Trying to please everyone....? Planning nightmares, please help.

[mshanson3121]

In all honesty, I think you have way too much "extra" stuff planned. A 7 day base ticket buys you more entertainment than you'll have time to experience in 7 days. I'd skip either Sea World or Discovery Cove, and just pick the one other "extra" thing that you want to do. I guess you can't get out of the truck thing since your MIL already bought the tickets.

Less is more, IMHO.

Definitely not skipping either of those. 1) The tickets are already bought 2) The kids are thrilled about going there. Both kids are huge into water and animals etc... Hehe, but I think DH is as excited as the kids! In his words - no way are we going there and not seeing Sea World!!!

MIL bought them through Groupon, and she's within the three days, so might try and see if she can return them. If nothing else, she might be able to get a groupon credit. I'd just as soon not do the trucks. Fingers crossed

 

[mshanson3121]

I have to disagree with skipping the break day. I have found that even when traveling with just adults we need a down day. Otherwise we get worn down.

I will suggest if it works for your family, trying to get to the parks earlier than noon. It will be hot, and the parks will be busy by then. Would it be possible to get to the parks close to opening time, and then taking a mid day break back at your resort, then going back? You will get to do the rides with a lot less waiting, and you will get to be relaxing at your resort during the worst of the heat.

I think we'll do that on our final MK day as planned. But otherwise... I'm not sure. Honestly, the kids don't transition well, so I'm not sure trying to transition them out of the park after only a few hours (when they're still raring to go) would go well. It would likely result in a meltdown from one or both, which basically would just screw up the rest of the day, especially if it's DD. DS comes out of his pretty quick, but DD normally ends up putting so much into it that she crashes and falls asleep.

 

[maxiesmom]

I think we'll do that on our final MK day as planned. But otherwise... I'm not sure. Honestly, the kids don't transition well, so I'm not sure trying to transition them out of the park after only a few hours (when they're still raring to go) would go well. It would likely result in a meltdown from one or both, which basically would just screw up the rest of the day, especially if it's DD. DS comes out of his pretty quick, but DD normally ends up putting so much into it that she crashes and falls asleep.

Would it work to go early, and then have a in park meal around noon to get them out of the heat? I'm just worried that if you go late you all will wear out much faster. Obviously only you know your kids and what will work, but if they are ok to do early mornings, you easily get more done than you do later in the day. With a lot less sweat too!

 

[mshanson3121]

Dinner at TH isn't going to get the kids in bed at 8.

I assume you aren't going to be destroying yourselves by driving too long each day to get to FL? So hopefully you'll be somewhat rested? Get in 5 or 6pm, rest up, I say get up early and head to AK.

But staying offsite AND wanting to leave the parks for a break AND wanting to be home with kids in bed by 8....AND doing Seaworld AND Discovery Cove...that's an expensive, long, but really split up trip. I never plan to do anything just once (and won't do "once in a lifetime" experiences because that just depresses me) so unless those tickets are purchased OR it's something desperately wanted by the kids, I'd drop one or both of those and spend more time at Disney, honestly.

I feel you have both overscheduled the fancy stuff, while taking yourselves out and away from the parks quite a bit, and it might end up in serious frustration by the end of the trip.

You're right on bedtime, we'll stick to the first plan. I actually don't want to leave the parks for a break Only one day do we plan on doing that, and that's only because the kids just can't pull 9am - 9pm. The tickets for SW/DC are already bought, and unfortunately for us, I can pretty well 100% guarantee that this will be the one and only trip, so we really want to go to those places. But, I'm also okay with this being a) a one and only and b) missing two days at Disney. I just feel very lucky to have this chance to go

 

[mshanson3121]

Would it work to go early, and then have a in park meal around noon to get them out of the heat? I'm just worried that if you go late you all will wear out much faster. Obviously only you know your kids and what will work, but if they are ok to do early mornings, you easily get more done than you do later in the day. With a lot less sweat too!

I think that would for sure. Are there indoor places, or at least shaded places where you can eat a packed lunch? And sadly, since they seem programmed to wake up at 6:30 every day... yeah, they're good for early mornings, LOL.

 

[irene_dsc]

Tom Sawyer's island is a great spot for an afternoon break. There is a big porch area with tables and chairs where you could eat a packed lunch, too.

