Please critique my plans. First timer here!

[Orangeballer]

First off, thanks so much for any help you can give. We are a family of 5 with my boys being 8, 9, and 10. We are definitely not much of a roller coaster family. We arrive at 9:15 this Friday and are staying @ POR.

Friday 3/17

Animal Kingdom
Flame Tree @ 12 for lunch
Dinosaur FP+ @ 1
Kali River rapids FP+ @ 3:20
Festival of Lion King @ 5
Safari FP+ @ 6
Dinner @ Boma @ 8 @ AK Lodge

Saturday 3/18
Rope Drop to sign up for Jedi Academy
Great Movie Ride
SW Launch Bay
Star Tours FP+ @11
Jedi Training @ 11:40
Lunch @ 12:15
Muppets FP+ @ 1:30
Indiana Jones @ 3:15
Toy Story FP+ @ 4:15
Beauty & the Beast @ 5
Hollywood & Vine @ 6
Fantasmic @ 8:30

Sunday 3/19

Beauty & the Beast movie @ Springs @ 10AM
Lunch @Springs
Then to MK:
BTMR FP+ @ 3:50
Jungle Cruise FP+ @ 5:05
Pirates FP+ @ 6:05
Whispering Canyon Cafe @ 8:10 @ Wilderness Lodge

Monday 3/20
MK
Rope Drop to Peter Pan's Flight
Haunted Mansion
It's a Small World
SDMT FP+ @ 10:30
Tomorrowland Speedway FP+ @ 12
Lunch in Tomorrowland
Buzz Lightyear FP+ @ 2
Tony's Town Square @ 7:45

Tuesday 3/21
Epcot
Rope Drop to Soarin'
Mission Space FP+ @ 9:30
Spaceship Earth FP+ @ 10:40
Countries including lunch @ 11:30
Coral Reef @ 4
Test Track FP+ @ 7:50
La Hacienda de San Angel @ 8:45 to see Illuminations


Please let me know what you guys think

 

[jawa7400]

Looks like a great plan. Enjoy your trip!

 

[chicagoshannon]

The only issue I see is maybe the FP for Star Tours at 11 and Jedi Training at 11:40. last time we were there we had to be at the meeting spot about 30 minutes before the show. That would not leave much time to do both Star Tours and be there in time for the training. Maybe they do things differently now though.

 

[BalooFan]

I have a few comments. If anyone in your party has motion sickness issues, after lunch you may want to use your Dinosaur FP toward the end of the FP window. This is based on my personal experience of grabbing lunch at Flame Tree and then going directly to Dinosaur. Between the food, the heat, and the ride, I was a little green for a while. The 4:15 pm FP for TSMM followed by 5:00 pm Beauty and the Beast sounds iffy to me; you may be able to do it, but you will have to hustle. You may have too much dining on your final day, with lunch in the World Showcase, a 4:00 pm meal at Coral Reef, and an 8:45 pm dinner at La Hacienda. Also, if you are hoping for a good view of Illuminations at La Hacienda, you may want to try to schedule an earlier time. Overall, you have done a nice job. You should be able to work a lot more into your schedule on the fly. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Dumbo7]

I think this looks great. Unless your boys are really into fish I'd skip corAl reef. It's not a very good restaurant. Are any of your restaurants character experiences? I always like one per trip.

 

[glassslippergirl]

Hacienda is my favorite restaurant, but I don't think you'll be able to see Illuminations with an 8:45 ADR. The tables by the windows go earlier in the evening, and people hold them until the show. I'd make an earlier ADR around 7 (drop Coral Reef) and try for a window table or just eat and find viewing outside around the lake. There's good viewing everywhere. Also, try to get in a viewing of Wishes at MK.

 

[jade'nsuch]

If you're able to, I would highly recommend getting the My Disney Experience app. I found it incredibly helpful on my last trip because you're able to drop and pick up FPs from it. There are FP kiosks of course but we had such trouble with them on one of our last trips that we decided to rely on the app for this past go round. We were even able to swap dining reservations around, as well as pick up FPs while walking from one ride to another. I'm pretty sure you still have to use all three FPs before you can start picking others up, but honestly I can't remember (hopefully somebody else can confirm or deny this). I know we were able to delete the unused FPs for family members that didn't do certain rides (me, it was me. I am the problem child, but I just can't stand rollercoasters and rides with drops lol) We were able to see what FPs were available for whichever land we were in so we weren't running and backtracking so much (we still did some backtracking, its Disney World after all).
On a somewhat unrelated note, I just wanted to say that my family absolutely loved Tony's Town Square and I hope yours will, too! We had heard so many negative things about it but decided to give it a shot anyways and we were so glad that we did. The decor is adorable, there is an absolutely precious fountain of Lady and the Tramp inside, and if it's not too hectic, you can find their paw prints inside a heart in the concrete outside the restaurant. Hope you enjoy your trip!

