What's realistic itinerary and time frame for parks with 5 y.o. daughter?

[KIS]

I started looking at my draft of the MK for my daughter along with my husband and me, of course. I was overwhelmed. I have no idea what's a realistic time framework with a 5 year old nor do I know the crowd/time limitations for each park when it comes to figuring out what might be a comfortable list of "must dos".

Also, we are staying for eight nights, seven days, and I have been considering a five or six day pass since I estimate we will be arriving in the late afternoon and leaving very early on the eighth day.

Given this, I know we can go back to things she wants to do. I imagine that she will favor the MK. I would like to assist my family by offering an itinerary that is not so jam-packed that we can't enjoy ourselves and go about the tour in a relaxed fashion.

I welcome suggestions about how other people with youngsters selected their rides, shows, etc.

Am I right about MK? Will a 5 y.o. enjoy Epcot or MGM at all?

I welcome your ideas and experiences. I have never been to WDW. I feel like the blind leading the blind when it comes to planning our time in the parks.

Thanks.

KIS

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

We were there for the same amount of days. We had a 2 Y.O. as well as the 5 Y.O., so we maybe needed a few longer rest breaks.

Our daughter liked going back to the hotel for naps, and really enjoyed the pool. We usually spent 2-3 hours in the middle of the day lounging, napping, and swimming.

We had one day for a waterpark in the middle of the week. Slept in- then had a late P.S. for breakfast, and then a later dinner. Was a nice break day.

We were all pretty tired by the end of the week

We had a nice sit down lunch or dinner every day. A nice break in air conditioning. She ended up sleeping about an hour at mama melrose. Just layed her head down in the booth. Make Priority seatings, but realize that it is no big deal to cancel, or change times.

My daughter talks about epcot alot, as if she really enjowed it. At the time I didn't think she did, but she remembers alot more of it than I thought. She requested to spend more time there this year.

None of our family was that impressed with AK. It maybe because that was the end of our trip, and we were getting wore out.

MK of course was the big hit. If there is an E-night, try to go. We spent a long afternoon at the resort, after being at MK in the AM. We got alot of ride time, much cooler weather, and lots of characters.

My daughter liked certain things at MGM. She is a daredevil, and loved Tower of Terror. The shows are good.

I would try Epcot, or MGM the first day. That way they are not a disapointment after MK.

Also if you are early risers, go to Early Entry, but plan on going back to your resort, a bit earlier, and hit another park in the afternoon.


Have fun planning, and read all the info you can on these boards. Everyone has lots of ideas, and you will learn so much.

Hope this helps.

 

[KIS]

Dear Mady/Sophiemom,

It really does help. Thank you for sharing. Overall, it sounds like your family had fun.

This is our first time.

I believe that MK has early hours for our first day....I like your strategy about doing one of the other park first, however. In my case, I don't know if it's worth it to pass up on the early admission to MK. We are definitely early-risers! My daughter is, in fact, the earliest of us...

It's funny that you mentioned the restaurant incident. May I ask how you planned your meals? Did you have the silver plan? How much did you average a day for meals/activities? Your pace sounds reasonable, so I'd love to hear. Also, what sort of pass did you have? I take it you stayed on grounds. We are staying on grounds, so expect to follow your mid-day R&R plan. Where did you stay? Was it easy to get back and forth between your resort and the parks? Did you kids get stir crazy en route? How many rides, shows, etc. would you say you averaged in your jaunts at MK and other places?

I hope you don't mind me asking so many questions.

I am so happy that I found this board because it's helping me tremendously having never been to WDW and planning a vacation for my family.

thanks in advance.

KIS

 

[disneyatheart]

Hi Kis.....

We have gone several times now (3 times with a 5 year old and a one year old). We have always stayed on property (Beach Club Villas and Old Key West-average 7-10 days).

MK is by far the best park for young kids. We don't try the Early Entry just because we never seem to get the kids up and going on time....instead we avoid going to the park that has Early Entry since we don't get there until later that morning. We return to our rooms in the afternoon for lunch, pool and a nap. We make late ps for dinner (6-6:30 pm) and then stay up late watching fireworks, going to Boardwalk, or Marketplace.

