Sort of survey..

[Pluto777]

If you had a 10 day PHP and were staying at the WL with toddlers 4&6, how many days would you devote to each of the 4 parks? My feeling is 2-3 for AK, 2 for HS (not much open there), 2-3 EPCOT, and at least 4, maybe even 5 for MK since
A) it is easiest to reach from WL and
B) for toddlers it is probably best.

What do you think?

 

[VAfamily1998]

4 toddlers, and 6 toddlers? 10 toddlers all together?

 

[KEW]

4 toddlers, and 6 toddlers? 10 toddlers all together?

I'm assuming the toddlers are 4 years old and 6 years old.

 

[dwheaton]

I'd just do 1 at DHS, 2 at DAK, 2 at EPCOT, and 4 at MK. I'd take a day off even if you lose the day. That's a lot to do even with shorter days. If you want to use all 10, I think another short jaunt to the MK is good, or a 3rd at Epcot.

 

[Klayfish]

I wouldn't consider a 6 year old a toddler, but I'm assuming you mean two kids, ages 4 and 6, right?

I think you'll find that answers will be similar to asking what someone's favorite color is...it'll be all over the map.

Personally, with a 10 day pass, I'd do 3 MK, 2 Epcot, 3 AK, 2 HS

 

[Shellyred8]

If your toddlers like animals, I would go 2-3 days at AK. I would say only 1-2 days at EP, as there really isn't much for that age group there (unless they really like walking around the world showcase). Perhaps 1-2 days at HS. Again, not as much to do there with toddlers. At least 4 days at MK. There's a lot do do there with toddlers. Since you have hoppers, if the kiddos want to do a repeat of something at EP, but it won't take all day, you could go there in the morning and then hop to a different park in the afternoon or evening.

Perhaps take the approach of going to 1 park each day to see what your kiddos get into and want to do more of. I know it's harder to plan your trip taking this approach, but it might be more enjoyable for the kiddos if you kind of go-with-the-flow of what they seem to get into. I feel so bad for some kids when their parents are running around like crazy pulling them from one thing to the next, instead of giving the kids time to enjoy their surroundings. Disney does a really good job at creating things that kids are interested in, and it might be the last thing you would expect. For example, during our last trip we were standing in front of the water fountain in Epcot just watching the water show and enjoying the music. There was little girl that was just dancing and twirling about to the music. Nothing that was getting in the way of the others around her. Just doing her own thing. Mid-way through the song, the parents came and told her it was time to go and made her stop before the song was over. She left in tears. Perhaps, if they would've waited another 90 seconds for the song to finish, the little girl would've left happier (no guarantees of course).

I hope you have a fantastic trip!!!

 

[Pluto777]

thx for the input folks, yes it is only TWO kids, basically I'm asking how many MK days are TOO MUCH? By day 4 at MK will kids feel like saying "MK again?!?" or will they like the feeling of going back?

 

[Pluto777]

If your toddlers like animals, I would go 2-3 days at AK. I would say only 1-2 days at EP, as there really isn't much for that age group there (unless they really like walking around the world showcase). Perhaps 1-2 days at HS. Again, not as much to do there with toddlers. At least 4 days at MK. There's a lot do do there with toddlers. Since you have hoppers, if the kiddos want to do a repeat of something at EP, but it won't take all day, you could go there in the morning and then hop to a different park in the afternoon or evening.

Perhaps take the approach of going to 1 park each day to see what your kiddos get into and want to do more of. I know it's harder to plan your trip taking this approach, but it might be more enjoyable for the kiddos if you kind of go-with-the-flow of what they seem to get into. I feel so bad for some kids when their parents are running around like crazy pulling them from one thing to the next, instead of giving the kids time to enjoy their surroundings. Disney does a really good job at creating things that kids are interested in, and it might be the last thing you would expect. For example, during our last trip we were standing in front of the water fountain in Epcot just watching the water show and enjoying the music. There was little girl that was just dancing and twirling about to the music. Nothing that was getting in the way of the others around her. Just doing her own thing. Mid-way through the song, the parents came and told her it was time to go and made her stop before the song was over. She left in tears. Perhaps, if they would've waited another 90 seconds for the song to finish, the little girl would've left happier (no guarantees of course).

