Skipping the parks @ night w/small kids?

[jeast]

We're going for six days with DS5 and DD2. Except for one day when we have MNSSHP at night, I'm leaning towards spending the mornings in the park and doing other things at night like DTD or Boardwalk. We're only spending 4 days of the 6 at the park to begin with. Am I cheating the kids?

Here's our current plan for 10/1-10/7

Sat: arrive early aft. Eat @ Chef Mickey's
Sun: MK in a.m., lunch in park, nap @ resort, back to MK for MNSSHP by 5:30
Mon: sleep in, MGM for 12:20 lunch@ sci-fi, mgm, dinner@ Mama's, fantasmic.
Tues: Rest day, DTD 3:00ish. Dinner @ rainforest? Swim/early bed.
Wed: MK in a.m., lunch@ park, rest@ resort, dinner@ Spoodles, boardwalk.
Thurs: Seaworld in a.m. until 2-3:00. Dinner@ Ohana's.
Fri: MK in a.m. for EMH. lunch@ Crystal Palace, leave for home @ 1:30-2:00

I know we're doing a lot of MK but we're not really interested in AK or Epcot this trip and if we're only going in mornings, I think we can find plenty to do in MK over three mornings. What do you think, should we add in some evenings at the parks?

 

[rae662000]

My girls are the same ages as yours and although we plan on visiting the other parks and seeing the fireworks at night, I think you are okay. Last year we went with the kids and it was their first visit and we tried to do too much and wore ourselves out, this time I have more days to visit and will take breaks during the day.

I would make one suggestion if your kids are big Lion King fans like mine are that you should try to get to AK to see the Lion King show. They will really enjoy it if they love Lion King. We missed a lot of the shows last year and we won't do it that this year.

 

[jeast]

Our last day there is flexible. If we've had enough of MK and it's not too hot, we'll hit AK instead and drop CP lunch. No biggie.

I just know there is a lot of walking in AK and the beginning of Oct is still pretty hot. We'll see what happens on the last day.

I guess our lives are so hectic that I want to relax a little on vacation. I started out majorly commando since it is our first family vacation and I want the kids to experience all that they can, but I keep toning it down (probably because I am so tired at home that day!!).

 

[rae662000]

You definately will be sooo energized when you get there. I think that allowing 2-3 days for MK is great and MGM will tickle their fancy as well b/c of Beauty and Beast, Mermaid and Playhouse Disney shows. We spent an entire day and MGM and took in everything. AK we sort of skipped over but this time I will spend more time there. Also taking a day or two off is great and relaxing by the pool or spending some time at different resorts is cool. You will need that to push thru the rest of the days. Just know that you want be able to see and do it all but what you will do you will absolutely enjoy and if you are able to spring it and your DD5 will go for it, let he do the Alice and Wonderland Tea Party, my DD5 did it when she was 4 and she loved it, felt like a big girl b/c her baby sister could not do it, LOL. My DH and myself got to spend some one on one time with DD2 for about 1-1/2 hour, we just sat at the beach and had a snack. Anyway enjoy your trip, my trip is in Sept.

 

[surfgirl]

Wow! That's relaxed ? Clearly, we are different

Are you a family that will be going again in another year or two ? Then by all means, do less. If this is the "trip of a lifetime" then squeeze more in.

Last year, with a DD 4 and a DD2, we were leaving the parks every day about 1pm or 2pm. We would then have a "real" lunch (we would snack lots at the park to keep them entertained in lines) at our villa, "quiet time", and then swim. We aimed for early bedtime (7:30) - earlier than at home because we were so active walking, swimming, etc. - so we could get up early and be first in line in the mornings.

My girls don't know what they missed. They *loved* what they did. They didn't overdo it and melt down. When we were at the parks in the mornings, we did A LOT! But afternoons were definitely away from the park time. It was too much for them and for me.

We did dinner at 1900 Park Fare one night and DTD another - that was enough for us. We still haven't done Fantasmic or Fireworks or Parades yet. Probably this year. (5 yrs. and 3 yrs.) (Our in-laws are in Orlando every Feb., so we take a vacation then, so we go annually).

