(sorta) finished my itinirary

[MorningGlory]

Let me know what yous think of it please



Thursday 14/6
Arrive. Get some groceries. Head to DtD for dinner. Get DQ Annual Passes and try it out if we have the energy.

Friday 15/6
Up early. Breakfast somewhere. Be at MGM for opening. Spend the day here. Leave at 4. Back to the hotel to get freshened up, then back to MGM for Fantasmic. DTD for an hour or two, then back to the hotel.

Saturday 16/6
8am start. Be at UnS for opening, and head to Confisco Grille for Spidey breakfast. Explore IOA. Back to the hotel for 3-4. Shower, change, then head out for dinner. Maybe a round of mini-golf, or taxi to DD and have a few beers. Late night.

Sunday 17/6
Breakfast where convenient. Head up to SeaWorld at 10. Leave about 4. Go for a nice drive, then head to Al Capones for dinner show. Home by 11. Beer and bed.

Monday 18/6
Up by 7. Head to Boma for 8am breakfast ADR. Stay at AK til the parade finishes. Pick up dad then go to Premium Outlets. Head to O'Hana's for 8:10pm ADR.

Tuesday 19/6
Up early and get to Epcot for opening. Check out FW, then get junior a passport for WS. Spend time walking round the lagoon, then back to the hotel for a rest, and back to Epcot for illuminations.

Wednesday 20/6
Late start. Check out the hotel pool. Relax and catch some rays. Maybe go for a drive somewhere.

Thursday 21/6
Head to the MK for opening. Get monorail to Contemporary for 11:10am breakfast at Chef Mickeys. Back to the park for a few hours, then drive back to the hotel to relax. Back to MK for Spectromagic and Wishes.

Friday 22/6
8am start. Light breakfast then head to UnS. Get mealdeal tix, spend the day there and drive back to the hotel. Dinner late and local, with a few beers. Maybe a round of mini-golf.

Saturday 23/6
Out the hotel for 9am for the drive to St Petersburg. Check out the stadium ahead of the game then drive to St Pete's beach for the day. Dinner at 5, then head to Tropicana Field for baseball game. Back to the hotel for 12 (hopefully).

Sunday 24/6
Late start, get breakfast somewhere, then head to MGM for last of the Star Wars weekends. Go with the flow, as we'll probably be tired from yesterday.

Monday 25/6
Late start. Lounge about the pool for a couple of hours. Head up to UnS if we feel like it for a few hours, then back to the hotel. Possibly go for the Pirates dinner show tonight?

Tuesday 26/6
Early start. Get to Seaworld for opening. Explore and catch anything we missed first time. Dinner somewhere nice.

Wednesday 27/6
Last day at Disney. Whichever park jnr chooses. Spend whole day there, and watch the fireworks at night. Do any last minute shopping. Back to the hotel for packing.

Thursday 28/6
Up early. Finish packing, then head to DD check-in. Back to UnS for one last go on our favourite rides, then pick up dad and head for the airport



I know its kinda packed and we're doing alot, but I think we can manage it

Not only that, but I have to find space in there somewhere for at least a half-day at the Fun-Spot on Int Drive, and junior would love to try KSC!

It's just as well I love driving, although whether that will be the case on US roads remains to be seen

 

[GrumpyUK]

Sounds supertastic.

Couple of thoughts:

It might be worth trying to get a fantasmic Dining Package. You eat at one of three places in MGM but there is reserved seating for the show. This might not sound worth it but the ampitheatre is HUGE and fills up. One year we took our seats nearly 2 hours early to get a good place. With the dinner package we can sit down 1/2 an hour before. (I mention this as I know you're going with your so, but I can't remeber how old he is. It's along wait for a little'un!)

When you go to Universal Studios try and make Shrek the first thing you do as the queues get very long for this and they don't manage them half as well as Disney. (The meal deal tickets at US are well worth it.)

Am I being dense? Are you not going to Epcot? There's lots here for your son to enjoy - particularly in Future World (Soarin', Ellens Energy Adventure, Innoventions) and Epcot has the BEST fireworks. (Mind you your plan looks packed so you may have decided it's all a wee bit too much!)

You, and your lad, are going to have a great time...you do know we all expect a trip report don't you!

Cheers

 

[MorningGlory]

Sounds supertastic.

Couple of thoughts:

It might be worth trying to get a fantasmic Dining Package. You eat at one of three places in MGM but there is reserved seating for the show. This might not sound worth it but the ampitheatre is HUGE and fills up. One year we took our seats nearly 2 hours early to get a good place. With the dinner package we can sit down 1/2 an hour before. (I mention this as I know you're going with your so, but I can't remeber how old he is. It's along wait for a little'un!)

When you go to Universal Studios try and make Shrek the first thing you do as the queues get very long for this and they don't manage them half as well as Disney. (The meal deal tickets at US are well worth it.)

Am I being dense? Are you not going to Epcot? There's lots here for your son to enjoy - particularly in Future World (Soarin', Ellens Energy Adventure, Innoventions) and Epcot has the BEST fireworks. (Mind you your plan looks packed so you may have decided it's all a wee bit too much!)

