The 7D Plan for Disney and the Dark Side

[MommyMissy]

Hi all! My family is tired of me constantly talking about Disney so I thought I would bring my ramblings here to share with you. I would love to have your input, suggestions, and happy thoughts.

So who are we? The 7D, our last name starts with a D and there are 7 of us

Me (Missy) Mom, wife, school librarian, thrill seeker, and lover of all things Disney and Harry Potter.


DH (Rick) husband, dad, crane operator, Star Wars geek, and beer connoisseur


DS, Caden (12)


DS, Mason (10, will be 11 at the time of the trip)


DD, Kenzie (8, will be 9 at the time of the trip)


DS, Kipton (6)


DD, Kinley (3)

 

[MommyMissy]

Our Disney History
We have taken several family trips to DL, our most recent was this past March. This was Kipton’s first real trip as he was only 6 weeks old the first time and he kind of hated it. He is just the odd one in our family and kept telling us he would rather be camping He really did end up liking it for the most part but is afraid of a lot. This was also Kinley’s first trip and she loved it. She loves the princesses (especially Anna and Elsa) and Minnie Mouse. Some of the rides scared her but overall she likes to try things.

We have a tradition in our family that when a kid turns 7, they get a solo trip with mom to Disney. The 2 older boys both went to Disneyland. Caden started out as a daredevil, willing to try everything. Later he went through a phase where he would chicken out last minute, and now he is back to wanting to try everything. Out of all my kids, he gets the “Disney Magic” the most. Mason started out as afraid of everything, but now is the bravest and what’s to do it all. He wants to be a vet when he grows up so he is super excited for Animal Kingdom.
Kenzie is my only child who has been to WDW, we took a mom/daughter trip for her 7th birthday. This was also my first trip. The trip started with her not wanting to go on anything, she cried on Frozen, and refused to do anything with any kind of thrill at all. I finally convinced her to ride BTMRR and she loved it. In March she rode Splash and cried the whole time. I have come to realize that she gets into her own head and freaks herself out. Mostly it is the fear of the unknown. She is very excited for this trip and takes pride in telling the other kids what to expect or suggesting things they will like. She has said she is willing to try a lot more this time now that she has a better idea of things.

So while on the trip with DD, I upgraded to an AP. My mom had a work trip in June 2018 so it made sense for me to tag along. This trip I was really able to do a lot and experience the thrill rides I couldn’t do with DD. In August of 2018 DH and I decided to sneak in one more trip before my AP expired. I was so thankful for this trip because before this my DH was not a huge fan of Disney. This trip gave him the opportunity to relax and enjoy and truly see the magic that Disney has to offer. He is a huge Star Wars fan so he is excited that Galaxy’s Edge will be open when we go.

 

[MommyMissy]

Trip Details

When: January 22- February 1, 2020

Where: 2 rooms at All Star Sports (7 nights, 8 days) then Surfside (3 nights, 3 days). Disney has been booked, Universal has not.

Why: originally Feb 2020 should have been Kipton’s birthday trip, after talking to him about it, he decided he would rather do a whole family trip and maybe have his solo trip when he isn’t as afraid of everything. After thinking about it, we decided to not be there over his birthday and moved the dates up a bit. Also, I am a gestational surrogate and due with a baby for another family 12/25/19. I will still be out on maternity leave so I will have time off from work.

 

[MommyMissy]

Some Rambling Thoughts

As much as I love planning these trips I’m a little nervous about planning for so many people with various interests and riding styles. My other WDW Trips were just me and one other person. Disneyland requires much less planning so that is different than this trip. I’m considering going over every ride and attraction at each park and having everyone vote on whether it is a must-do, would-do, or won’t-do for each person and then building plans around that.

Flights are not yet available for our dates but I am hoping to get an early flight into MCO so that we have a half day in the park. Right now I have 8 day hoppers so we should have 2 days in 3 parks and 1 1/2 days in the 4th. Of course with hoppers we split the days to make the most of our time. I am anxiously awaiting the opening of GE so I can see how that affects things. I just feel that there are so many unknowns right now.

I know that we won’t be able to “do it all” so I am already trying to prepare myself. I tour commando style but I know the kids can’t so I’m working on managing my expectations. In DL in March, the kids really struggled with 3 RDs in a row so I will do my best to balance RDs with late evenings, I like to hit RD, take a break in the middle of the day, And head back for the nighttime offerings. I think for the most part I will do this but then have some later starts. I considered having a resort day but I know I want to be in the parks as much as possible.

We all enjoy sit down restaurants and find that eating table service can be a nice break. Right now we have the DDP but I may cancel it. With 2 Disney adults, I’m not sure if it is the best value for us. I have a list of ADRs I’m considering but need to narrow them down and then really need to do a guesstimate on what we will order so I can run the numbers and see if the DDP makes sense for us. ADR day is a month from tomorrow so I really should start working on this.

Universal is a whole new beast. DH and I went to Universal Hollywood several years ago, before HP was even open. I am a huge HP nerd and the family members are all fans so that will be priority but of course we have boys who will love marvel and the littles who will want to visit the Seuss attractions, etc. I’m planning almost 3 full days here. We would check out of AllStar Sports on the 29th, spending that day in Disney and then that evening check into Surfside with days at Universal on the Jan. 30, 31, and Feb 1st. Hoping for a late night flight home on Feb. 1. I’m not sure what the best way to get from Disney to Universal would be. Are there Ubers big enough to transfer 7 of us plus luggage? I’m thinking no and we will probably have to hire a driver or means shuttle, etc.

Weather: after trips in June, August, and September, I am thrilled to be going at a much cooler time but I am worried it might be too cold. Coming from Colorado, I know we will be fine in the parks but crossing my fingers the kids can swim without turning blue

 

[MommyMissy]

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking recently and looking at a tentative schedule, I’m considering not getting hoppers. I don’t like that this would limit our flexibility but with shorter park hours in January and 7 people to get from place to place it might make more sense for this trip.

I have also really been looking at dining options. I think we know where we want to eat and we are 99% sure we will not do the dining plan

Here is what I am thinking:

Jan 22
Hoping for an early flight from Denver
Head to Epcot to check out the festival of the arts and eat around the world
Dinner at Teppan Edo

Jan 23
Animal Kingdom
Lunch or dinner at Satulli Canteen

Jan 24
Hollywood Studios
We definitely want to eat at 50s Prime Time
Might add Sci Fi as Rick really wants to go back

Jan 25
Magic Kingdom is supposed to be open until 11pm
Hoop dee Doo Review

Jan 26
Hollywood Studios
Maybe lunch at Hollywood & Vine, Kenzie and I really enjoyed it and can get the Fantasmic viewing package

Jan 27
Magic Kingdom
Debating between Liberty Tree Tavern and Tony’s with the parade package but I think Liberty Tree will be the winner
The Wave for dinner for my favorite appetizer ever!

Jan 28
Start with breakfast at Bon Voyage
Epcot
Dinner at Ohana

Jan 29
Check out of Sports
Animal Kingdom
Lunch at eight spoon cafe
Check in to The Endless Summer Resort- Surfside
I need to figure out the best way to get from Sports to Universal

Jan 30 - Feb 1
Spend at UO and IOA
No idea where to eat or how to plan our days
We will fly home on the evening of February 1
Need to figure out how to get to the airport

What do you think? Any suggestions?