I found staying in park easier than leaving for a break, also.

Btw, I'd do Epcot in two days if possible. It is huge!

 

[mshanson3121]

WOHOO! She got the Monster Trucks refunded! So scratch those! I will amend my initial post, just in case anyone new is reading it

 

[JessicaW1234]

I'm struggling so much planning. We're traveling with my in-laws, and while they are quite flexible, there are some things they want that I'm trying to work around. Then, I'm trying to just meet our own needs - we're traveling in summer so have to factor in the heat, the kids both have special needs, so trying to make sure we leave enough down time, and we want them in bed at a normal time as much as possible. Then there's the whole "want to experience as much as we can" mentality since this is our one and only trip, there are certain non-ride experiences that I want them to have. Then there's the matter of trying to fit in all the character M&Gs and rides that the kids want to do. I swear I'm going to be grey by the time this trip comes! So, I'm hoping I can share the problem areas and PLEASE get some input - because I'm getting really stressed out by this and I just want to be done with it all.

I'm making some edits thanks to the advice I've received. So anyone new reading, please feel free to give me your input based on the new info

***Removed #1 as MIL was able to get the tickets refunded for an extra side thing

***Removed #2 as we're doing Epcot - inlaws can go do their stuff. Though I'm wondering if it's best to do Epcot in two trips: say an evening for the WS and a morning for Future World. Or just try to get it done all in one shot, which would give us a full free day for R&R.

3. I'm wondering if we should skip the FoF parade, as we are doing Pirates & Pals fireworks cruise that night, so it would give us a bit more of a break before the cruise. Or, should we try a later arrival, say 12:00, so that we can see FoF and then just stay right through till the fireworks cruise? We would like plan on a one-hour break at some point for an early supper. ADR or maybe just spend an hour relaxing on Tom Sawyer's island, eating a packed lunch?

***Removed #4. We've dropped Pirates League

5. We had really hoped to see HDDR, just something fun. Our kids (8, 5) love music, corny humor, live shows, anything western. But if it's too much we're willing to drop it.

6. So basically... someone, please help me figure this out. We're staying off-site, 20 minutes driving time to MK. We really don't want to do mid-day breaks partially because of the driving, but also because the kids don't transition well and then also because we want them in bed at normal time as much as possible.

This is what I've tentatively come up with based off input received. Side note when I say "full day" for us that means maybe 9-4 or so.

Thursday: Animal Kingdom, full day, lunch time ADR at Tusker House
Friday: MK, either full day (9-3 if we skip parade) or go in the afternoon 12-8
Saturday: Epcot, evening (say 4-8) for the WS. Free day before this, as we're going to need recovery time during the day after the late night before.
Sunday: Sea World, full day
Monday: Epcot, morning (9-1) for Future World. Free afternoon. Hoop Dee Doo at 6:15
Tuesday: Discovery Cove, full day (though I imagine we'll leave around 2 or 3 since we're not doing the Dolphin Swim)
Wednesday: MK - not sure if we should do 9-12, go back to the house and then come back for our 5:00 BBB. Or if we should do a later arrival and maybe plan on being there around 1.
Thursday: HS, half day. I was thinking of going maybe 3-9, watching the first Fantasmic show. We're starting our drive home the next day, so they can sleep in the car. But we could also just do a 9-1, too.

So... thoughts? I do like how it basically alternates full days followed by a partial day.

How about doing Friday's MK 9-3, skip parade, then, on Wed's MK, go in afternoon, 1 or 2ish, see the parade then?

 

[mshanson3121]

How about doing Friday's MK 9-3, skip parade, then, on Wed's MK, go in afternoon, 1 or 2ish, see the parade then?

We could do that for sure. Makes sense since Friday MK day we'll have more time at home before we have to leave for Pirates, on the Wednesday one we'd only end up having about 3 hours. Not sure it's really worth the hassle of trying to leave for 3 hours.

 

[larryz]

I would drop HDDR. We took our kids when they were 12 and 9 and they still talk about how "stupid" it was. Me, I rather enjoyed it, but listening to them complain wasn't worth it.

I respectfully disagree... she already said her kids like the corny stuff and I know my kids loved the "yee haw" at that stage in their lives, too.

