Park or Pool???

[Aliceacc]

We leave in 11 days for the Poly

We have an EARLY flight out of JFK, getting us to Orlando by 9:15 am. So I figure we should be at the Poly by noon-ish.

It's my kids' first trip to WDW, and they're total water rats. Our plan for the next day, in case it matters, is Animal Kingdom.

We have a 5 pmish ADR for Chef Mickey's, and I do want to get to the MK for Spectro at 8 pm-- it goes on hiatus 2 days after our arrival. But I'm planning to miss Wishes that first night so we can get an early start (or, alternately, watch it from the Poly beach so we're not fighting the big crowds.)

So, when we get to the Poly..... do we hit the Volcano Pool for the afternoon or jump on the monorail for the Magic Kingdom?

 

[TravelinSouth]

Reading your itinerary for the 1st day sounds very similar to our first day in September. We will arrive at AKL just around noon and we have a 6pm reservation at Chef Mickeys (we're going to AK the whole next day too). I have two sons, 4 and 2, and I know a late night is going to be hard on them since they will be on sensory overload. So, we decided not to do the parade that night. We will go to the park in the afternoon, take the monorail to the Contemporary and then after dinner head back to our hotel to detox.

Perhaps it's a good idea, if you really want to go to the parade after dinner, to relax in the afternoon and spend some pool time at the Poly. I would think being more relaxed the kids will enjoy the parade more.

Just my 2 cents. Hope it helps.

 

[Aliceacc]

That's kind of what I'm thinking at the moment as well. Then again, I've changed my mind a billion times already.

If Spectro weren't taking a break during our visit, I would probably say the afternoon in the park and evening in the pool, but I've heard such wonderful things about Spectro.

 

[Rylee]

You may want to wait and see how tired/excited your children are from getting up so early and traveling.

Other factors to consider -

How many days do you have planned at MK?
Have you scheduled resort/pool time into your touring plans?

I have 5 children and a park commando husband... if we put it to a vote, MK would win. Besides, MK is always the first park we visit.


(Also, no one in my family likes Spectro.)

 

[Aliceacc]

(Also, no one in my family likes Spectro.)

Could you tell me why, or even what it IS?

All I've seen are rave reviews, and the notice that it's ending on the 15th.

Wiping it out of the picture would probably simplify things.

And I am most definitely leaving a lot up to how everyone is feeling. We ARE heading back to the Poly every day for a pool/nap break--- a vacation without daily swimming is no vacation for my kids. But this early in the morning, my options are limited: either psycho-plan my trip or do laundry. So psycho-planning wins every time.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I would absolutely plan on swimming the first day. Traveling can take a lot out of you. Most likely the kids are going to be very hyped up with excitement and a little downtime is always smart. We never plan anything for our first day and it makes day 2 go much smoother.

 

[Aliceacc]

So....skip Spectro??

My whole philosophy on this trip was stolen fromTour Guide Mike-- that no one ride/attraction/parade is worth it, if it results in a tired cranky family. So I'm OK with skipping Spectro or anything else, even if it's something I'm sure I want TODAY, if it doesn't fit in with the mood of the moment.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I would play Spectro by ear I guess. If the kids have been able to swim/rest during the day, I would still consider it. It is quite fun and you'll be still close to your hotel (dinner on the monorail, MK on the monorail, your hotel on the monorail) so you could see how the kids are feeling.

 

[vcgirl925]

I say pool.

You are going to be tired, sweaty, and gross feeling from your flight, i know i always am. A nice dip in the pool will do the trick and have you refreshed for you dinner. Just remember if you are doing the magical express then you should pack your bathing suits and a change of clothes for the night in your carry on because i hear sometimes the bags don't get to your room until later.

 

[Rylee]

Could you tell me why, or even what it IS?

All I've seen are rave reviews, and the notice that it's ending on the 15th.

Wiping it out of the picture would probably simplify things.

And I am most definitely leaving a lot up to how everyone is feeling. We ARE heading back to the Poly every day for a pool/nap break--- a vacation without daily swimming is no vacation for my kids. But this early in the morning, my options are limited: either psycho-plan my trip or do laundry. So psycho-planning wins every time.

Your family should view Spectro. Everyone should see/do/experience attractions and make up their own minds. Who knows... it could be a highlight of your trip, especially because it will be one of the first things you do, it may become a special memory for your family.

As for my family not liking it... perhaps we were over-tired when we watched it, or maybe it's because my family of Disney nuts appreciates Disney and its characters in their purest and simplest forms, (the way we know and love them) we would much rather watch the characters on the floats in the afternoon parade.

A couple of years ago, my husband and older children were all in an uproar because many souvenirs included Stitch with the "classic, main characters." Picture frames, t-shirts, etc., had Mickey, Donald, Pluto, Goofy... and... Stitch. They feel Stitch isn't a classic Disney character, not yet, anyway, and shouldn't have been included on the merchandise that featured the "fab four." Actually, I think it was meant to be funny... as if Stitch had stuck his head into the shot at the last minute, but my family's reaction was even funnier!

As for Wishes... do plan to be sure and catch it on another MK day... it's the best... promise. It definitely gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling, knowing your dream of bringing your family to Disney, is now a reality. (It's a tie, for my favorite Disney vacation experience, right along with the moment we step onto Main Street at MK, and hear the music playing as we see the castle for the first time on every trip.) Be sure your daughters can view Tinkerbell, fly from the castle. (On the right side of the castle, viewing it from the front.)

 

[Rylee]

So....skip Spectro??

My whole philosophy on this trip was stolen fromTour Guide Mike-- that no one ride/attraction/parade is worth it, if it results in a tired cranky family. So I'm OK with skipping Spectro or anything else, even if it's something I'm sure I want TODAY, if it doesn't fit in with the mood of the moment.

Me, again...

I just asked my DH and he says he did like Spectro, thought it was "cool" but 2 of my DD's (other DD has her own place) say they like the afternoon parade better. The boys, ages 7 & 10, don't remember it because we haven't watched it in a few years.

And... not only do they still think Stitch has no business being pushed with the classic characters, they're offended there's no attraction featuring Bambi, (that we know of!)

 

[vcgirl925]

I've always loved spectro!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Aliceac- you can check out spectro on YouTube. I have to admit that it used to weird me out for some reason but now I love it! The kids really enjoy it as well. I agree thought that the most important thing is to have happy non-cranky children. I would definetly try to catch it while you are there.

ETA- your flight is really early so I would plan on spending the afternoon having down time at the Poly. Even though your kids are older than ours, the heat in Florida plus the travel really knocks the kids out. (and the parents too!;-))