Will This Work?

[ronandannette]

We'll be at WDW for the 1st time August 23 - 27. Since we lose the entire first day to travel, we're trying to figure out how to schedule 4 parks in 3 days (we also lose most of the last day as we need to leave for Port Canaveral by 11:00 a.m.). Please tell us if you think this plan will work:

Since we are staying at AKL, we're thinking of trying to do one of the other parks each day, Epcot - Thursday, Magic Kingdom - Friday, Disney Studios - Saturday, from about 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will then have dinner and go to Animal Kingdom every evening to try to take it all in.

This is the part of the plan we're questioning. Can we see and do it all in AKP in the evenings? Given that we need to end up there every night anyway, this seems viable, but we sure would like imput from somebody that has already been there.

 

[MsLeFever]

Here's the problem.

Animal Kingdom closes at 6pm. You might be able to half a day at MGM and half a day at AK though.

 

[Kick Save]

I'd say no, just because you're only going to get about an hour in at the AK each day if you stay at the other parks until 4. AK is kind of off by itself from the other parks, especially MK. If you leave at 4, you're not going to get to AK until 5-ish, and only have an hour to take everything in.

A better plan would probably be to do a whole day at MK and EP, and use an EMH morning to hit the AK until noon or so, then hop over to MGM for the afternoon.

 

[LISAMWDW]

Sorry, but really if this is your first time to WDW, it doesn't sound doable. The main thing is, it doesn't sound that enjoyable. You'll be rushed, stressed and you'll miss alot of all the parks. If I was you, I'd do 2-3 parks on 24th-26th. Epcot and MK can be 2 full days to enjoy the park in its entirety. Depending on the ages of your family would be helpful to give my opinion on which parks to do. Without knowing, my advice would be MK, MGM or Epcot, AK then park hop back to MK.

 

[ajksmom]

1) give up going to one or two of the parks. OR

2) use EMH's (24th MK am - 25th epcot pm - 26th mgm am) Go to the EMH park in the morning, get as much done before it's crowded, then head over to a non-EMH park for the rest of the day.

If you give a little more info about your family it'll be easier for us to make suggestions on a schedule.

 

[scoolover]

I have to pretty much agree with everyone. Can you do it? - absolutely, but it will probably not be as enjoyable as it should be for everyone.

However, if you are set on it. Hit the calanders and find out all the park hours and EMH days. Get to planning and get it done. You can do it but if I were you, I would eliminate a park (MGM) and have a blast at the other 3.

 

[ronandannette]

Thanks everybody - this is really helpful so far!

We are a family of 3 - Mom, Dad and Darrin (9), and this trip is a VERY big undertaking for us as we are self-employed and over the years have rarely had a convergence of time and money like this.

We can't come any earlier and can't stay longer as we're cruising on Sunday, the 27th. The parks we most want to see are Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Since we've been to Disneyland before, while Mom and Darrin spend our day at Magic Kingdom Dad is going to golf. We had originally suspected we could only do 3 parks and had thought we could live without MGM.

With this in mind, please continue to educate us...

 

[TinyLolitaBunny]

You must do AK in the morning since it closes early, at 5 or 6 pm most days. Try to take advantage of EMH since you are staying on-property.

Also IMO and in most of our opinions, AK has the least to see and do of all the parks... so you may want to devote more time to the others, ESPECIALLY the magic kingdom!

 

[misslissa]

During our first trip, we did all four parks in two days. No, you don't cover everything but you get a good feel for the parks. Pick the things that are a priority and do those at AK.

When we did this, we went to AK in the morning and MGM in the afternoon... AK does close earlier than most parks.

I would recommend, A Bug's Life, The Lion King, Dinosaur, Everest and the other highlights like that.

Good luck!

 

[kda]

Well, we just love AK, but the best part for us is the leisurely walk through, enjoying the animals. Go in the AM and use fastpass. The Lion King show is the best in all of WDW, IMHO, but your son may not be so thrilled. If it sounds good to you, send DH and DS off to do something else and take the time to see it yourself!

Whenever you've had enough of any park, feel free to switch to a different one. If you've been to DL, you may not need to spend much time at the MK, even though I think it bring out the child in most people.

MGM has Tower and Terror and Rockin Roller Coaster, which are excellent! Haven't seen the new Stunt Spectacular show, so don't know how good that is, but a 9 y/o boy may really want to see that one. If you see it, I'd suggest skipping Indiana Jones (unless you have plenty of time). A CM told us that they don't let people into the Stunt Spectacular show after it starts, so keep that in mind.

Table service meals and buffets can take time, so consider whether you really want to plan for very many of those ----- although service tends to be pretty quick at Disney, and they can be great fun and give you a chance to relax. You'll have lots of chances to eat on the cruise

Sounds like a wonderful trip!

 

[sameyeyam]

Best plan of attack:

1. Visit just a couple of parks.

2. Make plans to come back next year!! and the year after!! and the year after...

3. We spend about 7-9 days each year and still haven't even come close to "seeing it all". Doubt if we ever will!!

If it were me I would visit MK 1 day, next day spend at resort relaxing, 3rd day go to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. Vacations are for fun, but they are also for relaxing. Trying to cram too much into one short trip makes for meltdowns (I know I tried doing everything the 1st time, it was not a pretty sight!).