I'd say keep it.

 

[cnorth]

I think you have a lot of really great advice here. The only thing I have to say is please do not drop HDDR. It is always a must do for our trips. We love it, and always go on the last night we are there. The kids have gone since they were 8,5, and 3. They would be terribly upset if we didn't go. We even have friends driving from Tampa to be back to it with us!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Thursday: Animal Kingdom, full day, lunch time ADR at Tusker House
Friday: MK, either full day (9-3 if we skip parade) or go in the afternoon 12-8
Saturday: Epcot, evening (say 4-8) for the WS. Free day before this, as we're going to need recovery time during the day after the late night before.
Sunday: Sea World, full day
Monday: Epcot, morning (9-1) for Future World. Free afternoon. Hoop Dee Doo at 6:15
Tuesday: Discovery Cove, full day (though I imagine we'll leave around 2 or 3 since we're not doing the Dolphin Swim)
Wednesday: MK - not sure if we should do 9-12, go back to the house and then come back for our 5:00 BBB. Or if we should do a later arrival and maybe plan on being there around 1.
Thursday: HS, half day. I was thinking of going maybe 3-9, watching the first Fantasmic show. We're starting our drive home the next day, so they can sleep in the car. But we could also just do a 9-1, too.

Friday - MK - what would be easier - waking everyone up and getting to the park early or having a casual morning and taking your time getting to MK? I would think it would easily take an hour to get into the park from off site, especially since you have to park the car, ride a tram to the ticket and transportation center and then take either the monorail or ferryboat to get into MK.

Wed - I would come in later rather than try to break up the day with a trip back home

Thurs - do the 3 - 9 and watch Fantasmic It would be a great way to end your trip.

Hoop Doo Dee is a lot of fun. Your kids are a good age for it and the food is very good.

 

[itchin2go]

In all honesty, I think you have way too much "extra" stuff planned. A 7 day base ticket buys you more entertainment than you'll have time to experience in 7 days. I'd skip either Sea World or Discovery Cove, and just pick the one other "extra" thing that you want to do. I guess you can't get out of the truck thing since your MIL already bought the tickets.

Less is more, IMHO.

OP - I have been reading some of your posts, and had been inclined to comment, but I didn't want to come off sounding like a hag.

Honestly, what you have planned is too much for me, let alone kids with special needs. So I wholeheartedly agree with Rosebud123.

We have been to DisneyWorld a BUNCH of times - see signature - and we haven't come remotely close to seeing and doing everything. It can't be done in a dozen trips, let alone 1.

On our first trip, we intended to do all 4 parks, and ended up only doing 2 .... and it was a MAGICAL trip, the gateway drug to my current obsession - LOL.

One of the things to keep in mind is that every new park is a learning experience, and it can be a frustrating one at that. I would dump the SeaWorld/Discovery Cove plans, personally. Our last trip (11/14) is the first time we added in a non-Disney park. Frankly, it was frustrating and kind of disappointing ... and a hassle. I'm not saying that there's not value in non-Disney parks, but I would concentrate on the Disney parks for this trip.

That way, you'll be able to more adequately cover them - do more, see more, without having to hurry, hurry, hurry, check off this box and that one.

Our general schedule is rope drop to after lunch, break and then return *somewhere* for dinner ... and nothing much else. If we're having dinner at say AKL or the Boardwalk, maybe we'll see animals or stroll or watch fireworks, but we don't try to get too much done in the evening hours. That way, we're rested to go at rope drop again the next morning ... and experience that magical time when everything is walk on (no frustration/100% FUN).

Don't underestimate the hassle of learning a new park. Returning to one where you already have your bearings can feel heavenly - and less frustrating for the rest of the family.

Edited to add: I have never been to HDDR, but it has always been highly recommended. I passed this along to my brother for his most recent trip, and he said it was the highlight of the trip ... and he's kind of hard to please! Sounds like a GREAT evening activity to me.

 

[finedice]

Thursday: Animal Kingdom, full day. Torn between going from 9-5 and having lunch at Tusker House, or sleeping in a bit (since we won't arrive till around 5 or 6 the night before after 3 days of driving) and going from say 12-7, and having supper at TH?

