Hello all,
I love these boards and used them frequently to make the most of our 1st ever annual passes to DL this past year. Now we have a chance to see WDW, albeit a limited and not ideal time frame, but a chance nonetheless. I started researching, and all the information available made me feel confused and a little overwhelmed. Here is our scenario:
Travel Dates: 9/24-9/30 (including Airplane travel time from AZ to FL and back).
Cast of Characters:
Me- Disney fanatic who could go to Disneyland several times a year and never tire of it. Like relaxing vacations with time to savor the little things or enjoy hotel facilities. Want to experience things that I can't see in DLR, don't need to compare my favorites for minor differences, etc.
WDW must list: Epcot
Husband- Likes Disney, but Once a year is enough for him so he is a little burned out from our year with annual passes. He has never been to Florida and does not want this week to be all about Disney. Wants to see Daytona Beach, other things in the area.
WDW must list: Epcot
Makenna (6 will turn 7 during the trip) - Disney nut like me. Could go all the time and never tire of the theme park experience. Thrill junkie who has done every major ride she could as soon as she was tall enough.
WDW must list: Expedition Everest
Sophie-23 Months - Pretty Mellow baby, Likes interacting with characters. Cranky when hot so we will have to take breaks from the heat while there.
WDW must list: Mickey Mouse
Staying at: DL Value Resort (likely Pop Century) 3 or 4 nights, Nickelodeon Hotel 3 nights.
The Nick Hotel is pretty definite as the girls and I stayed there a few days last July and had the best time. Loved the whole place and found it to be a waterpark with the flexibilty of a hotel attached to it. My husband also likes the idea of leaving the WDW property, renting a car and seeing other things.
Days devoted to WDW resort: 3
So my questions are:
1. Are we nuts to think we can have a good time limiting ourselves to 3 days? Since we plan on going again in 3 or 4 years when our youngest is older, would it be better to wait altogether?
2. What are the must sees/ only in FLorida kind of things we should focus on in WDW?
3. I am dying to go to Epcot. Is there enough to entertain little ones there? Any roaming characters?
4. Not So Scary Halloween Party- Are rides open and if so are they limited?
5. WDW transportation- Is it really reliable? I will only stay at the hotels in Disneyland area that allow you to walk to the parks because I hate depending on shuttles. Will this whole sytem be frustrating for someone like me?
6. Tickets- I feel like I need a degree to understand the way they stucture the whole "magic your way" thing. Are Park Hoppers worth it? We love hopping back and forth between DL and DCA but it seems park hopping in WDW is much more complicated and time consuming. With two little ones, would we really be able to make the most of this option?
I realize that WDW is best done with a week or more but I think it would kill me to be in the Orlando area and not at least try to see WDW for at least a taste of the magic. I have lots more questions but this is a start and I really appreciate any help or tips you can give me (even if that advice is "you're crazy, you cannot sample WDW in only 3 days! )
Thanks in advance for any suggestions, personal experiences or tips you can offer!
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