Schedule for 7 day trip?

[Hopeful8]

I'm a big planner so looking forward to our (first!) WDW April trip and starting to plan out our daily schedule. Is this a realistic schedule for my family- DH, myself and our 8 year olds (my son is NOT into walking a lot so should I rent a stroller???). We are staying at Windsor Hills so we don't feel Disney overloaded. My husband works very hard so I want this to be a relaxing trip for him, as much as possible!

arrive on a Saturday: take it easy, grocery shop, swim, just relax
Sunday: Magic Kingdom at rope drop, until about 2pm and then swim, relax at townhouse
Monday: full day at SeaWorld
Tuesday: Hollywood Studios at rope drop, until 1pm, then swim, relax at townhouse
Wednesday: Animal Kingdom at rope drop, until about 2pm, then swim, relax
Thurs: Magic Kingdom for half day
Fri: Gatorland (my son LOVES alligators) for the morning then swim, relax, maybe go to Lego Imagination Centre in afternoon
Sat: back home

I chose certain days for certain parks based on the crowd calendars.

What do you experts think?

Thank you!

ETA: I should have said we are going the last week of April, so hopefully crows won't be horrendous.

 

[mcjaco]

I'd say that's more than fair. It's spring break time, so it'll be a bit more hectic with crowds.

We just did a similar schedule with my 2 1/2 twins.

Epcot from open to 3.
MK from open to 3 (swam at the hotel)
AK from open to 3 (swam at the hotel)
DHS from open to 3
MK for MVMCP from 4 to 10.
Sea World from 10 to 2 (swam at the hotel)

We elected to not go back after swimming as the kids we're just wiped out. It worked well, especially knowing that we had two days to get most of MK in.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Why no visit to Epcot? You also might want to spend more than a haf day in the parks. On your arrival day, it might be fun to visit Downtown Disney or go miniature golfing. I don't want to get into the millionth stroller debate here, but a stroller for a normal 8 year old is ridiculous. Make him walk. You can always stop and rest.

 

[Hopeful8]

Why no visit to Epcot? You also might want to spend more than a haf day in the parks. On your arrival day, it might be fun to visit Downtown Disney or go miniature golfing. I don't want to get into the millionth stroller debate here, but a stroller for a normal 8 year old is ridiculous. Make him walk. You can always stop and rest.

Thank you - I was thinking the same thing until I spoke with a neighbour who said she rented a stroller for her 6 & 9 years olds last year and said that a stroller was an absolute must.

I looked into Epcot and I just thought that there wasn't enough that would interest the kids. My kids are a bit on the young side of 8 so I thought 2 days at Magic Kingdom would be more up their alley.

 

[Hopeful8]

I'd say that's more than fair. It's spring break time, so it'll be a bit more hectic with crowds.

We just did a similar schedule with my 2 1/2 twins.

Epcot from open to 3.
MK from open to 3 (swam at the hotel)
AK from open to 3 (swam at the hotel)
DHS from open to 3
MK for MVMCP from 4 to 10.
Sea World from 10 to 2 (swam at the hotel)

We elected to not go back after swimming as the kids we're just wiped out. It worked well, especially knowing that we had two days to get most of MK in.

Sounds good - was 10 to 2pm enough at SeaWorld?

 

[mrsp1030]

I would definitely plan a trip back to MK in the evening to catch fireworks and parade!

 

[mcjaco]

Sounds good - was 10 to 2pm enough at SeaWorld?

I'll be honest, we had free tickets from a friend that works for the park, so we didn't really care.....

To answer, no it is not. We did the entire kids area of rides, I rode Manta, ate lunch, went through Shark Encounter, and that was it.

I'd plan to stay until at least 4. Again, if you're there at opening, you can get in before the crowd rolls in...which still is not bad.

 

[Hopeful8]

I'll be honest, we had free tickets from a friend that works for the park, so we didn't really care.....

To answer, no it is not. We did the entire kids area of rides, I rode Manta, ate lunch, went through Shark Encounter, and that was it.

I'd plan to stay until at least 4. Again, if you're there at opening, you can get in before the crowd rolls in...which still is not bad.

Good to know! Thanks!

 

[Hopeful8]

I would definitely plan a trip back to MK in the evening to catch fireworks and parade!

Thank you - I will fit that in!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I think that's reasonable although I would probably extend your planned park time by another hour or two each day. If the kids are having fun I would be prepared to stay longer. Even if you are back at the townhouse by 4p each day that is a lot of sit around down time. The drive to Windsor Hills is fast, we are staying there in March.

 

[Jess4WDW]

I agree that a stroller is good to have when your son needs a break, that way he can rest but it won't slow you down! I don't understand why some people get so opinionated about this. You know what works best for your child. I think 2 days at Magic kingdom is a good idea, we always allot at least 2 days there. We also enjoy Epcot, my kids love test track and soarin. The imagination pavilions are fun for kids and we enjoy the aquarium and Nemo ride. Just some things to consider

 

[Hopeful8]

I think that's reasonable although I would probably extend your planned park time by another hour or two each day. If the kids are having fun I would be prepared to stay longer. Even if you are back at the townhouse by 4p each day that is a lot of sit around down time. The drive to Windsor Hills is fast, we are staying there in March.

I'm so glad to hear that the drive to WH is fast! From what I've read, flexibility is key to having a good time - I will be prepared to stay longer if everyone is having fun!

I agree that a stroller is good to have when your son needs a break, that way he can rest but it won't slow you down! I don't understand why some people get so opinionated about this. You know what works best for your child. I think 2 days at Magic kingdom is a good idea, we always allot at least 2 days there. We also enjoy Epcot, my kids love test track and soarin. The imagination pavilions are fun for kids and we enjoy the aquarium and Nemo ride. Just some things to consider

Thanks for the tip on the stroller - I'm keeping my mind open to using one. A friend of mine returned yesterday and she has a 7 yr old and an 8 yr old and her girls are similar in nature to my kids so I'll ask her opinion.