Someone with patience, please help me plan

[spoilmygurl]

There are 2 adults and 1 child in our party. We are going on our first Disney trip May 9-12. We are only purchasing one day tickets in advance. *just for the dining plan* Both adults already have one ticket each, given to us as gifts(one day). I will buy my DD a ticket whilst there because we want to do parks 2 days.

Here's our current plan:

Fri May 9 arrive @ 11:30a, swim at resort, go to DTD for 5:50pm dinner ADR and shop
Sat May 10 Animal Kingdom from open until close, then ADR at 6:20pm at WCC
Sun May 11 BBB @ 8a at MK, breakfast ADR at CP @ 10:05am, ride stuff, maybe go back to resort to nap, come back, ride stuff, watch Wishes, stay for EMH and ride stuff

Here's my question-We were able to upgrade our base tickets to hopper/water parks, but we only have one day to utilize it. What day and to where should we hop? I was thinking on Sun leaving MK after lunch, go take a nap, get up and go to Epcot (just future world), go back to MK. But I'm scared we'll miss Wishes

Or should we: On Sat, spend most of the day at AK, change the ADR to maybe 5p(?) From dinner, go to Epcot (future world). But I'm scared all the rides will be closed by the time we make it or that the lines will be so long we won't get to ride anything.

Somebody please help me. I'm trying to do as much as possible. Which one will give us the better chance of being able to do more. Or what are your thoughts?

I'm going to sleep now so please don't mistake my not responding as being rude. I hope to read all of your lovely answers tomorrow after work

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

If I were you, I'd hop on over to Epcot after AK. Make your ADR for WCC early or change it to a restaurant in Epcot.

One question though: You said you upgraded to the "hopper/water parks". I thought these were two seperate options. Did you pay for both?

 

[spoilmygurl]

They were free upgrades. On the codes board, someone posted a code that became available to the public today for certain dates to add waterpark and hoppers for free. I called a few hours ago, and they said "sure, we'll add it to your reservation". So I guess they are seperate technically, but together for the promotion

 

[Pea-n-Me]

This is kind of hard because it's very subjective. But based on this

I'm trying to do as much as possible. Which one will give us the better chance of being able to do more.

and the fact it's your first trip, I probably would have recommended skipping the dining plan if I'd caught you before you signed up only because your meals are going to cut into your park time a great deal and keep you on a schedule.

The one I really don't like is the 10am CP @ MK. You will be eating at a time that's probably your best bet at getting in a fair amount of rides. I'd probably change that to later in the day if I were you. '

I'd also go over to Epcot after AK but instead of FW I'd be planning to walk around WS. Part of the fun of going there is "snacking around the world" but if you were to eat your TS meal at Epcot there are certainly plenty of choices.

You didn't say where you were staying but going back to the resort can also eat up a good chunk of the day. It's totally up to you but where it's your first trip and you only have two days in the parks you're probably not going to want to leave, time will fly by.

I'd probably skip the water park this trip or do it or DQ on the first day.

HTH and didn't confuse you more. Our first trip was fairly short too, we couldn't wait to go back. What you don't get to this trip you save for the next few trips.

Have fun!

 

[minmate]

Are you willing to make your CP reservation earlier? Like for before the park opens? That way you can still eat, get a chance to walk down Main Street with nary a crowd AND finish up in time to get some rides done.

I agree with switching your meal on the second day to a restaurant inside Epcot and heading over there after AK. (Akershus in Norway is a Princess character meal if your dd likes princesses).

Don't worry too much. Go in knowing this is a short trip and you're just trying to get a "Taste of Disney." It will be fun!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Somebody please help me. I'm trying to do as much as possible.

A very common mistake for first and second timers is trying to do too much and putting too much pressure on themselves to get as much in.

Well Your time window is very short. Epcot is a huge park and to cover it completely requires two full days. MGM and AK are a 1 day each thing and to cover the MK completely requires more than one day. You've only 2 days to cover 6 days worth of parks. So something has got to give.... You're not going to cover it all and no matter what you do you're going to have to leave something out. So rather than go all over the place trying to get everything done, lets simplify, do less going all over the place and enjoy what we do and do not worry about what is left undone. You'll have far more fun that way.

You've cut out MGM. I think that a good choice. Maybe next time.

I think we may be able to add to the fun a bit that first day. You've got a water park visit to use and that will not burn a day off of the regular park ticket. So instead of the hotel pool, try a water park. If you get there late and don't have time, there's always the hotel pool as a back up. Then head back, freshen up, head to your Dinner and don't drag all over the place shopping. If you're tired, head on in.