There is not enough for my kids to do at AK, Epcot or MGM so we never plan on spending a whole day at any of those parks.

In the past we have used Disney's transportation (bus system) to get us to the parks;however, a couple of weeks ago we rented a car instead. We will probably continue renting a car because it saved us a lot of time waiting for the buses and the drop off/pick up at the other resorts.

As for water parks, we just went to Blizzard Beach on our last trip. It was nice, but we wouldn't consider doing it agin for another 2 years when our 5 year old can do more things. Instead you might want to go swimming at another resort pool....like boardwalk or wilderness lodge. If you aren't staying at the yacht/beach club you can not use stormalong bay. If you are staying at y/bc....then you already have a great pool and no need for a water park.

Good luck... and have fun too. I have told many friends and families who are going in sept-oct that you can't do it all. ..... follow you childs lead. It won't be fun if your child is unhappy. Besides this probably won't be your first and only trip to WDW....it never is.

liz

 

[IndyJammer]

We have recently returned with DS8 & DD17Months. (So, if we averaged my kids, we'd have about yours!)

My best advice is to be flexible! If you know that there are a few restaurants that you really want to try, get PS's for them - but probably only about 1 per day - It's very hard to plan exactly where you are going to be at a certain time of the day with kids! We were there for 10 days - the first few days, we had several PS - about 2 a day - and it was too much! We didn't have time to enjoy anything b/c we were always trying to stay on Schedule!

Second Advice - and it sounds like you are already up to this - is Go Early! This was hard for us, b/c my kids are NOT early risers! But you can get so much more done if you go early before the crowds set in. Try to plan on being there at Park Opening - it is so much better that way!

My kids found something to love in every park. MK is still their favorite - and DW insists that we "see the Castle" first on every trip - so we always go there first! FantasyLand will probably be your DD's favorite - Go early and hit Dumbo & Peter Pan immediately. At Epcot, we like Journey into Imagination and my kids did like the Kidcot stations at Epcot. (They get to make a mask - and get stamps and decorations at every country to add to it.) At Disney Studios, if you daughter likes Bear in the Big Blue House, she will love Playhouse Disney! DD17months had a blast - She smiled the entire show! And definitely see the MuppetVision 3D! The Animal Kingdom Safari is a definite must-see too!

As for your questions:
"May I ask how you planned your meals? Did you have the silver plan?" How much did you average a day for meals/activities?" We found that the Silver Plan was a little much for us - Unless you plan on eating at all the most expensive restaurants or having spa treatments, it was not worth it. We would not have spent enough money in Food alone to cover the Silver Plan. (And we did a lot of Character/Sit Down Meals! 7 Character Meals!)

"Also, what sort of pass did you have?" We bought an Annual Pass - I think the Cutoff to make an AP being worth it is about 8-9 days - since we were going for 10, it was actually cheaper to buy a yearly pass - except that now it is calling me back! And we are going again in Sept & Oct!

"I take it you stayed on grounds. We are staying on grounds, so expect to follow your mid-day R&R plan. Where did you stay? Was it easy to get back and forth between your resort and the parks? Did you kids get stir crazy en route?" We stayed at the Poly last time and it was so worth it to stay on site! Walt Disney Transportation is very good. Even when we stayed at the All Star Resort last year, it was good. Mostly the kids rested and caught their breaths on the buses/monorails/ferries. DS8 liked the swimming pool as much as anything else, so he was usually excited about going back to the resort in the middle of the day!

"How many rides, shows, etc. would you say you averaged in your jaunts at MK and other places?" The answer to this question is going to depend upon the time of year you go & the time of day you go. If you get up and go early, you can get a lot done in a little amount of time. If it's later in the day, expect to wait in some lines. My advice would be to try to hit 2 "lands" in MK per day - and go 2-3 days to make sure you hit everything. If you are going on an early entry day, hit FantasyLand and Frontierland - and then go back for Tomorrowland & Adventure land a different day (or different days even).

