Looking For Critics

[wrwrwrwreee1971]

HERE IS MY PLAN THIS TRIP IS BEING MADE WITH 1 YR OLD, 4 YR OLD, 14 YR OLD, 15 YR OLD, WIFE AND MYSELF)

FRIDAY, JULY 12- LEAVE HOME AT 8:00 PM

SATURDAY, JULY 13- ARRIVE AT BEST WESTERN AT LBV @ 11:00 AM
DO DOWNTOWN DISNEY AND REST

SUNDAY, JULY 14- CHECK IN AT POLY @ 7:30 AM, DROP BAGS AND GO TO AK. COME BACK TO POLY @ 1:30, SEE IF ROOM IS READY AND SWIM AND REST IN THE AFTERNOON. GO TO FANTASMIC THAT EVENING(SHOULD I DO FANTASMIC DINNER PACKAGE) SHOULD HAVE TIME TO HIT SOME RIDES AT MGM.

MONDAY, JULY 15- OPTION DAY WE CAN DO A WATER PARK OR WE CAN FINISH AK AND MGM. HEARD MONDAYS ARE NOT GOOD FOR MK. DO ILLUMINATIONS AT EPCOT OR FIREWORKS FROM BEACH AT POLY.

TUESDAY, JULY 16- CHARACTER CARAVAN AT POLY, MK DAY. STAY AS LONG AS FAMILY CAN, GO BACK TO POLY. GO BACK A FEW HOURS THAT AFTERNOON. WIFE AND I HAVE LUAU AT 8:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17- CHARACTER BREAKFAST AT 1900 PARK FAIR
EPCOT DAY(BIERGARTEN)

THURSDAY- MORNING- DO WHAT YOU DIDNT DO ON MONDAY AND DO WHAT YOU WANT THAT EVENING

FRIDAY- CHECKOUT DAY, GET ENOUGH MAGIC KINGDOM TO LAST UNTIL THE NEXT TRIP.

ANY AND ALL SUGGESTIONS WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

 

[pooh&eyore]

Taking the whole family is great, and spending time with your wife is just great. What you do on your vacation is your business and you should have fun doing it.

with that out of the way, here is the critic's view:

I think you are trying to cram too much into too little time. You are going during the peak season. The park will be crowded, the weather hot and the lines long.

Your family varies in age, the older kids will want to do the thrill rides at each park (space mountain, splash mountain, ToT, RnR, etc.) while the younger ones will want to do dumbo and aladdin, etc. Because the lines will be long, it is less you are going to get done. Don't forget the parks are big and a lot of walking.

Time is your biggest enemy -- there is travel time from park to park, park to hotel, etc; there is line time; there is food time, with a little one I would assume he/she will want to eat on a fairly regular schedule; there is parade time and waiting for parade time; I think you get the point.

I think to truly see it all - Epcot needs 2 days, AK one day, MGM one day and possibly another half day (b/c you may decide to get a good seat and wait for fantasmic a long time); MK two days. Also do not forget about Downtown Disney, or the water parks.

With all that said, do what you want, have fun and it is your vacation so do what you want. Enjoy yourself at your leisure and no one else's.

 

[christopher]

My number 1 tip would be to never feel that you have to follow a strict schedule. Not that you are. But remeber to do what you want and dont feel that you have to to cram things in. I I try not to plan my days until I get there. Cause you cant control things like the weather. The Poly is beautiful, and I know you will have a great time. Im going to the Poly too! I will be getting there when you leave. July 20-29!

 

[Worldphile]

We did the Fantasmic dinner package last trip and I thought it was worth it. You don't get the absolute best, dead center seats, but I thought that the seats we did get were decent.

For me, the trade off of not having to give up 2 hours+ in line for not having the best seat in the house was worth it to me.

 

[Terp02]

I don't know how other people feel about this but on my family's last trip, my parents let me (at the time 17) and my brother (just turned 15 at the time) go off and do what we wanted to do for the majority of the time, and meet up for dinner and evening activities. This was perfect for the family because my brother and I could go run around to all the attractions we wanted to do while parents could spend more time at Epcot or AK and just walk around and finally, after 5 other trips, just take in and enjoy the atmosphere. Especially if you have little ones who can't go on the coasters, you should let your older kids go either in the park your in or whereever, so they are out of your hair and no one complains too much.

 

[TURKEY]

1. Please don't post in all caps. It's very hard to read.

2. With that many people going it's going to be hard to please everyone. The 14 and 15 year old should be old enough to let go and do what they want as long as they check in at certain times or places.

