Xmas Itinerary...Some Help Needed

[allie5]

Our party consists of myself, DH, my mom and our two kids aged 4 and 2. We are going for 3 weeks leaving Dec 9th. We are not staying on site as we have our two under 5s with us, as well as Mom. We have decided on a Vacation Home for this trip to give us some space (AKL NEXT year though!).

My dilemma is, we will have WDW APs (and Mom has a FITS pass) but are unsure whether to bother with any OTHER parks. Sea World is the only one that is a definate, but we are all unsure as to whether to bother with Universal / IOA (bearing in mind the ages of the kids). DH and I have visited them both before and dont think they would be that great for younger kids. Also, I was relying on WDW being quiet for our first two weeks and planned with that in mind...it now appears that this WONT be the case (at least at the weekends) so I would like some tips on making the most of the parks when they are busy, busy, busy. We have always gone at quiet times of the year before, so are used to fairly short lines.


Day 1. Dec 9th.

Depart LGW on the 11:15 Virgin flight. Land and pick up our Jeep ordered through US Car hire via Dollar. Drive to Villa at Highlands Reserve (have stayed here before so no nasty shocks in wait!!). Leave mum with kids whilst DH and I pop to the Publix to pick up essentials and Chicken tenders, Potato salad for dinner!

Day 2. Dec 10th. 8.05am ressie booked for Crystal Palace. Lunch will probably be Cosmic Rays or Peco Bills burgers. Stay at MK till kids fade. DH and I are usually allowed out for dinner on the first night whilst Mom babysits. We have a 7.30 PS for Boma for the two of us.

Day 3. Dec 11th. Will probably be up early again, so Animal Kingdom. Flame Tree BBQ lunch. No dinner plans.

Day 4 Dec 12th. Epcot in the morning to do Futureworld. Early evening in Celebration to hear the carol singers and see the snow fall.

Day 5 Dec 13th. Sea World.

Day 6. Dec 14th. Lie in and potter around till lunch...possibly a salad at Chilis. Proceed to MK and have LTT Very Merry Christmas Dinner booked for 6.20pm, followed by MVMCP...tickets already here!

Day 7. Dec 15th. Disney Studios till 5pm, then proceed to the Poly. Meet up with another DISer, Karen (Miffy2003) and family for a Wishes Cruise booked for 6.30pm. Afterwards, Ohana booked for 7:50pm.

Day 8. Dec 16th. Possibly Universal Studios, but as yet not decided for sure. Leave around 4pm for Wilderness Lodge and 5.10 PS for Whispering Canyon Cafe, followed by a Sleigh ride at 7pm.

Day 9 Dec 17th. Drive to Busch Gardens? Undecided. Possibly MK again? Suggestions welcome!

Day 10 Dec 18th. Morning AK or MGM. ICE show / exhibition at the Gaylord Palms Hotel, followed by dinner here.

Day 11. Dec 19th. Epcot. DH booked into the Segway tour at 8:15am! Lunch at Garden Grill or Rose & Crown.

Day 12. Dec 20th. Free morning for shopping. Afternoon at MK or the studios.

Day 13. Dec 21st. Totally free day. Possibly visit some resorts. Cape May for dinner.

Day 14. Dec 22nd. Free day again...see how the crowds are.

Day 15. Dec 23rd. Sea World. DH and I to Epcot for 5pm Candlelight processional, followed by dinner at Le Cellier at 7.40pm. Watch illuminations after.

Day 16. CHRISTMAS EVE! Last minute shopping, DTD, hire some mouseboats. 6.20 PS for 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian. Back to wrap presents!

Day 17. CHRISTMAS DAY! 8.15 PS for CINDERELLAS ROYAL TABLE at Mk!! Stay here until the crowds become unbearable. Back to villa to change into smart gear for Xmas dinner at the California Grill, 7:10pm.

Day 18. Boxing Day (English name for the day after Christmas!!). Lie in and let kids play with presents. Afternoon to MGM Studios. 4.10 PS for Hollywood & Vine on the Fantasmic Dinner Package. Stay for the show.

Day 19. Dec 27th. Animal Kingdom.

Day 20 Dec 28th. Last visit to Mk.

Day 21. Dec 29th. Whatever park the kids choose. Dinner at Chef Mickeys, 7:10pm.

Day 22. Dec 30. DTD check in. Florida Mall until flight home at 18.05 . Back home to plan our October trip!!

I would welcome any comments or suggestions. Thank you.

Allie

 

[disney4us2002]

Wow! Can I just say how jealous I am that you're spending THREE WEEKS IN DISNEY!!!!!!!! That is my idea of heaven, lol.

Dh and I have been to Busch Gardens Tampa several times and we reallllly enjoy it. I cannot compare it to Seaworld as I've never been there but there are many animals and a safari ride that we got great pictures while doing.

We are trying Univ/IoA this year for the first time so cannot speak to age-appropriateness however, the IoA completely revamps one section into Whoville and the Grinch is there with a show and play area. Even my boys who are getting up in age are excited to see the Grinch (their fave Christmas holiday special). Additionally, Universal Studios runs the Macy's Thanksgiving parade daily at 5pm which I'm very much looking forward to seeing. Just an FYI.

Since you have AP's, rather than do so much right up front, why not spread it out. For instance, you're coming from such a distance that you might be wiped out that first day with an early PS then to try to do a "night out" with another early morning the next day may not be a great start to a three week trip. No point getting worn out as soon as you arrive.

 

[Pats Dragon]

What a neat trip you are having. My best advice during this time is to make yourself be at the gates when they open and just slowly enjoy the ambiance and shows when it is crowded later in the day. We go to disney at least once a year and NEVER wait more than 5 minutes in a line because we go early and just skip long lines. At Christmas there is really lots to see and enjoy. I don't remember. are you taking a sleigh ride at WL? Also santa will be at DTD.

 

[allie5]

Thanks for that. I forgot that Universal would have Christmas things going on (Ive only been concentrating on the WDW stuff). Yeah, the kids would enjoy the parade and the Grinch stuff, so maybe we will try and fit it in.

I hear what you are saying about the early starts / late nights. As we are coming in from England, the jet lag makes us get up very early on our first 2-3 days, so thats why Ive planned those early starts!! DH and I TRY to stay up late on day 2 as it makes the jet lag less noticeable, but we do get tired! Last year I took us all to Boma and it was a disaster as the kids were nodding off into their food. Thats why its just us this time!!

Pats Dragon, yep, we are doing the Sleigh Ride, looking forward to it! Santa at DTD? I didnt know that, so thats cool thanks! Is the Ice rink still put up at Christmas?

I will definately take your advice about getting there at opening. My son still needs a nap, so if we start early we can head back for his nap early afternoon and then spend the evening enjoying the ambience without worrying he will be tired and grumpy!

Thanks again.

Allie