My Itinerary

[BigB911]

As a first-timer to WDW and planner of our trip, I think I have everything down pat. But, while there is still time to make changes (I hope), I'm posting it here for you seasoned veterans to critique, criticize, and scrutinize. I don't want to miss out on anything, so if something is missing, please let me know! Keep in mind we've never even been on a plane before! We have 5-day MYW tickets with no park hopper and the DDP.

Day 1 09/24
10:00 AM-arrive at airport
12:35 PM-plane is supposed to take off
2:55 PM-plane is supposed to land
4:00 PM-rough estimate, arrive at ASMO...check in, check out resort, poss ride on monorail, maybe check out DTD?

Day 2 09/25
7:30 AM-take bus to MK
8:00 AM-arrive at MK to enjoy EMH. Head to Fantasyland first.
10:15 AM-go to Crystal Palace for 10:30 ADR
As for the rest of the day:shrug:

Day 3 09/26
9:00 AM-ish--arrive at Epcot
I did have ADR for Akerhus, but cancelled them. Got CRT instead...
At some point, back to ASMO for a break.
7:15 PM-go to Tuto Italia for 7:30 ADR
EMH night

Day 4 09/27
Nothing planned...no ADR's...

Day 5 09/28
9:00 AM-arrive at DHS, straight to the Muppets
10:15 AM-go to H&V for Playhouse Disney ADR at 10:30
At some point, back to ASMO for a break.
EMH night...make sure we see Fantasmic

Day 6 09/29
No ADR's
DTD/Shopping day

Day 7 09/30
9:00 AM-arrive at MK
9:30 AM-go to the castle for 9:45 CRT ADR (surprise for DD)
At some point, back to ASMO for a break.
6:00 PM-head back to MK
7:00 PM-midnight--MNSSHP

Day 8 10/01
11:00 AM-check out
What should we do this day? We're most likely not doing AK due to allergies.
7:55 PM-Return flight back to da burgh.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

My only suggestion would be to consider adding the Hopper option to your tickets - adds that little bit more flexibility to your itinerary

 

[darrin933]

What kind of Allergies?

 

[bgraham34]

I like the suppose to land and takeoff. I would love to be ontime landing for a change.

 

[bradandsarabr]

Who's going with you? Kids?
I do not think that you are that close to the animals for any animal allergies to prevent AK.

 

[gettingsmaller]

Well, you may not be the "cram it all in" people that we are, but I'd say you should upgrade those 5-dayMYW to 8-dayMYW. It will only cost you a few dollars, and you can go ahead and hit the park the first day if you want to (come on--$2/person for 5 hours at a park?).

As far as Park Hopper... I've already gone into detail in these forums on this recently, but we didn't see the need or practicality of it for our family. We felt it was money better used for the water park option. ALSO, unless I'm mistaken, you can add the "Hopper" option any time during your visit (it will still cost you the full "Hopper" amount). This is one of those things where I thought: "I can always add it and pay more, but they aren't going to give me my money BACK for it if I get it and don't use it."

Also, it looks like you have only 5 table service reservations (that's counting 2 for CRT). You have 7 nights, right? So, you should have 7 table service meals per person.

We really enjoyed the Garden Grill--and "The Land" is just an awesome pavillion, anyway...
Upgrade that MYW ticket, add an Epcot day with a Garden Grill reservation. Even if you didn't spend all day there, it would only cost a few dollars for that extra day... How old is the DD? Something that my kids (mainly 6,8 year olds, not SO much the 4-year old) enjoyed was the "Behind the Seeds" tour in the Land. It's not too expensive, and you get a discount if you have a Disney Visa.

OH. One more thing. If you go to DTD, Wolfgang Puck Express (NOT the one close to Disney Quest--the one on the other side) was the BEST counter service meal we found anywhere. It's like table service that you walk up and get. Also, if you get tired of burgers and fried chicken, Pinocchio Haus in the MK has some nice sandwiches that are a welcome break from burgers/chicken. We were there 12 days last Sept. You don't know how awesome it is to get something besides burger/chicken when that's all you've been eating for a while... Also, Pinocchio Haus has windows that let you look into the load/launch area of It's a Small World.

