Please advice on my planned ADR!

[parkbr]

Not sure what you already have planned for your non-park days but have you considered the horse drawn sleigh ride at Fort Wilderness? You can book a ride through the camp ground which is highly decorated (lots of people "winter" there and go all out on their Christmas decorations). My kiddos LOVED it!

We have waterparks in our minds and disney quest and mini-golf since we get the waterpark and more pass.
That will be really nice! I didn't know they have such a thing. We're on the budget side this time, so not sure if we will do that this trip, but I will definitely keep in mind!!

 

[parkbr]

Thank you all for your helpful comments!

I have modified my days little bit that includes potential Water Park visits.
Many of you recommended adding EPCOT and I feel like there are a couple of rides that my DD would LOVE and the princess dining at Arkeshus, but the only downside is we don't know when to go!
We want to have a day off after visiting a theme park because when DD stays up or spends the whole day at the theme park or does a lot of walking (took her to many National Parks), the next day, she wakes up late (like 8:30 or 9:30), naps 3+ hours, goes to bed early, etc.
Then it leaves us the last few days of our trip, but that's near Christmas (going on the 11th - 24th), so we're afraid that it will be very very crowded and looking at Disney Crowd Calendars (undercover tourist and wdwprepschool), we can't really find the good day to go. Should we go on Dec 22nd (EMH) or 23rd?

(4 years ago, when my DH and I went, we went during Christmas holiday, but it was okay because there were just two of us.)

 

[BusyP76]

We have waterparks in our minds and disney quest and mini-golf since we get the waterpark and more pass.
That will be really nice! I didn't know they have such a thing. We're on the budget side this time, so not sure if we will do that this trip, but I will definitely keep in mind!!

Just wanted to mention that we went in December 2010 around the same time as you and it was COLD. As in we were in coats and hats and gloves some mornings and stripping down to long sleeves/light weight jackets and jeans in the afternoons. No way we could even go to the pool much less a water park. This year may be a mild winter but I would say definitely keep an eye on the weather forecast. My husband thought I was crazy for packing all of our winter gear to go to Orlando and he was very grateful for my overpacking ways once we got there.

 

[parkbr]

Just wanted to mention that we went in December 2010 around the same time as you and it was COLD. As in we were in coats and hats and gloves some mornings and stripping down to long sleeves/light weight jackets and jeans in the afternoons. No way we could even go to the pool much less a water park. This year may be a mild winter but I would say definitely keep an eye on the weather forecast. My husband thought I was crazy for packing all of our winter gear to go to Orlando and he was very grateful for my overpacking ways once we got there.

Oh agree! we went in Dec 2012 and was freezing. There were only 2 days that were warm enough for maybe swim. My colleague went last yr during Christmas and was unusually warm, so they went to the Waterpark a lot.
I wish I didn't have to buy waterpark and more option, but we have no other choice as park hopper is clearly not an option for us.

 

[parkbr]

My DH and I are considering adding day,. but I can't do that at MDE. Is that the case for everyone?
Do I have to call if that's the case?

Also, adding / removing days won't lose my 'free-dining' promotion, right?

Thanks!

 

[yaksack]

We have three kids and they all wanted to do stuff. They were never patient when it came to waiting for meals. If your kids are like mine, you may want to switch the table meals for character meal buffets.

 

[parkbr]

We have three kids and they all wanted to do stuff. They were never patient when it came to waiting for meals. If your kids are like mine, you may want to switch the table meals for character meal buffets.

Thank you for your reply. Our DD (just one kid, so easy to control) is okay at table meals. She loves steak so much that she even wants mine. I can swear she can have 4oz herself with other food like appetizer and dessert!

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Your resort, CBR IS our favorite mod (And actually our second favorite in all of WDW, YC being 1st)
There have been some really warm days in December so you may get to have some great pool.time. The Pool Guards have some wonderful games for the kids, keeps them amused, and there are movies and marshmallow roasts at night!
Also Shutters has excellent food, quite a hidden gem.
Have fun!

 

[parkbr]

Your resort, CBR IS our favorite mod (And actually our second favorite in all of WDW, YC being 1st)
There have been some really warm days in December so you may get to have some great pool.time. The Pool Guards have some wonderful games for the kids, keeps them amused, and there are movies and marshmallow roasts at night!
Also Shutters has excellent food, quite a hidden gem.
Have fun!

Thank you!
I am debating whether to add another 4 Park days as adding costs aren't too high and maybe we can do couple of hours at the park.
Would you suggest adding more days?

