My Itinerary - comments/advice please..!!!

[kevinclynes]

Hi everyone,

We are all really looking forward to our first family trip to Orlando.!
Our party consists of my wife & myself & our 2 x daughters (10 & 7yrs) & our son (3yrs).
We are flying with Virgin & staying in a villa at Emerald Island Resort.
Our dates are November 6 to 20th 2007.

I've made out an Itinerary for our 2 week stay,& would love to get some feedback/comments on what you all think.
Here goes:-

Nov Tues 6th - Arrive at villa approx 6pm (chill/eat/sleep)
Wed 7th - Animal Kingdom
Thu 8th - Rest day by pool/villa/get supplies at Walmart
Fri 9th - Magic Kingdom
Sat 10th - Shopping (Florida Mall or Mall at Millenia..?)
Sun 11th - MGM
Mon 12th - Typhoon Lagoon
Tue 13th - Epcot
Wed 14th - Trip to the Beach (maybe Cocoa Beach..?)
Thu 15th - Seaworld
Fri 16th - Rest day by pool&villa/downtown Disney evening
Sat 17th - Universal Studios
Sun 18th - Gatorland/DisneyQuest
Mon 19th - Return trip to favourite Theme Park
Tue 20th - Restfull last day at pool/villa & last minute shopping
(Return flight leaves Orlando 6pm)


Thanks in advance,
Kev

[ShirleyD]

I think that sounds great Kev, though it is of course sensible to use this as a guide and not stick ridgedly to it!! It is good you have spaced the 'foot sore' days at the parks with chill out days.......Have a great trip

[CERICROWLEY]

One thing I would change if you feel upto it.

Is to do your food supply shopping on the day you arrive, as I think as soon as you get up the next day you will probably want a refreshing cuppa by the pool.

It would also keep you going to stay up as long as you can, as with most people arriving from the UK, they always wake up at about 4.00am and it will be a long next day if you want to visit a park.

[MarkJan]

Not sure about the restful last day, I'm sure you will want every last bit of fun you can from your holiday. Agree also about keeping your plan as a guide, if the weather is poor on your beach day, swap for a shopping or park day.

Either way, have a good trip.

[Maz]

sounds pretty good to me - I am certainly jealous and you definitely will have a fab time.

[CarolAnn]

My only query would be Disneyquest/Gatorland?? Not been to gatorland but believe it is a fun half day. You haven't mentioned Downtown Disney shopping,eating,strolling? Along with westside this is quite a woerthwhile part of your trip I would have thought DQ was a little old for your children? And unless they are gaming addicts? Personally would rethink that.
Not sure I would rush to Mall at Millenia for my shopping (first time to area)it has some very up market shops and is lovely...but would perhaps consider Premium outlets before that mall...IMHO
So much to see and do...you will surely need and want a second trip[msnwink] You will have fun!!

[eagleydo]

Great but not sure if you are allowing enough time for shopping Premium outlets is a good choice for shopping, we always go to Florida Mall on our last day on way to the airport, last bit of shopping and good food hall(Bourbon Chicken mmmmm. Gatorland is fun half day visit and they have the new splash area now for the kids. Downtown Disney is always worth a visit, we usual have a stroll around here on a couple of evenings, worth considering.
Have a great time!! Sure you will.[clap][clap]

[Nina A]

Kev, It's very tempting to pack in as much as possible and understandable especially on your first trip when you want to see and do it all and get your money's worth My comment would be that less is more.

At least going in November it shouldn't be so hot but your children are still very young. With all the excitement and time difference they will probably tire very quickly. There is just so much to see and do it can all become a bit much even for adults, there is only so long you can last on an adrenalin rush! I would say just use your plan as a guide and just see how everyone feels. You will probably find it hard to get the children out of the pool at your villa, at least 2 have learnt to swim in ours.

I agree about getting supplies the first night and staying up as long as you can to try and get into the time zone. You will probably wake very early the first few days and want to go to bed early too.

It's tough but you'll need to get your head around the fact that it's physically and mentally impossible to do it all in one 2 week trip, you'll barely scratch the surface which is one reason why people keep returning to the area

You are going to have an amazing time, enjoy!

[millie]

I would agree about getting food in on your first night. If nothihg else it helps you stay awake that little bit longer to try to adjust to the time. Also there is nothing like waking on your first morning and sitting outside with a bit of fresh watermelon to chomp on!!!!!!!

[JoRo]

I always advise my guests to start their first theme park visit at Seaworld as it is more compact and probably a better first day with jet lag than going to a busier park
Joyce