strategies for a short trip...any suggestions ?

[twins_dad]

this will be the first trip to WDW for the family, (DW, DS6, DS6, and myself).
We will be there mid oct and plan to stay 4 nights at POR. We want to get as much out of the time there but want to be realistic that we wont be able to see or do everything.

we have a 3 day PH. so my thoughts are to spend one full day at MK, one full day at MGM and split the other day between AK and Epcot and use the EMH when we can.
We also thinking we should do Downtown Disney on the day we arrive and the day we leave (for souveniers).

It seems a bit much for a short trip but we realize that we wont be able to see or do everything. Given our boys ages, does anyone have any tips, strategies or suggestions for our short trip?

 

[kandmwedding]

I'd actually plan to spend a full day at MK, a full day at AK and split the MGM and Epcot day. Those two parks are very close to each other and you'd save some travel time by doing them the same day. Also, AK seems to be a favorite with the kiddos and has lots of shows that can be time-consuming (between the wait time and the actual show time). I'd make sure to finish the Epcot-MGM day at MGM. Your boys will love Fantasmic!

You obviously won't be able to get everything done, but take the time before you go to pick out the stuff you really want to see and make it point to get to those places first. Take advantage of FP. That'll save you time as well. And, since it's a short trip, I'd just plan to do counter service meals. Sit down places can eat up an hour plus of time with each one.

Don't stress too much though - you'll have a great time no matter how many rides you end up riding!

 

[twins_dad]

thanks,

are lunch time to mid afternoon trips back to POR for a break, nap, r & r, etc.....worth it or will that be a time killer as well.

 

[tjevans]

Keep in mind that I so far have not been to AK, so take this with a grain of salt.

I would do a full day at MK, full day at EP, and split the day between MGM and AK (but then again, there's not that much at MGM that I like).

 

[twins_dad]

the main reason we are going to MGM is so the boys can see the power rangers. we have not told them yet, so it will be a surprise.

our other idea was to do 1/2 day at MGM and spend the other half revisiting their favorites from the other parks.

 

[goofy4tink]

If you are going in the slower, cooler months, which it looks like you are, then the mid-day rest isn't as important. That and the fact that the parks aren't open as late in the fall. So, that being said...get a guidebook and make a list of the things you really want to see and do. That will eliminate a lot of the backtracking through the parks. Plan on one sit-down table service meal a day. That will refresh you and refuel you. The kids will need that down-time.

As far as which park and how much time...with your kids being 6, I would think that MK would be good for at least one full day. Then I would do MGM in the morning and head over to Epcot in the afternoon. The kids aren't going to be 'into' the World Showcase so much, so you most likely won't need a full day in Epcot. Then, head over to AK. If you like it, you can stay for as long as you want. If you don't spend the whole day there, then you could head back over to MGM in the afternoon. I think DTD is a great idea for your last day...you can do some shopping, and it's less hectic. Some time at the pool at POR and you're good to go. BTW....POR is one of our favorite resorts. Be sure to find the playground area behind the main pool on Ole Man Island. My dd still loves it and she's almost 12!!! Great spot to burn some energy.

 

[tinker-kyle]

I like the idea to split MGM and Epcot day ... at AK your boys could spend the whole day at Dinosaur Dig.

I think you would be fine skipping WS at Epcot all together ... a lot of walking for very little payback ... only two rides over there Mexico (slow dull boat ride) and norway (that's okay- but if you do skip the movie at the end)

also at that time of year ... you could probably safely skip the afternoon nap

 

[LiteBrite]

On a trip this short, I would suggest you skip DTD altogether. It's fun, but non-essential. You'll have plenty of opportunities to shop for souveniers at the parks and at your resort.

You've got a great attitude about not being able to do it all. Since you know that ahead of time, why don't you study up either with a guide book like Passporter or the Unofficial Guide, or at allearsnet.com, so you can decide which attractions/parades/fireworks are most important to you.

The Unofficial Guide, and its companion website, touringplans.com, can be especially helpful for planning on how to get the most stuff done in a short amount of time.

 

[MomofKatie]

We did a 4 night/3 full park day trip last fall with our 6 year old DD, and we followed this schedule:

Arrival day- check in, pool at resort, DTD in evening for dinner and shopping.

Day 1- MK open to close. Dinner at resort.

Day 2- MGM open to mid-afternoon, then boat to Epcot for afternoon and evening. Dinner at F&W festival- snack at the food stands.

Day 3- AK open to mid-afternoon, then bus to Epcot for afternoon and evening. Dinner at Epcot Table Svc restaurant.

Departure day- Character breakfast, then checkout and back to the real world!

Since Epcot is open later than the other parks in the fall, we did other parks in the AM, then evenings at Epcot. We didn't do midday breaks, since it was pleasant weather, and DD had a stroller. When she felt tired, she'd rest in the stroller. She lasted longer than us grown-ups!! We had a great time, even though we were pooped at the end of the vacation.

 

[WaltD4Me]

As far as which park and how much time...with your kids being 6, I would think that MK would be good for at least one full day. Then I would do MGM in the morning and head over to Epcot in the afternoon. The kids aren't going to be 'into' the World Showcase so much, so you most likely won't need a full day in Epcot. Then, head over to AK. If you like it, you can stay for as long as you want. If you don't spend the whole day there, then you could head back over to MGM in the afternoon.

Well said, I'd go with this plan for two six year olds....especially boys. I think you could easily spend a whole day at AK with them. Making Epcot and MGM your 1/2 day parks will work better too since they are so close together. You can hop a boat from Epcot over to the Boardwalk and then just walk to MGM.
Plus, the Jammin Jungle parade at AK is great, but it's in the later afternoon, you'd miss it if you just did the morning at AK.

