Is a week enough days

[johnw]

Still running through the 2016 Sept trip down on paper and was looking for thoughts if a week is enough for a 8 year old? We would come in on a Sun. and I thought the first day we just get use to the hotel and then go on the board walk area and see what's all there. We would take a early flight from MI to Orlando and get in there before noon. Then during the week we would hit the MK and Epcot and Others. Then our last day would be that following Monday when we leave. Thanks. John

[faline]

There is so much to do that one can't possibly do it all in a week regardless of one's age. You will be able to hit most rides and attractions within a one-week time frame. Be sure to have your child involved in the planning so your child can pick those attractions most appealing. My nephew was much younger when he took his first trip to Disney but my brother used You Tube videos of the various rides/attractions so that my nephew could decide whether it was something he wanted to do - or didn't want to do. This might be helpful in your planning as well. Don't be surprised if your child picks a favorite and wants to do it more than once.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

I agree with Faline - you won't be able to do it all in a week, but then, I don't think you can ever do IT ALL at Disney. So yes, a week is a great length for a trip. It will give you time to explore the parks on multiple days, and maybe even spend some time around the hotel.

It might be hard not to go to a park on the first day, I know my DD is always so eager to "get started". Even at 8, it will be fun to include them in planning. We've often let DD "plan" a day, and do all of the things she is most looking forward to.

Enjoy planning your trip!

[Fangorn]

As Linda said, there's so much to do that you can't possibly do it all in one week, even going commando Disney. Personally, I'd rather do a couple of extra days and go at a slower pace. 9-10 days has become the "norm" for us. That's partly because coming from the Pacific Northwest means travel is a full day event on either end, but it also let's us spread things out without feeling like we're on a force march.

whatever you do, let your 8yo be part of the planning process. They will change their minds a lot (last week our 8yo granddaughter changed her mind about what princess she wanted to be at BBB 3 times as we were walking up Main Street to the Castle)

We've found its best not to over plan with kids that age, as things happen that may force a change and subsequent disappointment/meltdown. If possible plan the really special things the child most wants to do up front. That way if something comes up to mess up the plan, you have some time to reschedule.

Steve

[1DisneyNut]

We have done every single attraction and show in all four parks, visited downtown, hit one of the water parks for half a day, did one of the dinner shows like hoop-de-doo revue and visited the boardwalk in one week many, many times. We normally make it a priority to see and do them all because you never know when they will up and decide to tear a ride out and slap something in it's place.

With that said, we don't sit around the resort, we don't waste time park hopping and we don't use up much of our time with sit down restaurants.

It all depends on what you like to do on your WDW vacation. For us, it is the attractions and shows. We can go have nice sit down dinners and hang out by a pool anytime anywhere so those are not priorities at WDW.

[deedee73]

While traveling is exhausting if you are arriving that early I would consider a park in the evening. 8 would take a leisurely stroll around DTD or resort, pool time & of course food then perhaps an evening parade or fireworks or even a few ride highlights. When do you leave (early or late flight?) Also adding 1 extra day to park tickets is minimal after day 4 so it might be worth it even if it is only for a short visit. I know I can't wait yo get to the park & we generally go if we arrive before 4. Also hitting our favs one more time before departing is also important to us & I think for an 8 year old it will be that way too.

[#1donaldfan]

As already mentioned there is so much to see, do and eat, you can never do it all in a week or even two weeks. We have been so many times and still have yet to see and do it all ... and eat all places ... My advice is to just take it slow and enjoy each moment without worrying about "having" to see it all.

[joonyer]

Just for fun, I once figured out that I could stay at a "value" hotel with a discount for 30 days for the same price as one week at the Poly (concierge Level). I figured a month would give us time to see and do it all. I really envy the folks who can travel to WDW for 10 days and more, on one trip. It would really take that long to experience everything we wanted without having to miss something. Of course, we could not even come close to affording a week at the Poly (at any level) so it was all a moot point anyway.

[luvkatiebug]

I don't think you can ever have enough time at Disney. With that being said, it looks like yall are going at a great time - September. The parks look to be pretty uncrowded right now. Unfortunately we can only go during the summer b/c my husband and I both teach high school and he coaches year round. Since our kids have been several times, they know we can't do everything and we make a list for our must do's each trip. We had the best time this year just walking around the countries at Epcot and shopping. (But my girls are getting older now and enjoy that). I would just involve your 8 year old in the planning and if you don't get to everything, I always say that's a great reason to come back! Have a magical time.

[acts]

I think a week is plenty of time. I love all things Disney but not sure I could handle more than a week. The beauty of staying that whole time is you can go early and leave parks mid-day (when they get crowded) to go back to hotel and nap or swim,etc. Then return in the evening, or even go to another park that evening. Not sure how the FP's work with park hopping. But lounging at your resort and exploring other resorts is lots of fun too. The boardwalk has tons of magicians, acrobat's etc out in the evening. You can see the EPCOT fireworks from there nightly. Also, from the Contemporary or the Poly or the GF, if your in those areas, you can watch the MK fireworks nightly as well - just a thought as you are out of the parks.

Downtown Disney is fun to walk around - go bowling, see movies, etc. Taking the transportation all around the resorts is fun too. There is a boat that takes you from one end of DD to the other - I just discovered this - instead of walking the whole way. Also, to and from the MK and the surrounding hotels, there is boat transport - which I love. You can rent bikes and go around the Fort W. campground. Tons of stuff to do that is not in the parks - if you need a break from the crowds. Of course some resorts have movies outside and smores in the evenings. Hope that helps some.

One more note - if you go to parks early you can just walk onto a lot of rides, and use your fast passes for other rides later in the day - meaning if you can walk onto buzz lightyear and winnie the pooh in the morning, etc. you can use the FP for spalsh mtn and space mountain later in the day. Also, staying on property means even earlier entry to the parks on different days.
Enjoy your time!

[johnw]

Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions. Trying to make this trip a great one and with your help its coming true. I am including my daughter in the planning so I hope it helps. John