[nicatene1]

I semi-planned my upcoming trip with 4 park days in mind. My mom just bought us the tickets (gotta love her) & she got the 5 day Hopper passes. So now I am rethinking my whole itinerary. I am going to post the outline and beg for your thoughts and suggestions.

Sunday
We are arriving and staying at OKW. We arrive at 9:30 (ish). Quicksilver will pick us up & allow us a 30 min grocery stop. Then it's off to check-in. I had originally planned this day to do Downtown Disney & perhaps Boardwalk or hotel seeing

Monday
PS @ Chef Mickey 7:40 am
Then it was off to MK
The rest of the day was a take it as it comes sort of day

Tuesday
PS for Breakfastosaurus in AK @ 8:00 am
Spend some time in AK
PS for dinner at Crystal Palace 4:10 before MVMCP.
MVMCP night

Wednesday
PS O'hana 8:00 am
MGM
Tenative PS at 50's Prime Time for 5:05 pm (still trying for Fantasmic Dinner Package)

Thursday
PS 1900 Park Fare 8:10 am
Back to MK (would really like to do two days here if possible)
Could also be an alternate day for MGM if I could get that elusive Fantasmic Package!!

Fri.
Quicksilver to pick us up at 2:00 pm for flight home. Was thinking of light shopping on this day.

Now, I was not really planning on doing Epcot (or much of it since my DD is only 2). I could possibly do this on the first day, or split it with another park on another day.

Question portion:
1- What do I do on the Sunday of arrival. I think we would have time to use our "extra" day at the park.
2- Do I shuffle around my days for the parks (really this has crossed my mind because I have read about not visiting MK on Mondays).
3- Do I shuffle around my PS's
4- Why do I always get to be the planner!!!
5- Do I visit Epcot with my 2 year old DD? There are a few things that I would like her to see, but if we don't this trip I wouldn't be devastated.
6- What am I missing?!

Thank you so much for letting me ramble on and on. I am worn out. I think I need a vacation from planning my vacation!!

[Jen]

Nikki -

I don't have much to offer you as I am in the same situation (not with a 2 year old - you have my sympathy) I've had a small change of plans and I'm a bit nervous about fitting everything in after discoverying that while off season offers low crowds, it also means earlier park closings. I just wanted to wish you luck with your planning - take a deep breath and let all the knowledgable DCer's help ya out. I'll be watching the thread for ideas as well.

Jen

[chiasgirl]

Originally Posted by nicatene1

.
2- Do I shuffle around my days for the parks (really this has crossed my mind because I have read about not visiting MK on Mondays).

I won't really comment on much as I have never travelled with children. However, from everything I know and have heard, Monday is one of the best days to visit MK. Sunday is EE so it seems to attract great crowds those days and then everyone moves on to somewhere else on Monday. As well, many families travel/arrive on Sat and make MK their first stop on Sun.

I have heard that it is best to start your kids at the park(s) you think they will like least (in your case maybe Epcot) so that the trip keeps getting better and better and they are not constantly begging to go back to Dumbo!

[Jen]

Originally Posted by chiasgirl

However, from everything I know and have heard, Monday is one of the best days to visit MK.

I have to agree here. According to the Unoffical Guide - Tuesday and Thursdays are the days to avoid MK. Monday is one of the days they recommed.

Jen

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by chiasgirl

I won't really comment on much as I have never travelled with children. However, from everything I know and have heard, Monday is one of the best days to visit MK. Sunday is EE so it seems to attract great crowds those days and then everyone moves on to somewhere else on Monday. As well, many families travel/arrive on Sat and make MK their first stop on Sun.

Nikki:

I'm having a busy morning, so I don't have the time to post a good response. I have some ideas and I'll illustrate them later.

Just one point of clarification. Mondays are a tricky day at MK only because most people like to begin their vacations at MK and Monday is usually the first full day for most people. Therefore, Mondays, particularly between 10:30 and 3pm can be VERY crowded.

However, if it's a particularly light time in a Value season, it might not really make a difference.

