planning our 3rd trip with 2 1/2 yr old and baby

[jessicam40]

This will be our 3rd trip to Disney with our toddler, first with our baby. I'm probably way overthinking all this, but I can't help it. I seriously lay awake in bed trying to figure-out what is the best plan for the boys. I would appreciate any feedback.

here's the set-up, my husband and i are traveling November 13-17 to Disney, staying at Grand Floridian (first time staying here) with our 2 young boys. We are doing the MYW + dining + 3 day park hopper. (thanks to discount codes for savings). Also joining us are Grandpa/Grandma who are super laid-back and enjoy seeing the boys. They are staying at Coronado. Our boys get-up fairly early, so our plan is to hit the parks first thing in the morning with the possibility of going back to the room in around 2pm for nap, and returning to the parks around dinner time (5:30 pm)

Here's what I've got planned:

Thursday the 13th - arrive ORL 9:30 am. open day at resort, evening attending Mickey's Backyard BBQ at 6:30 pm. (never done this before)

Friday - Magic Kingdom. No breakfast or lunch ressies. We usually do early counter-lunch and wing-it for breakfast (HOPING for another complimentary upgrade to concierge level ) Dinner plans are 1900 Park Fare at 5:45 pm, but debating changing it to somewhere in Epcot??? We like to do one evening at Epcot b/c the boys can't do many rides there, we just enjoy strolling around, doing a few rides, and seeing the fireworks at Epcot (with extra magic hours that night). Dinner suggestions?

Saturday - Hollywood Studios in AM with lunch at Hollywood and Vine, 11:10 am. No dinner plans, but imagine we will goto Animal Kingdom after naptime? It's my husband and I's favorite park.

Sunday - this is where I am debating. we have 3 day park hopper and am wondering if we should save the 3rd day for Monday or use it on Sunday.

We have dinner at 6:30 pm at Liberty Tree Tavern and are attending Mickey's Christmas Party Sunday evening.

Monday is open, our flight leaves 6:00 pm (extra hours Monday morning at Animal Kingdom).

So, I'm basically debating dinner plans Friday/Saturday. Debating using the 3rd day of 3-day-park hopper on either Sunday or Monday. We are using the Magic Express, so can't decide if it is worth it, but we will be going to Magic Kingdom on Sunday regardless for Mickey's Christmas Party. I basically could use any good suggestions. I just need some advice and affirmation at this point so I will stop stressing about it.

Oh, and this is my first time posting - I've really enjoyed reading these boards and am finally signing-on!

Thanks so much for the help! Okay, my toddler is jumping on my feet....

 

[lovebug21]

What I would probablly do is just add another day to your plan. It would only cost you a few dollars and then you would have the option to go on Sunday and Monday if you want.

 

[MouseDaddy]

-So, I'm basically debating dinner plans Friday/Saturday.
Friday go with a Magic Kingdom area restaurant. If you want characters try Crystal Palace, or Chef Mickey's. If you want a fun family dining experience try Ohana at the Polynesian.

Saturday I would do Epcot- many great choices. Our favorites for kids are Coral Reef and Biergarten. For our tastes we like Rose & Crown and Le Celier.

-Debating using the 3rd day of 3-day-park hopper on either Sunday or Monday.
I would also pay to add a day. The 4th day on a ticket is pretty cheap. Second choice would be to rest, hit the pool and maybe Downtown Disney before the Xmas Party (rested kids last longer).

 

[jessicam40]

Thank you so much!!!!

I added the 4th day park hopper which only added $40 to our total costs. Thanks!

I made ressies at Biergarten Friday night and Ohana Saturday night.

I really appreciate the input. Thanks so much!!!!!! I can't wait for our trip in November!