Rough Itinerary for 3 weeks

[BoingBoingBaggie]

Okie dokie folks, I have come up with a rough intinerary - actually, it is about the fourth or fifth attempt, but I would like to run it by you folks.

Our plan was just to give our selves a rough guide of what we might do whilst over there, with suggested days to go to each park and take our time doing the parks - no rush and no hassles with long queues, which is why I have only made certain ADR's at the mo. I have included a few EMH evenings as after reading these boards opinion is divided on them and the only way to find out something for yourself at times is to do it. Flexabilty is the aim of the plan.........

Wed 12 Sep - Flight/Arrival - Downtown Disney
Th 13 Sep - Magic Kingdom - EMH day but our first trip to WDW so we HAVE to start there
Fri 14 Sep - Water Park - DTD for a meal on evening
Sat 15 Sep - Epcot - ADR Boatwrights late evening
Sun 16 Sep - Animal Kingdom - Evening at Epcot
Mon 17 Sep - MGM - ADR = Sci-Fi Dine Theatre and then Fantasmic
Tue 18 Sep - Universal Studios
Wed 19 Sep - Universal Islands of Adventure
Th 20 Sep - Magic Kingdom - ADR = Chef Mickey
Fri 21 Sep - Water Park - Evening at Epcot or MGM
Sat 22 Sep - Seaworld
Sun 23 Sep - Magic Kingdom - ADR Crystal Palace
Mon 24 Sep - Universal Studios and Epcot
Tue 25 Sep - MGM
Wed 26 Sep - Animal Kingdom - EMH I know but I want to see the place in the evening
Thu 27 Sep - Universal IOA then Epcot
Fri 28 Sep - Magic Kingdom - ADR = CRT for a late breakfast then light day and then MNSSHP
Sat 29 Sep - Well deserved lie in - followed by shopping or maybe 1/2 day at Universal or Seaworld - Eat at Citywalk
Sun 30 Sep - Epcot
Mon 1 Oct - MGM (might switch with day before)
Tue 2 Oct - Final Full day so Magic Kingdom
Wed 3 Oct - Check out - DTD - Fly home

Well there we go - It may look a hectic schedule but when you consider that most days will have an afternoon break and we intend NOT to rush around the parks like Rambo, I dont think is seems too bad.

As I said, a few days have ADRs and a few of the days are also EMH days, but all is subject to change!

 

[happyj]

I think you are doing very well as you have not been before .
But I am sure you will change it many times as that is the fun or part the planning.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

What about Busch Gardens in Tampa and Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven?

BobK/Orlando

 

[lgp1]

When I took my children for 3 weeks in 2001 I did the same as you and planned everything we were going to do. When we were actually there I threw the plans away and we did whatever we felt like doing at the time LOL.
I agree with KINGBOBOFTHENORTH try and do Busch Gardens.
Whatever you decide you'll have a brilliant time.

 

[wicket2005]

Sounds excellent and I am pleased to see you are sampling all the main Orlando parks. I always plan where we start each day (quietest park) and then am up for persuasion for the afternoon/evening park if the family don't want to go with the chosen park, or even just hit the shops instead. Far better to know what you are doing to ensure that you cover everything you want on this trip of a lifetime. I hope you have planned around the quietest days for parks because it does make a difference.

Then if you choose to go again you can branch out to other parks and pick and choose rides at the parks you have already done. One thing for sure is that you are in for one truly magical time, the first time is always the best because you just don't know what to expect and quite simply Orlando offers the very best in this type of entertainment. There is no where else like it in the world.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

When I took my children for 3 weeks in 2001 I did the same as you and planned everything we were going to do. When we were actually there I threw the plans away and we did whatever we felt like doing at the time LOL.
I agree with KINGBOBOFTHENORTH try and do Busch Gardens.
Whatever you decide you'll have a brilliant time.

I agree that the plans could well go out of the window when its your first time - but that doesn't matter - the planning is almost as good as the trip itself!!!

