Originally Posted By Autopia Deb Mark, I would seriously consider options 2 or 3. 2 days is just enough time to be frustrated by how much you're missing.
Originally Posted By partyhare Philharmagic is intense. I went with a 4 yo and she hated it. It is loud and violent. The Nemo ride at Epcot has scary scenes - the 4 yo was on edge, but made it through and liked it. The Little Mermaid at DHS has scary moments and a rain curtain that wasn't appreciated by 4 yo. ("Get me out of here!") Maelstrom was fine, but if the DL subs are too closed in, Mission:Space is definitely worse. All 3D shows are quite intense for timid ones.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Funny, my kids loved Muppetvision 3D and Phil, not so keen on HISTA or ITTBAB. Then again PotC and HM are their top fav attractions. we took my kids (age 2 and 4 at the time). We found we had the best times with them at Epcot and the Studios (they liked DAK, but staying at AKL took some of the lustre off and there were few attractions for them). The MK is so subpar to DL and DLP, I would recommend skipping it and enjoying the other parks. Either way, have a great time.
Originally Posted By seafairy1622 I know what you mean about park tickets being expensive. We are going in June and staying at POR. We were going to skip the parks all together because we are doing Discovery cove and that came with 7 days to Sea World. Then we saw the 3 night free offer so we booked a one day ticket. I would like to add one more day but it all adds up quick, Hotel, flight, spending money, food. I will miss going to more parks,but I have always wanted to do Discovery Cove so I am happy we are doing it. I'm happy to be in a disney resort too!
Originally Posted By markymouse Our trip to WDW is getting closer, and I'm getting excited. We are pretty sure we will do two days, though we say we'll cut it to two if my mom, who is in her 70s, isn't up for a second day. Our two younger boys are adamant that they want to go to the Studios - 99% of which comes from an obsession with all things Indiana Jones. And our older one is just as keen on Animal Kingdom, and probably with better reason as he loves zoos. Want to guess which two parks the grown ups were assuming we would go to? Not the Studios or Animal Kingdom. So we are still working through it. Basically every park has several things the boys really, really want to do. Some, like Philharmagic seem worth the excitement. Others, like Goofy's Barnstormer coaster, might not live up to what it is in their mind. I'll keep you posted.
Originally Posted By markymouse Of course I mean we will cut it to one. It's hard to cut a two day trip down to two, if I remember my math correctly.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb Barnstormer is a lot like Gadget's Go Coaster. Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom can both be half day parks. So I would maybe go to AK at rope drop, do the Safari and Everest, the animal trails, shows and character greetings and then do the afternoon and evening at Hollywood Studios.
Originally Posted By markymouse Thanks for the advice, Deb. My only concern is that the one time, years ago, that we did the Studios, it was as a half day. When we got there in the afternoon, we learned that we had missed or would miss too many shows. I can try to see if the entertainment schedule helps with this. But my worry is that Indiana Jones, Lights Motors Action, etc. are considered attractions, not entertainment, so they aren't listed on the website's entertainment schedule. But the idea is definitely worth looking into, since Animal Kingdom ends early and there really are only about half a dozen things we really want to do at the Studios.
Originally Posted By -em They usually arn't listed on the times guide: I can list what the times are generally if you'd like (course its always subject to change though but it does keep a pattern) -em
Originally Posted By -em Okay since I realized I have my cast guide right here (since I worked Studios last night..) For this week with park hours ranging from 7pm-10pm (7=M, 10=Tu, 8=W, 10=Th, 9=Fi,Sa, 10=Su) Lights Motors is daily at 1:20 and 4:30pm Indy is daily (except Monday? Don't know if its just this week or all Mondays..) at 11:30, 12:45, 2:00, 4:15 and 5:30 Fantasmic is Sun/Tue/Thur= 9:00/10:30 Block Party Bash is daily at 3:00 -em
Originally Posted By markymouse We're now better than 90% sure of our plan. We will spend one day in the Magic Kingdom. It has enough things that are unique, a few things that are a bit different from the Disneyland version, and it is the most "Disney". We don't expect to do a second day - my mother is in her 70s. But if we do it will be Disney's Hollywood Studios. I've been reading up on some of the counter service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom and feel pretty pleased with what we'll be able to get. Things always change but I'm envisioning a fairly clockwise day. I'm thinking about using the train as transportation. At Disneyland we think of it more as an attraction. But with the larger size of the Magic Kingdom and my mom's limited mobility, I think we'll want to take advantage of the train. Have others used the train enough to tell me if I'm totally off base? Are the lines and waits too long?
Originally Posted By -em Its not as beneficial as you would think... You'd be backtracking more than if you just clockwise-d it.. Its actually really easy to clockwise without backtracking too much... Start in Adventureland, travel back to Frontierland for Splash/Big Thunder exit through the front of Frontierland to Liberty Square then Fantasyland, Toontown then Tomorrowland -em
Originally Posted By markymouse Thanks for the advice. I was thinking of starting with the train - getting Fastpasses for Splash - doing Adventureland - back tracking to Splash - train to Toontown - then Fantasyland - then Tomorrowland. But you think that wouldn't save on walking? How far does the walk down Main Street then into Adventureland feel? Another reason to go with your suggestion -em, is that twenty minutes standing waiting for a training isn't much less tiring on the legs then twenty minutes spent walking. Part of what is at issue is how to take advantage of Fastpass without backtracking, since the distances are so much greater at MK. At DL we'd think nothing of picking up Buzz Fastpasses on the way to Fantasyland, for instance.
Originally Posted By FenwayGirl We take the train to the back of the park, get a fast pass for either Thunder Mtn or Splash. We then do Adventureland, HM and move into Fantasy land. The crowds are lower in the back of the park in the am.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb The stairs leading to the Frontierland station might be a bit of a chore for someone who's mobility challenged. You can send a runner to Splash for FPs and have Mom and the kids do a little Fantasyland (or breakfast) while waiting.
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub Don't forget the Jungle Cruise is a FP attraction also. ANd it is different from DL's. My favorite is the WDW version.Best advice get there early and start FPing immediately. Drink a lot of water. Take the time out to eat at a sit down restaurant. The Plaza Inn on Main Street (reservations required) has a very good simple menu and old fashioned Milk Shakes still served in the metal container! Another trick I discovered in the heat is to take bandanas or washcloths to wet down and place on the back of the neck. It seems to keep the body temp down in the heat. But drink lots of water no matter what!
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub The problem with the train at WDW: only 3 stops so it is not a shortcut to anything. But it is still a way to relax for a few trips around. I have found more peopl get off at Main Street so the wait is not so bad. But the wait at ToonTown always looks miserable. Your choice for the MK under your circumstances is probably the best. If it is too much you have the option of getting on the monorail and visiting the resorts midday or taking the watertaxis to the resorts for relaxation.
