Should we do it all or will be get overwhelmed?

[mermaidwannabe]

We'll be at DW for 5 days so I figured one day each at MK, AK, MGM and Epcot and then a free day for the kids to choose or try BB. Should we do all the parades and fireworks shows at the parks? We were going to miss Spectro, the MGM parade and Fantasmic just because I thought "we can't do it all". Or can we? Or should we?

 

[Vanryan]

How old are your kids?

 

[minkydog]

It depends. If the kids are not nappers, if the weather cooperates, if it's not summer, if you have the stamina, then yes, you can do 4 parks in 5 days. i have done it in the winter with my two older kids. We tried but could not do it with my younger autistic son and 71yo mom in tow. in fact, we found that by taking one day off in the middle, we were all relaxed and had a much better time, so now that's our plan.

Think of this as your "first trip" not your "only trip".

 

[zurgswife]

I would never recommend a do it all philosophy for anybody ...once and a life time trip or not......pick and choose what you want to try.

Spectro is kind of neat I might do that but skip the parades at MGM and AK...spend some time asking questions then decided..

 

[mermaidwannabe]

Thanks for the replies. My DDs are 8,5 and 2 so I bet we'd be coming back to the resort to swim. That's why I thought it would be exhausting going back after swimming but maybe not.

 

[Valera]

One suggestion is to purchase the park hopping option for atleast one of your days. AK closes early and unless you want to every single ride, show, shop, and walk every path, this park does not take a full day.

We saw and did most everything we planned on doing AK on an early entry morning (are you staying on-site)? If so it makes it easy to go back for an afternoon swim and then back to the parks in the later evenings. Though with a 2 year old that might be difficult depending on the sleeping schedule.

Whatever you do make SURE you plan on afternoon breaks. Especially if you go during the summer, it is HOT and the heat will wear on you.

One other thought with childrent the ages that you mentioned will you really be doing all the rides? There were many rides we didn't do as we aren't thrill seekers.

Enjoy your trip and try to the allearsnet.com site for good ride descriptions.

 

[Schmeck]

How tall is the 2 yr old? If not 40", then there are quite a few rides she isn't tall enough for. . Most of Frontierland, to be exact...

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I would take the break for a swim/nap and then go back at night. That's what we've always done with little ones. You might not be able to do everything but I would suggest you don't skip Spectro and Wishes and try to see Fantasmic on your first trip.

 

[danny1649]

Can do without wearing everyone out to much.That means it would be hard to fit it all in with 5 days.So decide what you don't want to miss and what you would be willing to forgo until a future trip.I think that is what you are planning on doing and I think that is a good plan.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) You CANNOT do it all at WDW in 5-days.
2) You CANNOT do it all at WDW in 10-days.
3) Just make your plan of Must-Do items.
. . . read 3 guide books
. . . everyone pick three Must-Do's.
. . . plan to cover them all
4) I would say to forget the water park(s).
5) Spend all five days (minus any rest time) at the parks.
6) For this kind of expense, you should see as much as possible.

 

[henrylovespooh]

Since you have a 2 year old, I would skip Fantasmic this time around. Might be scary for him and requires him to stay up later than you might want. My 2 and 3 year olds loved Spectro and Wishes.

We did AK from park opening till about 2 and felt we covered it. The parade is cute but I wouldn't hang out just for it - it's over in 10 minutes. We have done both parks in one day - one in the morning, then a break, then other other later in the day. Or you can do each park in the morning/early afternoon and then swim and either go back to the same parks at dinner time or evening to see what you missed earlier.

I could spend a full day in Epcot and obviously MK. I love both MK parades as do my kids. Depending on when you go and how late the park is open, you could go to MK early and then take a break and go back for the parade and dinner, or stay until the parade, then take a break and come back in the evening. At Epcot my DH and I just love to wander around the World Showcase, doing multiple loops, plus take time in Future World. I haven't seen Illuminations yet because my kids are in bed before it starts, but it's on my list for the next trip when they're older.

A park hopper pass is a must for us so we have the flexibility of doing a nighttime show in one park if we went to another park during the day. We always try to do each park once before we get to the end of the trip so that the last park day is picked based on what we missed and where we want to spend the last day.

 

[mermaidwannabe]

Sorry for the lack of info. We'll be staying at the Poly so afternoon breaks will be easy. We're going the last week of April so it shouldn't be too hot then. ??
My oldest daughter is just turning 8 in a month so I doubt we'll be going on all the thrill rides. I have been back and forth about buying the park hopper option since that is an additional $140 but it seems like it would be worth it. Thanks for the replies!

 

[popy]

I would say attack the parks, if you did not have the 2 year old.
With that in mind, get a map, have a plan and stck to it the best
you can. But, do not get overwhelmed and sticking to your plan
will keep the overwhelmes off of you.

 

[doodlebug]

Some really good advice here... We are going to be there for 10 days and don't feel like we will be able to do all that we want to!!!!

 

[mikewdw]

is there another adult with you? if so all of the parks have baby centers where it is cool and good place to take the 2 yr old for a rest while the others stay with the other adult. my wife and i went with our 1 yr old in dec and she said the rooms were wonderful. i am sure others here can give you more info on them but that might be a way to rest the little one while the other two do some more of the park. i would try to see the parades and fireworks if possible, i think that is one of the things disney does best. there are probably other amusement parks closere to your house but i dont believe any one does the shows and parades and fireworks better than disney. we have been 6 times and still try to see all of them every trip.
hope this gives you some more info.
mikewdw

 

[mermaidwannabe]

mikewdw- yes my DH will be with me, so he'll be lots of help. I'm intrigued by these baby centers!! Does anyone know where these are?? Will they be on the maps? I will try and do a few parades and Wishes and Illuminations. We don't have ANY amusement parks in Montana, LOL. The closest one is in Washington so we're all going to be blown away regardless. Thanks for everyone's advice and if anyone has anymore info on the baby centers, I'd be thrilled to hear it!