Evaluate my First-Timer Itinerary

[anaitis4]

Hey everyone! My family is going on our first trip to WDW at the end of March and I have turned into a total nut with all the research and planning I have done (although I suspect I'm in good company here). I've read countless sites and blogs advising you to plan, plan, plan but have read almost as many saying that over-planning can be problematic and leave no room for spontaneity.

Sooo just to satisfy my OCD, I thought I would post my itinerary here and see if I could get some feedback from my fellow Disney planning nuts on whether or not this looks like a good plan or if I've put too much on the schedule, not enough, if it's unrealistic, etc. We want to get the most out of this vacation, but I don't want to run everyone to exhaustion and ruin the fun either. Tell me what you think!

Day 1 - Sunday: Arrive at WDW sometime between 2-4pm. Check-in at Port Orleans Riverside. Easter basket being delivered to room for my 6-year old daughter. Will unpack and get her glammed up princess-style in time for our 8pm ADR at Akershus in Epcot.

Day 2 - Monday:
At Animal Kingdom at rope drop. We will head to Kilimanjaro Safaris first thing and then just see what else we want to do there. We plan to leave AK around 11-12pm to head back to the resort for a short break.
2nd half of the day will be spent at Hollywood Studios. Here's our FastPasses:
- Toy Story Mania @ 2:05-3:05pm
- Frozen Singalong @ 3-3:20pm
- Star Tours @ 4:20-5:20pm
Dinner ADR at Hollywood & Vine (Fantasmic Dinner Package) @ 6:20pm. Obviously we will head to Fantasmic after that.

Day 3 - Tuesday:
Magic Kingdom Day. We plan to arrive at rope-drop and have the following FP's:
-Peter Pan @ 9:05-10:05am
- 7DMT @ 10:10 - 11:10am
- Winnie the Pooh @ 12:50 - 1:50pm

We will most likely eat somewhere Quick Service in between rides and take a mid-day break back at the hotel for a bit. Then head back to the park for a bit if there's time before our dinner ADR at Hoop De Doo Revue @ 6:15pm
We will either head back to MK after dinner or to the resort depending on my daughter's energy level.

Day 4 - Wednesday:
We will be in Epcot today, starting at rope drop. Here are the FP's:
- The Seas w/Nemo & Friends @ 9:55-10:55am
- Spaceship Earth @ 12:10-1:10pm
- Test Track @ 5:45-6:45pm

We will most likely not take a mid-day break at the resort this day because we have an ADR for Beaches & Cream at 3pm (just eating ice cream so we don't totally spoil dinner). And then a dinner ADR at San Angel Inn @ 6:45pm. Then either back into Epcot for rides/fireworks or back to the resort depending on energy level.

Day 5 - Thursday:
This is our last day at WDW and we intend to spend it in MK. We have a breakfast ADR @ 7:05am at Chef Mickey's and then the following FP's:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad @ 9:15 - 10:15am
- Pirates of the Carribean @ 11:20am - 12:20pm
- Haunted Mansion @ 2:40-3:40pm

After the last FP at Haunted Mansion we're headed for the car and then off to St. Petersburg for a few days of rest at the beach.

Thoughts on this plan? Anything I should add or eliminate? Any words of advice or caution specific to this plan?

 

[Weather_Lady]

I think it's a very well thought-out plan. I have no changes to suggest -- just be sure to allot 60+ minutes for waiting/riding, every time you travel between your resort and a park, or vice versa, plus whatever time it will take to walk to the attraction/restaurant toward which you're headed first. Typically, your travel time will be significantly less, but you always want to plan for the worst case scenario, if you're heading to an ADR or FP+.

 

[anaitis4]

I think it's a very well thought-out plan. I have no changes to suggest -- just be sure to allot 60+ minutes for waiting/riding, every time you travel between your resort and a park, or vice versa, plus whatever time it will take to walk to the attraction/restaurant toward which you're headed first. Typically, your travel time will be significantly less, but you always want to plan for the worst case scenario, if you're heading to an ADR or FP+.

Thanks! I'm a bit worried about bus transit times and getting to and from FP's quickly enough so your comment about allowing enough time is definitely on my mind!

 

[Weather_Lady]

Thanks! I'm a bit worried about bus transit times and getting to and from FP's quickly enough so your comment about allowing enough time is definitely on my mind!

I also keep the WDW Dining phone number programmed into my phone -- that way, if we're running late for an ADR and Disney transportation is to blame, I can call en route, confirm that we're on our way, explain the reason for the delay, and see if the ADR can be pushed back. I've never had to do it, but it's good to know the number is there if I need it.

Also, for FP+ you should know that there is an unpublished "grace period" during which your FP+ will still work (5 minutes before, and 15 minutes after, the scheduled time range).

