Strategy for 4, 6 & 9 year old this week? HELP!!!

[Whitey101]

THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME. I'M IN FLORIDA AND DON'T HAVE A STRATEGY. I JUST FOUND THIS BOARD AND DESPERATELY NEED HELP!!!!!

HERE'S MY PROPOSAL THAT I NEED FEEDBACK ON:

SUNDAY - DRIVE FROM SARASOTA TO OCALA TO GO TO SILVER SPRINGS. THE KIDS WANT TO SEE FISH AND ALLIGATOR WRESTLING REALLY BAD! IS THIS PLACE ANY GOOD?

SUNDAY PM - ARRIVE AT THE RESIDENCE INN SEAWORLD. KIDS SWIM AT HOTEL THEN GO TO BED.

MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY GO TO WDW + 1 OF THE WATERPARKS. WHICH IS THE BEST WATERPARK & WHERE'S THE BEST PLACE TO BUY TICKETS FOR WDW? ALSO, MY 4 YEAR OLD HAS TO TAKE A NAP IN THE AFTERNOON SO WHAT IS THE BEST STRATEGY HERE?

THURSDAY - GO TO UNIVERSAL? WHICH PARK DO I GO TO?

FRIDAY - FLYING HOME

I APPRECIATE ALL FEEDBACK!!!

 

[zakatak]

I have no idea where to begin...

Good luck!

 

[geffric]

Why not try SeaWorld 1 day and then you can go back for a nap and then go back to SeaWorld. The kids will all enjoy SeaWorld. Nap is difficult at WDW if you are not staying on property. however, at MK you can go to Country Bears and hope that the 4 year old falls asleep because it is dark and cool. Nowhere at Ak to sleep,.... Do you have a stroller for the 4 year old to fall alseep in?

Universal IOA is great if your kids like Rollar Coasters but be careful of the height restrctions your kids may not be tall enough.

You might want to consider purchasing your tickets at the Disney Store before you go. I believe it is less expensive than the gate.

 

[nativetxn]

Hi <b>Whitey101</b> Welcome to the DIS.

I'm going to put a copy of this post on our Disney for Families board for you. You might want to check there for replies, also.

I am also putting a copy of this post on our Universal Board for you.

I haven't traveled with small children in many years. I really don't know how to advise you with this. Good luck!

You will find your post on the Universal board <b>HERE</b> and the post on Disney for Families is <b>HERE</b>

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Oh my


...well, here goes my feedback, for what it's worth....

Before you get there, hit a book store and pick up Birnbaum's Guide to Disney World. (There are other books out there, but you are kind of in a crunch...this one gives a good overview of the rides in each park, etc.) Start reading!!!!

Or pick up the Unoffical Guide to Walt Disney World and follow a touring plan formte the back of the book that seems to cover what you are most interested in seeing.

When you arrive at WDW on Monday, buy a 4 day park hopper pass. Skip Universal and the water parks. Spend a day in each
park (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and MGM). Before each day, at least review what's in that park and make a list of the things you'd like to see in that park....Maybe your kids can look at the book too and each pick one thing they are most interested in in each park -- make sure you hit these things so that each kid does his/her first choice....

Or if your heart is set on a water park, get a 4 day park hopper plus pass. Then skip Epcot and hit a water park -- or go to Epcot for the first part of the day and then to the water park in the afternoon - or vice versa.

I'm also assuiming you are not staying on grounds - so try to avoid the which ever park has the early opening for on-site guests -- they'll get very crowded by the time you get there.

My advice is not the most efficient way to do things. (How did this happen?) Most of us on these here boards do quite a bit more planning than that -- and it would take a long time to explain it all -- but hopefully you'll be able to do some things you'll enjoy.

GOOD LUCK !!

 

[jsmla]

We've never been to SeaWorld but with kids your age I'd consider giving Universal a miss. The 9 year old would probably enjoy it but Universal is really a much more "adult" park. Big coasters, intense shows. We loved it but I have teens. It's not going anywhyere and you'll have an excuse to come back!

I'd try a couple of mornings and one evening at the Magic Kingdom. It's very kid-friendly. Just get there early and avoid the days of Extra Magic Hour if you're not staying on site. MGM has a fair mix of things for the young (Playhouse Disney) and thrill rides (Tower of Terror and Rock n Rollercoaster). There are great water fun spots at Epcot and activities for the kids in the World Showcase. Animal Kingdom has lots of things for kids but watch out for It's Tough to Be a Bug. As far as the water parks are concerned my kids preferred Blizzard Beach. Just go early!.

If you have a character hound I'd try to get priority seating at a character meal. Otherwise, Mickey's Toontown has a Character meet-n-greet area.

Can't help with naps cause we always went back to the resort.
You're in the right place though cause lots of the people here really know their stuff and I'm sure I've forgotten tons!

 

[AgaintoDisney]

Universal is a wonderful park. However, there is not as much to do for younger kids as there is at Disney. Maybe skip it to they are tall enough and mature enough to enjoy all the the rides. My DD age 9 is petite for her age and still is not tall enough to ride all the rides at Universal, however, she is a daredevil and will ride anything she is tall enough for. Our plan is to go to Universal next summer when hopefully she is tall enough to ride everything.
I would spend 4 days at Disney and plan on spending more time at MK. There are rides there all your children will enjoy. Buzz Lightyear is a sure hit with all ages.