Don't sleep in. Get up early, take advantage of the first couple of hours to hit large wait attractions, and leave when you get tired. Showing up at any WDW park at noon is really not in the best touring interest. Even with FP+ scheduled for the worst time, everything is at peak waits around lunch time. Of course, at AK - and really only at AK, crowds generally do significantly drop after say - 3 or 3:30.

Friday: MK (spend the day, as you suggested just gauge their ability, with the Pirates & Pals cruise that night)

Up to you - I really have a tough time with things like this. You can see the fireworks from a number of places - but to each their own - I know many love this. Again, I would get up early and take advantage of the first hours of the park.

Saturday: Free. Could do the Swamp thingy at some point since it's only like 5 minutes, quite literally up the road from where we're staying. Have an earlier supper at the house then head into Epcot that evening for WS - and just as you suggested, MIL and FIL can go into Old Town.

The kids will really like P&F at WS. Might want to book a few FPs for future world though. Soarin' will be fun multiple times with your family - or test track as well!

Sunday: Sea World, full day

Haven't been to SW for 40 years, so can't help here - but honestly, WDW has plenty to do that you don't have in your plan. We have never stayed offsite though - and our willingness to do other things might increase outside "the bubble". Could also consider waterparks, mini golf, and more. But again - it's what is best for your family.

Monday: morning at Epcot (leaves a free afternoon/evening). This is the evening we had booked HDDR for at 6:15. <--- Thoughts on keeping/discarding this?

Honestly, I've always wanted to go, but have not (although seen videos). if affordable for you, I recommend Dinner at DTD and La Nouba over HDDR.

Tuesday: Discovery Cove, full day (that said I imagine we'll leave by 2 or 3)

Wednesday: MK - our original plan was to spend the morning, 9-12, then go back to the house and rest, then coming back for our 5:00 BBB etc... and stay for MSEP.

I like the rest time, but I agree with this:

the point I'm trying to make is that especially since it will be your kids' first time, everything will be special and new and amazing and wonderful, and you don't have to book additional experiences on top of just being there for your kids to feel that. The last thing you want is for your kids to be watching Gaston for the first time with stars in their eyes and you're saying "Gotta go, we have something on the schedule."

I never plan days at Disney by the hour - only in three part chunks (Morn, midday, night). To me, BBB isn't worth it for the time lost doing other stuff that is "free" with the price of admission, but to others - it's everything.

Thursday (MIL & FIL fly home this day, we don't leave till Friday): Hollywood Studios, late afternoon/evening. The kids really want to see Fantasmic, so thinking we could head in around 3:00, and do an ADR for supper?

Do you have to take the ILs to the airport? I would again get an early start to the day. and try to make RD at DHS. Straight to TSM - the 8 year old might love ToT (and might not), but ST is great as well. Then take time to see the shows.

Overall, I think you are slightly over planning for extras and under planning for how much time it really takes to see a lot of what WDW has to offer. Don't forget to give yourself enough time to enjoy all the magical tiny touches throughout. leave some time open for spontaneity.

As far as the ILs go, I have only gone on one trip where we connected with others outside our immediate family, and it added an enormous amount of stress in trying to appease their schedule and tastes. Be careful. I can only wish you the best with that.

 

[pumpkinhead10a]

Hope you have fun.. plan some but the kids will change the plans as you go ..so just enjoy because everything is fun once you are there!!!

 

[itchin2go]

I feel you have both overscheduled the fancy stuff, while taking yourselves out and away from the parks quite a bit, and it might end up in serious frustration by the end of the trip.

I SO agree with this. I think it's easy to get dazzled by the "extras", when the truth is, the parks - especially MK and Epcot - are enough on their own! Heck - they may be too much on their own - LOL.

 

[mshanson3121]

Friday - MK - what would be easier - waking everyone up and getting to the park early or having a casual morning and taking your time getting to MK? I would think it would easily take an hour to get into the park from off site, especially since you have to park the car, ride a tram to the ticket and transportation center and then take either the monorail or ferryboat to get into MK.

Wed - I would come in later rather than try to break up the day with a trip back home

Thurs - do the 3 - 9 and watch Fantasmic It would be a great way to end your trip.