Have a Wonderful Trip!

 

[3mickeys&me]

I would do AK in the morning versus the evening. Like everyone else said it closes between 5 & 6pm Plus from our experience MOST of the animals are more active and visible in the morning before the weather is too hot.

It is doable doing more than one park a day. We have done it. My kids are young and like spending time at the Magic Kingdom. We only spend a few hours in Epcot, (Test Track/Soarin/Crush) we would normally go back to Epcot later for fireworks. This is where a HOPPER pass comes in handy. MGM has some fun stuff for kids too and some shows. The Stunt show is AWESOME!! My boys LOVED IT!!

Enjoy your trip!!

Enjoy your Cruise!!

 

[ronandannette]

Best plan of attack:
Make plans to come back next year!! and the year after!! and the year after...

If it were me I would visit MK 1 day, next day spend at resort relaxing, 3rd day go to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. Vacations are for fun, but they are also for relaxing.
Have a Wonderful Trip!

I get your point Sam, but that's not an approach we can take this time. We don't see going all that way at all this expense to sit around a hotel pool...DH and DS would be appalled if I even suggested it...

I realize it may seem unwise to try to cram everything into 3 days, but the advice you're all giving is really helping us organize the time. What do you think about our day of arrival? We touch down at MCO at 4:00 p.m. Once we do Magic Express to the AKL will we have time for anything in the evening? What do you recommend for 1st night dinner (we have the dining plan)? I'm thinking a Character Meal - any suggestions?

BTW, we did Disneyland in one 12 hour day (took 2 hours off mid-day to swim and nap). We went in vibrating with excitement, left totally wiped but VERY satisfied that we had done all we wanted to do...

Annette

 

[teach22180]

We are in a very similar situation, only 2 and a half days before the cruise. It's just me and my 19 year old, but I've done a LOT of research, and this is my plan. We definitely want to hit all 4 parks, but we KNOW that it's just a taste. Hopefully we'll both be back many times; I haven't been to WDW since 1981 when I watched them building Epcot!
We will arrive a bit earlier in the day than you, but we plan for the first day at Epcot. We are staying near there, plus it's a late night there. I know it will be crowded, but since we'll probably miss the Fast Passes for the rides we will want to do, I think that's the best hope we have.
Our second day will be a marathon at MK, from opening until a late night closing, with a break in the a/c buffet of the CP in the middle of the day.
Our third day is morning EMH at AK, and since DD19 is a huge animal lover, that's where we are heading and probably spending more time than most. (Her other big hope is to hug Pooh; what can I say-half adult/half kid!) Anyway, when we feel "done" at AK, we are heading over to MGM, but our main goal there is Fantasmic. We don't do wild rides, so there's less for us over there than most.
I would definitely say read the books, visit the web site, check out the EMH times and then make your plans. As long as we land/sea folks are happy NOT doing everything, I think we can enjoy our taste of WDW! Have a great trip!

 

[misslissa]

I get your point Sam, but that's not an approach we can take this time. We don't see going all that way at all this expense to sit around a hotel pool...DH and DS would be appalled if I even suggested it...

I realize it may seem unwise to try to cram everything into 3 days, but the advice you're all giving is really helping us organize the time. What do you think about our day of arrival? We touch down at MCO at 4:00 p.m. Once we do Magic Express to the AKL will we have time for anything in the evening? What do you recommend for 1st night dinner (we have the dining plan)? I'm thinking a Character Meal - any suggestions?

BTW, we did Disneyland in one 12 hour day (took 2 hours off mid-day to swim and nap). We went in vibrating with excitement, left totally wiped but VERY satisfied that we had done all we wanted to do...

Annette

Like I said, I did all four parks in 2 days. So, it is possible. We even fit in Pleasure Island. But, we have a lot of energy Sounds like you guys do too.

I would start out the first night with Chef Mickey's.

Maybe try to do MK and AK in the same day. Honestly, they are both appealing but if you don't intend to do EVERYTHING it is possible!

 

[ajksmom]

Exactly what type of ticket do you guys have? How many days, and can you park hop?

On the night you get in a character meal will be a great start to the trip!! I second Chef Mickey's at the CR. Schedule a later ADR, to allow for delays at the airport in case of storms or whatnot. Maybe you can catch a view of the castle and even see Wishes from CR before heading back to AKL.
If you decide against CM's you could head out to DTD, have a bite to eat and get your shopping out of the way. Or just enjoy your resort for the evening.

You may want to check out www.allearsnet.com for some menus to help with planning your dining. Character Meals and buffets are supposed to be a little quicker than regular table service restaraunts so you may want to consider more of them to maximize your time in the parks.

 

[ronandannette]

Exactly what type of ticket do you guys have? How many days, and can you park hop?

On the night you get in a character meal will be a great start to the trip!! I second Chef Mickey's at the CR. Schedule a later ADR, to allow for delays at the airport in case of storms or whatnot.

