planning question for anyone with some time...

[ksmarper]

And I say "some time" loosely....we're leaving Saturday and I have no idea what I'm doing!
Just when I think I have some "plan" figured out...I read here that "it's miserable that day" or the ug says "no"!
Here's about us (if you're still reading!)...
DH and I haven't been since we were children and we have 2 boys...2 and 4 years old.
We're landing in Orlando at 12:30 on Saturday and leave tuesday at 5:00. We're staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge and have 4-day park hopper.
Our "wish list"...
Animal Kingdom--Jungle parade, Kilimanjaro Safari, Lion King, Tough to be a Bug, Triceratop Spin----does this sound reasonable to do Saturday afternoon when we get there?
MGM--Indiana Jones (it's a must for DH and 4 year old), Millionaire, Playhouse Disney, Fantasmic, see Toy Story characters (is there a Pizza Planet restaurant there?-how cool is that?!) -- dh wants to ride Tower of Terror--We'd thought about this on Sunday morning? But can we get back for Fantasmic? ok if we miss since plan spectro and wishes?...
MK--Dumbo, Alladin, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Small world, Peter Pan, PhilharMagic, Carrousel, Tea Party, Winnie the Pooh, Buzz lightyear, Spectro and Wishes -- dh also wants to try to do space mountain---whew, is this possible?! We were going to come over here after our hotel break from MGM on Sunday and be here all day Monday (with break at hotel, of course--I have learned that here!)...
Epcot--DH wants Mission Space, Crush---would this be ok Tuesday am and then maybe downtown Disney before we have to leave?!....
for those of you who have actually read this whole message, I thank you for your time---and any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!!
As many of you know, it isn't easy traveling with toddlers and I'm a bit overwhelmed with the planning---I think we want to do too much!!!
thanks again--kell
ps do all the rides operate in the rain? hope so--we're in!

 

[kilee]

Most rides operate in the rain- there are a few exceptions. Anyhow, are you going this Saturday?? Did you check the EMH schedule to your plans? If possible I would use the morning EMH's to your advantage. You can get a lot done. The biggest thing is you're really short on time for a "first trip" w/ young children. They need down time-- and it looks like you only have 2 full days. So, I'd give 1 full day (no hopping) to MK.

Aside from that, if you don't veer too much you could probably accomplish your AK goals after you arrive. Don't forget that things will distract you like characters and live entertainment. Also, use FP as much as possible to help cut down on wait times.

There is no way you'll be able to do it all. With such a short amount of time--I personally would not try to visit all 4 parks. Too much to absorb too fast. I'd pick 2 to really concentrate on- then a taste for a 3rd.

 

[irish dancer]

I am by far not a pro on touring plans but here are my thoughts. You don't say if you are renting a car or not. If you are renting a car and you go direct from the airport to AK you MIGHT make the parade but that is a big might as I think the parade is a 3p. Three weeks ago when we were there it took us 2 hrs from when we landed to walking into our room and that was arriving in the middle of the night with two adults, one suitcase, no line for the rental car, no traffic and no line at the hotel desk.

We have travelled with little ones and it always takes longer than you think to do everything. They also need breaks and down time. I agree with Kilee, keep it to 2 parks with most of your time dedicated to MK since your kids are so little. That is where ours like to spend most of their time.

The AKL is also an amazing resort (we just stayed there three weeks ago) that you might want to spend some time there with all that they offer and the pool.

The good thing about not getting everything in that you want to see is that is the perfect excuse to plan and book another trip.

 

[twinmommyks]

I read your post and just wanted to let you know that we arrive this Saturday at 11:10 a.m. and also are staying at the AKL. We have 3 children (9, 4, 4) and we have 3 full days in the parks and I feel the same way you do. I've revised our itinerary so many times, that now I have just decided that it's staying as is and getting too late to change it. There is so much to see and not enough time (this is our first trip to WDW).

In our schedule we have 1/2 day at MGM, 1/2 day at AK, full day at MK, and about 3/4 day at Epcot and that evening my dh and I are going to DTD while our kids go to daycare.

The rides you have mentioned are about the same ones we want to go on. I've made note of the "most important ones" and will try to fit in the secondary ones, based upon time. But I know that we probably won't be able to do all that we want. We have a few character meals scheduled for the kids also.

I know I didn't really answer your questions, I just thought it was neat to see someone who is arriving about when we do and staying at the same resort. We leave on Wednesday a.m., but I'd love to get that changed to the afternoon so we could spend some time at the resort.

Have a great week getting ready for your trip.

Bren

 

[ksmarper]

Thanks for your fast response!! I agree with the 2 resort issue....so maybe skip Epcot on Tuesday am and possibly skip AK the afternoon we get there (they're certain to be tired from the trip)? If we skip epcot, that may give "catch up time" for the other things we missed...
The great thing is...the boys are so young, they have no idea what they're missing....i think they'll have a great time whatever we do!
Again, thank you so much-
Kell

 

[ksmarper]

that's so cool you'll be there at the same time! maybe we'll see you at the pool -- i know for sure that's in our schedule...after that, anything goes! maybe I can figure out a fast pass and we will definitely get to the parks early....
we didn't do any meals this time---this is our "check it out" visit!

 

[iwannabeminnie]

Check the AK hours. If they close at 5 on Saturday there is no way you can make it if you land at 12:30.

 

[twinmommyks]

that's so cool you'll be there at the same time! maybe we'll see you at the pool -- i know for sure that's in our schedule...after that, anything goes! maybe I can figure out a fast pass and we will definitely get to the parks early....
we didn't do any meals this time---this is our "check it out" visit!

Yes, we will be by the pool, but I haven't fit that one into our schedule yet. We'll probably wait and see what the weather's like and decide then. Did you request a particular room view? Since we have five people we have to stay in a deluxe room and from everything I've read, those rooms are on the 5th floor (but I could be wrong).

I'm sure your kiddos will have fun no matter what you do. We are all very excited and hoping that the weather won't be too rainy.

Are you all packed? We are about 99% finished.

Have a great week!!!!

Bren