Hoop Doo Dee is a lot of fun. Your kids are a good age for it and the food is very good.

HAHA...DEFINITELY easier to go in later! While the kids and I are early risers... DH most definitely IS NOT! For him a great vacation would be one where he doesn't have to be out of the house any day before lunch, lol.

 

[mshanson3121]

OP - I have been reading some of your posts, and had been inclined to comment, but I didn't want to come off sounding like a hag.

Honestly, what you have planned is too much for me, let alone kids with special needs. So I wholeheartedly agree with Rosebud123.

We have been to DisneyWorld a BUNCH of times - see signature - and we haven't come remotely close to seeing and doing everything. It can't be done in a dozen trips, let alone 1.

On our first trip, we intended to do all 4 parks, and ended up only doing 2 .... and it was a MAGICAL trip, the gateway drug to my current obsession - LOL.

One of the things to keep in mind is that every new park is a learning experience, and it can be a frustrating one at that. I would dump the SeaWorld/Discovery Cove plans, personally. Our last trip (11/14) is the first time we added in a non-Disney park. Frankly, it was frustrating and kind of disappointing ... and a hassle. I'm not saying that there's not value in non-Disney parks, but I would concentrate on the Disney parks for this trip.

That way, you'll be able to more adequately cover them - do more, see more, without having to hurry, hurry, hurry, check off this box and that one.

Our general schedule is rope drop to after lunch, break and then return *somewhere* for dinner ... and nothing much else. If we're having dinner at say AKL or the Boardwalk, maybe we'll see animals or stroll or watch fireworks, but we don't try to get too much done in the evening hours. That way, we're rested to go at rope drop again the next morning ... and experience that magical time when everything is walk on (no frustration/100% FUN).

Don't underestimate the hassle of learning a new park. Returning to one where you already have your bearings can feel heavenly - and less frustrating for the rest of the family.

Edited to add: I have never been to HDDR, but it has always been highly recommended. I passed this along to my brother for his most recent trip, and he said it was the highlight of the trip ... and he's kind of hard to please! Sounds like a GREAT evening activity to me.

We can't drop SW/DC as we already have the tickets bought. If we could, I would drop DC though before SW - since the kids are so excited to be going to SW.

 

[mshanson3121]

I like the rest time, but I agree with this:

I never plan days at Disney by the hour - only in three part chunks (Morn, midday, night). To me, BBB isn't worth it for the time lost doing other stuff that is "free" with the price of admission, but to others - it's everything.



Do you have to take the ILs to the airport? I would again get an early start to the day. and try to make RD at DHS. Straight to TSM - the 8 year old might love ToT (and might not), but ST is great as well. Then take time to see the shows.

Overall, I think you are slightly over planning for extras and under planning for how much time it really takes to see a lot of what WDW has to offer. Don't forget to give yourself enough time to enjoy all the magical tiny touches throughout. leave some time open for spontaneity.

As far as the ILs go, I have only gone on one trip where we connected with others outside our immediate family, and it added an enormous amount of stress in trying to appease their schedule and tastes. Be careful. I can only wish you the best with that.

We've dropped the Swamp Safari thing as well as Pirates League, so those are out. I'm toying with dropping HDDR as well which would leave just BBB for "extra" experiences. The kids would LOVE the show. The "hours" I'm saying are not set in stone, lol. If we want to stay later we will, if we want to go earlier we will, I'm mostly just giving estimates, and using them for myself to get an idea, especially for trying to book FP+.

No, in-laws are renting their own car, so we don't have to take them. As for traveling with them, we go on vacation with them every year, so should be fine. And I did tell her about our plans for World Showcase that evening and that she and her husband were free to go into Old Town. Honestly - they need a night to themselves, they never get out and do anything together.

 

[mshanson3121]

I know a lot of people on this board are die-hard Disney, and Disney only people, and every minute must be spent in Disney, lol... but honestly.. that's not us. We're going, it'll be fun and very happy to experience (I've already been before and DH has never had any desire to go, he's only going for the kids), but... we have no desire for it to be the ONLY thing we do on our trip. We are every bit as excited about SW, DC etc... Honestly, we could probably even do just one day at MK and the kids would be happy. But for the sake of allowing them to see more/do more etc... there, that's why we're planning two days there.