Extended Family WDW Trip July 2025

[jd12]

Hi again!

Another interesting Disney projet is in the works for us. A distant cousin got offered a wonderful gift from a member of the family. Because they work quite hard but don't have a lot of money, that family member is rewarding them with a big chuck of a Disney trip. He will pay air fares, value hotel and park tickets for 10 days for the parents and their 3 girls (the twins will be 6 in 2025 and the older one 11). The young family will only have to cover for food and souvenirs. He also asked us to join to help them in their magic journey. All in all, the party should be 5 adults plus the 3 kids.

The object of this post is to assist us with ticket options. We usually like park hopping and maximizing that option but this may not be convenient for this trip.

Here what we have to consider :
- summer trip = humidity and the girls love water so 2 water park days are probably a must.
- this may be their only Disney trip of their life (expecially for the parents).
- young kids need breaks.
- money does not factor in this decision.

Option 1 : 7 day Park Ticket + Water Park and Sports Option (cost of option is about 70$ per person)
Option 2 : 7 day Park Ticket + Park Hopper Plus Option (cost of option is about 110$ per person)

We see it like this, option 1 gives us 7 days to work with so probably 2xMagic, 2xStudios, 1 or 2x Epcot and 1 or 2x Animal. Option 2 would enable us 14 "half-days" so something like 4-5xMagic, 3-4xStudios, 2xEpcot , 2xAnimal and 2xoptional/break.

Which option do you prefer? Will this be too much for them?

Thanks in advance for your comments!

P.S : We will have more questions later on what to plan for must do's and dont's.

 

[JIMINYCR]

I’d say it would be up to how much the kids will want to do the attractions vs the water parks. Being as you say their one and only time visit I might want to do as much of the parks as possible. Having repeat visits with options to do favorite rides, see parades, fireworks, have character m&gs, and see shows. The water parks may be unique at Dis but water parks can still be found in your home area and no attractions and entertainment are as good as Disney. You do have the resort pools that are fun.
Park hoppers are useful to change up the day and give you a different feel to the days but they aren’t as necessary. You can do full days in each park and get a lot done without the travel time to a second park. Think about if it’s really needed for you.
Money not being an issue, what’s going to give them more memories and experiences that will stay a lifetime with them.

 

[jd12]

I’d say it would be up to how much the kids will want to do the attractions vs the water parks. Being as you say their one and only time visit I might want to do as much of the parks as possible. Having repeat visits with options to do favorite rides, see parades, fireworks, have character m&gs, and see shows. The water parks may be unique at Dis but water parks can still be found in your home area and no attractions and entertainment are as good as Disney. You do have the resort pools that are fun.
Park hoppers are useful to change up the day and give you a different feel to the days but they aren’t as necessary. You can do full days in each park and get a lot done without the travel time to a second park. Think about if it’s really needed for you.
Money not being an issue, what’s going to give them more memories and experiences that will stay a lifetime with them.

Thanks for your reply!

We don't think it's a good approach to stay at the park all day (but still do it a couple times per trip). Even us adults need breathers and mid-day breaks back at the hotel are almost a must for us. We could go back to the same park after our afternoon break but think Hopper gives us more options. For instance, if we go to Magic in the morning, we like to go to a Skyliner park at night (Epcot or Studios) to reduce transportation hassle.

Maybe staying at the park can also reduce travel but breaks in the park don't reenergize us as much.

Another important point in favor of mid-day breaks and water parks is that this trip will be right in the heart of humid Florida summer.

We also know these kids and they probably won't have the patience/energy to stay in the park all day. Maybe they will be more mature in a couple years?

We will try to do as much as possible but quality over quantity is probably a good idea. We prefer to do less but maximize our chances to enjoy it more.

 

[Smiley/OCD]

My suggestion? I’d book either Pop or AoA (both skyliner resorts) and VERY kid friendly with excellent pools. I would schedule one trip to each WP (hoping of course if they’re both open), and spend your majority of time in the parks…start in the morning (not necessarily rope drop but early), taking several hours each day in the afternoon for resort pool time (and for mom & dad to recharge their batteries in their rooms).
While we’ve never been there during the heat of the summer, you will be surprised at how much energy the kids will have! If they run out of gas, I would think it’ll be later in the evening as opposed to earlier…they will probably wake the parents up in the morning before the parks are even open (think of Christmas morning)…something also to keep in mind is during the summer, you can almost set your watch on an afternoon thunderstorm which will/could alter your plans…
Overall, PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!!! The more planning you do BEFORE your trip, the better time you will have!!
Kids first trip??
VERY IMPORTANT!!! Your first day at MK, one adult goes in first and scopes out a spot on Main Street to take their picture the MOMENT they see Cinderella Castle the first time…TRUST ME, you’ll cherish those photos FOREVER!!!
Have an AWESOME trip!!!