First Day with Kids - Two Parks?

[EllieandCarl]

Hello,

I'm looking for a bit of advice as this is the first trip we're going on with a large group (11 of us in total, 8 adults and an 8, 6 and 2 year old)

We are offsite so I am struggling a little with the availability of character meals. I've managed to secure a Tusker House lunch at 2:55pm on our first full day. The trouble is I was planning on going to MK on the first day (its our family's first trip and I thought this was the best way to start the holiday).

Would an early MK start, stay until 1pm and then arrive to AK after 2pm for our reservation be doable? I don't plan on staying at AK after we've eaten as I'm sure we'll all be tired.

Any advice would be appreciated! Feel like a first timer again, it's usually only two adults in our party so I'm trying to be mindful that we'll have children with us this time.

Thanks

[Hammo333]

Originally Posted by EllieandCarl

Hello,

I'm looking for a bit of advice as this is the first trip we're going on with a large group (11 of us in total, 8 adults and an 8, 6 and 2 year old)

We are offsite so I am struggling a little with the availability of character meals. I've managed to secure a Tusker House lunch at 2:55pm on our first full day. The trouble is I was planning on going to MK on the first day (its our family's first trip and I thought this was the best way to start the holiday).

Would an early MK start, stay until 1pm and then arrive to AK after 2pm for our reservation be doable? I don't plan on staying at AK after we've eaten as I'm sure we'll all be tired.

Any advice would be appreciated! Feel like a first timer again, it's usually only two adults in our party so I'm trying to be mindful that we'll have children with us this time.

Thanks

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If you cannot secure an ADR at MK before you go I would personaly stick with AK for the day.
Even if you got to MK first thing I think 1pm would come around so quickly that you would not have had time to just take it all in, & maybe feel quite rushed.
Also the kid's would be so excited & then having to drag them away, with so much more to see etc.
I would do MK another day getting in early & going till you drop & taking eveything in, in a more relaxed, chilled day.

[EllieandCarl]

Originally Posted by Hammo333

If you cannot secure an ADR at MK before you go I would personaly stick with AK for the day.
Even if you got to MK first thing I think 1pm would come around so quickly that you would not have had time to just take it all in, & maybe feel quite rushed.
Also the kid's would be so excited & then having to drag them away, with so much more to see etc.
I would do MK another day getting in early & going till you drop & taking eveything in, in a more relaxed, chilled day.

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Yes this is what I was worried about, I know how quickly the mornings can go! Thanks for your input, I think I will break with tradition and not go to MK for the first day! Thanks so much

[Bondy007]

We’re doing AK first this time round. MK was always first but decided on a more relaxed start to our WDW holiday this time as it’s the first visit for our daughter.
I think you’ll find this is a good option.

[Claudette]

I would also just do AK for the day. Every park is so busy these days, that I think changing park sounds very tiring!

[katnav]

I think it will be a lot for the first day. I would also make AK the park for your first day and enjoy your tusker house lunch.

On our first trip we also did MK first as we felt that was a good start but actually AK is our favourite park and would absolutely be our first park now. A much more chilled vibe and will be lovely for a slower paced first day when you will have been up since whatever early hour due to jetlag.

Enjoy!

[llamala]

We too are opting for AK on our 1st morning, as we would feel the need to stay longer at MK.

[DisneyDaffodil]

With an offsite stay and small children, I’d stick with AK for your first day. You will probably be up early, but you could have a leisurely breakfast or a swim in the pool (if you have one), or simply use the time to unpack and get your bearings.
Then go into AK, have your meal at mid-afternoon as planned and see how tired everyone is before you decide what to do next. You may find you’re too tired and want to return to the hotel/villa, or continue in AK or you could potentially park hop to MK for the early evening if you weren’t too tired

[caitlinsmummy]

I agree with the others, by 2pm we're flagging on day 1, I would just stick with AK xx