3. Don't follow such a strict schedule. Depending on weather, crowds, how you feel, can really ruin a day at a park.

4. Don't push the little kids. If they don't want to do anything, don't make them do it. Do schedule a break in the middle of the day for them so they can nap.

5. I would do the Fantasmic dinner package if you can find a restaurant that you all can agree on. Standing in a long line to be guaranteed a seat isn't worth it, especially with a 1 and 4 yr old. This will also give you more time to spend in the park.

6. I would swap Tuesday and Wednesday. Go to MK on Wed., Epcot on Tuesday. I assume that you will be taking the monorail to Epcot, MK, and Grand Floridian.

You plan on going to Epcot after Grand Floridian which means monorail back to TTC and then on to Epcot. This is out of order. I think it will save more time by going with the Monorail in the direction it runs. Polynesian -> GF -> MK. You save another stop at the Contemporary and then boarding to Epcot if you go to MK after eating at 1900 Park Fare.

Similarly, you can do the character caravan at the Polynesian and walk to the TTC and take the monorail to Epcot. It will be quicker than riding all the way around.

 

[Maria]

I think your schedule is ok, but the age thing is true... if you are willing to let the older ones go by themselves, you will avoid troubles and long faces when waiting for the little ones when they have to eat or get grumpy in line. I would suggest you to take a walkie talkie with you and do the same park together, but while the older ones do an attraction, the younger ones can do another and then meet at a certain point. The parks are too big and it will require too much walking and the bringing or renting of a stroller (or two) :animwink: I went to WDW when I was 7 or 8 and my siblings were younger and we never went back to the hotel for a nap.... if I could do it, I think you can too! :animwink:

 

[Maria]

Originally posted by turkey leg boy

6. I would swap Tuesday and Wednesday. Go to MK on Wed., Epcot on Tuesday. I assume that you will be taking the monorail to Epcot, MK, and Grand Floridian.

You plan on going to Epcot after Grand Floridian which means monorail back to TTC and then on to Epcot. This is out of order. I think it will save more time by going with the Monorail in the direction it runs. Polynesian -> GF -> MK. You save another stop at the Contemporary and then boarding to Epcot if you go to MK after eating at 1900 Park Fare.

Similarly, you can do the character caravan at the Polynesian and walk to the TTC and take the monorail to Epcot. It will be quicker than riding all the way around.

Listen to him!!! I didn´t think of the monorail! Good point Turkey Leg Boy!

Also, that is true... Epcot tends to be more crowded on Wednesdays.... God knows why! :animwink:

 

[wrwrwrwreee1971]

thanks for all of the great feedback. We are planning on splitting our group. My wife or I will be available to take the little ones back for naps and rests while the older ones get to do their thing. We are also carrying 2 small umbrella strollers with detachable backpacks on them. I am getting exactly the feedback i need. What a great group.

 

[Juniper]

You're trying to fit too much into each day; it doesn't make sense to hit all four theme parks if you don't have enough time to thoroughly enjoy them and there's no shame in missing one this vacation. Juggling one "busy" day with an "off" day means you get to enjoy the Polynesian Resort one day plus be rested and eager to stormtroop a theme park the next. Travelling back and forth between destinations and multiple parks the same day takes time and will wear you out.

Most WDW resorts will allow you to check-in early and check-out late if you request it; you may be better off Sunday leaving LBV later, checking into the Polynesian, settling in then hitting MGM instead of an abbreviated visit to AK. Slam the MK Monday but turn the teenagers loose Tuesday while you get ready for the evening; trade off their time by themselves with family time and watching the youngsters. The rest of your week looks more relaxed but you can always go into hyperdrive if you get restless.

On a somewhat irresponsible and chintzy note, consider bringing a bottle, mixers and mini-cooler if you want a few cocktails poolside. While it's all very fine to pamper yourselves with Blue Hawaiians from the pool bar; they'll burn a hole in your wallet and you can split a six pack for the cost of one draft beer. Pace yourselves at the Luau because the tropical drinks go down so smooth they'll creep up on you.

 

[no2apprentice]

My only "critic" comment would be to do MK on Sunday. Based on my own experience and what some others have posted, Sunday is one of the lighter days for MK (if that's possible with summer crowds), because alot of travelers are arriving on Sunday. Good luck with whatever you do. What an age range!

 

[Fievel]

Here's my tip: Never follow a schedule at Disney. Why? Because you'll never be able to follow it. Do what you want to when you want to do it.

 

[Maria]

Oh I have another advice!

