[kphil89]

I am trying to come up with a daily schedule of things to do on our upcoming trip..(dh 31, me 31, dd 6 and ds 1) I was wondering if we should plan to do EMH or not. I think we'd probably do MK one day and maybe AK but the other two I am not sure if it would be worth it. What do you guys think? Also, I am uncertain what to expect in terms of the crowds...we will be there Oct 10-17 and I know that the parks maybe somewhat more crowded that normal cause of the FTP, Columbus Day and I think Fall Break for some but I am hoping it won't be like it was in April...anyone have any ideas?

[Willbegone]

We did Early Entry 3 times on our last trip 2 for MK and 1 for AK. Personally this next trip we are avoiding EE days. We will go the park that had it the day before. HOWEVER, it really did pay off in MK the first time around as we got alot done in Fantasy Land before opening but on the 2nd go around we didn't do much because we didn't know that only Fantasy and Tomorrow Lands were open for EE. I would at least, do 1 EE for MK!

[kphil89]

I am certain we will do EE for MK. We have PS on Both EE days and they are both at opening times (7:30 & 8 ) Maybe I could switch the days or push the time back a bit if possible. What do you think? We have PS @ CRT on 10/12 and Chef Mickey on 10/16...my birthday!!!:D I know if we go in MK DD won't want to leave! Sorry if I am obsessing too much this is my first visit on site and I am afraid I may be trying to get in too much with this trip! Can't help it so excited!


Can't root for the Gamecocks!!! Have to go with my DAWGS!!! They try so hard....we shall see what this year brings!!!

[WVWISEGUY]

My family (me, DW, and 2 sons, 6 & 3) were at WDW in June, and we did EE at MK one day, and AK 1 day. At MK we got a lot done and then ate at 11:30 at Crystal Palace. We were able to do most of Fantasyland and BUzz Lightyear before lunch. After lunch we left because crowds were getting bad. At AK, we did EE and had the Safari and Jungle Treks done before regular opening.

I would suggest if you do EE, get there at opening time and get out of that park when crowds start coming in. At AK, we left at lunch time and it was packed. Willbegone's suggestion about doing park a day after EE is a good one. We found parks less crowded the day after EE.

[DisneyTeacher]

If Early Entry is an option for you then I think it is a must for the MK if you want to do FantastLand. We did all of the rides there plus a few others all before 10:15. We could then do what we wanted; leave, eat a late breakfast, take in a ride with a longer line knowing we covered all of our "must do rides". I also think EE is a must for AK. As far as Epcot and MGM go I think it is less important with small kids who don't want to do the big thrill rides.

If I were you I would plan EE at MK and AK, just my opinion.

[Amneris]

I think all the advice so far has been excellent! You should definitely do EE for AK and MK. MK - so you can get through Fantasy Land (and Dumbo!). AK - for the safari. Early safari's give you the most animals. As for the other parks, only the "front" part of Epcot is open early, I believer, and only certain rides. If you want to do justice to all the countries, than an early start on the "kids stuff" in the front of the park is a good idea. If you just want to do a whirlwind tour, than it isn't necessary. Both Epcot and MGM EE would be just to give you more time to experience the parks, rather than really a jump on the crowds (as EE parks get very crowded around 11-12) or to be able to get special rides in. Since your kids are young, they will probably be up at the crack of dawn and need to go to bed early, so just for that scheduling you might want to do all the EE parks on their days. Also, getting an early start will make it easier to have lunch (and maybe even dinner) in the parks. They give you a lot of food for lunch, so if you don't eat early it spoils your appetite for dinner. You could even try have a light snack at your hotel before heading to the parks and then having the first lunch seating as a kind of brunch. "Brunch" at the Crystal Palace (character meal w/ Pooh) -- in that case, the opposite w/ the last breakfast seating rather -- was recommended on another thread. Plus, the earlier start you get, the more time you'll be able to spend mid-day back at the hotel splashing in the pool (if you were thinking of breaking up the day that way).

[kphil89]

Amneris way cool advice. I am still in the planning stages trying to get something down on paper to use as a guide. We will be there for 6 whole days and I know we won't get to do and see it all but I want this trip to be a special memory for DD. She has given me a list of things she wants to do and I am doing my best to work those in, along with doing a few of my favorites too... like shopping!:D

Thanks to everyone for your advice...you all have made me feel right at home:)

[LRTJS]

I would think in 6 days you should be able to get in just about everything you want to do. In the past, with careful planning and running, we have been able to do all 4 parks, Universal and a water park in 6 days! I will admit we had to go, go , go but it was fun and worth it. I will be there the week before you and it is my first on site trip also, so I share your excitement.
Looks like we really have many SEC fans on this site! At least we all can agree that DW is the best place to be!

[mattomouseman]

We'll be doing EME at MK and AK while we are there. I'm not usre about MGM yet. It is worth it to get into the park early expecialy if you want to go back to your resort in the afternoon for a nap, swim or just to relax!

[LDV]

FWIW,

My DW always plans our park visits to NOT coincide with EMH. Through experience and reading, these are the most crowded days at those parks. We try to hit these parks the day after EMH. Minimizing crowds is a must for us because all 3 of us dislike lines more than anything. This is the reason we go only during offseason. The park hours are shorter in offseason and we have to deal with more refurbishment closings, but even with this, we get to ride and see more.

[jbtoursejg]

With your young kids a mid day break away from the parks is a must. As others have said, bu 11 or 12 the days of early entry it gets crowded. But that's about when you want to leave for a break. Then take advantage of another park for the late afternoon and evening. It not only breaks up the dya but the different type of ride experiences. This was you go to Mk for two half days instead of one and only one day.