 

[gettingsmaller]

something else... maybe you just really like shopping/don't care so much about theme parks/really think that a nap or rest will be absolutely necessary, BUT it seems that you might be falling into the "trap" of underestimating the size of Disney World.
Even DHS--with it's limited attractions--can be hard to get through in one day--especially when you're taking time out for "Play and Dine".
Epcot and MK--even with shorter September lines--are easily 2-day parks.
If the allergies are not life-threatening, and you make it to AK, the Nemo musical is not to be missed. Our whole family loved it. We had to see it twice.

I guess what I'm saying is that--if the parks are your main thing (and you haven't said that they are or are not)--you need to spend the extra couple of dollars (literally, it's like $6/person) to upgrade those MYW tix to 8-day.

BTW, if your little one needs rest, most will just fall asleep anywhere. Consider it a good opportunity for you to trade off and ride a roller coaster or something. Our 4-year-old napped "on the go" this past Sept. The 6 and 8 just kept going until they fell asleep on the bus that night.

For us, it was too hard to justify going back to the room (easily a 45 minute trip) for a rest when there was so much fun to be had (and so little time)

 

[gettingsmaller]

Are you using Magical Express?
If so, they're probably going to want to pick you up around 4PM on your last day (yeah, plan some "sitting around at the airport" time on your last day). If you're relying on Disney buses to get you around, you probably should plan on leaving wherever you are (unless at your hotel) by 3PM.
So, hey, you've got 5 hours at the MK. Or 5 hours of shopping at DTD.
BUT--oops--I forgot about "checking out". You actually can check out without much problem (they'll do it automagically, as I recall), BUT you will probably want to do the check-in for your flight/Magical Express. THIS TAKES TIME! if you can, get there early. That line was the longest line of our whole trip last Sept. You're basically checking your bags for your return flight--but so is, it seems, half of the resort.
Our last day, we ate at Chef Mickey's and went to DTD. I don't know that I'd recommend that schedule. I was pretty nervous about missing our ADR while waiting in that line... It all worked out, though. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to wait in that line...

 

[NewfieFan]

Yeah, I'm only counting 5 TS credits that you've used. For 7 nights you have 7 TS credits, 7 CS credits, and 7 snacks per person. You need to book 2 more TS meals by the looks of it!

I also agree with the other poster and recommend you add a few days onto your ticket (it really doesn't cost that much). I myself have a 10 day park hopper ticket but I'm really only there for 9 full days. For the sake of a couple dollars I went with the 10 day ticket and now we can go to the parks (even if it's only for a couple hours) on our first evening after we arrive!

Also, may I ask what allergies are involved? I have serious allergies and I'm allergic to every living creature (no really) - I think goldfish are fine!:animwink: AK is not a problem at all for me! You are not that close to the animals at all. The only area I would avoid would be the petting zoo over at Rafiki's Planet Watch, it's called Affection Section. Now that's if animals are the problem. I am also allergic to tree and grass pollen but I've never had a problem at WDW nor at AK specifically! In fact, I don't even need my allergy medication while I'm in the "World"!

 

[wdwmomof3]

As a first-timer to WDW and planner of our trip, I think I have everything down pat. But, while there is still time to make changes (I hope), I'm posting it here for you seasoned veterans to critique, criticize, and scrutinize. I don't want to miss out on anything, so if something is missing, please let me know! Keep in mind we've never even been on a plane before! We have 5-day MYW tickets with no park hopper and the DDP.

Day 1 09/24
10:00 AM-arrive at airport
12:35 PM-plane is supposed to take off
2:55 PM-plane is supposed to land
4:00 PM-rough estimate, arrive at ASMO...check in, check out resort, poss ride on monorail, maybe check out DTD?
This sounds great.