Try to get the park maps and study each the night before you go to one, that way you will be familiarized with the attractions and shows and can "try" to catch them and be on time for them. At least, it makes you aware.... :animwink:

 

[Tramp]

You're basic schedule is fine...but leave room for:

SPONTANEITY

...that's when the great memories are made!




:wave:

 

[Dwarful]

Ok we went with five kids 2,5,8,11 (nearly 12) and 14(nearly 15) we did let the older nephews run on their own with the rule that they couldn't hop w/o us...also mu hubby went w/them for awhile as well. The little ones may be scared of Fantasmic but that is your call ours did fine.
We ended up avoiding the character caravan like the plague...what a mad house it created at our hotel...seemed more at the caravan than inside the parks. The kids books are filled w/autographs and loads of photos w/minimal wait times....
I recommend two other things...take advantage of child swap and fast pass. Relax, make sure the little ones drink lots, load up on sunscreen and have fun. I do think we did better with our group having some type of scheduel..like you have..otherwise you waste too much time doing the "where are we going today debate!"

 

[Disneynutcase]

Get the Fantasmic Dinner Package. Unless you're really compelled to be front and center, you won't be disappointed. You can still see everything.

Just know that the restaurant choices are limited to the expensive Brown Derby, a buffet that I think still has characters present for dinner at Hollywood & Vine, and a nice out of the way almost hidden Italian place, Mama Melrose's.

We did Mama Melrose's and it went over with four kids really well--helps that they like pizza and pasta. The food was quite good and not too expensive.

There was no way we were going to wait 90-120 minutes for Fantasmic. Just wouldn't work with our crew. The bonus is that MGM becomes a ghost town about 90 minutes prior to a show because everyone's heading for the theater. We rode RnRC, kids played a bit at the Honey...playground, and we also saw Muppets 3-D before heading to our seats about 35 minutes before showtime.

From this website, we also gleaned advice that you can make your Fantamic Dinner Package reservation only at WDW (not via Disney PS Reservations) and that it can be done up to a week in advance at any Guest Relations window (which are at all park entrances). We actually made our rezzies four days in advance from AK guest relations.

As far as your plan goes: I think you have a decent basic strategy, but I'd support advice given for the following:

When in doubt, split up and let little ones do some kiddie rides and big kids go for the thrills. Just plan on some together hours as well, meaning that you give the big ones a set amount of time to do their thing with the understanding that they'll have to come back for "family" time. Otherwise, you may not ever see them.

Do MK on Sunday. You won't regret it.

Rethink your 1900 Park Faire Breakfast. It should be done in conjunction with a MK visit since it's right next to the park. You're going to end up wasting 45 minutes travelling to another park after eating, and during the 1st hour when parks are open, that's 3 rides at least.

I think you're wise to do AK in the morning, but get there when it opens at 8:00am, especially if you're planning to head back to your hotel at mid-day. We did our touring of AK exactly this way--hit Dinoland USA rides first thing, then wandered over to Camp Minnie-Mickey. While the kids visited characters, some of us got Fast Passes for the Safari ride. During the wait for our Fast Pass hour to come up, we saw the Lion King Show. Then slower folks headed towards the safari while faster ones went to get us Fast Passes for Kali River Rapids. Then it was Safari, an animal trail (Pangani Forest, I think), then the big soak on Kali. At this point it was 12:30. We were able to get all this done at peak season.

Use the hell out of Fast Passes.

Last, Disney MGM doesn't really take a whole day to tour, not unless you plan to see every show. This one, in fact, could be broken up on separate days like you have planned. Epcot and MK can both be done in a full day w/o naps. You'll miss a few things but get a lot done.

For as short as your trip is, there's no way you guys will see everything anyway. It's the beauty and frustration of WDW--too much to do.

 

[2much2do]

Hi,
I wasn't going to reply, because I find that often what people really want when they ask for advice is confirmation that they are doing the "right" thing, and not critisism(sp?) at all. But, I think many have given you wonderful points, and so I guess I'll add my own.