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Thank you!
I am debating whether to add another 4 Park days as adding costs aren't too high and maybe we can do couple of hours at the park.
Would you suggest adding more days?

It's looks like (if I'm adding correctly) that you have 8 non park days out of 13. That's a lot imho...
DS is pretty
much shopping and eating (don't get me wrong, I love both) so is one day and done for me. Your little one won't really care about the difference between the water parks or the pool at CBR, but you and DH might love it. I believe BB is closed for refurb in December, so only TL is open. Personally I would add more days, after 7 days they become really cheap, and you don't have to spend from dawn to dusk in each park.
There are things to do but not 8 days worth without park tickets, imho
A lot of people have given great advice. go to FW, take a sleigh ride in the evening and then go to.the free Chip and Dale sing a long, and roast marshmallows. Spend a night watching a movie on CBRs beach.
Also, try to check in to Sanaa a bit earlier than your ADR time, sunset is around 5:30 in December, and if they are running behind you'll be unable to see the animals. Also highly recommend going to AKL at least an hour before your ADR so you can look out on the savanna. Such a beautiful resort!
Whatever you decide, have fun!

 

[mdsouth]

I just looked at the Nemo ride and i can tell my DD would love it!!! Just that I can't find the right day for EPCOT visit!

I would add the extra park day for EPCOT and skip Disney Quest. They may not be a lot of games she can play and Disney Quest is closing for good sometime in 2016.
Someone else already said 4 days at Disney Springs seems like a lot of time to just wander around stores, especially with a toddler who will want to get out of the stroller and run around.

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

Another vote for adding on at least a day for EPCOT, maybe 2. At the front of the park you've got all the rides as previously discussed. However in World Showcase there are 2 free activities for the younger set that your family may enjoy. 1. The world passport - visit the countries, do crafts and get your passport stamped. 2. Agent P game - essentially an "eye spy" game around the World Showcase where you find items to help catch Dr Duffenschcmertz from Phineas and Ferb. On top of both of those, the countries will have their areas decorated for Christmas. Have I sold you yet?? )

 

[parkbr]

It's looks like (if I'm adding correctly) that you have 8 non park days out of 13. That's a lot imho...
DS is pretty
much shopping and eating (don't get me wrong, I love both) so is one day and done for me. Your little one won't really care about the difference between the water parks or the pool at CBR, but you and DH might love it. I believe BB is closed for refurb in December, so only TL is open. Personally I would add more days, after 7 days they become really cheap, and you don't have to spend from dawn to dusk in each park.
There are things to do but not 8 days worth without park tickets, imho
A lot of people have given great advice. go to FW, take a sleigh ride in the evening and then go to.the free Chip and Dale sing a long, and roast marshmallows. Spend a night watching a movie on CBRs beach.
Also, try to check in to Sanaa a bit earlier than your ADR time, sunset is around 5:30 in December, and if they are running behind you'll be unable to see the animals. Also highly recommend going to AKL at least an hour before your ADR so you can look out on the savanna. Such a beautiful resort!
Whatever you decide, have fun!

We are getting WPFAM because that was required for free dining package.
My DH and I are talking about adding 3-4 more days. I think it will work out better that way.
To be honest, 4 days vs 3 days are only $21 diff, so may just add 4.

 

[parkbr]

I would add the extra park day for EPCOT and skip Disney Quest. They may not be a lot of games she can play and Disney Quest is closing for good sometime in 2016.
Someone else already said 4 days at Disney Springs seems like a lot of time to just wander around stores, especially with a toddler who will want to get out of the stroller and run around.

She won't play at DQ. She is not yet introduced to screen either, so DQ wil be too much for her.
We're thinking about adding 3-4 more park days. Just adding 4 vs 3 days only cost us $21 extra, we might do 4 days.

 

[parkbr]

Another vote for adding on at least a day for EPCOT, maybe 2. At the front of the park you've got all the rides as previously discussed. However in World Showcase there are 2 free activities for the younger set that your family may enjoy. 1. The world passport - visit the countries, do crafts and get your passport stamped. 2. Agent P game - essentially an "eye spy" game around the World Showcase where you find items to help catch Dr Duffenschcmertz from Phineas and Ferb. On top of both of those, the countries will have their areas decorated for Christmas. Have I sold you yet?? )

Yes you did!!
We are actually adding 2 EPCOT and maybe 1-2 more extra days (1 in HS and 1 as floater).
I took a look at a few stuff that EPCOT had and I am totally sold!! Esp my DD is a HUGE fan of tropical fish, I think she'll love NEMO. and I already got the reservation for Akershus dinner and Chef de France for us (we 3 are all big steak eater). Oh, she'll love it!