 

[anaitis4]

I also keep the WDW Dining phone number programmed into my phone -- that way, if we're running late for an ADR and Disney transportation is to blame, I can call en route, confirm that we're on our way, explain the reason for the delay, and see if the ADR can be pushed back. I've never had to do it, but it's good to know the number is there if I need it.

That's a good idea. Thanks for the tip!

 

[DisneyGirlNY]

Sounds like an awesome trip and very well thought out for a newbie! My only suggestion is that you probably do not need a FP for Nemo and Friends. If there was something else that you wanted to FP instead, you will probably walk onto this many times over. But, if there was nothing else pressing, then just leave it. Your 6 year old will LOVE it! Have a great trip (wish I was going with you!)

 

[anaitis4]

Sounds like an awesome trip and very well thought out for a newbie! My only suggestion is that you probably do not need a FP for Nemo and Friends. If there was something else that you wanted to FP instead, you will probably walk onto this many times over. But, if there was nothing else pressing, then just leave it. Your 6 year old will LOVE it! Have a great trip (wish I was going with you!)

Yeah.... I was having trouble with FP's for Epcot. Soarin' will be closed and many of the other rides are out either due to height restrictions or because I think my DD would be scared (ex: Mission Space). I sort of chose Nemo by default. Although, if anyone has specific suggestions for something else I'm up for hearing that. DD is 44" exactly and will not be big on scary or super fast/bumpy rides.

 

[Princess Kaylee]

Hey everyone! My family is going on our first trip to WDW at the end of March and I have turned into a total nut with all the research and planning I have done (although I suspect I'm in good company here). I've read countless sites and blogs advising you to plan, plan, plan but have read almost as many saying that over-planning can be problematic and leave no room for spontaneity.

Sooo just to satisfy my OCD, I thought I would post my itinerary here and see if I could get some feedback from my fellow Disney planning nuts on whether or not this looks like a good plan or if I've put too much on the schedule, not enough, if it's unrealistic, etc. We want to get the most out of this vacation, but I don't want to run everyone to exhaustion and ruin the fun either. Tell me what you think!

Day 1 - Sunday: Arrive at WDW sometime between 2-4pm. Check-in at Port Orleans Riverside. Easter basket being delivered to room for my 6-year old daughter. Will unpack and get her glammed up princess-style in time for our 8pm ADR at Akershus in Epcot.

Day 2 - Monday:
At Animal Kingdom at rope drop. We will head to Kilimanjaro Safaris first thing and then just see what else we want to do there. We plan to leave AK around 11-12pm to head back to the resort for a short break.
2nd half of the day will be spent at Hollywood Studios. Here's our FastPasses:
- Toy Story Mania @ 2:05-3:05pm
- Frozen Singalong @ 3-3:20pm
- Star Tours @ 4:20-5:20pm
Dinner ADR at Hollywood & Vine (Fantasmic Dinner Package) @ 6:20pm. Obviously we will head to Fantasmic after that.

Day 3 - Tuesday:
Magic Kingdom Day. We plan to arrive at rope-drop and have the following FP's:
-Peter Pan @ 9:05-10:05am
- 7DMT @ 10:10 - 11:10am
- Winnie the Pooh @ 12:50 - 1:50pm

We will most likely eat somewhere Quick Service in between rides and take a mid-day break back at the hotel for a bit. Then head back to the park for a bit if there's time before our dinner ADR at Hoop De Doo Revue @ 6:15pm
We will either head back to MK after dinner or to the resort depending on my daughter's energy level.

Day 4 - Wednesday:
We will be in Epcot today, starting at rope drop. Here are the FP's:
- The Seas w/Nemo & Friends @ 9:55-10:55am
- Spaceship Earth @ 12:10-1:10pm
- Test Track @ 5:45-6:45pm

We will most likely not take a mid-day break at the resort this day because we have an ADR for Beaches & Cream at 3pm (just eating ice cream so we don't totally spoil dinner). And then a dinner ADR at San Angel Inn @ 6:45pm. Then either back into Epcot for rides/fireworks or back to the resort depending on energy level.

Day 5 - Thursday:
This is our last day at WDW and we intend to spend it in MK. We have a breakfast ADR @ 7:05am at Chef Mickey's and then the following FP's:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad @ 9:15 - 10:15am
- Pirates of the Carribean @ 11:20am - 12:20pm
- Haunted Mansion @ 2:40-3:40pm

After the last FP at Haunted Mansion we're headed for the car and then off to St. Petersburg for a few days of rest at the beach.

Thoughts on this plan? Anything I should add or eliminate? Any words of advice or caution specific to this plan?

I would reconsider akershus for that day. You will only get a few hours in the park, and in my opinion it's a waste of a ticket. Buses are slow, allow a lot of time for them. We usually park. If you are staying at a WDW resort you can park for free!

