[tigger03]

We will be at disney while the hours are a little shorter than the peak season. I was wondering if anyone has advice on how they break up the day when the hours are short. Is it even possible to break up the day. By the time we lug the kids back to the resort, swim, and/or rest, will it be worth it to go to another park near closing. How much can you do at MGM in a couple hours before closing(won't fast passes be gone and lines long?) :nervous

We only have mon, tues, wed, and thurs to cram 4 parks into MK being the priority.

I have ps for crystal palace at 11:30 mon. so mon is definately a mk day. If my little ones are in the mood to keep going or sleeping nicely in the stroller I think we will stay there as long as possible the morning will be crazy since we have to make it back to main street for our ps. I am afraid we will end up with misrable lines by the time we finish eating.:dazed

Since Ak has such short hours and I'd like to see the parade if possible. A whole day will likely be spent there, maybe evening at Epcot.

I am just so confused on how to plan the day and split things up. Is it easier tp drive than take disney transport with little kids?
Any advice welcome. Kids are 7, 3, and 19 months.

Can you tell I am getting excited and nervous

:)

[disneycouple30]

It depends. Easter vacation week should be over, the lines shouldn't be long. Since you are set on MK being the primary park, I suggest that Monday you get to the park right at opening and enjoy the park in the morning. Head back after your lunch for a rest if you are staying on property. This should get you back to the hotel by 1:30 then take a rest and head back and start back to MK around 3:30 or 4 to finish up some rides or head to Epcot around 4 to ride Space Ship earth and rides in Future World. Then take a slow walk around The World and watch Illuminations Monday night.

Tuesday go to MK in the Morning and head back to Hotel for a rest around noon, then about 2:30 head for MGM for the parade and the and some of the shows and end up with Fantasmic on Tuesday.

On Wed I would head for AK in the morning and spend the day there. If you want to see the parade take time off and let the kids play at the Dino land playarea and take a long lunch at the Rain Forest or take a a lunch and Flame Tree over by Dino Land. There a nice spot you can eat down by the river and a great place for the little one to take a nap under the shade of the trees and pinic tables. (They are Covered)

On Thur start at MK and finish the rides you want to do and then back to the hotel for a rest then off to MK, Epcot or MGM to finish up the rides you missed.

If you are staying off site then the rest stops are probably not a good things to do. You lose so much time coming and going. If you are staying at an on-site resort other than the ones on the monorail and you are taking your car to each park, I repeat do not take it to MK. Take the bus system it faster or park at Epcot and take the tram over to MK. It still faster than parking at MK!!!

[trishb]

Originally posted by tigger03
I was wondering if anyone has advice on how they break up the day when the hours are short. Is it even possible to break up the day. By the time we lug the kids back to the resort, swim, and/or rest, will it be worth it to go to another park near closing.

It is necessary to take the break. Plan on it...and stick with it. It will make all the difference!

I have a small suggestion...establish touring priorities. Pick one or two things that are 'must see' in each park. Make a point to do those things...and everything else that you get to do is a bonus. With touring priorities there is no pressure....you will be free to enjoy yourself at a relaxed pace.

I never saw the shorter hours as a problem. Just keep in mind that Epcot is open later than any other park. MK only has Spectromagic on certain nights, so you will want to plan accordingly.

Happy planning!

[tigger03]

Thanks for the help. I knew someone could put it into perspective for me. We are on-site Sunday thru Thurs morning at ASM. Switch to AkL for one night. The more I look at the parks I think MK and Ak are priority any thing else is a bonus and my oldest DD has picked out some things she really wants to do. I guess I was concerned that I had to get to each park at least one morning or I would face long lines by late afternoon. Do the resorts provide you with a list of show times at check in or due you only find out what time MGM shows are when you get to the park?

Thanks again

P.S. I think a few breaks are madatory with the youngest too.

[trishb]

Originally posted by tigger03
Do the resorts provide you with a list of show times at check in or due you only find out what time MGM shows are when you get to the park?

The hotel will provide you with basic park information, plus the showtimes for fireworks and parades. Individual show times, and character meetings are usually given out at the parks.

I think...:whistle:

[qltingrl]

This may seem like a heresy but with the ages of your children I would skip Epcot this time. It is big, tiring and has very little to hold the interest of the two younger ones that can not be found at another park. I would concentrate more on the MK and possibly AK with a look in at MGM for Fantasmic if the kids are not too tired. Definitely do the pool and rest in the afternoon. If possible you can split up with one adult taking the older one and one adult having the other two take a rest.

You didn't mention if you were staying on site but I would use the park transportation if you are. It is reliable and convenient and even you get to relax on the way back to your room instead of driving in traffic!

Obviously you know your children best, think about what they want to see and focus on that. You will have a great time and so will they. Have fun!