2 days at MK, 1 day at AK (they loved the Lion King show), 1 day at MGM (Playhouse Disney show is a big hit). Remainder were days off...

Good luck! Don't be afraid to back off and do less... they will still get much enjoyment out of it and everyone will be saner. (just my 2c)

 

[jeast]

For DTD and Boardwalk night, we are just going to be there for a couple of hours. Dinner and a stroll kind of thing. I just figured after an afternoon of napping and having a swim, a whole evening cramped together in the hotel room would be boring for them, especially if they are rested from their nap!

On MGM day, we're not even going to the park until noon. The only really busy day is Sunday, MK in a.m., nap in afternoon, back to MK for MNSSHP. Well...I thought so, anyway. I've never done this stuff with kids (or on my own, for that matter) before. Am I going too hard?

 

[surfgirl]

The key is that you need to be comfortable with your schedule with your kids. My experience has been that less is more enjoyable for all, but it sounds like your plan works for you. I always look at my plan and have a backup - cut something if kids exhausted or add something if going stir crazy.

One idea: what about AKL some late afternoon ? We went there and walked around, watched the animals, sat around the fire for the storytelling (at 6pm, I think?), and then had dinner at the poolside cafe (cafeteria style). Even a small playstructure for the kids to climb around on... Still home for an early bedtime for my kids, but was fun to see some animals (obviously have to do it while its light) and have a casual dinner (without waiting for table service).

My guess is that you don't need extra things to do, but I'm very anti - DTD right now. I always get sucked into buying *something* there... the Disney store, the Pooh store, Legos, Mr. Potato Head, etc. etc. Yes, its my fault - I should have more discipline, but somehow my resolve wears down at night.

Good luck!

 

[jeast]

What about the boardwalk? Is that a little less shopping heaven, a little more laid-back fun? I've kind of been on the fence with DTD myself. I cancelled HDD to have more flexibility that day. Maybe I'll take them to FW for pony rides, petting zoo, and campfire instead.

What do you guys think?

 

[surfgirl]

I think the Boardwalk is definitely less-retail oriented. We always have a meal at the ESPN club - my girls always want to go there since they know Daddy will love it

We walk around ... people-watch... maybe even pick out a donut or something to take back to our room as a treat for the next day's breakfast. Parking is also easier at Boardwalk and less walking for people with tired dogs... I guess I just get overwhelmed at DTD.

Anyone else wish to comment ?

 

[unixadm]

I think that MK & Epcot are so much MORE magical at night.

We went back to the resort and took naps a couple of times so that we could have nights in the parks. I will always plan at least 1 night in MK and 1 night in Epcot....maybe even 2. Seeing Main Street and the Castle all lit up is just so amazing.

 

[KimWDW]

My DS(3) goes to bed at 8pm. He really can't stay up later because no matter what time he goes to bed at night, he gets up at 6:30 am. Every morning. So, if we put him to bed at 10, he'll still get up at 6:30 and be very cranky.

So, we'll be doing the parks at opening and going to bed early at night.

 

[minkydog]

My mantra is "Leave 'em wanting more." I like your schedule a lot. Little kids may THINK they want to go full bore all day at the parks, but you & I know that it's not the best way. My guess is that this will not be your last trip ever. On future trips, when they are older, you can stay out later. But for now, I think you are wise to recognize their limits and plan accordingly. have a great time!

Cathy--known to have a melt-down on Main Street herself

 

[Disneyrsh]

We've got two kids, 6 and 5, and we've been going to disney with them since they were fetuses!

One thing you're missing out on by not going at night is that kids do a lot better when the sun's not beating down on them.

Given, it's not as bad in october, but it's still pretty hot. We made the mistake once of not going back to the hotel in the afternoon to nap and swim and we were all pretty miserable, so now it's a must do to sleep and swim in the afternoon, not go back into the parks until the evenings.

