Which park to start for DGD6 first trip?

[tmonferdini]

DH & I are taking our 6 yr old granddaughter for her first trip ever in Sept. Staying at BLT theme park view. We arrive at MCO 10:20 am on 9/1. Based on last year's MNSSHP dates, I'm hoping for it to fall on Monday 9/4 this year and plan on attending that night. We will not have hoppers and will be staying 6 nights and DH & I would prefer to skip AK all together. I've contemplated 2 difference scenarios, here's what I've come up with so far:
9/1 arrive MCO 10:20 am; drop off bags & head to MK with G+ selections; dinner, early to bed
9/2 DS eeh/break/DS F!
9/3 Epcot eeh/break/MAYBE back for fireworks
9/4 sleep in; pool; MNSSHP
9/5 later entry to E or DS/Disney Springs for dinner
9/6 MK eeh/break/fireworks & parade
9/7 late bfast & leave
OR
9/1 arrive MCO 10:20 am; drop off bags & head to Epcot with G+ selections; dinner; early to bed
9/2 DS eeh/break/DS F!
9/3 Epcot eeh/break/back for dinner & out
9/4 MK eeh/break/MNSSHP
9/5 later start to Epcot for lazier day with a few rides; Disney Springs for dinner
9/6 MK eeh/break/fireworks & parade
9/7 late bfast & leave

My thinking is that since we will have theme park view and be there early enough, can't justify NOT doing MK on day 1 (especially since it's her first trip ever). Any advice? Thanks!

 

[scrappinginontario]

First park with a 6yo? MK - always MK!

We start and end as many trips as possible in the MK.

 

[coasternut22]

Your first plan is best. It’s messed up to have a theme park view but make a kid wait three full days before they can actually go.

 

[Marthasor]

Yes, absolutely MK, IMHO. It will make your life easier to simply drop your bags and walk over on your first day, as well.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Are you using DS for Hollywood Studios? Just asking as Fantasmic is at Hollywood Studios.

DS on the boards normally means Disney Springs and DHS/HS for Hollywood Studios.

Have MNSSHP dates been announced or are you planning based on dates in previous years?

I like your first plan.

 

[tmonferdini]

Are you using DS for Hollywood Studios? Just asking as Fantasmic is at Hollywood Studios.

DS on the boards normally means Disney Springs and DHS/HS for Hollywood Studios.

Have MNSSHP dates been announced or are you planning based on dates in previous years?

I like your first plan.

Yes I'm meaning Disney Studios at DS; guess I remember when Disney Springs (DS) was Downtown Disney (DTD) and Disney Hollywood Studios was DHS lol.
No, dates haven't been released yet for party but I'm basing it on last year's dates.

 

[tmonferdini]

Your first plan is best. It’s messed up to have a theme park view but make a kid wait three full days before they can actually go.

That's exactly why I'm struggling. I kind of like my second plan but think it would lead to meltdowns. And even as an adult having never been, I would probably want to start with Magic Kingdom. But also remember reading in years past about expectations and build up to MK, but that's also not taking into effect the theme park view!

 

[loves to dive]

Plan one but I'd probably switch one of the HS days to an AK. I know you said you didn't want to go there but I'm not sure a 6 year old girl would want or need 2 days at HS. Is there a reason you don't want to do AK?

 

[tmonferdini]

Plan one but I'd probably switch one of the HS days to an AK. I know you said you didn't want to go there but I'm not sure a 6 year old girl would want or need 2 days at HS. Is there a reason you don't want to do AK?

I think there are a lot of shows at HS that she would enjoy and with all the rides, don't know if we would be able to do it all in just 1 day. That's similar for E with rides and enjoying WS (DH's favorite park).
Also considering a few hours late morning on the day of the party at either E, HS or even AK. We're just not sold on AK but she probably WOULD enjoy it and Tusker House has long been one of my favorite character meals.

 

[Betsyp]

deleted

 

[sponica]

I'm not sure I understand the logic of skipping AK...that's a must do for my 6 year old.

 

[T.G.I.Friday]

You know her best, but we took DD for the first time when she was 5 1/2, and it would have been too much for her to travel and then go right to a park.

Could you swim first for a couple of hours or go out for lunch and let her decompress before going to the parks later in the evening?

Going to the airport, being away from her parents, flying, new airport and getting to the resort - that’s a lot for little ones. Then add that your room won’t likely be ready and it will feel like the surface of the sun at 1:00 when you’d be going to MK, it just seems like a lot to ask of her on her first trip.

I like your plan, but I would not push to get to MK right away. Going when the sun has dipped a little and everyone is rested and and full seems like it would set her up for a more magical first visit.

 

[Betsyp]

I'm not sure I understand the logic of skipping AK...that's a must do for my 6 year old.

I loved AK this last November even more than I did when I’d gone years ago. Kids love seeing all the animals, and it’s just such a wonderful park

 

[tmonferdini]

She lives with us so being away from mom isn't an issue. She can and I'm sure WILL sleep on the plane. I figured I would try to have a couple LL's reserved and we could grab a bite to eat, do a couple rides and maybe a show or 2 (in the ac) then dinner and bed.
And also I've reconsidered AK and will be fitting it in for 1/2 day late morning on 9/5 for a few rides and a couple shows. I keep telling myself "it's for HER, not you"!