 

[nkereina]

On your AK day, don't underestimate how wet you will get on Kali River Rapids. I would either bring a bag with a change of clothes for everyone or drop it, if it were me. We don't do Kali often, but when we do, we make it our very last ride so we can get back to our resort as quickly as possible. Walking around in soaked clothes is no fun.

For your MK, DHS, and Epcot days, it looks like you're doing those straight through with no break. A lot of people go with that strategy but for us, even as two adults, we need a break at some point or else we wouldn't make it to the evening stuff. I also agree with PP about La Hacienda. 8:45pm is too late to get a table there with any kind of Illuminations view. Besides that, there are only a few tables at La Hacienda that actually have a view. If you aren't lucky enough to get one of them, then you won't see much of the show. If you really want to have an ADR for Illuminations, Rose & Crown is your best bet. Even if you don't get a table with a view, you can move to their standing room viewing area when Illuminations starts. Personally though, I don't think an ADR is necessary to see the show. We don't bother with it anymore.

 

[JackOliva07013]

I wouldnt trade MK night parade and fireworks for WL meal on Sunday. I understand you may see it on Monday since its your second MK day but.... I wouldnt trade the meal for the best time in MK for kids. Please re-think it. you can get food anywhere and the parade / fireworks beat any meal.

also your first full day at HS. it will be a long day from rope drop to last show. it will be a long day and if you go during the summer - I would re-think if it wouldnt be better to add mid day break at hotel pool. Your kids are a little bit older than mine, but it will be a long day for adults too.

also on your second day at MK - you could probably squeeze in Little Mermaid after "its a small world" since its fast loading ride and just few steps from your next FP.

and final comment - Tomorrows Land Speedway --- not my favorite ride and I wouldnt waste FP on it. others my like it - i would have picked Space Moutain.

Sunday 3/19

Beauty & the Beast movie @ Springs @ 10AM
Lunch @Springs
Then to MK:
BTMR FP+ @ 3:50
Jungle Cruise FP+ @ 5:05
Pirates FP+ @ 6:05
Whispering Canyon Cafe @ 8:10 @ Wilderness Lodge

Monday 3/20
MK
Rope Drop to Peter Pan's Flight
Haunted Mansion
It's a Small World
SDMT FP+ @ 10:30
Tomorrowland Speedway FP+ @ 12
Lunch in Tomorrowland
Buzz Lightyear FP+ @ 2
Tony's Town Square @ 7:45


Please let me know what you guys think

 

[Orangeballer]

I have a few comments. If anyone in your party has motion sickness issues, after lunch you may want to use your Dinosaur FP toward the end of the FP window. This is based on my personal experience of grabbing lunch at Flame Tree and then going directly to Dinosaur. Between the food, the heat, and the ride, I was a little green for a while. The 4:15 pm FP for TSMM followed by 5:00 pm Beauty and the Beast sounds iffy to me; you may be able to do it, but you will have to hustle. You may have too much dining on your final day, with lunch in the World Showcase, a 4:00 pm meal at Coral Reef, and an 8:45 pm dinner at La Hacienda. Also, if you are hoping for a good view of Illuminations at La Hacienda, you may want to try to schedule an earlier time. Overall, you have done a nice job. You should be able to work a lot more into your schedule on the fly. Have a wonderful trip!

Thanks for the tip about Flame Tree followed by Dinosaur. I won't have an issue but my wife and one of my boys probably would. I will cancel La Hacienda since it was just to see the fireworks.

I think this looks great. Unless your boys are really into fish I'd skip corAl reef. It's not a very good restaurant. Are any of your restaurants character experiences? I always like one per trip.

Coral Reef is one of the few things I remember about Epcot when I was a kid so that's why we are going there. Minnie and friends are supposed to be at H&V at DHS but we're not really big on the characters and meet and greets.

Hacienda is my favorite restaurant, but I don't think you'll be able to see Illuminations with an 8:45 ADR. The tables by the windows go earlier in the evening, and people hold them until the show. I'd make an earlier ADR around 7 (drop Coral Reef) and try for a window table or just eat and find viewing outside around the lake. There's good viewing everywhere. Also, try to get in a viewing of Wishes at MK.

Thanks for the advice so we will cancel and find somewhere else to watch.

If you're able to, I would highly recommend getting the My Disney Experience app. I found it incredibly helpful on my last trip because you're able to drop and pick up FPs from it. There are FP kiosks of course but we had such trouble with them on one of our last trips that we decided to rely on the app for this past go round. We were even able to swap dining reservations around, as well as pick up FPs while walking from one ride to another. I'm pretty sure you still have to use all three FPs before you can start picking others up, but honestly I can't remember (hopefully somebody else can confirm or deny this). I know we were able to delete the unused FPs for family members that didn't do certain rides (me, it was me. I am the problem child, but I just can't stand rollercoasters and rides with drops lol) We were able to see what FPs were available for whichever land we were in so we weren't running and backtracking so much (we still did some backtracking, its Disney World after all).
On a somewhat unrelated note, I just wanted to say that my family absolutely loved Tony's Town Square and I hope yours will, too! We had heard so many negative things about it but decided to give it a shot anyways and we were so glad that we did. The decor is adorable, there is an absolutely precious fountain of Lady and the Tramp inside, and if it's not too hectic, you can find their paw prints inside a heart in the concrete outside the restaurant. Hope you enjoy your trip!

The app is incredible so thanks for the tip. Looking forward to Tony's as well.

On your AK day, don't underestimate how wet you will get on Kali River Rapids. I would either bring a bag with a change of clothes for everyone or drop it, if it were me. We don't do Kali often, but when we do, we make it our very last ride so we can get back to our resort as quickly as possible. Walking around in soaked clothes is no fun.

For your MK, DHS, and Epcot days, it looks like you're doing those straight through with no break. A lot of people go with that strategy but for us, even as two adults, we need a break at some point or else we wouldn't make it to the evening stuff. I also agree with PP about La Hacienda. 8:45pm is too late to get a table there with any kind of Illuminations view. Besides that, there are only a few tables at La Hacienda that actually have a view. If you aren't lucky enough to get one of them, then you won't see much of the show. If you really want to have an ADR for Illuminations, Rose & Crown is your best bet. Even if you don't get a table with a view, you can move to their standing room viewing area when Illuminations starts. Personally though, I don't think an ADR is necessary to see the show. We don't bother with it anymore.

Thanks for the tips. We will be mindful of the Rapids and I scheduled the safari after it so maybe we could dry off some.

I know we don't have many breaks but I'm not sure when we will make it back. However, we pretty much only have shows in the afternoon at DHS. We're doing a movie and taking it easy at Springs in the morning and afternoon on our middle day, and we don't have much planned in the afternoon for our full day at MK so I hope that will be enough. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[richmo]

Your plan looks fine to me. My only comment, which is especially for first timers, is to remember that you can't do everything. The enormity of WDW can be pretty overwhelming for some and remember, especially with 3 relatively young children, they may burn out. They're old enough that it may not be an issue, but walking miles and miles each day can take its toll. Your schedule looks good, but keep room for spontaneity and flexibility. After some rides, you're going to hear "let's do it again!". Whether you do that or make sure you make your next FP will be your call. Have a great time!

 

[Orangeballer]

I wouldnt trade MK night parade and fireworks for WL meal on Sunday. I understand you may see it on Monday since its your second MK day but.... I wouldnt trade the meal for the best time in MK for kids. Please re-think it. you can get food anywhere and the parade / fireworks beat any meal.

also your first full day at HS. it will be a long day from rope drop to last show. it will be a long day and if you go during the summer - I would re-think if it wouldnt be better to add mid day break at hotel pool. Your kids are a little bit older than mine, but it will be a long day for adults too.

also on your second day at MK - you could probably squeeze in Little Mermaid after "its a small world" since its fast loading ride and just few steps from your next FP.

and final comment - Tomorrows Land Speedway --- not my favorite ride and I wouldnt waste FP on it. others my like it - i would have picked Space Moutain.

Thanks for all the tips. We are going on Friday and the weather is supposed to be really nice and not too warm until the last 2 days. My understanding is that there isn't a night parade anymore @ MK?

 

[Orangeballer]

Your plan looks fine to me. My only comment, which is especially for first timers, is to remember that you can't do everything. The enormity of WDW can be pretty overwhelming for some and remember, especially with 3 relatively young children, they may burn out. They're old enough that it may not be an issue, but walking miles and miles each day can take its toll. Your schedule looks good, but keep room for spontaneity and flexibility. After some rides, you're going to hear "let's do it again!". Whether you do that or make sure you make your next FP will be your call. Have a great time!

Thanks for the advice. I'm trying to be realistic about how much we will be able to do but we are just so excited. I did schedule most of the important stuff early just in case though.

 

[JackOliva07013]

Thanks for all the tips. We are going on Friday and the weather is supposed to be really nice and not too warm until the last 2 days. My understanding is that there isn't a night parade anymore @ MK?

I dont know that so I cant help you.

also on your Epcot Day: if you do Soarin first, than do Living with the land ( same building and should be walk on ) and than go to the next building for Nemo ride and than late for first FP and right after that you will have second available.

 

[ariane37]

Thanks for all the tips. We are going on Friday and the weather is supposed to be really nice and not too warm until the last 2 days. My understanding is that there isn't a night parade anymore @ MK?

Correct, no more evening parade at MK unfortunately.