please comment on my schedule

[xyymom]

This is my latest 'draft'! Kids are 8,6&4

Sat. - Arrive dinner time. Grocery shopping, relax.
Sun. - DTD (is this open in the morning on Sundays?) rest in the afternoon. MNSSHP 4pm-whenever the kids crash.
Mon. - MGM (approx 11am/noon-close 7:30? or whenever the kids are tired)
Tues. - MK go in am. PS for Cinderella's breakfast (but close to lunch time) Break after parade/early dinner at hotel. Back for evening?
Wed. - Typhoon lagoon mid morning. Relax in evening.
Thurs. - AK 9-5 with break? MK in evening (if the kids want to go back) Could also substitute evening at MGM or Epcot
Fri. - Epcot (with substantial aft. break) PS for Mickeys Ice Cream Social
Sat. - leave for home

As you can see I'm planning to avoid EMH since we're offsite. We also have a full kitchen in our suite so I'm hoping to save by eating there a couple of nights for dinner. I've also tried to follow up a big walking day with a break. I'm still unsure how long it's going to take us to leave the park/travel to hotel (Homewood Suites) and back to hotel so this is a working draft We also want to see nightime events; especially parades, my kids love them, but I also want them to see the MK afternoon parade at least once... but I don't want to wear them out.

Thanks if you have suggestions, I'm new at this!

 

[Cruise04]

I personally think your schedule looks good. Just don't miss the Jammin' Jungle Parade in Animal Kingdom - it's a great "rockin'" type of parade - the kids should love it. A lot of CM interaction with the kids.

Just remember to figure it may take you longer to get there and park (unless you are using hotel transportation) since you are offsite so just plan for it and don't get too discouraged.

I don't know what the hours are for DTD on Sunday's but I'm sure someone else can help you on that.

If it's hot, I would encourage breaks like you have built in - will save everyone's sanity! Have a great time.

 

[Miniefan]

Your schedule sounds so similar to mine it's a little scary....What are the exact dates you are going to be there?? My MIL works at the Homewood Suites here in Pensacola, Fl where we live and I thought we would stay there but my husband insisted that we stay on-property, and after I thought about it, it made a lot more sense so we compromised and are staying at the Ft. Wilderness Cabins, and now being on the boards I have found out so much info about them and it is going to be great. hope you enjoy your trip.
Kim

 

[Miniefan]

BTW, I don't know if you have ever stayed at the homewood suites, but I have stayed at the one here in my hometown, and we thought they had a full kitchen but, it is just 2 stove burners on the counter top, a sink, a fridge, a small dishwasher, a microwave, and only the very basic utensils for 4. However, here they do have a breakfast buffet every morning and their Manager's reception Mon-Thurs, here the managers reception is a dinner with unlimited beer, wine and soda. A pretty good deal for some I guess but I wouldn't be able to cook a complet meal without an oven and with only the 2 stove burners, but you could probably bring a crockpot or something similar like an electric skillet, or toaster oven. Hope this extra info helps.
kim

 

[Dopey Sharon]

I'm assuming you'll be there in October, since you're going to MNSSHP.

On Thursday, you're planning on going to AK from 9-5, then to another park for the evening. At that time of year, the MK and MGM close around 6pm. I would plan on Epcot, since they are open the latest.

 

[xyymom]

Miniefan ~ We're going Oct.2-9.

My brochure on the Homewood Suites says "Fully Equipped Kitchen"....if there is no oven how can it be fully equipped? I doubt I'd use the oven anyway (my kids are more the spaghetti type than roasts and who has the time on vacation?) but I will look into it further. Thanks for the heads up! I may have to bring an extra set of dishes if there is only enough for 4, or do you think they'd give us an extra set? The room says it's good for up to 6 people, you'd think they'd have at least 6 of everything

Cruise04 ~ What time is the AK parade....I definitely don't want to miss that!

Thanks everyone

 

[XStAnt]

It appears you only have one full day in each park (plus MNSSHP). My only real comment is on your first full day. You don't have anything major planned until MNSSHP that evening. With kids at those ages they will be dying to do SOMETHING!! The energy level will be up and they will go stir crazy. DTD (even if it is open early) will not give them enough to do, especially for a first day. I would consider adding some more park time that day. Perhaps go to a park at around 10:00 am- 11:00 am and stay until about 4:00 pm. Then you can go back and rest up/eat dinner before going to MNSSHP that evening. Yes, it will be a long day but your kids will have tons of energy then and will be ready, willing and able to do some running around. I wouldn't waste that first day.

You don't say what type of tickets you have, so I'm not sure if you can do another park day. If not you may want to check out DQ, go to the petting zoo or ride a pony at FW, play mini-golf, or rent a water mouse at one of the Disney resorts. I guess the point is simply to do something your first day to get your kids in the Disney spirit. Sitting around a hotel all day is not fun for kids at that age.