Last minute trip to Disney 12/19-12/22

[Anonymous]

Are there any kind souls here that could help me get a rough plan together for a last minute trip to Disney or point me in the right direction? I've searched disboards, but found it a little overwhelming.

Here are the details:

- our group includes 2 adults and 2 kids (DD7 and DS3.5)
- we are flying in and renting a car
- staying off property at a timeshare in Orange Lake
- first time to Disney as a family
- arrive the evening of 12/19 and depart 12/23
- we would like to spend three days at WDW and one day at Legoland

I'm pretty sure my kids will be happy just seeing a few characters, going on a few kiddie rides and getting a souvenir.

Thank you very much for your help!! I truly appreciate it!

[Anonymous]

You want someone to play travel agent for free?

[Anonymous]

You don’t need three days at wdw two is more than enough. What we always do is get there at open (it will be cold) and go straight to Peter Pan and it’s a small world. Bring a stroller for the little one and to keep bags and snacks and water in. Just take it al in. It’s magical.

[Anonymous]

Keep an eye on the weather. We had plans to go this weekend - the weather is looking terrible, so we are now looking at pushing off until next week. Al the forecast models are predicting rain next week as well. And not just the normal Florida t-storms, but sustained periods of rain.

[Anonymous]

I'm pretty sure my kids will be happy just seeing a few characters, going on a few kiddie rides and getting a souvenir.

Then I would not make a really detailed plan. Sometimes it’s nice just to go where the wind takes you. I’ve done very detailed planned out trips and much preferred the ones where we did what we decided in the moment.

[Anonymous]

You do have park reservations for the Disney days, correct?

[Anonymous]

Skip Legoland or do just 2 days at WDW (or both of these!). I would do Magic Kingdom and one other park--which one depends on your interests. Don't bother with park hopper--do one park a day. Do watch videos about Genie+ and buy it for each park day.

Note that Magic Kingdom is closing at 6pm on the 19, 21, and 22. If you go on these days, they will likely have lower crowds but you'll have less time in the park. If your kids go to bed early that may not matter, but if you want to stay later with them look at doing MK on the 20th. Look at the other park hours too! https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/calendars/day/2023-12-19/

Definitely download the app and play around with it before you go. I would not spend time on sit-down meals in the parks--do quick service using mobile order. Only exception is is your kids are REALLY into certain characters they can only see at character meals. But it would be better to build in a rest day and go to a character meal at one of the hotels (you could also ride the monorail and the skyliner that day, watch fireworks from outside of the park, and do other stuff).

[Anonymous]

Thank you, all, for taking the time to reply and for the helpful responses during such a busy time of the year.

We still need to make park reservations. We hope to do that tonight.

Thank you again.

[Anonymous]

Floridian here with two kids 4 & 6 and both kids prefer Legoland over Disney. We had the absolute best time there, so easy to navigate, rides friendly for that age, so much less walking, less consumerism. Of course Disney is Disney and there's that magic if you look hard enough, but you might enjoy Legoland more! The Pirate hotel on property is so fun!

[Anonymous]

There's a character meal of Winnie the Pooh characgters at MK. We always go there for lunch. Book your reservation now.

The younger kid will likely need a nap after the first day, after lunch. Their little brain will be in sensory overload and just needs some rest to process it. Make a plan for that, like one parent goes back to hotel with them by Uber.

Disney stays open late, so you can always come back later in the evening after nap time.

[Anonymous]

I can provide some help. My twins are now 12 and my mother lives in the Orlando area. My wife and I have been making regular day trips to Disney since before kids and we did several trips to Legoland.

But, wait until you have reservations and mention which parks you actually get into (you may not be able to get into Magic Kingdom at this late date) and I can provide suggestions for the parks you actually get into.

[Anonymous]

I want to second PP who said to check park hours. You do not want to book Magic Kingdom on a Party day, especially if you think you'll kids will make it until fireworks.

Genie+ will be a great tool for Magic Kingdom, as you can book character meets as well as the less competitive kiddie rides. DO NOT STRESS over getting on the Peter Pan ride. Its popularity is entirely tied to nostalgia.

The other best way to meet characters is through character dining, but those reservations sell out months in advance. You can sign up for reservation finders through Mouse Dining (https://mousedining.com/events/1) to try to snag last minute cancellations that tend to pop up the week of, but I wouldn't set my heart on it.

If you're looking to do three park days, you'll have to decide WHICH parks. Animal Kingdom has the safari, a petting zoo, and a fun playground. Epcot has the aquarium, space, international culture, and Frozen. Hollywood Studios is more of the "big kid" park, but they do have Toy Story Land and Star Wars, if your kids are into those.

[Anonymous]

Make park reservations asap and then figure out your plans based on what’s available at the park that day. Figure out what rides are a must do and fit them in. I’d suggest starting each day as early as possible since you are staying off-site and do what you can and don’t stress over what you can’t do.

[Anonymous]

Are your kids early birds or night owls? How are they with noise, crowds, rides, and walking/standing a lot? Do they like any particular characters or movies? Factor these things in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You want someone to play travel agent for free?

I mean, the disney planners DO work for free for the consumer, but OP should call one of them: