Resort heavy trip with split stay?

[moesy4]

We are currently booked at CBR for 7 nights with a 6 day non park hopper plus one "perk" of a water park or mini golf or Quest. We will have a 1, 2, and 6 year old with us. DH is a willing participant on the trip, but this wasn't his first choice of vacation. He is worried it is going to be super stressful and busy with the kids. I'm really happy just going to MK and enjoying staying on site, and so we are debating adding an extra day, doing a split stay, and cutting our park tickets back to 3 day tickets. We would arrive Saturday, do a stay...somewhere?, just do resort days and Downtown Disney and probably a water park (perk of our TA) until Tuesday. Head for a long day at MK, and come back to CBR for the rest of the trip with MK again on Thursday and probably Epcot on Saturday. Then fly home early Sunday if we can find good flights.

Thoughts on this idea? Where do you recommend staying the first 3 nights? Was debating between a LM room at AOA or POFQ. Looking to spend about $150 a night or less at a place with nice pools and/or activities such as the boat access to DTD. Or do you think a split stay would be too big of an adjustment to the little ones? We are planning to do a long park day with stroller naps at MK so we wouldn't need the room during the day.

 

[moesy4]

Meant to say I realize POFQ doesn't have much for a pool, but I'm assuming the splash area will be done by then? We are going in May.

 

[BabyHabs]

I would kept the 6 day park passes and do shorter days in the park. We also have 3 kids and keep each day to half days. A lot less stress and racing around. I think needing to move in the middle of the week with small kids would be a lot more stressful.

 

[disneyktee]

I would agreee to keep the 6 day passes but do lighter days. I've always found split stays more stressful because I like to unpack, then have to repack, then unpack, then repack, it's just disruptive so unless I really want to be at both resorts I try to avoid it. If you have more days you don't have to rush around, just go to whatever your fastpasses are and enjoy being in the park! Also, I would definitely suggest an AK day, there's so many interactive places with the animals, they really do a lot to engage the kids if you have the time to slow down and look around there!

Between those three, POFQ is stunning, really, it's just beautiful and charming, but my impression is that the kids might like AoA more. Then again, DH might appreciate a gorgeous resort more.

 

[tinkerbee]

With 3 children at that age personally I think switching resorts will just cause more stress. Keep the 6 day tickets and take a more laidback approach to the vacation. Have a great time!

 

[Tom P.]

We are experienced with vacationing with small children -- we have 5 children, the oldest of which is just getting ready to turn 9 -- and I would echo what the others have said: keep the 6 day ticket. At that age, you're not going to be able to go "park commando" and try to squeeze in everything you want to do in a single big park day. The kids will hit their limit and get cranky, your husband will feel the stress, and the combination of those things together will make you miserable. We find it far, far better to have more days available to go to the parks, and keep our park days shorter. I personally think you will be happier if you do that as well.

Regarding a split stay, I personally would recommend against that as well. I know some will talk about how easy Disney makes it to switch resorts -- and it's true, they do a great job -- but you're still taking a good part of your day to re-pack and re-unpack. Additionally, you didn't mention if you're doing the dining plan or not, but if you are, a split stay can make that a bit more complicated as well, which could equate to it adding another element of stress for your husband. Given his reservations, and given the age of your kids, I'd opt for as many ways to slow the pace as possible.

One last thing: in your "reduced park days" plan, you mention only going to MK and Epcot. I don't know if you had originally planned to hit the other parks or not, but I personally think it's a mistake to forget about the other two parks. Yes, MK is what equates to "Disney World" for most people, and we do spend way more time there than in any other park ourselves. But I think all of the parks have something unique and special to offer. For example, for kids at the ages yours are, I think the Disney Junior Live on Stage show at Hollywood Studios is not to be missed, as is Toy Story Midway Mania. At Animal Kingdom, our young kids go absolutely nuts for the huge Boneyard play area, and really enjoy the Affection Section where the kids get to pet and interact with a variety of animals.

I hope that helps some. It's all just personal opinion, of course. Whatever you do, I'm sure you and your children will end up enjoying it. While a certain amount of planning is necessary for any WDW vacation, just try to slow down and enjoy the experience. I think you'll have a much better vacation that way than being concerned about squeezing absolutely every last thing in.