, and since I didn't notice it last time, welcome to the DIS!

RyMickey

 

[Geomich]

Everything looks good. We also go to the Garden Grill usually every trip for the food not necessarily the characters (though they help entertain DS while waiting). Chef Mickey (also an anuual tradition) is a bit hectic but it is alot of fun and perfect for a birthday.

You seem to have balanced some relaxing time with all the parks (not easy to do).

Enjoy your trip!

 

[jcemom]

Welcome to the DIS!
I think it looks pretty good...plenty of break time. Have fun!

Edited to add: I'll be there at almost the same time as you, but not until next year. Be sure to write a trip report when you get back so I'll know what to expect!