On the second day you have AK and then WCC. Well WCC is all the way over in Wilderness lodge. What I would do this day is this. Eat your lunch at Flame Tree BBQ in the AK. They have great ribs, good chicken, and a decent pork sandwich and it is a counter. Then you won't miss not going to WCC because you already had some BBQ and then free yourself up to eat somewhere in Epcot. Chefs De France, the Coral Reef, Le Cellier, Teppen. if the lines are long at the super headliners don't worry. Just do something else. the reality is you're probably only going to get maybe one or two things in anyway, plus dinner, and then Illuminations. It's a nice show. You won't have gotten to much in Epcot but who cares? You had a great day at AK, got to watch the best day parade on the property in Jammin Jungle Parade, and got to watch one of the night time spectaculars.

On the third day, I'd do all MK. It's probably going to be your most fun park. And you won't get to it all even staying all day. You'll have a load of fun. Don't overtax yourselves. Enjoy, take it easy, and have fun. Wishes is a great way to end it. Are they running Spectromagic that night? If so, do not miss that parade.

I think that is overall a great short trip. You'll have a great time and don't worry about what you didn't do.

 

[mouseman41]

I'm afraid you are going to be overwhelmed. For the time frame you will be there I would not try to cram in all the parks, and swim and rest periods. The Magic Kingdom alone is a 2 day park. Especially if you are traveling with a child. The awe of the parks, the characters, picture taking, shopping, waiting in line, etc. Epcot is huge, and very tiring. So please do not be dissappointed if you cannot work everything into your schedule. Have a great first trip!!!

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Just another thought:

Since you have identified AK and MK as the parks you most want to do, why not go to MK after your day at AK and then spend the next day at MK as well? I think that way you'll get more bang for your buck.

 

[christa112]

I agree with previous posters. MK and AK are both parks that we set aside for 2 days each. Epcot you could do just the worlds in one day without seeing all the countries, but honestly I would do MK, then AK and then like previous post said go back to MK for the evening.

 

[Ktharee]

Unless your daughter is really into animals, I would say AK is a 1/2 day park. My suggestion there is to see Festival of the Lion King, Kilimanjaro Safari, Kali River Rapids, Finding Nemo Musical and visit with the characters at Camp Minnie Mickey. From there go to Epcot. Do the rides at future world. For your daughter the most interesting would be Nemo, Honey I Shrunk the Audience, Figment, Spaceship Earth and if she's not afraid of speed and is tall enough Test Track. The World Showcase is open later than Future World, so do this last. Make sure to visit Mexico (there is an adorable boat ride there) and Norway (also a great ride). I would suggest a late ADR somewhere in Epcot. You will be using up too much time traveling to WCC. The next day, commit to spending at MK all day. Once kids get there, they never want to leave! EMH is a great bonus. Where are you staying? I agree with going to a water park your first day, why not? If need be, change your ADR to an hour later so you don't feel pressed for time.

 

[jadedbeauty14304]

My first trip was only 3 days, actually a lot like yours. What we did was head to AK the first day. We had arrived to ASMu at about 11 am and we checked in and headed right over to AK and we got to experience everything we wanted to before the park closed at 5pm. Then we went to our ADR for dinner, and spent the evening in the hotel pool.

That would free up your second day to do ANYTHING whether it be EPCOT or spend two days at MK. You could even start the day at AK and then head over to MK.

Have a magical time!

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Unless your daughter is really into animals, I would say AK is a 1/2 day park.

I don't understand why people say this. We went to AK on a day with a very small crowd. We got there from morning EMH and stayed until park close and we wish we still had more time. Unless you're rushing around, I can't see how people get through that huge park in half a day.

 

[spoilmygurl]

I think that is overall a great short trip. You'll have a great time and don't worry about what you didn't do.

We are staying at POP (chosen partly b/c of slushies that my DD loooooves)

Thanks everybody for your responses. I think your ideas work out best for our family. I had no idea the waterparks were seperate from the tickets. I thought it was attached. Like the one day I have a park ticket for, is the same day I have to use the waterpark option. The things you learn on the DIS...lol

I kind of want to do CP later (only to get in more rides) but we want breakfast there. Since it is a short trip, we are just going to focus on the experience and only concentrate on riding the Super Headliners. (soarin', safari, everest, etc)

Maybe next year we can do a 10 day trip like some of you. I salivate at the thought.

 

[bunnysmum]

This is completely OT, but I just had to say your little girl is positively ADORABLE!!!! What a smile!

 

[ms*mountaineer]

I would suggest that you not worry about heading back to the resort for a nap on your MK day. If you were doing parks everyday for 5 or 6 days, then I think it's good to pace yourself. Since you're only in the parks for 2 days, you'll be all excited and will be happy to spend the entire day at MK.

I agree with your approach to enjoy yourself and not worry about hitting "everything". We just returned from a short trip. We did one day at MK and one day at Epcot. We got a lot in, but we spent time during the day with no real plan, just choosing what we wanted to do on the fly. We enjoyed the things we DID do and didn't sweat the things we missed.

