WDW Veterans! I need your help! I've made my reservations...now what?

[lap3]

As you can see in my sig below, this will be my family's first trip to WDW. It'll be me, DW, DS6, and DD3. For the past few months, I've been searching through various and infomative websites for tips, hints, and savings and I think I've got it all layed out. But, as a bearer for details, I feel I'm missing something. Here's what I got and tell me if I'm missing something:
1)Rooms: After visiting mousesvers, allearsnet and the DIS(of course), I've read nothing but good things about POFQ. So, we booked our rooms at this resort.
2)Flights: I've flown with Delta and have been very pleased with their service. Since Song is a partner or affiliated with Delta, I figure I can't go wrong. Plus, it's a direct flight! So, I just booked our flights for the family through Song from LAX to MCO.
3)Ground Transportation: Again, through mousesavers and the DIS, I made reservations through Happy Limo for a R/T to and from the airport. BTW, I plan on stopping by the Albertsons on the way to the resort. How and when should I fax my order?
4)Tickets: Bought our park tickets yesterday.
5)Dining Arrangements: I made PS for Chef Mickey's for dinner on one night and Cindy's Gala Feast for dinner on another night. I have been calling ever since I hit the 90 day window for CRT for breakfast, PSB @ Epcot, and Fantasmic Dinner Package and to this day I still don't have those ressies. Well, at least I have the other two booked.

In your words of wisdom, what are some things that I should be aware of or a suggestion. Please tell me because I'm all ears!

TIA!!

 

[gigi1313]

i would say you are doing awesome! keep trying for crt/psb... also, our family REALLY enjoyed HDDR, so if you can squeeze that in, i would say go for it!

 

[princess lovers mom]

as far as being a detail person I would suggest that you plan a park itinerary...look at the park hours and fireworks/parade schedule and make a general plan on what park you plan to do on what day , what parades etc are that day and are you going to stay in the park the whole day or come back etc. Spectromagic at MK is not run every night so you want to plan on hitting that...are you going to take advantage of the EMH ....look at you schedule and make sure that if you have a late night planned that you have a sleep in morning planned for the next day etc....

 

[lap3]

i would say you are doing awesome! keep trying for crt/psb... also, our family REALLY enjoyed HDDR, so if you can squeeze that in, i would say go for it!

Thanks, Gigi! I'll ask my DW and see if she's interested in HDDR.

 

[lap3]

as far as being a detail person I would suggest that you plan a park itinerary...look at the park hours and fireworks/parade schedule and make a general plan on what park you plan to do on what day , what parades etc are that day and are you going to stay in the park the whole day or come back etc. Spectromagic at MK is not run every night so you want to plan on hitting that...are you going to take advantage of the EMH ....look at you schedule and make sure that if you have a late night planned that you have a sleep in morning planned for the next day etc....

Great tips, princess! Unfortunately, we aren't taking advantage of any EMHs. But, one thing we plan to do is go to US on one day and Sea World on another day. So, during our week there, we'll hit up 6 theme parks! I don't know how you guys do it but 6 theme parks in a week sounds tiring! A daily itinerary sounds like a good idea. My kids would definitely be interested in shows and parades in addition to the rides.

If you have any other suggestions, keep 'em coming! Thanks!

 

[rileyroosmom]

Don't forget to take afternoon breaks at the hotel for some down time. As you said, touring is exhausting, especially with kids your kids ages. I'd also rent a double stroller. The kids will be happy and it helps carry all the "stuff" you seem to bring and aquire while in the parks.

 

[lap3]

Yeah, we imagine that the parks will be busy during the day and it may be warm during that time so we plan on going back to the hotel during the early-mid afternoon hours. Especially, since my kids love to swim and I've heard many good things about the pool at the POFQ. Although my DS6 doesn't really need a stroller, we plan on bringing 2 umbrella strollers with us. They're light enough to carry AND they both can sit while we push them around. Thanks!

 

[Disney Fool]

Great tips, princess! Unfortunately, we aren't taking advantage of any EMHs. But, one thing we plan to do is go to US on one day and Sea World on another day. So, during our week there, we'll hit up 6 theme parks! I don't know how you guys do it but 6 theme parks in a week sounds tiring! A daily itinerary sounds like a good idea. My kids would definitely be interested in shows and parades in addition to the rides.

If you have any other suggestions, keep 'em coming! Thanks!

You're going at a busy time--you might want to reconsider EMH for Wed evening at the Magic Kingdom. Less waiting in line.

 

[lap3]

You're going at a busy time--you might want to reconsider EMH for Wed evening at the Magic Kingdom. Less waiting in line.

Will do! I'll keep that in mind.

 

[TJA]

I see you have PS's for CM for dinner one night (CM is very fun!). Be aware that you can take the monorail right into Contemporary, which is really quite fascinating for the kids to see. You might want to familiarize yourself a bit with the monorail loop. It is very handy.

I don't know what kind of passes you have, but if they allow hopping, there is an International Gateway in the country area of Epcot (in the back) where you can take a boat over to MGM. It's a nice diversion to all the hustle and bustle.

Have you looked at all the menus at the various restaurants in all the parks and resorts? I love to do that.
http://www.wdwig.com/menu/menus.htm

I will write again if I think of more things.

 

[rileyroosmom]

Oh, one more thing...get there early, when the park opens and go directly to Fantasyland, do not stop until you get there!!! LOL really, you do want to get there first thing to ride Dumbo and all the other rides. If you get there first thing, you can knock Fantasyland off in about 1 1/2 hours. Otherwise, the wait times can and will be very long.

 

[lap3]

This is great! You guys and gals are giving me great advice! So far, we'll probably reconsider EMHs. TJA, we're(especially my DS) are looking forward to CM"s for dinner. I've shown him pictures of the monorail that goes through the CR and he was so excited. He loves the monorail already when we go to DL out here so he can't wait to see what it's like in WDW!

rileyroosmom, we plan to be at the parks as soon as they open just so we'll definitely target Fantasyland as soon as we enter. Funny you mention that, though. It's not much different there as the Fantasyland here in DL. Go figure!

I realize we're going during a busy time. But have any of you had any luck with making reservations at like CRT or PSB while you're at the resort. As it is now, I haven't been able to make either of these and my DD would love to dine with any of the princesses.

Please share anything else that may be helpful. Believe me, these are helping me out a ton!!! Thanks!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

When you're at MGM try the Sci-Fi. The kids love it and they sell drinks with light up ice cubes in them that the kids go wild for. We used them at night as night lights in our hotel room.

 

[lap3]

When you're at MGM try the Sci-Fi. The kids love it and they sell drinks with light up ice cubes in them that the kids go wild for. We used them at night as night lights in our hotel room.

You know, I've heard that name "Sci-Fi" thrown around these boards a few times but never gave it much thought. That's another one to add to my must-do list! Thanks for the suggestion!