I hope you are still reading at this point! I know I've written a book. Also, keep in mind that this is just what seemed to work for my family - and every family is different! Make good use of the DisBoards - If we didn't want to help/answer your questions, we wouldn't be reading!

 

[Desnik]

Don't assume she'll like MK better. My DD5yo absolutely loves Epcot!! When she talks about her trips to Disney(4 so far)she always talks about Spaceship Earth, she loves that ride! She loved walking through the countries and stopping at the kicot stations making a mask. I think at that age, especially the first trip, everything is exciting and she will just want to see it all.

As for touring tips, we don't pick out the attractions, we just know what park and day we will visit it. When we get there we just go where ever! When at MK we usually do EE there and get FL done before it gets crowded. We go to Epcot almost every evening to have a nice dinner and watch Illuminations. We always take a day or two to just enjoy the resort. Rent a boat, swim, or go shopping at DTD. You didn't mention where you will be staying? On a day we do EE we take an afternoon break at the resort. Otherwise we get to a park when we can. Hey this is a vacation so I like to sleep alittlt!! If you have any questions about your resort try the resorts board, there is so much info!! I have stayed off-site twice(before I found the DIS)and at CSR, GF, BWI so if you have any questions about those I'd be happy to help!

You also don't mention when your going? Then I can tell you how much time to alot for things. Is it in the summer? You would have to take heavy crowds, and heat into consideration. I think a 6 day pass for the lenght of your stay would be perfect.

Also MGM has some great things for a 5yo to do!! We love it there!! Some are:Little mermaid show, Beauty and the Beast show, muppets 3D show, playhouse Disney show with Stanely, Rolie Polie Olie, Pooh and Bear in the big blue house. This park you have to plan out once your there because some shows start at certain times.

As for the silver plan, I personally think it is a waist unless you are really big eaters, plan to go to expensive places to eat and want to do the tours, or Cirque. You can save time and money just using cash. Besides, how much does your 5yo eat? Mine eats very little and usually just splits something with me. We averaged about $75.00 per day. For a weeks stay we usually do only 1 or 2 character meals and at least 6 sit down meals. None of us are breakfast eaters so I usually make sure I have a cereal bar or poptart for DD if she gets hungry before lunch.

Keep in mind there is alot of walking involved here and she might need a stroller. It would be faster for you to get to on attraction to another if you had a stroller. For her age I would reccomend renting one. You can just get it as needed.

Off topic, where in Rockland are you from? My DH is from W.Nyack. I am originally from the Bronx, but lived in Rockland, first Stony Point, then Nanuet for 8 years. My mom and sis are still there.

Hope I have helped and if you have more questions ask away!!
Nikki

 

[lenshanem]

My 5 year odl can make it all week at thsi point, no stollers. Mk we usually spend the most tiem at, a few thinsg she lieks at MGM & AK, and surprisingly she really enjoys Epcot, even World Shwcase. Do the Kid Stops in each country. Are they still making masks?

 

[il-gander]

Our 5 year old (1 month shy of 6 at the time) enjoyed something in all of the parks, but her favorites were MK & AK. I was surprised at how quickly she got tired, especially at MK. A lot of that, I think, was the heat (90 and humid all week the first week of June this year). MK can also be overwhelming IMO. She even reached a point a few days where she refused to get character autographs, etc. and just really wanted to go back to the hotel and swim. Here's a quick list of the things she liked the most at each park:

MK - Splash Mountain (the 2nd and 3rd time on)
Pirates of the Caribbean
Character greetings
Peter Pan
Buzz Lightyear
Indy Speedway
Spectromagic
AK- Kali River Rapids
Triceratops Spin
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Jammin' Jungle Parade
Epcot - Test Track
Living with the Land
Living Seas
Kidcot stations in World Showcase
MGM - Star Tours
Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground
Fantasmic!