 

[anaitis4]

I would reconsider akershus for that day. You will only get a few hours in the park, and in my opinion it's a waste of a ticket. Buses are slow, allow a lot of time for them. We usually park. If you are staying at a WDW resort you can park for free!

We plan to drive to that one to avoid transportation problems. My DD LOVES princesses so Akershus was an attempt to see lots of princesses without waiting in multiple long lines for meet and greets. And we're alright with the cost of the ticket for that day. Considering all that, would you still recommend cancelling that ADR?

 

[Princess Kaylee]

We plan to drive to that one to avoid transportation problems. My DD LOVES princesses so Akershus was an attempt to see lots of princesses without waiting in multiple long lines for meet and greets. And we're alright with the cost of the ticket for that day. Considering all that, would you still recommend cancelling that ADR?

Akershus is great but I would reschedule until the day you go to Epcot for the full day. You can do 1900 Park Fare dinner with Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, and the step sisters the day you arrive. This is in The Grand Floridan so you wouldn't have to buy a park ticket

 

[anaitis4]

Akershus is great but I would reschedule until the day you go to Epcot for the full day. You can do 1900 Park Fare dinner with Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, and the step sisters the day you arrive. This is in The Grand Floridan so you wouldn't have to buy a park ticket

Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at 1900 Park Fare and see if there's an open ADR that night. If so, I'll talk it over with the hubs.

 

[Jess G]

Yeah.... I was having trouble with FP's for Epcot. Soarin' will be closed and many of the other rides are out either due to height restrictions or because I think my DD would be scared (ex: Mission Space). I sort of chose Nemo by default. Although, if anyone has specific suggestions for something else I'm up for hearing that. DD is 44" exactly and will not be big on scary or super fast/bumpy rides.

I agree with @DisneyGirlNY .. Your better off making the reservation for turtle talk with crush before nemo & friends. I always am able to get on 2/3 times a day with no FP any time I have visited Have an amazing time! I'm sure you'll be returning to the world a little sooner than you expect after your trip lol

 

[Jess G]

OH and make time on one of your breaks for the horse and carraige ride offered @ POR (it's a beautiful relaxing experience) and don't forget to take the boat over to disney springs (truley beautiful @ night) Also if you can check out french quarter it's so quiet over there and your daughter will be able to enjoy both pools (the water slide @ french quarter is super fun )

 

[graphite1326]

Looks like you have done the most important thing which is having a plan. Remember to be flexible though. Ever time someone comes to me for advise I tell them the most important thing is to have a plan when going to WDW. It's just too big and you will miss too much if you don't. Of course most don't and come back saying they had a terrible time.

 

[anaitis4]

OH and make time on one of your breaks for the horse and carraige ride offered @ POR (it's a beautiful relaxing experience) and don't forget to take the boat over to disney springs (truley beautiful @ night) Also if you can check out french quarter it's so quiet over there and your daughter will be able to enjoy both pools (the water slide @ french quarter is super fun )

I actually didn't know about the carriage ride, but we will definitely make time for that. That sounds amazing!
We do plan to take advantage of the ferry to Disney Springs for sure!
So, if you stay at either of the Port Orleans resorts you can use either pool?

 

[cdeev8690]

It looks like you've done a great job! I'll piggy back what others have said and just give yourself plenty of time in the morning to shower, eat a granola bar, get to the buses. If you keep track of the park hours, including extra magic, that will help determine how early you need to rise. In my experience, as well as others, extra magic days are difficult days as far as park level. You'll spend more time in queues, even if you have a fast pass. Keep snacks in your bag to help with that energy level! Make time for low energy rides so you can take a breather and escape the sun. By end of day, everyone in your party will definitely be feeling a little weak in the legs. That long line waiting for the buses when the park closes is definitely one of the worst parts of going to Disney. I've waited an hour+ to get back to my resort using the bus (not a shared bus route, this was while staying at Pop).

I know you don't have the a ton of time here, but making an afternoon visit to the pool one day could really help re-energize you, body and soul! I also think going to Disney Springs is pretty nice change of pace. Walking leisurely around all the shops, eating at one of the restaurants, taking a ride in one of the amphibious cars next to the Boathouse. This is especially nice when the weather is rainy

All in all, it sound like you'll have an amazing trip! I'm so excited for you!

 

[Jess G]

I actually didn't know about the carriage ride, but we will definitely make time for that. That sounds amazing!
We do plan to take advantage of the ferry to Disney Springs for sure!
So, if you stay at either of the Port Orleans resorts you can use either pool?

Yes you can use both pools and you can also use the same boat that takes you to disney springs as the your transportation between the 2 resorts (it's about a 10 minute walk with a beautiful view if you would prefer that)

 

[TXDisney]

Looks like a great plan. Only issue I could see is AK might take you longer than just a couple hours. It's a 1/2 day park for us as well, but I do know we always get out of there an hour or 2 later than we plan, so be careful.