I hope you have a fantastic trip!!!

I understand, and I agree, the only problem is that Disney now requires SO MUCH planning ahead of time in such detail (FP's, ADR's etc) is that I worry 'playing it by ear' may no longer be a realistic option..

 

[Klayfish]

thx for the input folks, yes it is only TWO kids, basically I'm asking how many MK days are TOO MUCH? By day 4 at MK will kids feel like saying "MK again?!?" or will they like the feeling of going back?

In my opinion, there's no such thing as too much MK.

I understand, and I agree, the only problem is that Disney now requires SO MUCH planning ahead of time in such detail (FP's, ADR's etc) is that I worry 'playing it by ear' may no longer be a realistic option..

Also just my opinion, but I very much disagree that it requires so much planning ahead of time in such detail. Not at all. We very much play it by ear and have zero issues, and have a wonderful time. We were just there for Thanksgiving week and played it largely by ear. Got on plenty of rides, given the crowd, and had no troubles. I will say we don't eat in the restaurants, so we don't have that issue to deal with (we pack our own food)...but if you do, there's always QS as an option so that you don't have to "plan" as much.

 

[Crystal824]

I have a three and seven year old so not much different. We also typically go for 10 days a year. We generally get APs so we will typically do MK in the morning and Epcot in the evening, etc. splitting our days up. If I were going to do only one park per day with kids that age, I would do 2 AK, 2 Epcot, 2 DHS, and 4 MK. If they aren't into Star Wars, I would only do 1 DHS day and 3 Epcot days. Staying at WL makes it easier to get to MK and Epcot. With that being said, I'm not sure I would do 5 full MK days. I would do at least one sleep in and go to the pool day. Then go to MK that afternoon or evening.

 

[Pluto777]

In my opinion, there's no such thing as too much MK.



Also just my opinion, but I very much disagree that it requires so much planning ahead of time in such detail. Not at all. We very much play it by ear and have zero issues, and have a wonderful time. We were just there for Thanksgiving week and played it largely by ear. Got on plenty of rides, given the crowd, and had no troubles. I will say we don't eat in the restaurants, so we don't have that issue to deal with (we pack our own food)...but if you do, there's always QS as an option so that you don't have to "plan" as much.

As I said earlier, normally I agree but some in our party insist on a TS meal (which means ADR planning) as well as an aversion to long lines at attrations (which means FP plans. Therefore the 'wing it' option is no good. the kids have never been to WDW, but I have. I think I personally would be bored with 5 days at MK - and 4 would be pushing it as well, but the question is how would a 4 & 6 year old feel about 4-5 days at MK?

 

[Pluto777]

I have a three and seven year old so not much different. We also typically go for 10 days a year. We generally get APs so we will typically do MK in the morning and Epcot in the evening, etc. splitting our days up. If I were going to do only one park per day with kids that age, I would do 2 AK, 2 Epcot, 2 DHS, and 4 MK. If they aren't into Star Wars, I would only do 1 DHS day and 3 Epcot days. Staying at WL makes it easier to get to MK and Epcot. With that being said, I'm not sure I would do 5 full MK days. I would do at least one sleep in and go to the pool day. Then go to MK that afternoon or evening.

Yes, I have similar questions about too much time at HS given the fact that there are really so few attractions that are actually open RIGHT NOW; however come august 2018 (when we will be there) maybe there will be less construction and more attractions open thus necessitating an extra day at HS? BTW, no, the kids are NOT interested in Star Wars at all..