She also really enjoyed hunting for pressed penny machines and pin trading with CM's. HTH-

Carla

 

[Laz]

Not much I can add, but I do have a few new ideas. AK: Go early, ride the Safari. A great break is to let your child play in the bone yard for a while... great break for adults. Get in line for the Lion King show EARLY and get your child in the front row seats. They get chosen to be part of the show! We also found AK a great place to see characters. MGM: Honey I shrunk the Kids play area is another great break for adults. DD love 50s prime time cafe because waitress yelled at we parents to wash hands, finish plates, etc.

Just my two cents. Have fun!

 

[KIS]

All this discussion is really helping me to focus on our priorities. I never got to go to Disneyland when I was a kid nor to WDW when it opened. May be that's part of it. I feel like the kid in the candystore. I think Liz said it, we won't be happy, my husband and I, unless our 5 y.o. daughter is happy.

I'm glad to hear that some of your kids liked Epcot. My daughter has been fascinated in her preschool to learn about Africa, Ireland, and Scottland. She started a collection of dolls in various country's customary costumes. May be that Kidcot will appeal to her. I know she wants to take the journey through the human body. She's also fascinated, like most youngsters, I gather, about the human body. When she had ear infections as a 3 y.o., her favorite book was "Infections of the Middle Ear" which we picked up at her pediatrician's office (I kid you not) May be there's hope that we'll see more than just the MK with her.

Desnik (Nikki) We live in Suffern. I bet that rings a bell because Rockland County is so small, isn't it?

If letting you know more about where we're staying and when we're going will help you all advise me, I'd be happy to supply that information right here, right now:

We are going April 24, 2004 and staying on 8 nights and 7 days. We had been planning on 7 nights and 6 days, but we have our eyes set on an early return flight on Sunday, May 2. I didn't want to curb our Saturday morning and miss an entire day. Initially, I thought we'd return later on Saturday. Extra time on vacation never hurt anyone, right?

We are not too sure whether we'll be at the FOR or at the Dolphin. The teacher's discount makes the Dolphin possible for us. We are leaning in favor of the dolphin and no silver plan.

I'm interested in hearing about the stroller rentals and than someone managed in one of the parks without it. I was thinking of bringing our own because if we're at POR, I hear the trek from the bus stops to the rooms can be gruesome for a youngster at 9-10 pm. Or, if we're at Dolphin, I was hoping on doing something one WDW travel agent had suggested and that was taking a walk over toe Epcot and riding the monorail to MK. I think my daughter might enjoy that stroller at such a time. Where can't you bring a stroller? You sounded clear on this.

I like the group's overall advise: early park, be flexible, focus on the kid having fun, don't overbook.

Carla, I'm keeping your report close at hand. When a 5 year old talks, mothers listen.

Laz, my husband and I want to do the 50s dinner. Is that as much fun for a kid as the Sci-Fi restaurant?

I'm nowhere near having an itinerary. I was heartening to hear one of you say, (I apologize for forgetting which one person said it), that the itinerary I draw up will change many times over.

KIS

 

[lenshanem]

KIS,
We were there in May. I ahve a 5 year old and 2 year old. They both LOVED Sci-Fi. Thought it was really cool sitting in the car and watching movies on the screen, plus it looked liek nighttime during lunch! (They've never even seen a drive thru...) We also ate at 50s. Although thsi is a fav of my hubby's, the kids were lost on it. What is the 50s to them? I mean their Nana was even just a baby then! And we didn't ahve a good waiter. I think a lot of it goes with how good your server is. We are always game, but they never even gave us a chance to play along. I vote for Sci-Fi for your 5 year old.

 

[Madi100]

We took our now five year old when she was four. The trip was centered around our "Little Princess". The thing I learned most about that trip is to not plan. We are returning in January with my parents, and I have planned which park we are going to, and I have planned the Priority Seating meals. However, that is where it stops. I found that my daughter was an entirely different child while we were there. I would want to do something I had planned, and she would be too tired, crabby, bored, etc. Then I would be "upset" because my plans weren't going the right way. No temper tantrums from me or anything, it's just that I spent a lot of time planning, but I didn't plan for my daughter's attitude. So, this time, not a lot planned.

