I need some help with planning.

[Gaprofitt]

Hey All,

Single Dad here with a 4 year old, he will be 5 in Sept when we go. We went last year for 4-5 days and stayed at Wilderness Lodge, we mainly did MK, and he wasn't super crazy about Animal kingdom but we had fun. He's not big into animals that much.

This year we arrive on Friday staying at All star sports resort just for one night, then check in at the Polynesian Sat to Sat.. Dates are 9/23 - 10/1. I've planned a bunch of stuff so far but need help.. We have hopper tickets with fun and more for 9 days.

Here is the rough schedule so far, I have also started booking fast passes.

Arrive 9/23 - All star sports resort 2-4 pm, visit Hollywood Studios and just take it easy.

9/24 - Magic kingdom, check in/leave bags at Polynesian

9/25 - Magic Kingdom

9/26 - Hollywood Studios, see if my son wants to do the Jedi thing. Disney dine and play breakfast, 50's prime time cafe for lunch. I also booked Mama melrose lunch with fantasmic.. 3:55 pm? Isn't this early for a show? Open to suggestions here.

9/27 - MK - Chef mickeys am breakfast

9/28 - MK - might change this to waterpark visit AM, and resort time/mini golf.

9/29 - EP/AK - Chip and Dale AM breakfast at Garden Grill, might visit AK for a few hours after browsing and riding a few rides at Epcot. Midday break, resort time, then Halloween Party at MK.

9/30 - MK Ohana Breakfast (lilo and stitch).

10/1 - Check out day, whatever my son wants to do, drive halfway home, get hotel, we live in Georgia.


This is super rough, i've opted not to do the Disney dining plan as the cost comparison doesn't look like it's worth it. He loved Whispering Canyon last year so might do that again. He wasn't crazy about the winnie the pooh themed one, but really loved garden grill and chef mickeys.

Perhaps we should skip HS the first day and just go to Disney Springs, trying to make best use of the tickets.. My son and I have a crazy amount of energy. I thought he would sleep last year, but was bouncing off the walls, didn't take one nap..lol..

Anymore recommendations?

I almost forgot, i'm Captain Hook for the halloween party and he is going as Peter Pan. Plan B is the blue man group..haha.. That might be messy..lol

Greg

 

[belledream]

Wow, sounds like a great trip! If your son is a bundle of energy, I'd definitely consider going to Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon. Tons of fun slides/rides for just the two of you to share, and also the lazy river and wave pool. A good way burn off some energy but at the same time, recuperate from all the park fun you've been having. Also, YES to mini golf!

Not sure if I'm understanding what you're asking about the Fantasmic Dining Package showtime. The show should be around 8pm. Your lunch reservation is at 3:55 and then you will be reserved a seating section in the amphitheater later that night. MM food is delicious, but I have a soft spot for 50's as well. Also, I would think that 3:55 is essentially dinnertime, and make sure you have a snack or something before the show. But between the two, compare the menus and see which one appeals to you more, because while the 'reserved seating' is helpful, it is not 100% necessary.

Since you are already spending a full day at HS later on in your trip, I would also think twice about going to HS on your first day. Disney Springs may be a nice idea - maybe your son will like the LEGO Store or World of Disney. And you could visit a nearby resort to relax later and take it easy.

 

[Gaprofitt]

Wow, sounds like a great trip! If your son is a bundle of energy, I'd definitely consider going to Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon. Tons of fun slides/rides for just the two of you to share, and also the lazy river and wave pool. A good way burn off some energy but at the same time, recuperate from all the park fun you've been having. Also, YES to mini golf!

Not sure if I'm understanding what you're asking about the Fantasmic Dining Package showtime. The show should be around 8pm. Your lunch reservation is at 3:55 and then you will be reserved a seating section in the amphitheater later that night. MM food is delicious, but I have a soft spot for 50's as well. Also, I would think that 3:55 is essentially dinnertime, and make sure you have a snack or something before the show. But between the two, compare the menus and see which one appeals to you more, because while the 'reserved seating' is helpful, it is not 100% necessary.

Since you are already spending a full day at HS later on in your trip, I would also think twice about going to HS on your first day. Disney Springs may be a nice idea - maybe your son will like the LEGO Store or World of Disney. And you could visit a nearby resort to relax later and take it easy.

I guess I didn't understand why they would package together dinner and a show that is 4 hours later. Any recommendations for a fun place at Disney Springs? I think I will pass on going to HS the day we arrive.. Perhaps Mini golf and disney springs and resort time would be good.

Greg

 

[belledream]

I guess I didn't understand why they would package together dinner and a show that is 4 hours later. Any recommendations for a fun place at Disney Springs? I think I will pass on going to HS the day we arrive.. Perhaps Mini golf and disney springs and resort time would be good.

Greg

I haven't been to any of the new restaurants yet, but not sure they would strike the fancy of a 5 year old boy either. I've only been to places like Rainforest Café there - but I know you said your son isn't really into animals. We've done quick service places like Earl of Sandwich (yummy!) and fancier (Fulton's, now Paddlefish). Now that I think about it, QS may be the way the go, that way you can save money + time and graze at all the new snack offerings around DS. I've heard good things about Wolfgang Puck Express...

We mainly go for the atmosphere around the shops. Even if you don't buy much, each shop in the Marketplace is wonderfully themed!

Minigolf is a fun pastime, especially at Disney. We've done Fantasia Gardens (near Swan & Dolphin) and Winter Summerland (Blizzard Beach). I think FG was more challenging, and the WS theme was cuter. I'd say go if you plan to be a BB on one of your days anyways.

 

[G8rchamps]

Chef Mickey's is worth the character interaction (food is fine)- have a blast with that. If you and your son are up early - I recommend hitting the parks at rope drop (AM opening time) any day you are going to the parks. The lines are short for the first 2 hours- then you can hit Disney Springs or the pool in the afternoon. Looks like a great trip - have fun!

 

[JillC LI]

Just wanted to make sure you're aware that even though your Halloween party tickets say that the party starts at 7pm, you can get entry to the MK with them at 4pm. We brought our costumes with us, left them in a locker, and changed shortly before the party in the restroom.

 

[DiSnEyF@n]

Wow. That sounds like a really fun trip. We personally are huge fans of Epcot and enjoy spending time there a lot. With that said, I would definitely keep an open mind while there. Plans can change, children are sometimes unpredictable... He might really like AK this time around... You never know. But the plans look awesome and 9 days is surely enough to do everything your little hearts desire!!!
What about swimming on the first day? Or taking the monorail around to the different resorts? Anything is possible on the first day. Maybe let him decide what he wants to do on the first day. Give him options. Options make the kids feel like they're in some control and it could ease you guys into your trip. Remember that traveling can take a lot out of little ones too.

 

[Noellikechristmas]

I agree with @DiSnEyF@n Your son may enjoy different parks now that he's a little older and wants to explore. Might be worth an extra day at AK or EP. I'm told a lot of kids love the kidcot stops at EP

Have an awesome trip!