I agree with the general opinion that your plan seems to try to cram too much into the day and that traveling back and forth between parks will take up too much time. This is especially true with the baby and four year old. They will never make it with so much traveling! So, my advice is:

1. Do only one park per day, and really do it. Get there early and stay late.
2. I am going to go against the grain on the "go back for a nap" idea because in my opinon, it simply takes too much time away from touring to do that. We just went to WDW with my then 10 month old DD and my four year old DS, and we did not go back to the room at midday, and all was well. What we did do however was find a quiet, calm space for an extended break every day. Some places we enjoyed were the baby care centers (where they have toys and TVs with Disney shows on). They were air conditioned and very quiet. You could even let the teens go off for an hour and return to the baby care center where you and the little ones have been resting. We also liked the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon at MK. During the shows it was crowded, but as soon as the show is over, everybody clears out and you can get a wonderful lunch and pick top seats for the next show and it is sooooooo peaceful in there. we also sprung for sit down full service restaurants for most meals. I found that my kids rested and regrouped (and the baby napped) during one of these quiet yet still in the park times, and no need to travel back to the parks later, we were still there!!!!
3. I agree with Dwarful. Skip the character caravan. Waste of time. Too crowded and crazy. Forget it. I would spring for another character meal if you are really interested in the characters. Try Chef Mickey's or the Liberty tree Tavern. Waiting in line for a charcater is precious wasted time. Character meals are so worth it just in time savings!!!!!
4. If you decide to do Fantasmic, definitly go with the dinner package. Again, why waste time waiting for it, when you have to eat anyways?????
5. Downtown Disney (IMO) has not much to do, so if you are pressed for time, skip it. Yes, yes, yes, it has great shops and restaurants. I love it there, don't get me wrong. But it is basically just places to spend your money. The merchandise is so streamlined now that you should be able to find much of the exact same merchandise anywhere in the parks or resorts. The only thing might be Disney Quest for the teens, but that costs admission.
6. Do not underestimate the impact that heat and humidity will have on your energy level and mood. Drink a lot of water (remember, soda doesn't cound, as it is a diuretic which means it will actually make you loose water!!!) Make everyone wear a hat. Remember that sunscreen stings your eyes and your scalp can burn! Rest often (a lot of little five minute air conditioned sit downs are sometimes better than a big two hour hotel rest!)
And lastly, have fun and don't stres it if you see that you are not gonna get everything you plan on getting done, done. You can always come back!

 

[wrwrwrwreee1971]

thanks for all the feedback. This has really been a benefit for me and my family. I have been to disney before, but the teenagers have not, so I want them to enjoy it also. I promise I will give them their time. Thanks again for the wonderful feedback.

 

[Disneynutcase]

I agree with what 2much2do said. Definately consider sit-down meals.

We did 5 days of park touring and only did counter service three times as opposed to sit-down meals via PS reservations 7 times and did not regret it one bit. For starters, there wasn't a restaurant that we ate at that wasn't in some way an attraction in itself. WDW eateries are very cool. They key is to do some research and find the places your family will like. Most guide books have decent decriptions, reviews, and general costs for each eatery on property, so you should be able to narrow things down.

We went with kids ages 8, 4, 3 & 2, and, although the younger ones (particularly the boy) would get wiggly, the break for everyone was fantastic. It was nice to be able to relax, eat nicely prepared and tasty food, and not have to stand or be in line. And most of the places were peaceful.

I also second what Dwarful recommended: Character Meals rule for parents of young kids. It totally kills two birds with one stone--parents get to actually enjoy a meal, kids tend to eat as well (too distracted by the "guys" on hand to forget to be finicky), and you get nice access to 4-6 Disney characters without slogging thru another line. Several are buffets or all-you-can-eat family style meals which will also please your teenagers.

I know you said you're doing 1900 Park Faire, but give Chef Mickeys, Liberty Tree Tavern, Crystal Palace (if it's not closed for rennavtion, if it is then Tony's), Hollywood & Vine, and/or the Garden Grille a try. You'll end up with Mickey & friends or Pooh & friends and love every minute of it. There are also plenty of other cool themed out restaurants at each park--worth researching and getting the PS ressies for.

But like 2much2do, we had more success getting down time/rest time at the restaurants than we ever did going back to our hotel.

Also saving WDW shows (both live and audio-animatronic) for the afternoon will help give you a needed break. If any little one actually dozed off during the day, it was usually during something like American Adventure or CoP because they had to sit still, it was pleasantly air conditioned, tended to have some kind of soothing music involved in the show, and it was dark.

 

[figmentmom]

I don't think I can improve on the scheduling advice you've already gotten, but DON'T forget the sunscreen on the whole family! Put hats on the little ones if you can - my daughter got sunburned on her scalp where her hair parted - ouch! Don't forget, also, how overwhelming the parks are for little ones; you may find the kids are more irritable than usual after a few hours of heavy touring. Take it easy, and certainly don't try to cram the maximum number of attractions in the minimum amount of time - you'll wind up frustrated.

have a great time!