If you aren't going to go to the parks on the first day there, I suggest you hop around to the different resorts and check things out. Do as much as your daughter will tolerate. It's really fun. We went to Magic Kingdom and went on the Monorail. We got to sit in front. DD thought that was quite cool. We then took the boat over to Fort Wilderness from MK and there is a petting zoo and pony rides there. DD also thought that was quite cool.

We got our daughter a stroller at Epcot. It is a huge park, and although she liked the countries, she wasn't as interested in them as we were. Having the stroller was an exciting thing for her. She liked doing the Kidcot part of things, and she also did the passport book. You can buy a kit all over Epcot. The kids take the book to someone in each country and they write a message to them in their language. DD was a little young for this one.

As far as doing 50's Prime Time Cafe. This was one of my daughter's favorite places to eat because they had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We didn't like the Sci Fi because we thought it was dark, and if you have more than two people, you don't get to sit looking at each other. If I remember correctly, you sit in a car and the seats face front like in a car. There is a front seat and back seat.

Hope this helps. Sorry so long

 

[KIS]

Lenshamen, Thanks for your advise about the '50s v. Sci-Fi. I'll keep it in mind. I betcha some others have other opinions, but you make a great point. My husband and I would appreciate the 50s more than our 5 year old to be sure.

KIS

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

Kis

We used disney transportation. No car. We did not mind at all. The buses were actually kind of calming, before hitting the parks, and a chance to sit and do nothing after.

However, we were at Coronado Springs, in May, so the buses were never crowded, and we never waited more than a few minutes. (probably 10 at the most). I'm hoping for the same in October, but am nervous from CBR bus reports.

We did not use any meal plan. I figured on $175.00/day, for meals, and all other expenses. Believe me, I thought we ate alot. Some days we had a bunch left over, and some we went over. I am bad about buying too many souveniers, though. I've tried to figure the silver plan in, and cannot justify the cost, for the kids. We did eat snacks, and breakfast in the room several days. Took our own water too.

We had park hopper+ tickets. Worked out well, and had days left over.

Like others said, it depends on when you go, how many rides and attractions you can see, and do. We were able to ride all of the rides open in Fantasy land, at early entry MK, before our 10:30 breakfast PS, at Cinderellas castle. If you go to EE, do Dumbo first. Shortest line of the entire trip.

There were many things we didn't get to do. That's what return trips are for. One thing I do regret missing, was Toontown Fair at MK. We had planned on going back to MK, our last night, and seeing Fireworks, but didn't make it. Just spent the evening relaxing, and were actually in bed by 9:00pm. My kids didn't really know what was there, so did not miss it. This time, my oldest can read, and goes on the computer. It willl be alot tougher, to get things by her.


have fun planning

 

[KIS]

Dear Mady/Sophiemom,

Thanks for sharing your experience. My husband and I will be opting for no silver plan.

I was interested in hearing about the park hopper pass over the ultimate. May I ask how many days the passes covered and how many days that you stayed? (I think you told me the number of days and nights once, but I forgot).

We were thinking about doing Chef Mickey on the first night and Ohana's on the last night so as to reduce the number of nights/days that we use our passes for an eight night/seven day trip. We were leaning towards the six day hopper pass.

Please let me hear from you. I'm interested in hearing how it worked for you and what you'd advise.

Thank you.


KIS

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

We had the 6 day park hopper plus. We used 5 park days, and 1 extra for BB. It worked out great. We have days left, but they never expire so no loss. We will have the UHP on our Oct. trip. I want to take things slow, and easy, but I'm afraid, in the back of my mind, will think of the $$ spent and lost.

We bought ours at AAA, and got a very good deal. Not all AAA have the same types of tickets. Also try to get an idea of when tickets will increase. I bought mine right before the increase, which helped a little too. Someone on these boards will be able to give you the heads up to that time. If I remember right I think it was Feb. but I'm not positive.

Sat, was our travel day, coming and going. We had time to unpack, and swim, explore a bit when we got there, and left early the next Sat.

We spent Sun, Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri in the parks. Wed was our water park day.

I think the 6 day will work well. Are you getting the plus feature? With the extra days, it is like a 9 day pass.