Day 2 09/25
7:30 AM-take bus to MK
8:00 AM-arrive at MK to enjoy EMH. Head to Fantasyland first.
10:15 AM-go to Crystal Palace for 10:30 ADR
As for the rest of the day:shrug:
Ride rides, see shows and parade. We normally go back to rest/swim and then return to the park later for more fun. Don't miss Wishes. It is amazing. Oh, and try a Dole Whip!!:slurp:

Day 3 09/26
9:00 AM-ish--arrive at Epcot
I did have ADR for Akerhus, but cancelled them. Got CRT instead...
At some point, back to ASMO for a break.
7:15 PM-go to Tuto Italia for 7:30 ADR
EMH night
Just remember to use Fast Pass. We normally go to soarin, get a FP and ride it. Once we are off we head to Test Track and wait in line. The people that were in line with us to get into the park all did the same thing. After that , we never saw them again.
Oh, and try the Beverly!!:slurp::ROFLOL:

Day 4 09/27
Nothing planned...no ADR's...
I would go to Animal Kingdom. I'm not sure what type of allergies you are dealing with but you would not be that close to any animal. If for nothing else, I would go to see the new Nemo Musical. It is amazing. They have a cute opening show as well, so I would be there when they opened.

Day 5 09/28
9:00 AM-arrive at DHS, straight to the Muppets
10:15 AM-go to H&V for Playhouse Disney ADR at 10:30
At some point, back to ASMO for a break.
EMH night...make sure we see Fantasmic
Sounds great!

Day 6 09/29
No ADR's
DTD/Shopping day
I would be back at Epcot on this day, and relax and shop here. Mouse Gear is one of our favorite shops at Disney World. I would also book a place for lunch or dinner here. We love the Coral Reel.

Day 7 09/30
9:00 AM-arrive at MK
9:30 AM-go to the castle for 9:45 CRT ADR (surprise for DD)
At some point, back to ASMO for a break.
6:00 PM-head back to MK
7:00 PM-midnight--MNSSHP
Perfect day!!

Day 8 10/01
11:00 AM-check out
What should we do this day? We're most likely not doing AK due to allergies.
7:55 PM-Return flight back to da burgh.

I know that you said that you have a five day pass but for just a few, like under 20.00 I think each, you can add more days. Once you pay for four days it's cheap to add days to your ticket. I would also get the hopper, but it adds a bit more. There are ways to get around it but it does make it nice.

 

[BigB911]

Thanks, everyone, for the excellent advice!!!:wave:

I decided on only a 5-day base ticket (I think that's what it's called), because I was figuring in loosing 2 days to travel, and a 3rd day because the DW will want to shop, and I read that the stores at DTD are a bit cheaper than the ones in the parks. Also, we are doing this on a tight budget, so that was a consideration as well.

The DD is 4, btw, and I'm also concerned about her (well, all of us) getting sensory overload of going to so many theme parks! I also wanted to give us plenty of R&R and down time. It is much needed! I didn't add the hopper due to the budget, and because I want to be able to devote a whole day to one park, and not be concerned with having to "hop" to get my money's worth.

As for the allergies, we're all allergic to pollens, molds, and animals (that's a biggy!). So now it's looking like Monday will either be a trip back to Epcot or to AK.

I know I still have 2 meals to use, and was hoping we'd be able to walk up to Planet Hollywood or something like that:shrug:

Thanks again everyone!!! We now have only 130 LONG days to go!

 

[wdwmomof3]

Thanks, everyone, for the excellent advice!!!:wave:

I decided on only a 5-day base ticket (I think that's what it's called), because I was figuring in loosing 2 days to travel, and a 3rd day because the DW will want to shop, and I read that the stores at DTD are a bit cheaper than the ones in the parks. Also, we are doing this on a tight budget, so that was a consideration as well.