You, and your lad, are going to have a great time...you do know we all expect a trip report don't you!

Cheers

How did I manage that? When we first booked, Epcot was to be our first park! Then I learned that we were catching the Star Wars weekends, so the itinerary got jigged a bit. Had a look, and im gonna amend it so that we're at Epcot on the first Tuesday. Thanks for pointing that out Grumpy

And junior is 9 I think I will try to get a Fantasmic package, I hadn't thought about struggling for a seat for the show (and I imagine it will be busy with the Star Wars weekends on). Thanks for that heads up

Oh, and I will definitely be doing a trippie. Maybe even a live one if I can get my niece to part with her laptop for a fortnight . I promised her use of my PC, and an undisclosed sum for the 'inconvenience' I have a terrible memory (id even forget to write notes lol) so doing a trip report every night would be like my own diary of the days events that we can look back on. It sounds like a good idea, whether it actually works is another matter

 

[Netty]

When you go to Seaworld you must go and see the Clyde and Seamour show!
Remember to get there a good half an hour or so before the show starts-i'll say no more!!....

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Seems like a good plan and I really like the way you are looking at exploring more of Florida, you MUST go over the Sunshine Skyway bridge at St Petes Bay, it's brilliant.

 

[eyoreaud]

Seems like a good plan and I really like the way you are looking at exploring more of Florida, you MUST go over the Sunshine Skyway bridge at St Petes Bay, it's brilliant.

Have to agree with johnny there, the view is lovely

Your itin looks great, (if a little buisy ) As lond as you remember that it's not written in stone I always do an itinerary before we go and it's quite usual to find a few changes as the days go on.

Good Luck doing your trip reports every night while you are away Often, by the time we get back to our place at night all i want to do is pass out! I'm such a light weight though, you maybe have more stamina than me

 

[DisneyJo]

On your MGM day take a pack of cards, Trump cards etc to pass the time whilst waiting for Fantasmic, also at Epcot your DS would probably enjoy doing the kidcot mask thing at each country.

 

[Shazzie B]

Sounds great. Hold onto Son after Fantasmic-huge crowds, kids get lost easy.

Driving in America fine-much more relaxed than here. Brits Guide to Orlando has good tips. Automatics have to be in 'parked' to start, turning right at Red light allowed etc.

We went to St Petes last yeat-it's fantastic. Kids were asleep when we went over bridge-we have a hectic schedule too! Made sure they were awake on way back.

 

[stephensmum]

Sounds good. Just thought I'd mention Friday at MGM is EMH, fine if you're staying onsite, busy early if not. Also, according to guide, UnS is quieter on Fridays. It may be worth swapping them around if you are off site.
Sharon

 

[MorningGlory]

Loads of great advice as usual. Thanks everyone

Netty: The Clyde and Seymour show is way at the top of my list in Seaworld Yet to hear a bad word against it, so im really looking forward to seeing it.

Johnny: Thanks for the advice. Just looked at it on Google Earth, it does look pretty spectacular! Think we will do a detour on the way down so we can cross it going over to St Petersburg. Thanks!

eyoreaud: It really is just a guide at this stage. As we've never been before, I have no idea what to expect or how junior will react to it all. If he is up for doing parks every day, then the itinerary will be a good guide to make sure we catch something of everything. Otherwise, we will just go with our instincts.

Thanks to all for the advice and nice comments

 

[traceycooper]

Hi
We've done the cheaper fantasmic dinner package (hollywood & vine) & the expensive one (Brown Derby) Wasnt keen on the food at either but hated hollywood & vine! I would try Mama Melrose next time (middle price!) it is great for seating at the show, the year we didnt do the dinner package we were stood right at the back of the standing area!!!
Then when we did the dinner package last year we didnt need to sit in the reserved seating area as there was loads of room!!!
I wouldnt risk it though if you really want to see the show!!!
Does that lot make sense!!!!

 

[MorningGlory]

Hi
We've done the cheaper fantasmic dinner package (hollywood & vine) & the expensive one (Brown Derby) Wasnt keen on the food at either but hated hollywood & vine! I would try Mama Melrose next time (middle price!) it is great for seating at the show, the year we didnt do the dinner package we were stood right at the back of the standing area!!!
Then when we did the dinner package last year we didnt need to sit in the reserved seating area as there was loads of room!!!
I wouldnt risk it though if you really want to see the show!!!
Does that lot make sense!!!!

Perfect sense

I've read alot of bad reports about H&V, so I think we will try Mama Melrose's. That's if I can get an ADR for it of course for that Friday night.

I think it will be busy though as it is the Star Wars weekends. Also, is the Fantasmic not slightly different, with a Jedi Mickey? I thought I read that somewhere.

 

[carolfoy]

We really enjoyed H&V so did my very fussy son. Would recommend the package too though as its very busy and fantasmic is the best show so you really don't want to miss it. also I'd allow 2 or 3 days for Epcot - its huge!
don't forget pets ahoy at seaworld, great fun and often overlooked.

