I think I might be insane, maybe? Advice please!

[Conno]

So normally I would book my trips to Disney World a year in advance (much like most of you I suppose); but my friend (from the Netherlands) and I decided to take a 7 day trip this December!

He wants a break from life (and I take any opportunity to goto WDW).

So, we decided this on Tuesday. Booked it on Wednesday.

He's never been before; I've been a fair amount of times. I want to show him the best of WDW in the 6 full days we have available. I'm kind of stuck for "what to do" on our last day. We're both guys in our early 30s.

I'm looking for some advice on how to handle Disney World over the festive period! I've only ever been in April - and have no idea what to expect at this time of the year!

On every night of our visit - MK closes early for the Christmas party except for the 12th... when it also has EEH. There's absolutely no way in hell I'm going to MK on the 12th, if 2-3 days either side of it are the Christmas Party... It would be crazy busy!

But that also means missing Happily Ever After! Perhaps we could visit *just* for that?

So the last day I have left in my plan is the 14th - absolutely no idea which park to revisit (my inclination is the Magic Kingdom); or where to dine on that day. Open to suggestions on Table Service / Signature restaurants!

So far I have this down in my plans:

8th Fly from Manchester to MCO
Hotel: Animal Kingdom Lodge

9th Dec. Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Brown Derby (Dinner) - Fantasmic Dining Package

10th Dec. Epcot
Le Cellier (Dinner), Illuminations

11th Disney Springs / Magic Kingdom (MVMCP)
Morimoto Asia (Lunch)
MK for MVMCP

12th Animal Kingdom
Tiffins (Dinner) -
Magic Kingdom evening (HEA dessert party)

13th Epcot
Teppen Edo (Dinner)

14th ... Visit where, and dine where?
Thinking Animal Kingdom morning/afternoon, Jiko dinner, early night.

15th Fly Home!

[mick]

I can't help on the planning I'm afraid as I left my "early 30s" about 40 years ago but as you are a seasoned traveller I trust you told your friend to get an ESTA before you booked (unless he already has a visa).

If he has a Dutch P/P the Netherlands is in the VWP scheme.

Mick

[Conno]

Yes, I told him to get an ESTA! He's got that done :-)

[sammykitten]

Do you have park-hopper tickets OP?
I like the look of your itinerary, as it gives you the opportunity after visiting all the parks to decide later what you'll do for your last full day. I'd leave it as it is right now, maybe when you get there you'll find after the first couple of days that park-hopping suits, and then you can together decide which is your favourite park/rides to re-visit at the end of your trip.

[BevS97]

We always leave a ‘do what we missed ‘ day at the end.
You’ve only got half a day atMK so I think you’ll want to go back there.

[Conno]

Originally Posted by sammykitten

Do you have park-hopper tickets OP?
I like the look of your itinerary, as it gives you the opportunity after visiting all the parks to decide later what you'll do for your last full day. I'd leave it as it is right now, maybe when you get there you'll find after the first couple of days that park-hopping suits, and then you can together decide which is your favourite park/rides to re-visit at the end of your trip.

See more...

We have 14 day Ultimate UK ticket; I'm thinking I might just try get some FoP FP's for the last morning, then do Jiko at the hotel around 6pm - and have an early night. The flight back to the UK is always killer

[Conno]

Originally Posted by BevS97

We always leave a ‘do what we missed ‘ day at the end.
You’ve only got half a day atMK so I think you’ll want to go back there.

See more...

I added a second evening at MK on 12th with the Happily Ever After dessert party (it was the only day of the trip HEA is on, due to party most nights).

So 2 evenings at MK, and 1 morning/afternoon at AK, so thinking the Friday (last day) will be another morning/afternoon at AK.

The only concern I have is not getting most stuff done at MK - but during the party, should be able to get a lot done (and will be booking 3 FP's between 4pm-7pm, so that will enable us to get the 3 mountains done at least).