DTD stores are great and there are a few stores that have different items than those in the parks BUT, from what I have seen, everything is priced the same. Plus, DTD does not take a whole day, but only a couple of hours. I would reconsider adding more days, it's only going to cost you $5.00 more per ticket , not per day, for an adult and $2.00 more per child for a seven day pass.

The DD is 4, btw, and I'm also concerned about her (well, all of us) getting sensory overload of going to so many theme parks! I also wanted to give us plenty of R&R and down time. It is much needed! I didn't add the hopper due to the budget, and because I want to be able to devote a whole day to one park, and not be concerned with having to "hop" to get my money's worth.

I can totally see your point here. My DH needs down time more than the kids, so what we normally do is come back in the afternoon at some point to rest or swim and then head back for dinner and more fun. You can have just as much fun without the hopper pass by just sticking to one park per day. It's really no big deal.

As for the allergies, we're all allergic to pollens, molds, and animals (that's a biggy!). So now it's looking like Monday will either be a trip back to Epcot or to AK.
Two of my three children suffer from the same allergies but have never had a problem at Disney. Just don't do the petting zoo at AK. Be sure to check out the new Nemo Musical though. It's amazing.

I know I still have 2 meals to use, and was hoping we'd be able to walk up to Planet Hollywood or something like that:shrug:

We have been there once and didn't care for the food, but the place it's self is really cool. We may have just had a bad night. The last few times that we have been, Disney gave us some type of certificate for Planet Hollywood for a free meal or something. We just didn't use them. Everyone says that the Earl's Sandwich Shop at DTD is great but we haven't tried it yet.

Thanks again everyone!!! We now have only 130 LONG days to go!

130 days is NOTHING!!:lol: It will go by super fast! Have fun planning, and if you have not already read the unofficial Guide to WDW, you should get it. It's full of great information. :wave:

 

[DivineMadness7]

Hello fellow Western PAer! :wave:

For the most part this looks good (especially the "straight to Muppets" part )

I would urge you to reconsider skipping AK entirely. This comes from someone with TERRIBLE allergies, animals (and about everything else imaginable) included. You can go to AK and skip things like the petting zoo (I've never been there.) There are so many great attractions it would be a shame to skip. I understand the concern, as someone who gets weekly allergy shots and had sinus surgery two months ago. I'm also someone who has taken 20+ WDW trips on my 25 years on this planet and I really doubt you will have an issue with allergies at AK anymore than you will at any other park. Even if you choose to skip any attraction that involves animals, that still leaves quite a bit.....Dinosaur, The Nemo stage show, Everest, Bug's Life...list goes on.

I also agree with another poster about adding a few extra days as I think once you hit the 5 day point it is not much more expensive to add a few additional days. I totally understand needing a break, but DTD will not really take a whole day and you still have another entirely empty day. You can do the parks every day and still remain sane by taking midafternoon swim breaks/naps. Just something to consider. Have fun! :wave:

 

[NewfieFan]

I'll chime in here again...

I really don't think you'll have a problem at AK! I have all those allergies listed and like I said before the only place I don't take allergy medication is at WDW! I wouldn't want you to miss a wonderful park like AK for no reason. And like another poster said, even if you avoid the "real-animal" attractions there still are great things to see in AK. I suggest you give it a shot!!!

I also think you should still add an extra day or two on your ticket. You can still take some downtime if needed but it gives you the option to go to a park and posssibly see something you missed or do an attraction that you really liked over again, etc. If you don't want to get the park hopper, that's fine - you can work around that but the extra days would be a nice option!

DTD isn't cheaper than the parks - the prices all look the same to me!?! DTD is a nice place but you won't need that much time there. They do have some different selections than the parks but it's all pretty much the same stuff.

Have a great vacation!:wave:

BTW - if it means anything to you... I took two kids (aged 14 mths and 3 at the time of travel) and took them to the parks everyday. BUT we always took a midday break - it's a lifesaver!!!

 

[NewfieFan]

One more thing...

I noticed your travel dates are for Sept., is that correct!?!