I think the idea of concentrating on MK and AK is a good one. See how late MK is going to be open on the day you're going to AK. If it's open to a decent hour, then you can get a few things in at MK if you head over there after MK. And you can enjoy the fireworks and parade. Then spend the 2nd day at MK. REALLY enjoy the 2 parks and leave the other parks for another trip.

The great thing about kids is, they are happy for the things you get to do - She won't say to you later "I can't believe you didn't squeeze in Epcot!". Having a great time at MK and AK (with a relaxed approach) will make for a great time.

Lee-Ellen

 

[Ktharee]

I don't understand why people say this. We went to AK on a day with a very small crowd. We got there from morning EMH and stayed until park close and we wish we still had more time. Unless you're rushing around, I can't see how people get through that huge park in half a day.

I prefaced it with "unless your daughter is really into animals". Mine is a total Princess nut and would give up AK in a heartbeat if she had to choose where to spend her time on a short trip. There are some great headliners at AK (as the OP is only interested in) therefore I do believe they could do it in 1/2 day.

 

[kmk1180]

OK I'll take the "make the most of our time" is the most important thing to you so here's what I would do. (fyi I used to work there and have visited probably a dozen others times so i know how to get the most of my time.)

First, rides are your priority, not sit down meals. (nor sleep, and warning this pace is possible but yes tiring)

May 9th
Check in and head to Magic Kingdom. Use your fast pass on the bigger rides like Splash, Thunder, and Space Mountains while you check out others like Haunted, Pirates and Jungle Cruise. Make sure you also check out Buzz Lightyear and Small World. Buzz is great, Small world a classic.
Don't do Indy Speedway yet. Long lines will eat at your time.

May 10th, Start at Hollywood Studios using Early Morning Hour (thus being at the gates at 8am) to do Tower of Terror, Rock and Roller, Muppets and if possible Star Tours.
If there's something else that you like do it at regular park opening at 9am then go to EPCOT early, before noon, and ride Test Track while you Fast Pass Mission Space. Then go to Spaceship Earth and finally World Showcase. Stay for Illuminations at 9pm (note: if you still have energy for it run to Magic Kingdon so you can check out Spectomagic Parade at 11pm)

May 11th, Start at Animal Kingdom, hit Everest first, (if you really want to save time, enter the single riders line and ride seperately. you don't ride together but can ride quickly and do more things.)
Also make sure you check out Dinosaur, Tough to be a Bug and MUST do Kilamanjaro Safari, (if possible fast pass one of these while you do the others. (Skip the trails because you can see animals in Indianapolis)
If still early enough check out Kali River Rapids (personal favorite)
But don't stay too long, 12-1. Then back to Magic Kingdom till close to hit favorites again and others you might not have tried yet but want to.
You can check out Wishes and stay using the Extra magic hour so your there till 10pm.

This plan should hit almost all the major attractions giving you a good taste of what Disney has to offer, yet when you come home people will ask you about some ride and chances are you can say you did it.
When you come back for a 2nd trip (and you will want to) you can check out some of the smaller rides you might have missed.

Good Luck and have fun.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

This plan should hit almost all the major attractions giving you a good taste of what Disney has to offer, yet when you come home people will ask you about some ride and chances are you can say you did it.
When you come back for a 2nd trip (and you will want to) you can check out some of the smaller rides you might have missed.

I would never be able to keep that pace personally and I don't think I would ever want to. To me, in order to get a good taste of what Disney has to offer, you don't focus on the headliners. Sure, you can include them too but you really need time to take in the atmosphere and the small details. That's what you can't find elsewhere, imo.

 

[Pembo]

We just did a 5 day trip with 2 days in the parks and the Princess Party.
Day one, arrived, swam, dinner at Chef Mickey's, shopping at Dtd.
Day two, AK at opening, hopped to HS for lunch at H&V, saw the parade, hopped to MK and stayed to close
Day three, mini-golf, dtd, and the Princess party at night
Day four, Epcot until 4 pm, hopped to MK and stayed for EMH
Day five - Came home

I was with my 5 yo dd. We were tired but had a lot of fun. I've been to WDW lots of times so I knew what I wanted to do. G/l

 

[kmk1180]

It sounds busy but it's really only about 12 rides your really trying to catch the rest is taking in the atmosphere.
Face it 3 days is a small amount of time and yet it still alot of money to go. Make the most of the time while your there.
You can have a nice meal at home. You can swim in a pool at home.
But you can't ride those rides anywhere else. That's why you go.
And it does depend of the age of the child. If too young then yes
they will tucker out. But if she's about 10 then adrenaline will keep them moving anyhow.
And since it's early May crowds should be light and lines shouldn't be too bad. You add in early morning hour and fast pass, I don't see why it can't be done.
Everyone has their own pace, and she should take hers, this is just how I see "making the most of their time".
Take part, all or none of my suggestion...It's up to her...the most important part is...have fun