Chia is right about Sunday, although using EE on Sunday at MK and then leaving by 10:30 is a great way to get a lot done and leave before the crowds.

[nicatene1]

Oh, perhaps I read wrong...or don't remember what I read!! I am glad that Mon. is recommended for MK. Maybe I will squeeze Epcot in on Sun. as I don't really think we will spend alot of time there & I also think it will be DD's least fav. at this age. My thoughts and ideas are still spinning around in my head so fast Please make them stop!!

[nicatene1]

Originally Posted by MerlinMatt

Nikki:

I'm having a busy morning, so I don't have the time to post a good response. I have some ideas and I'll illustrate them later.

Sounds good Matt. I can't wait.

[MerlinMatt]

Sunday
Definately an Epcot day. Since you'll likely be settled by around noon, I would either do lunch at the resort, or get on a bus and have lunch at Epcot, either the Electric Umbrella for typical Disney fast food, or the Cantina at Mexico. It's great and bewteen nachos and whatnot, there's plenty that a 2yo would enjoy.

In either case, you can hang around Epcot Future World after lunch, when people tend to move back to the World Showcase, so lines will be short. DD would really like Figment and would probably also enjoy the fish at Living Seas.

Spaceship Earth is a great place for a toddler to nap.

She'd also like the ride at The Land. The other's might be a little too "grown-up" for her.

There are lots of Character opportunities in Epcot. Also, if she's still motoring towards the evening, you could take her to dinner and possibly even stay for IllumiNations.

Monday
How about this? Instead of doing breakfast first thing, why not hit MK at rope-drop? Very cool. You and DD would LOVE the ceremony. (DW cried, so you might as well. ) Grab a snack at the bakery on Main St and do Fantasyland first thing, before it mobs up.

THEN, change your PS for Chef Mickey's to 10:30. It'll break up the day. You'll be able to relax a bit at the Contemporary and maybe even take a walk. Then, head back over to MK (you can walk) as everyone starts going to lunch.

Tuesday
I love Tuesday's plan.

Wednesday
Wednesday too.

Thursday
Perfect.

Fri.
DTD is great for the last day. Have lunch at the Earl of Sandwich. You won't regret it.


I hope this helps.

[Erin]

MerlinMatt - you and Dana are like super planners...you guys could work for Mickey :c)

uberplanners are you.

[Jen]

Originally Posted by Erin

MerlinMatt - you and Dana are like super planners...you guys could work for Mickey :c)

uberplanners are you.

I have to agree! Matt, your responces are wonderful, you and Dana helped me these last months more than you know.

Jen

[MerlinMatt]

I think me and Dana were separated at birth. LOL

I know that I love to help and I get a real charge when someone appreciates my efforts. I'm pretty sure that Dana feels the same way.

[nicatene1]

Matt your plan for Monday sounds great...one little question. What exactly is rope drop & what time is it?

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by nicatene1

Matt your plan for Monday sounds great...one little question. What exactly is rope drop & what time is it?

Why I thought you'd never ask!

Rope Drop is the opening ceremony that happens on non-EMH days at each of the parks. The MK rope drop is the absolute best.

Take one of the first buses to MK that morning and plan on being at the entrance by about 8:40. The ceremony is about 10 minutes long, so it starts around 8:50.

I'm not telling you anything more. You need to see it for yourself.


Also, I think you might even consider pushing breakfast back to 11am. I think that's the last seating.

[rlander]

Originally Posted by MerlinMatt

Take one of the first buses to MK that morning and plan on being at the entrance by about 8:40. The ceremony is about 10 minutes long, so it starts around 8:50.

I'm not telling you anything more. You need to see it for yourself.

If you're sentimental, don't forget the tissues. It is that powerful!!!!

[inluvwithdisney]

Nikki,
If you can squeeze time in for Epcot on Sunday afternoon DO IT. Epcot is wonderful and you can still enjoy it with a young child!! There is so much to do there.

I agree with Matt on the MK and Monday thing. I would flip Wednesday and Monday if you can.