What Park...What Day?

[MercerMom]

We are planning a last minute disney get away and I have done everything but the ADRs....I know i know what am I waiting on..the problem we're first timers and the Dining Lady at Disney said my first step was to plan my days at which park then plan ADRs from there
The problem I have no idea. OUr first day in the parks will be Thursday and we will visit through monday. I have a two and six year old. Any suggestions on what park what day. We are going President's week so any help will be greatly appreciated. I need to call for ADR's ASAP.

I have the places I want to go, but I probably won't get them this late.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

Are you doing EMHs? I like to make a spreadsheet off all the park hours and parades etc. Then I gray out the emh days (we don't do those) and that gives me a good starting point. The parades may not be so important because I would assume they do them ALL everyday that week...but, I could be wrong.

 

[flynnmnstr]

There is a link on the theme parks forum that will save you some $$. It has been a life saver for us. He'll give you which parks to go to on what days and touring tips, dining tips, parade/fireworks, EMHs everything. I think it ends up costing around $20-- worth every penny.

 

[creativeamanda]

You can also go to the site for the Unofficial Guide. I don't think that I can post the site here, but google the Unoffical Guide for Disney and you should find the site. The least crowded calendar link is on the left side toward the middle. President's week should be already up free or should be in the next few days. If not, it's only $8.95 to join.

 

[slickthomas]

Are you doing EMHs? I like to make a spreadsheet off all the park hours and parades etc. Then I gray out the emh days (we don't do those) and that gives me a good starting point. The parades may not be so important because I would assume they do them ALL everyday that week...but, I could be wrong.

SpectroMagic is only on certain days. I think the rest are every day though.

 

[Rylee]

Go to the WDW site and click on "Calendar."

Check the parks hours for each day.
Check which park has the Extra Magic Hours.
Click on the actual date, to check parade and special event listings.

*Typically the park offering EMH will be slightly more crowded on that day. However, a lot can be seen and done during EMH, since it isn't as busy during those hours. You need to decide what will work for your family... do you have earlier risers, will you be "up & out" early to take advantage of the extra morning hours or do you want to relax and sleep in? Are the extra evening hours too late for your children or will you break/nap in the afternoon and go back for the EMH?

If you are not buying hoppers -
and want to take advantage of the EMH's, you must visit that park on that day.
So, you would need to schedule your dining reservations IN the park you will be visiting each day.
Or... scheduling at a resort restaurant NEAR that park will cut down on traveling time. Example - any of the monorail restaurants are easy to get to from MK.

If you have hoppers -
You may want to avoid the park with the EMH's, and/or only visiting that park during the EMH, then "hop" to another park, to avoid the extra crowds.
Hoppers allow more freedom with dining choices, but remember "hopping" takes time.

 

[MercerMom]

Thanks Everyone, I have come up with a general itinerary and booked ADR's for those days and parks. I feel pretty good about them. I read a few tips and hints, but since with a fearful six year old and a 2 year old I know we won't be flying form ride to ride. We are just going to take our time and relish everything.

 

[Rylee]

We are just going to take our time and relish everything.

Good idea! Take time to discover the magic at your own pace.