Thanks for that - what time would you think we could make it over to CM's by? Touchdown MCO at 4:00, allow for transfer time on ME, check into the AKL and find some way (bus I guess) over to CR for dinner.

We have a 4 day Park Hopper, and are thinking of upgrading to include Water Fun and More. We only want to do 1 water park (or maybe none) and go to Disney Quest - does an upgrade make sense or would you pay single admission? Any more help you could give me regarding logistics would be very much appreciated. We're really having a trouble getting our heads around the distances between all the parks and resorts and the time it will take to get from place to place.

Annette

 

[Chicago526]

I personally wouldn't do 4 parks in 3 days. That said, if you're the types that find running around from early moring to late at night for several days on end to be relaxing (and many people do! ) then it is most definatly doable, as long as you've got a plan!

Here is what I would do. One day each at MK and Epcot, then do a morning at AK then hop to MGM. Both AK and MGM can be seen in less than a day, so you should be able to do just about everything you want at both parks.

As for your day off arrival, since you'll be running around a ton the next three days, and may be tired from traveling earlier that day, you may want to dine at your own resort (AKL, in this case). You can check in, unwind, head to dinner, then spend the rest of the evening exploring the resort or even go for a swim! Then you can just turn in early so you can get up 1st thing the next morning to head for the parks!

But, you'll have to do even more planing than this. If you are going to do sit-down meals in any of the parks, you'll need to plan which park you'll do what day, so you can make the correct ADR's. Also, the parks could still be crowded since not all the schools are back, and even if it isn't too crowded, it's going to be God aweful hot! The surface of the sun is only slightly cooler than Orlando in August. This makes standing in line torture if the lines are outside (and many are). To combat this, you should get some of the park touring plans, either from the Unofficial Guide (my personal choice) or from Tour Guid Mike (a sponser of these boards). These plans tell you what rides to do in which order so you spend the least amount of time waiting in line and doing the maximum number of rides in a single day. I can't speak for the TGM plans since I've never used them, but I've used the Unoffical Guides plans, they are several to choose from and you can also make customized plans at their website (for a fee) if their published ones won't work for you.

If you don't want to structure your days quite that much, then at the very least I recomend that you, your DH and your son list the rides/show you want to do/see the most at each park. Put them in order of priority, and do all of those rides/shows first, then if you have time left, spend the rest of the day doing other rides/shows not on your list, or repeating your favorites. Or, if you're done with your list for the day, go back to the hotel room for a nap and/or swim, then go back to the park after dinner to catch the evening firworks/parades/shows if you're interested in seeing those (and I sugest you make the effort, NO ONE does fireworks like WDW!).

Either option will make sure you get the most out of the parks. The last thing you want to do is show up at the parks, and stop every 5 minutes to look at the map and ask each other "what do you want to do next?" "I don't know, what do YOU want to do next?" You'll waist a lot of time, and may not be able to do all the things you want to do and THAT would be a shame!

Now, all this said, if you get there and try to follow whatever plan you've made, and you discover that you're not having any fun, do not hessitate to throw the plan in the nearest trash can (don't litter! ) and go do something that IS fun. It's better to waste time in the parks and have FUN, than do the maximum amout of attractions possible and all be unhappy. What's the point in that? Also, don't rush to much running from ride to ride, slow down a little bit and appreciate your surrondings, Disney's attention to detail is legendary, and it would be a shame to miss it while runing to the next ride.

Another tip, if you like to shop ("window" or actual!) save the stores in the parks until the park closes, or your ready to leave (whichever happens first). The stores, especially near the exits, stay open after park closing and you can take the time to look around w/out taking time from park touring.

Well, that's all I can think of off the top of my head. If you want more advice please feel free to PM me! Good luck, and have a great time!

 

[CanadaPT]

This is entirely do-able. You just need to be at the parks at opening (or as other posters have suggested, do EMH then go to a non-EMH park after you get in the major rides). We have gone in late summer and we can get most parks done by 12:00pm, then go to the resort for a swim, then return at 2 or 3pm to the same park or a different one. Animal Kingdom can be entirely done in a morning (we've done it many times). I would then do MK and Epcot as full days. Squeeze in an MGM afternoon if you can on your AK day.

 

[Karnak]

If I wanted to see all four parks in three days, I'd look at when the Magic Kingdom is having Extra Magic Hours in the evening. If EMH hits one of the three days you have, you can do the four parks easily.

ONE DAY: Visit the Animal Kingdom in the AM, leaving at about 4:00 pm, and moving to the Magic Kingdom. Since it's EMH day, you will have until about midnight to do most of the attractions there.

THE OTHER TWO DAYS: devote one entire day to the Studios and one entire day to Epcot.

I would still do it as above, even if the Magic Kingdom isn't having an EMH day while I was there.

Also, it would make no difference to me which resort I was staying at, distance from the parks is not really an issue.

Be sure to be at the park each day before opening time, and hit the attractions you most want to see first thing. (Unless it's an attraction that normally has small lines.)

Enjoy.