 

[bababear_50]

Day 1 Magic Kingdom
Day 2 Resort Activities/ Pool
Day 3 Animal Kingdom
Day 4 Disney Springs / Water Park
Day 5 Disney Hollywood Studios
Day 6 Resort Activities/ Pool
Day 7 Epcot
Day 8 Resort Activities /Pool
Day 9 Repeat their favorite Park--their choice
Day 10 --open

JMHO (Just My Honest Opinion)--I would not go at WDW for 10 straight days with a 4 and 6 year old.
Hugs Mel

 

[Magpie]

At that age, I'd be aiming to spend a lot of time in the various playgrounds - even the small ones, like the playground at the entrance to Splash Mountain. Dumbo's also got a great playground/interactive queue. And you'll want to spend a long time on Tom Sawyer Island.

Epcot has a play area inside the Seas. There's apparently a tunnel play area in Mission Space, which you can get to through the exit? If they like crafts, the KidCot stops in the World showcase can be fun. Finding them can be almost like a scavenger hunt for young kids.

Disney's Animal Kingdom has the Boneyard.

Not sure about Hollywood Studios, but that does have a lot of shows with little kid appeal. (Disney's Playhouse)

If there are older party members who actually want to ride the rides, you can split up, with one adult watching the kids at the playgrounds, while the rest run off to the rides.

Use your FPs for rides, and don't stand in lines.

End your day early, take naps, and spend time at the pool. Again, you may want to split your party for this.

Table service meals are nice for adults, but sometimes wearying for children. Be prepared to have an adult remove them from the restaurant, if they're getting restless.

And be flexible. Talk to the children, and listen to what they have to say. By the time you've been there for a couple days, they may have very strong ideas on what they'd like to do, and where they'd like to go.

Young children frequently enjoy predictability and repetition. Try to accommodate them - it's their vacation, too.

 

[loves to dive]

If your toddlers like animals, I would go 2-3 days at AK. I would say only 1-2 days at EP, as there really isn't much for that age group there (unless they really like walking around the world showcase). Perhaps 1-2 days at HS. Again, not as much to do there with toddlers. At least 4 days at MK. There's a lot do do there with toddlers. Since you have hoppers, if the kiddos want to do a repeat of something at EP, but it won't take all day, you could go there in the morning and then hop to a different park in the afternoon or evening.

Perhaps take the approach of going to 1 park each day to see what your kiddos get into and want to do more of. I know it's harder to plan your trip taking this approach, but it might be more enjoyable for the kiddos if you kind of go-with-the-flow of what they seem to get into. I feel so bad for some kids when their parents are running around like crazy pulling them from one thing to the next, instead of giving the kids time to enjoy their surroundings. Disney does a really good job at creating things that kids are interested in, and it might be the last thing you would expect. For example, during our last trip we were standing in front of the water fountain in Epcot just watching the water show and enjoying the music. There was little girl that was just dancing and twirling about to the music. Nothing that was getting in the way of the others around her. Just doing her own thing. Mid-way through the song, the parents came and told her it was time to go and made her stop before the song was over. She left in tears. Perhaps, if they would've waited another 90 seconds for the song to finish, the little girl would've left happier (no guarantees of course).

I hope you have a fantastic trip!!!

I was going to say this exact thing, plan one day at each park then play it by ear and repeat whichever ones you feel you want to. I disagree with the person that said you can't play it by ear any more. If you have already done your one day plan, playing it by ear is very easy. Get your hard to get FPs for that one day then the night before or even day of, grab some for whatever park you decide you are going to repeat. 10 days is a lot of time for just taking it easy and enjoying the place. Kids are cranky so you decide maybe to do an afternoon at the pool, you are playing it by ear so you aren't ruining any plans.

 

[DavidNYC]

With hoppers - you may want to jump around a bit during a day especially if you have some ADRs or want to make sure to catch certain nighttime shows. For example, I think a full day at DHS is enough for that age based on what's there now but you may need two trips if you want to catch both evening shows depending on the times there that day and depending on how many of the longer scheduled shows you want to see as it's often difficult to schedule them all in a single day. So putting the hopping part aside, I think the total time in each park (not necessarily in full days) would be:

1 in DHS
2 in Epcot 2 in AK (assuming you're not spending half a day waiting in lines in Pandora)
Rest in MK

Again - you know your kids a lot better than us. Those times are what would have worked for my kids at those ages. Some kids may love seeing all the pavilions in World Showcase and some may find it the most boring thing in the world. Some may want to see Festival of Lion King and Nemo in AK multiple times and some may not be able to sit though a 30 minute show. I think the only constant is you'll always be able to find something they'll want to do at MK!