The one thing I would disagree with however (and I'm probably in the minority!) is that unless you particularly like more of the 'thrill' rides then I wouldn't bother with Busch Gardens. We finally went there in 2003 after so many people said we shouldn't miss it - neither of us like big roller coasters (I just manage Splash Mountain!) and it was a waste of time and money - plus the scenery and atmosphere isn't a patch on Disney/Universal. IMHO a long drive and a waste of a day!!! (Do you get the impression I'm not a fan!!!)

But whatever you decide - you'll have a great time - And I agree, its impossible not to go to Magic Kingdom the first day when its your first time!!

 

[BoingBoingBaggie]

Thanks for the replies folks.

I have tried to base it around some quiet days but as many of say, I will probably tear the thing up within a day or two of being there..... It is nice to have some kind of plan but as I said in my original flexibilty is the main aim - it is after all a holiday and I dont want to subject the wife and DD to the commando mentality.

As for Busch Gardens, I am unsure as to whether my 5 year old would enjoy it - I have been on their website and read alot of reports and I feel it would be best served for a later trip in a few years when she is bigger. Personally, I am a coaster junkie but I can wait until another time......

 

[scottishsue]

We have never planned an itinery for WDW as it always goes to pot anyway when we get there !!

We just wake up in the mornings and decide where we will go that day.
I find it easier that way.

 

[wicket2005]

As for Busch Gardens, I am unsure as to whether my 5 year old would enjoy it - I have been on their website and read alot of reports and I feel it would be best served for a later trip in a few years when she is bigger. Personally, I am a coaster junkie but I can wait until another time......

We first took our kids back in 1998 when they were 9 and 7 and we all enjoyed the park. We went back in 2005 and though we enjoyed it, we decided we would rather stay in the Orlando area because there was enough to keep us occupied.

The first time we went to Busch Gardens, Animal Kingdom wasn't in existence so it had its niche. Also Islands wasn't open, now Islands has the best rollercoasters along with the Kraken at Sea World, so we don't really feel the need to go down there any more.

 

[Paula WBA]

Looks good Boing Boing, it makes it easier when going for 3 weeks because at least you can pace yourself like you said.

It will be my 6th time going this year and I still haven't been to Busch or Blizzard Beach so whatever you don't get to do this time gives you an excuse to return

 

[ANTSS2001]

Wed 12 Sep - Flight/Arrival - Downtown Disney
Th 13 Sep - Magic Kingdom - EMH day but our first trip to WDW so we HAVE to start there
Fri 14 Sep - Water Park - DTD for a meal on evening
Sat 15 Sep - Epcot - ADR Boatwrights late evening
Sun 16 Sep - Animal Kingdom - Evening at Epcot
Mon 17 Sep - MGM - ADR = Sci-Fi Dine Theatre and then Fantasmic
Tue 18 Sep - Universal Studios
Wed 19 Sep - Universal Islands of Adventure
Th 20 Sep - Magic Kingdom - ADR = Chef Mickey
Fri 21 Sep - Water Park - Evening at Epcot or MGM
Sat 22 Sep - Seaworld
Sun 23 Sep - Magic Kingdom - ADR Crystal Palace
Mon 24 Sep - Universal Studios and Epcot
Tue 25 Sep - MGM
Wed 26 Sep - Animal Kingdom - EMH I know but I want to see the place in the evening
Thu 27 Sep - Universal IOA then Epcot
Fri 28 Sep - Magic Kingdom - ADR = CRT for a late breakfast then light day and then MNSSHP
Sat 29 Sep - Well deserved lie in - followed by shopping or maybe 1/2 day at Universal or Seaworld - Eat at Citywalk
Sun 30 Sep - Epcot
Mon 1 Oct - MGM (might switch with day before)
Tue 2 Oct - Final Full day so Magic Kingdom
Wed 3 Oct - Check out - DTD - Fly home

Well there we go - It may look a hectic schedule but when you consider that most days will have an afternoon break and we intend NOT to rush around the parks like Rambo, I dont think is seems too bad.