 

[MorningGlory]

Thanks for all the advice about Fantasmic

We now have a dinner package booked in Mama Melrose's for 4:50 on our first full day

I was kinda hoping for a later time, closer to the actual show but this was the only time left available Looks like its gonna be busy! Now im thinking we will just do the park in 3 different stages. Arrive early and stay til around mid-day. Back at 3 for the parade, and stay til dinner. Then leave for another couple of hours and back again for the show. Would this be do-able, staying offsite in LBV with a car?

 

[carolfoy]

I really wouldn't bother leaving for just three hours, if you feel you just want a sit down and relax then find a quiet spot, in mGM you can let your son free in the Honey I shrunk the Kids playground while you mellow out with a drink, theres also nice spots around the central lake by Gertie the dinosaur.
Or you can get one of the resort busses and perhaps go over to the boardwalk for a couple of hours.
It'll take you the best part of half an hour to get out of any park and into your car, and around another half an hour drive OUT of WDW gates so its really not worth trying

 

[MorningGlory]

I really wouldn't bother leaving for just three hours, if you feel you just want a sit down and relax then find a quiet spot, in mGM you can let your son free in the Honey I shrunk the Kids playground while you mellow out with a drink, theres also nice spots around the central lake by Gertie the dinosaur.
Or you can get one of the resort busses and perhaps go over to the boardwalk for a couple of hours.
It'll take you the best part of half an hour to get out of any park and into your car, and around another half an hour drive OUT of WDW gates so its really not worth trying

Thanks carol, looks like I will have to curtail my checks on dad

I was really just wanting to get back to make sure he was settling in okay, and in case he wanted took anywhere (he is halfing me for the hire car and doesn't drive himself, so I want to try to make myself as available as possible for him).

However, I have a cunning plan The boardwalk looks like it is a beautiful area, and one that dad would gladly spend a few hours in. So, I think I will offer to pick him up at midday from the hotel, take him down to the boardwalk, then me and Junior can stay in the park for the rest of the day (he can jump a taxi if he wants to go elsewhere lol!)

Cheers again. Looking on a map it doesn't seem a great distance, but I hadn't taken into account the traffic in and out of the park

 

[carolfoy]

I know it looks like it isn't very far but, honestly it takes ages to get anywhere! the boardwalk is a lovely area, also the wilderness lodge is a nice relaxing area. I know its a worry about your Dad but make sure he knows he can use Disney transport on site and go anywhere within the world for free. if he likes to relax then the water parks are great even if you don't swim and he could get there find a nice quiet spot and curl up to read a book.
for yourselves make sure you get to Beauty and the beast for a relaxing hour or so in the shade.

 

[MorningGlory]

I know it looks like it isn't very far but, honestly it takes ages to get anywhere! the boardwalk is a lovely area, also the wilderness lodge is a nice relaxing area. I know its a worry about your Dad but make sure he knows he can use Disney transport on site and go anywhere within the world for free. if he likes to relax then the water parks are great even if you don't swim and he could get there find a nice quiet spot and curl up to read a book.
for yourselves make sure you get to Beauty and the beast for a relaxing hour or so in the shade.

Would he be able to use the disney transport if he never had a park ticket? Do they ask to see them before you can use the transport?

Im sure he will buy them once he gets over there, but at the moment he is insisting the parks are not his thing.

 

[carolfoy]

yes once you're on site you can go anywhere, a nice day not using a park ticket would be:
start at downtown disney, a bit of a wonder through the shops and a nice drink, catch a boat to Port Orleans Riverside, a walk through the grounds, catch a bus to Epcot, instead of going into the park get on the monorail and travel over to the ticket and transportation centre, take a ferry across to the magic kingdom entrance, catch another bus to, say, Animal kingdom lodge, another wander, another bus to the boardwalk and an evening chilling on a bench by the lake - theres no limits to the lovely walks you can enjoy around the hotels themselves, honestly you're gast will be well and truly flabbered when you realise how much is there.

 

[MorningGlory]

yes once you're on site you can go anywhere, a nice day not using a park ticket would be:
start at downtown disney, a bit of a wonder through the shops and a nice drink, catch a boat to Port Orleans Riverside, a walk through the grounds, catch a bus to Epcot, instead of going into the park get on the monorail and travel over to the ticket and transportation centre, take a ferry across to the magic kingdom entrance, catch another bus to, say, Animal kingdom lodge, another wander, another bus to the boardwalk and an evening chilling on a bench by the lake - theres no limits to the lovely walks you can enjoy around the hotels themselves, honestly you're gast will be well and truly flabbered when you realise how much is there.

Amazing! Thanks Carol, that's been saved

I feel much better knowing dad will have things like this to do. I had thoughts of him being stuck in the hotel for days on end except when im there to take him out and about. I know he's been a little worried about the same thing, so he will be well pleased when I tell him about your idea. Sounds like a great day out