 

[Crystal824]

Yes, I have similar questions about too much time at HS given the fact that there are really so few attractions that are actually open RIGHT NOW; however come august 2018 (when we will be there) maybe there will be less construction and more attractions open thus necessitating an extra day at HS? BTW, no, the kids are NOT interested in Star Wars at all..

The reason I asked about Star Wars was the Star Wars fireworks and Jedi Training Academy. Currently, DHS probably only needs one day, but if you kid is into Star Wars, you can't watch the Star Wars fireworks and Fantasmic on the same night. Also if your kids want to do Jedi Training that does take quite a bit of time between signing them up, the training, and the show. If you don't care about those things, one day is probably good...in August of 2018 that might not be the case given that Toy Story Land is slated to open in the summer. You might need two days there or at least a day and a half. My kids like Star Wars so we usually do two days there. However, on our next trip, which is in April we are doing one full day and then one evening just to see the SW fireworks.

 

[Hope Soda]

My kids are 4 and 7, and we went last year as well, so my plans are a little different this time, based on my previous experience.

This year's trip will be a little longer than last year's, and we will do only one day from open to close (AK rope drop, MK fireworks). On the first 6 days, we're planning early bedtimes. On the last 4 days, we're sleeping in as much as the kids will allow, which means we might actually get to parks earlier than planned, if we want to.

Day 0: arrive late, no time for parks
Day 1: Hollywood Studios EMH until about 3pm
Day 2: Epcot PPO breakfast until about 3pm
Day 3: Magic Kingdom rope drop until about 3pm
Day 4: Hollywood Studios rope drop until about 3pm
Day 5: Magic Kingdom until 6pm
Day 6: No park - mini golf, pool, breakfast and dinner ADRs
Day 7: Animal Kingdom EMH until about 2:30pm, break until evening, MK for fireworks and a few rides
Day 8: Magic Kingdom from 1pm until midnight
Day 9: Epcot from noon until close
Day 10: Animal Kingdom from 2pm until close, then 9pm La Nouba
Day 11: Possibly MK again after brunch, until we're too tired to continue

Last year, we went hard core from open to close for a few days, and my husband needed some rest. The kids needed rest also, but they were not volunteering that information. We ended up taking one unplanned morning off, and having an afternoon nap on another day. So this year, we're doing shorter days, and splitting our rope drop and evening experiences instead of trying to do both in one day. You might consider doing just one Hollywood Studios day instead of two, as my kids are both interested in JTA, and I am anticipating they will want to do it twice. TSM is also a favorite ride for two of us, so we'd like to ride that a few times.

Animal Kingdom days are toward the end of the trip to allow for FP+ in Pandora. This was an effective strategy.

 

[disneyvoice]

Depends on when you are going. Unless you are going to be there during the colder months, I would find a way to fit the water parks in instead of spending so many days at AK and MK. When my son was a toddler he loved, LOVED, the water parks. There are designated areas in both water parks for toddlers. I would even venture to say that my son enjoyed the water parks MORE than MK when he was a toddler and preschool age (and he wasn't really much of a swimmer then). I would also plan some time for the pool at the resort. Little ones seem to go crazy for resort pools. Our son used to ask if we could leave the parks so he could get in the pool. With 10 days I would suggest alternating park days with Water Park days or pool days. It gives you some nice down time and time to recover from the theme parks. At the water parks, my son seemed to always play really hard in the morning and then would end up napping in the early afternoon from wearing himself out. You could then head to one of the parks in the evening or for dinner.

 

[zebrastreyepz]

10 days....

2 at Epcot
2 at Hollywood Studios
3 at Animal Kingdom
3 at Magic Kingdom