As I said, a few days have ADRs and a few of the days are also EMH days, but all is subject to change!

Sounds like a plan... where are you staying ???

 

[BoingBoingBaggie]

We are staying at the Port Orleans Riverside.

The quieter setting and seemingly more laid back atomosphere sold it for myself and DW.

 

[casinocolin]

I think you have done very well for your first plan. You wont need to worry about crowds when you go, we always go this time of year and they are very low, some rides in the early morning and late evening are sometimes walk on with no lines.

We will be there from the 8th Sept to 22nd Sept. Magic Kingdom for the first day is always our choice too, try to get there for the rope drop, there is always lots of characters out at that time and your DD should love that. Have a great holiday.

 

[natalielongstaff]

your plans look great to me not long now

 

[BoingBoingBaggie]

Although it is really an excuse to drag my old thread out of the lower pages, I do actually have a question about Seaworld on a Saturday in September and also the Water Parks on the first Friday (I thought it might be a perfect way to relax and chill out after the effects of the long haul flight). I have noticed on the Busy Day guide that Fri, Sat and Sun are the busiest times to go there.

Does anyone else agree, and how much notice should I take of the busy day guide in September - in other words - How busy are the busy days?

 

[pdw8]

We went by the July busy day guide and I would say it was 95% correct. We didnt do MK until our 4th day and it worked out very well, 30-45 mins most rides, and fastpass for the really busy ones.

Paul

 

[Andy Lou & Meg]

Although it is really an excuse to drag my old thread out of the lower pages, I do actually have a question about Seaworld on a Saturday in September and also the Water Parks on the first Friday (I thought it might be a perfect way to relax and chill out after the effects of the long haul flight). I have noticed on the Busy Day guide that Fri, Sat and Sun are the busiest times to go there.

Does anyone else agree, and how much notice should I take of the busy day guide in September - in other words - How busy are the busy days?

The crowds will be low during your stay and I dont think you will have much of a problem so I would say go ahead a planned (just remember not to go to water park during the weekend unless you have no other choice).

Just one thing if you are doing a water park on your second day remember that you will still be getting up very early and the water parks do not open until 10am so you will have quite a few hours to kill (would suggest going out for breakfast, maybe a trip to Walmart - if you have a car) from previous experience we always try to hit the parks for the first 3 - 4 days by then we have got over the jet lag and are ready for a "rest day" at one of the water parks (we also plan water parks for days when we know we will be having a late night the night before eg Spectro, Wishes etc)
Not long now!!!!!!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Water parks are generally busier at weekends irrespective of the time of year but I wouldn't have thought they would be packed in September like they are in the summer months.

 

[tashasmum]

What about Busch Gardens in Tampa and Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven?

BobK/Orlando

KingBobOfTheNorth, we have been to Florida many times but have never done Cypress Gardens, we are thinking about it this time, do you recommend it.

TIA

 

[BoingBoingBaggie]

The crowds will be low during your stay and I dont think you will have much of a problem so I would say go ahead a planned (just remember not to go to water park during the weekend unless you have no other choice).

Just one thing if you are doing a water park on your second day remember that you will still be getting up very early and the water parks do not open until 10am so you will have quite a few hours to kill (would suggest going out for breakfast, maybe a trip to Walmart - if you have a car) from previous experience we always try to hit the parks for the first 3 - 4 days by then we have got over the jet lag and are ready for a "rest day" at one of the water parks (we also plan water parks for days when we know we will be having a late night the night before eg Spectro, Wishes etc)
Not long now!!!!!!

ARG!!! That was close!!

Many thanks for pointing that out for me - It had completely slipped my mind, but this now means I can go at my plan with renewed gusto!

Six weeks from now - The Guest family hit Florida