Planning - Please Help!!??

[Caz99]

We go away in two weeks to Orlando for the first time with two children, 10 and 7. We are TRYING to plan our two weeks but it seems so complicated! We have 14 day Disney Ultimate tickets and 4 Park Orlando Flexticket but there seems to be so many things to consider. We don't want to miss fireworks, parades etc. We would like to have a character breakfast as well. I have found the list of which parks are best and which to avoid on our fortnight but where do I go from here? Any help would be gratefully received!!:spin:

[evieg1983]

id have a look at the itinerys on this thread, they all look pretty good at the mo and people have given then some great tips. Best thing to do is just try to write a rough one out and put it on here with details of where you are staying and who you have with you, that way people can give you advise best suited to your needs. hope this helps and good luck with the planning. Enjoy it!!!

[Sam_Smith]

For a first timer I would recommend:

MK - 1 day
AK - 1 day
MGM - 1 day
EPCOT - 2 days (I for World Showcase & 1 for the rest)
BB & TL - 1 day each (classed as rest days)
IOA - 1 day
US - 1 day
DC - 1day
SW - 1 day
shopping - 1 day
2 free days for your favourites!

Most of the parades are on everyday but Spectromagic in MK depends on the time of year I believe. Check on http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/ohours.htm for parade times and park opening hours.

If you want a character meal, I would visit a guest relations office as soon as you visit a Disney park when you arrive, and ask what they have available. They can book you in there and then.

Have a great time :wavey: :thumbs-up

[Viking_Norway]

1 - Rememeber: It's a holiday, not a world cup in "as many parks as possible"
2 - You can't see all in 14 days.
3 - Have fun and time to chill out

[Cinders Mum]

I'd suggest a family "conference" using a guide book (Brit's guide is great for first timers) and the planning dvd/video so you can get a feel for the attractions and discuss what everyone wants to do and see ....

I actually think you will want to spend more than 1 day in Magic Kingdom with kids aged 10 & 7. Our daughter is 10 this year and we still visit this park the most.

Character meals can be booked before you go by calling 001 407 939 3463. Depending on where you want and what time, this is highly recommended, to save disappointment.

[andi30]

our kids were 9 & 8 last time, we did find at times they got very tired so be prepared for that when it happens (you need to be flexible at this age).
we booked for Crystal Palace and Liberty Tree Tavern (both character meals) and both my kids loved them. if you are wanting to do a character meal i would phone them up ASAP as they do get booked up pretty quick.
Another tip is try and have your character brekkie in the first couple of days of being there as you will be up very early anyway so try and get the first available time slot which will give you more time in the park;) and you wont feel so rushed either (plenty of opportunity for some great photos)
Have to say you have picked the best tickets as they give you so much flexability:)

[loadsapixiedust]

We always start with a wish list of everything we don't want to miss and plan around that. Beware of looking at other people's itineraries, trip reports give a more accurate picture of what they were able to fit in and how much time people spend in each park.
Try to plan your early starts in the first few days, you will all waken early anyway. Avoid having an early start following a late evening.
For your first time leave some days near the end for things you want to return to, favourite parks or just stuff you didn't have time for on other days, Your tickets allow maximum flexibility so you shouldn't need to do it all commando style. Your kids will dictate the pace really.

[kevbrydon]

Hi, I do think you have taken on too much:confused2 you cannot do everything, there is on offer, in one trip:blush: I would suggest each of you pick a few must do's for all the family:) and maybe one or two must do's for each of you:grin: and that will be hard to fit in with..Shopping:d: Eating out at resturants:d: going to the fabulous beaches:d: and chilling out on rest days:d:

Enjoy your HOLIDAY!!!!!!:spin:

Kev:wavey:

[ali-s]

It's a bit daunting when you first start planning, my itinerary was no easier this time around :) I start off with a big sheet of paper, mark it off into days, write down the quietest parks for each day, also note down parade times & fireworks for those parks as well; sometimes right away you can see there are only one or 2 choices for certain days. then work in your family preferences - maybe you don't want to wait 4 days to see magic Kingdom ? etc try to have a 'slower day' every 3/4th day or so eg shopping, waterpark, or a day trip away from the parks - they can be a bit much several days running - & that's from someone who doesn't do 'rest' days :)
We went for 14 days our first time, & with careful planning we did all the parks & saw everything we intended.