Sooo, I'd try for more evenings, our kids are pretty flexible and had no problem staying up later because they had that 1-2 hour nap in the afternoon.

But the biggest thing I'd say is that if you've never been to Disney before, I really would try and sample a little bit of each park before you leave!

And I second seeing Lion King, it's really an unforgettable experience for the kids-even the little one!

 

[Disneyrsh]

We always, always do the pony rides at FW. Girls love Nemo and Snow, two of the ponies. There isn't a petting zoo anymore, it's mostly different ponies, a few chickens here and there. Check out the big belgians and percherons in the barn next to the pony rides, they're amazing.

We're doing the campfire this trip out, it looks cool. Have to remember to pack lots of marshmallows this trip

Also, we vastly prefer Boardwalk to DTD. Just an easiergoing vibe. And the toystore in DTD is almost guaranteed to make any kid lose control. We have to stand outside the doors and say firmly to our kids "we're going to look, but we're not buying anything today. If you really want something, take a picture of it and we'll put it on your christmas list" before we head in. It's the only way to keep our sanity. Plus, if you lose someone in that huge store, man, it can take HOURS to find them again.

Boardwalk just feels relaxing. Maybe it's the old timey music...

 

[surfgirl]

(we) say firmly to our kids "we're going to look, but we're not buying anything today. If you really want something, take a picture of it and we'll put it on your christmas list"


ooooh. what a wonderful idea !!! thank you!

 

[dougsmom98]

I had three kids under 5 and under on my last trip. Days can be long at Disney but I agree with the previous poster who suggested you miss something magical if you don't go back at night. My theory is that you are paying for the parks so why not go back at night rather than go shopping. This is what we do. We go with the attitude we'll just relax and enjoy whatever happens. One of the best things on our first trip was going to Epcot one night and we just stroller around, bought dinner at a counter service restaurant, found a place to view Illuminations and just relaxed. Last trip we made it back to MGM for the parade at 5, after the parade sat and enjoyed Beauty and the Beast, and then went to find seats for Fantasmic. We had the best time. During the mornings of our trips we are so commando and at night we just slow it down and let the magic happen where and when it may. The kids understand we are not there to do everything. We have yet to go to DTD or the Boardwalk because as I mentioned before we spend so much money for park tickets it would be a shame not to spend time there and the night time fireworks and parades are incredible.
-Amy

 

[jeast]

Thank you everyone! What great viewpoints and ideas. Based on your responses, I have taken out DTD on Tues night. Moved Boardwalk and Spoodles to Tues. and left Wed night open. We'll go to a park during the day and rest in the afternoon. On Wed night, we'll do what we feel. We might go back to MK, we might hit the boardwalk again if we really liked it, or we might go to FW for the ponies, hayrides and campfire. If we're pooped, we'll swim, eat, and go to bed early!

That gives us Sunday night at MK (MNSSHP and fireworks), Monday night @ MGM for fantasmic, and possibly MK again on Wed if we feel like it. The change adds flexibility and the opportunity to do the night parades and wishes if we feel like it.

Thanks everyone, believe it or not, this was very helpful to me! I finally feel settled in our plans.

 

[CanadianPaco]

My DS(3) goes to bed at 8pm. He really can't stay up later because no matter what time he goes to bed at night, he gets up at 6:30 am. Every morning. So, if we put him to bed at 10, he'll still get up at 6:30 and be very cranky.

So, we'll be doing the parks at opening and going to bed early at night.

My DD is 7 yrs old and the same way! For whatever she'd see or do on a late night could not be worth the crankiness of a WHOLE other day. We did do one late night on our last night in MK. We stayed for Spectro and Wishes. DD was in bed by 10:45pm We knew that the next day we'd be leaving for the beach. No time table or schedule to adhere to. We were able to be flexable and she was fine. But we only did it once. And it was worth it. On day 2 we had planned to stay up for Illuminations but she was very tired. We called it a night after dinner and she fell fast alseep at the room. Next day we had a refreshed happy Princess!