I would book those two extra TS credits NOW! Nothing will be "walk-up" in Sept. - everything is booked solid! I wouldn't want you to lose those two TS credits b/c you can't get into any restaurants. My advice would be to get on the phone ASAP and make those ADRs.

Also, if you're looking for a place to eat in DTD - they have some nice CS locations (then you can save your TS for somewhere else you'd like to eat). My recommendation would be Wolfgang Puck Express. It's CS but you also have a waiter - it's a nice place!

 

[wilary]

As for your two extra dinners, there are many fine restaurants at the resorts. Some of my favorites are Ohana (Poly), Cape May Cafe (Beach Club) and Whispering Canyon Cafe (Wilderness Lodge). Your kiddo might like Chef Mickey's (Contemporary) as well. Take a look at these, especially on the days you don't go to the parks. But definitely definitely get ADRs.

 

[wvdisneyfamily]

I have horrible allergies and I do great at the AK. As others have said, I would really reconsider not going to AK.
Also, when you say arrive at 9ish for Epcot, I would really rethink that one. Arrive at least 20-30 minutes prior to opening because the lines for Soarin' get long fast. If you are planning on taking a break that day, consider that Soarin' fastpasses go fairly fast, too. You may need to be there early to get a fastpass that will work with your rest schedule.
Oh, by the way, there are much better places to eat than Planet Hollywood. Don't waste your time or dining credit there. A lot of the resort restaurants are great. Some even have walk-up available depending on the time of year you are going.

 

[gettingsmaller]

I understand the tight budget.
Still, it is really only about $2/day per person to add days once you are up to 5 days (look at the ticket prices on the website if you don't believe me). For 3 people, that's $18 to add 3 more days! Even if you spent a half day at a park and then shopped for a half day, I would think it would be worth it. Just buy one less trinket, and you're there (or skip Starbucks once a week for a few weeks before you go).

Also, I understand the need for R&R. I don't know that WDW is the place to do it

For the record, we had grand plans for possibly going back to the room for a nap--it never happened... People's personalities/needs/interests are different, obviously--we could never justify "wasting" all that time.

Hey, one more thing: 40 inches is what I call the "magic number" at WDW. There are many things that you have to be 40 inches to ride--Soarin' (I think), Splash Mountain, BTMRR, Test Track. Depending on the 4-year old, they will have no problem with the ride itself, but the height could be a problem on several things.

Also, on any ride that you want to ride, but your little doesn't, be sure to ask the fastpass attendant about switching off before you get in line. They're very good about taking care of you and giving you a rider switch pass so that you only have to wait in the line 1 time (instead of 1 time for each parent).

I'll try to say this one more time and then shut up: you HAVE to add a couple of days to those passes. You're already paying... what? $1500 + airfare to go? (a total guess). What's another $20 (TOTAL, not per person) to give yourselves the option of going to a park 3 more days (or even partial days!)?

Lastly, when you go to DTD, you have to go in the Christmas shop. The smell is awesome. If there is anything that smells like Christmas, it is that shop. I asked them about the scent--they don't sell it...
Also, at DTD, I considered Disney Quest to be a waste of time--and I like video games. Our entry was basically free (thank goodness) because we had the water park option. I would have been very sad had I actually put out money for it.

okay... I'm trying to only say this one more thing and then shut up... I don't know your allergy situation, but there appear to be people with pretty bad ones that have gone to AK without trouble. An AK day is a pretty good day to "top off" with a trip to DTD. You won't have a REALLY long time there, but you could add a day to your ticket ($6 for 3 people!), leave AK at 5 or 6, then head to DTD to finish off the evening.

HEY, I'm interested in what other people say about this: you mentioned that you heard DTD prices are lower than in-park. I'd say you can maybe find some cheaper things, but that identical things are going to be the same price. I don't know that for sure, but that's my guess. Anyone else here know about that?
From what I hear, the real deals are down the street a couple of miles at "outlet" kinds of stores...