 

[Fabooliss]

We took our kids when DS was that age and have eaten at many of the restaurants you have noted. I'll add notes of my opinions below. I noted that you booked WPFM tickets because you had to for free dining. You can also book park hoppers ($20 more?) instead. Much more use at that time of year, and you can hop into EPCOT for dinner!
And we will be there the same time as you, at CBR too.
I notice you've done some, but not all buffets. Your DD will eat free at buffets, but has to eat off your plate at other restaurants. You can order a drink separately at those restaurants. Probably not a problem though, as you noticed, there is Tons of food!

I'd agree with a few more park days, for the cost, you can hit rope drop for a couple hours and have a long afternoon rest and then go to whatever park you want for dinner.

Hello,

<Dinner>
Day1: flight arriving at 6PM. Do QS for dinner
Day2: Boma (no park - DS) Loved the food, buffets are great.
Day3: The Wave (MK) A bit fancier ambience, we went when DS was 6, both kids lay down in the booths for a rest,
Day4: Cape May (no park - stay in the resort and rest) we did dinner, good food, good kid atmosphere
Day5: Tusker House (AK) Trying this for the first time this year
Day6: Chef Mickey's (no theme park - Water Park) Food only OK, DS LOVED seeing Mickey and pals here.
Day7: CRT (MK) never been
Day8: Ohana (no park - Disney Quest) Our whole family's must do dinner
Day9: Sanaa (no park - Mini-golf) Loved it!
Day10: Crystal Palace (MK) OK breakfast, if you are hoping for PPO, we were 3rd into restaurant and didn't get out for over an hour later, past PO
Day11: 1900 Park Fare (no park) Book a late breakfast here (after 10), almost empty, FANTASTIC character interaction, food still hot and fresh
Day12: Not decided yet - maybe Hoop-Dee-Doo or CG (no theme park - Water Park)
Day13: Whispering Canyon (no park) Your DD might be too young to appreciate the shenanigans here? Lots of fun and good food though.
Day14: Flight back at 5pm (leaving the resort around 2:30 I was told)

.

 

[Fabooliss]

Never mind, I figured out the answer!

 

[parkbr]

We took our kids when DS was that age and have eaten at many of the restaurants you have noted. I'll add notes of my opinions below. I noted that you booked WPFM tickets because you had to for free dining. You can also book park hoppers ($20 more?) instead. Much more use at that time of year, and you can hop into EPCOT for dinner!
And we will be there the same time as you, at CBR too.
I notice you've done some, but not all buffets. Your DD will eat free at buffets, but has to eat off your plate at other restaurants. You can order a drink separately at those restaurants. Probably not a problem though, as you noticed, there is Tons of food!

I'd agree with a few more park days, for the cost, you can hit rope drop for a couple hours and have a long afternoon rest and then go to whatever park you want for dinner.

We don't think Park Hopper works for us because our DD is only 2.5 and we want to minimize the travel time.
We know Epcot has great restaurants though. 14 days seems too short to try them all!

Yes. We have to include other places because we love steaks!!!

 

[Fabooliss]

We don't think Park Hopper works for us because our DD is only 2.5 and we want to minimize the travel time.
We know Epcot has great restaurants though. 14 days seems too short to try them all!

Yes. We have to include other places because we love steaks!!!

We found at that age, the mid-day break was very important, we park hopped after the break. DS would often fall asleep on the bus ride back. It is also a chance for one parent to ride the 'big rides' if desired. Actually, although we will probably do a couple days of "commando" touring this time (ages 12 and 15 now), we plan to do the same on this trip, up for rope-drop, afternoon break and then back for dinner.

 

[parkbr]

We found at that age, the mid-day break was very important, we park hopped after the break. DS would often fall asleep on the bus ride back. It is also a chance for one parent to ride the 'big rides' if desired. Actually, although we will probably do a couple days of "commando" touring this time (ages 12 and 15 now), we plan to do the same on this trip, up for rope-drop, afternoon break and then back for dinner.

BTW, yay!!! CBR at the same time!
So u r saying, 1 parents stay behind and do the rides where the other parent take the kids back to the resort?
We are thinking of going somewhere like "Hall of President" if my DD falls asleep so that we can cut down the travel time. I was told it can be really long??
or stroll around if we are at Epcot.
she is showing signs of dropping her nap, but we want her to rest for a bit.