If you want a day with a break, I'd suggest doing that on the MK day. Get to MK early, hit Tomorrowland first (with the boys, it'll probably be their favorite) -- take an afternoon break and head back to catch Wishes and maybe a SpectroMagic parade. If you do a morning EMH at MK it can be a LONG day, but I'd still see how it goes, you might not feel you need one since it won't be as hot and crowded as it is in summer.

Since it's your first trip to WDW, I would also make a list of MUST do's. Things your REALLY want to be sure to do and see. It's easy to get a little overwhelmed and then realize you missed something you really, really wanted to see.

Also, alot of people just don't realize how BIG Disney World is. Don't forget to factor in travel time. You might not feel it's worth the time to get back and forth to the parks and POR or from one park to another once you see how long it takes you to get to them.

 

[twins_dad]

thanks for all of the input and sugggestions.

as of now we plan to take the boat from POR to downtown disney for dinner and DisneyQuest on our day of arrival.

day 2,
morning EMH at MK, plan to stay all day until close.

day 3,
morning EMH at AK, character breakfast (1/2 day), EPCOT in the afternoon (1/2 day)

day 4
MGM in morning, either stay at MGM all day or revisit MK.

last day, souvenir shopping at DTD before departing for home.

is there any way to prepare the boys for trip?
they are already really excited, but they just dont know what to expect.

 

[familyfirsttimer]

I like the idea to split MGM and Epcot day ... at AK your boys could spend the whole day at Dinosaur Dig.

I think you would be fine skipping WS at Epcot all together ... a lot of walking for very little payback ... only two rides over there Mexico (slow dull boat ride) and norway (that's okay- but if you do skip the movie at the end)

also at that time of year ... you could probably safely skip the afternoon nap

I totally disagree about the WS. My kids did the kidcot stations at each county (they got the every 1 in 1 afternoon and they got a certificate for completing them). They loved it! They got to say hello in some different languages and learn somethings about other countries. Also, there are many street performers (the acrobats in China are kids and they are AMAZING!) as well as live music in many countries MY DD6 and DD3 would never want to skip the WS.

Not trying to sway your decision at all but just wanted you to have another opinion that we found a HUGE payback in the WS.

I definitely agree with the previous posters to make a list of must-sees and use the FP as much as you can. Whatever you decide, have a wonderful time. After all, you'll be in Disney!

 

[MomofKatie]

is there any way to prepare the boys for trip?
they are already really excited, but they just dont know what to expect.

Do you have the vacation planning DVD? My DD likes to watch that- it has some info and video of the different rides, etc. Also, watch Disney movies to prepare. If you get the Travel Channel, there are specials about Disney World on periodically- check the website for air dates. Birnbaum's "Disney World For Kids, By Kids" is a good book- DD loved looking at the pictures and planning which rides she wanted to try.

Have a great trip- looks like you've got a pretty good plan.

 

[Marthasor]

Hi everyone! I'm planning a 4 night/3 day trip with my two stepsons (9 & 11) in mid-December and chose to do this:

1st day - MK open to close w/ MVMCP
2nd day - EP
3rd day - 1/2 day AK, 1/2 day MGM

Of the group that is going, I'm the only one who has been to WDW before, so, although I have favorites - namely EP!! - I am going to try to be flexible and am getting PH's to make sure we can. My kids aren't big ride fans - will definitely not do ToT or RnRRC in MGM. I think they will get a big kick out of AK - one of my kids wants to be a vet. We'll see! This may just whet their appetites for a 2nd trip - fine with me!

Twin Dads - would love to get a trip report from you when you get back to hear how your trip went!!!

 

[twins_dad]

we do have the vacation planning dvd. i think its hard for the boys to grasp the whole WDW thing. we have a small amusement park here similar to six flags but smaller. they just have no idea. i think that i am just more excited than they are. hopefully when october rolls around, they will get more excited.

i will definitely file a trip report when we return, maybe even with pictures.
i am taking the digital camera and camcorder.

also, i am debating the idea of telling the boys about power rangers at MGM.
we are planning MGM on the last day and letting the power rangers be a surprise.

if they know they are at WDW, thats all they will want to do. i want them to enjoy the experience and all that WDW has to offer. i am afraid that telling them power rangers are at MGM in advance, will spoil the surprise.

 

[MomofKatie]

Keep the Power Rangers a surprise- they will flip out when they see them!! And, like you said, if they know ahead of time, they won't want to do anything else. You'll also probably hear, "We wanna see the Power Rangers NOW!!!" about a million times

 

[Magic2000]

I also would suggest a "see how it goes" for Epcot! My girls have always LOVED Epcot - they love making their mask and decorating it at each of the countries. We always spend at least one whole day at Epcot! The kids also like playing some of the computer games too (sending emails & pics, etc) And we love watching Illuminations at the end of the day!! Its a WONDERFUL fireworks show!!!

It is a lot of walking, (you may want to consider renting a double stroller for them for Epcot). Also, I love looking in all the shops at all the countries!!! And, we love eating at the restaurants too - LeCellier in Canada is a favorite and "must do" for every trip!

Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[ljb9539]

I also wouldn't mention the Power Rangers - just in case - if something happens and they are not out that day - not that I have heard a day they missed... you don't want the saddness of not finding them..


Secondly - not sure how your budget or timing works for you - but i thought you said Mid Oct - you could look into MNSSHP at MK - We were able to do MK with no lines for almost any ride - it was the best! (plus the candy and costumes) - then you could open up some other time to visit another park in the morning if you wanted since MNSSHP is till midnight!

Have fun!