[Juanita]

I have just confirmed a " timeshare" presentation reservation that includes a day at the MK ( the only way we can afford a trip this year) and I was thinking on adding a day of EPCOT. My question is what is the best ideas in time management for these days for a family of 4 mom/dad & 4yr and 9 yr old. This is are first trip to the Magical Place and was going to use it as a get to know trip as we wanted to plan a week for next year. We will be in Orlando for 5 days June 5-9th but cannot afford to go to disney more then the two days. Can we go to the boardwalk in the evening w/o having to pay alot? Is there anything else we can do on the days we are not at disney that is around the disney theme? Where can we see the light parade when we are at the MK? Where in the park should we start? ANY ideas for us first timers with a time limit would be GREATLY appreciated.

[Amneris]

Downtown Disney which has shopping (including largest Disney store ever) and restaurants (including the highly themed Rainforest Cafe that you kids would probably enjoy) is open to the public all the time (for free). The night club section charges admission for adults only at night, but you can walk through it during the day time. The Boardwalk area lets you walk around without paying as well. There are some restuarants here and sweet shops and a store or so. I think you would have to park in one of the resort parking lots (Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club) to go -- you would just have to tell the guard that you want to look around or are going for dinner if you've made reservations. You could even have lunch or dinner at one of the resorts there.

Read everything on the official Disney site and get a planning brochure from your local Disney store if you have one. Once you've gone through the maps of all four parks and read about all the rides there, you'll be able to decide what your family should do. As for parade and fireworks - the schedule changes as to when these are, so you should check the calendar on the official site. I think the park maps list viewing areas. You pretty much won't be able to miss it as there's tons of CMs (cast members -- employees) aorund for crowd control way in advance of the parade times. :)

[Willbegone]

You should definetly go over to Fort Wilderness one evening. They have petting zoo and a campfire with Disney Movies and Chip N Dale are there and IT IS FREE!! They roast smores, I think there might be a charge for the smores. We haven't been yet but it sounds AWESOME! This would be right up your alley! Have a great time!

[jbtoursejg]

Welcome to D.C.! My kids are 8 and 10 and we've been lucky emough to go each year so I know the ages you are dealing with. I would suggest the time share appointment for as early as you can on the day you do EPCOT. That way you are out and on your way to the park by 10am. Please remember to tell the agent at the time share appointment that you have an appointment for the time that your 90 minutes would be up. Several reminders will be necessary and don't wait until the 90 minutes as it invariably takes at least 20 minutes to get your paper work signed off as the necessary signoff amnager always seems to be busy when you want to leave.
As for you other questions I'm sure others will add their experienced opinion about non-park things to do but here's mine. Grab the ad books/travel books that look like the newspaper TV guide that are in newspaper boxes and racks at every hotel and attraction. There should be coupons for discounted or free mini golf, go carts, etc. Walk around Old Town and have an ice cream. It's a fun place to see and there are kiddie rides fairly cheap. The beach is only 1 hour away and most places are free. Also, shop at the grocery stores and make lunch each day. Even in the MK we eat at Tom Sawyer Island and let the kids run. It saves time and money. Have a great time!!!

[Juanita]

Thank you so much for all the info! I have added Tom Sawyer to our list of things to do as well as a spot to relax and eat. I have read that in order to get into AKL we need dinner / bfast reserv. I am thinking about making them, if available so that we can possibly do that. As far as the 90 present. thank you for the insight as this is our very first Time share presentation. I printed out a map and I guess I will highlight the attractions that are a must and then go from there. We have decided on not going to Epcot this trip and choosing another park or just doing the MK for two days unless we can get a great deal on a 3 day package. THANK YOU !

[llama]

[quote=Juanita] I have read that in order to get into AKL we need dinner / bfast reserv. I am thinking about making them, if available so that we can possibly do that.

First of all, welcome. I am not too sure what you mean by getting into Animal Kingdom Lodge. You are certainly welcome to visit any Disney resort. You might be asked at the entrance what you are there for. Just tell them you want to look around and it will be no problem. You do not need to have a dinner ressie. Parking is free. AKL is a great place to look at the animals out on the savannahs. There are lots of public viewing areas and the Lodge itself is absolutely wonderful, just to look around. I would also highly recommend doing Downtown Disney. There are tons of activities for the kids. It is free, as is the parking. Highlights would be the "Lego Store", the squirting fountains that kids can play in, there are a few kiddie "carnival-type" rides, etc. Hope this helps a bit.

[Juanita]

That is exactly what we wanted to do, just look around and use up some of the time we have on our arrival date. Thanks for your reply. I have been reading so many bulletin boards and have found alot of valuable information. I am so excited and have decided today that I am going to be telling my children 4 and 9yrs old that we are GOING TO DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[llama]

Originally Posted by Juanita

That is exactly what we wanted to do, just look around and use up some of the time we have on our arrival date. Thanks for your reply. I have been reading so many bulletin boards and have found alot of valuable information. I am so excited and have decided today that I am going to be telling my children 4 and 9yrs old that we are GOING TO DISNEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad we could help. what a great surprise for your kids! One other thing you might consider is miniature golf at WDW. They have two courses: Fantasia and Summer/Winter Land. The cost is $10 for adults, $8 for kids - but its lots of fun!