US/IOA Dec. touring plan help

[minniedisney1]

I am planning out trip to US/IOA. We will be going 12/22-24/05. Two adults, 1 teenager,1 two year old. We will be staying on site at HRH. We like the big rides and the little kid rides. Pretty much between us we will ride everything in the park. We will skip the shows though. I am just wondering about where to start, when to get there etc. And the big ???? Exactly how crowded is it that time of year??? Any helpful tips, suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks!

Please ignore the stupid supposed to be ticker.... I can't figure out how to get it on there and working.

 

[Motherfletcher]

We have gone around Christmas on several occasions. The closer to Christmas the busier it gets and after Christmas to New Year's its as crowded as it ever gets. Staying on-site takes the crowd out of crowded with FOTL. I would go early just to avoid the people on the streets. At IOA go first thing and get the front seat. You won't need the FOTL until almost 11 and then it will be priceless.

 

[robvia]

Exactly. Go early so you can get front seat rides on Hulk, Dueling Dragons, and ride Pteranadon Flyers before the line gets long. Since you are staying at the HRH, you will be close to the parks, and can walk back and forth. You may think about splitting up, one takes the 2 year old to the play ground and kiddie stuff, while another goes with the teenager on the coasters. The teenager will probably want to run off alone, which is very easy since you are staying at the HRH. Last year on our stay, the wife and kid were at the pool in the afternoon, and I just walked over to USF to ride the Mummy a couple times. It only took me 10 minutes to get there.

 

[Snoopymom]

Nothing to add about a touring plan, but I just wanted to say that the shows are great. I would definitely try and make time for the Barney show and the Sinbad show with your two year old, plus they're a nice break from standing and walking. Have fun!

 

[minniedisney1]

Thanks for all the advise! I had never even thought about splitting up. I will def. tell my DH about getting in early, 2 of the 3 mentioned are on his "must do" list.