I think Chef Mickey's is a wonderful first night. You could also ride the monorail, and look things over. This wsa the only restaurant, except the castle, that my kids asked to go back to.

We haven't had Ohana's yet, but have a PS for Oct. Can't wait.


Hope this helps. Be sure to ask lots of questions on these boards, or just read other's posts. You will learn so much.

Have fun

 

[Magic2000]

You may also want to check out the Alice In Wonderland Tea Party and/or Adventures in Cooking that is offered at the Grand Floridian. My youngest DD has done the Tea Party three times and LOVES it!!! She always has so much fun with Alice and the Mad Hatter! We're also trying the Adventures in Cooking for the first time this October.

She did the Pirate Cruise before, and although she did have a lot of fun, she said it was hot (we went in June).

I think the 6 day hopper would probably work out best for you too. Try to avoid the Magic Kingdom on Saturdays (especially in the afternoon) - it can get a little crazy!

We've done Chef Mickeys before - kids really liked it! We really enjoyed the breakfast (although dinner was good too!) We're trying Ohanas for the first time in Oct.

For our Oct trip, its a Momma and Me trip for my little one (I also have two teenagers who do not wish to trick or treat and would rather wait for the summer trip). My DH may also come with us.
On our arrival day (we fly in around 9:30 AM), we'll probably check in, then maybe either do some shopping at Downtown Disney or go to the Petting Zoo at Fort Wilderness; then we're doing dinner at Ohanas. We'll also try to fit in the Singalong at the Campfire with Chip and Dale one night. I think my daughter will enjoy that.

We also always do the EE, nap/swim break, and back to the park later. It works out best for my family!

Have fun!!!

 

[il-gander]

Hi KIS-
I would go with the park hopper too - we were there a total of 7 non-travel days and had 5-day park hoppers. We were pretty Disney-weary on the non-park days and think my DH at least would have revolted had we gotten UPH's and I wanted to go part of every day. Taking a break every few days from Disney made going back the next day more fresh and exciting. If your kids get completely wiped out, with the Park Hopper passes you can skip a planned day or two and save it as an excuse to come back!

Our 5-year-old enjoyed Chef Mickey's very much (she is still talking about it). The other character meal that we did and liked a lot was the Garden Grill in Epcot. We also went to 'Ohana, and enjoyed the meal there very much as well.

I had given you a 5-year-old "likes" list before, but I've included below the things our DD5 DID NOT like as well. She wasn't traumatized or crying about any of these, but mentioned afterwards that she didn't want to do them again.

It's Tough to be a Bug (AK)
Haunted Mansion (MK)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (MK)


Carla

 

[lenshanem]

Magic2000,
Do you recall what they served at the tea party? My daughter has a life threatening allergy to peanuts and tree nuts so I always worried that they served PB&J sandwiches so I've always avoided this for her. I know she would love it so much. WDW has almost always been very understanding. Chefs always come out and talk to me. (I have to worry about cross contamination in cooking or in the buffets since she is so sensitive.) If they are premade the cook might could make her a different sandwich, but if they make them themselves I'd be worried about her being around all those kids spreading peanut butter.
Thanks!

 

[Magic2000]

Lenshanem- If I remember correctly, they do have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, along with some other sandwiches. They are pre-made and were sitting out on the table, cut in cute shapes. I think there was also some carrot sticks. I am sure if you asked, they would be happy to make your child something special. My daughter didn't eat anything there except for the cupcake, and she drank her tea (apple juice). She was just too excited and having a great time!

The only thing the kids got to do themselves is decorate their cupcake. There is icing in a little cup, and you use your finger as the knife (as Allison explained it - it makes for good licking after!) There's also Mickey sprinkles for on top.

They tell a story, and I know they crawled on the floor playing a game.

My daughter loves going to the Tea Party. Again, I am sure if you speak with the CMs, they'll get something special for your child.

Maybe you could make a PS for her to attend, but keep it as a surprise. The day before she attends, maybe you could go in right before it starts to see exactly what's there. That way, if you were still a little unsure, you could always cancel.