Itinerary Advice

[Essexgirl]

Having first found this site more than a year ago, I can't believe that our first holiday to Florida is fast approaching in May.[msnsmile2]Having taken on board the various advice and tips that everyone gives I have drawn up an itinerary. There are 2 adults and 2 children aged 5 and 8. We are going for 3 weeks in mid-May and was looking at purchasing the Disney 5 Day "Magic Your Way" plus 3 options 14-day expiry and Orlando 5-day Flex ticket.

Here goes:

Fri - Arrive
Sat - Explore/Kissimmee Old Town pm
Sun - EPCOT
Mon - Magic Kingdom
Tues - Rest Day/Disney Quest
Wed - Blizzard Beach
Thur - MGM Studios
Fri - Animal Kimgdom
Sat - Rest day
Sun - Free day
Mon - Islands of Adventure
Tue - Magic Kingdom
Wed - Boggy Creek/Wet and Wild
Thur - Busch Gardens
Fri - Typhoon Lagoon
Sat - Free day
Sun - Free day
Mon - Universal Studios
Tue - Seaworld
Wed - Clearwater Beach
Thur - Shopping
Fri - pm Fly home

At the moment we've avoided parks at the weekend apart from EPCOT on the first Sunday and haven't opted for the "Hopper" as felt one park per day would be enough. Do you think this looks ok or do you think I should change anything? Any comments or advice would be most welcome.
[grouphug]

[Nostromo]

Looks like a very well planned itinerary. Good idea to go on a Saturday afternnon-evening to Old Town.

Just one observation. IoA can sometimes be busier than you think on a Monday, though Universal Studios are fine. Try to go to IoA on a Tuesday if possible - for some reason, that's the quietest day there.

[Lyn]

You have got 2 days at MK but only one day at Epcot for a first timer I would have thought you needed 2 days at Epcot to see it all properley, don't miss the fireworks they are spectacular. I also don't take the heat to well and find that Animal Kingdom can get very, very hot. We always have a hopper then when we can no longer take the heat at Animal Kingdom we move on to another park, this way you can have 2 half days at different parks. I also like to leave the last disney day to doing the best bits in each park, but you do need a hopper for this. However you do it you will have a fantastic time, expect 2 very tired children in the evening. When we first went my son was 5 and my daughter 11, David lasted fine all day in the parks but the minute we returned to the car he was asleep. Even Rebecca fell asleep in the car a couple of times on the way back from the parks.

[Essexgirl]

Thanks for that Nostromo. How about if I swap Islands of Adventure on the Monday with Seaworld on the last Tuesday? Sorry to rack your brains, but having not been before I just want to make sure it works and I really appreciate your views.

Cheers. [beer]

[Nostromo]

Welcome Essexgirl. First off, I agre with Lynn that one long day at MK is enough, but you need 2 days at Epcot to do it justice. I suggest you go early on the first day and see Future World, then on the second day, arrange to Valet Park the car at Disney's Beach Club resort (at $7 all day, cheaper than Epcot's own car park!), have the excellent Goofy's Character Breakfast there and stroll across the uncrowded International gateway into World Showcase. Do this anti-clockwise, planning to finish off at Mexico by 8:30pm and then get good seats (even if it is on the platforms around the trees there) outside the Cantina de San Angel - the best place to have a meal and watch the Epcot pyrotechnics.

That suggested swap between IoA ans Sea World is fine.

I've got another suggestion. Rather than go to Old Town on the first Saturday of your arrival (with the tiring Epcot planned for the following day), plan to do something else that first Saturday. Plan to go to Old Town on the Saturday following your visit to Typhoon Lagoon further down your itineary. Old Town on a Saturday is one of the highlights of your visit and you want to arrive by 4pm and stay till 11pm or even midnight when it closes. You have got the next day - a Sunday - off to get over the hangover or whatever!

[Snapper]

Hi Essexgirl,

I think the only thing I might think about is trying to get your last day at Disney a little closer to the end of your trip. Disney has something a bit special and it's really nice to look forward to finishing your trip off with a bit of that Disney sparkle. I would stay flexible as to which Disney theme park you visit the second time; some will recommend 2 days in Epcot, some will recommend 2 days in Magic Kingdom and for me personally I would always go the extra day in MGM. It's really going to be your own personal choice which one you enjoyed the best.

The other advice always is to be flexible. Having a rough plan is always good but don't feel like you have to stick to it. If everyone wants an extra day by the pool, have an extra day by the pool. The beauty of Florida is that there is always something to come back for. [msnsmile2]

[pbensur]

I absolutely second that motion!! Nostromo is right - one day in MK and 2 days in Epcot for sure. Epcot is the largest of the parks and has the most to see and it is by far my favorite.

[LiesaAnna]

whatever way you do it, it looks like your going to have the best time ever!!!!!!!!!!just chill!!!! and do remember those rest days!! your gonna need them!!!!!!!
[msnwink]

[E. Cosgrove]

I agree that Epcot really needs 2 days to do it justice although young children might be less excited at this prospect. I agree with Steve about saving a Disney Park to finish off your holiday, there is something so special about Disney and with youngsters they might just like there kast day or half day to be MK.

[TINAPETERS]

With a 5 year old and an 8 year old I would suggest you would need 2 days to see Magic Kingdom. Epcot used to be my favourite park until I had my son.