Disney 101

My Mom is taking us on a trip to Disney in August. We are renting a house bc we are a group of 12. My Mom, sister, bro-in-law, niece (5), twin nieces (2), myself, Dh, our 4 boys ages 15, 12, 8 and 4.

We are not doing a dining plan since we are renting a house. How would you plan the days? We will be there for a week. I figured we'd need 2 days for Universal. How many for Disney - def MK, and Epcot. I heard animals aren't really out in Aug for AK. Is HS mainly closed?

Also, whats the deal with fast passes?

I'm so confused :(

Disney 101

The age range of the kids will make it difficult, if not impossible to stay together. Your two older boys will not be interested in It's A Small World or Peter Pan's Flight, and the little ones (5,4,2) will not be able to ride Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, or Big Thunder Mountain. HS is mostly closed. The 3 big attractions - Tower of Terror, Rock'n Roller Coaster, and Toy Story Mania are all open, but not good for the little ones.

In August you have to take a break. You cannot be at the parks from open to close. It's way too hot. We usually get to the park at rope drop and leave @ 1, then return @ 6pm for dinner.

Re: Disney 101

Like the PP said you won't all be staying together. But that's okay though - the adults will get their turn to bond with each age group.

Assuming you have 6 full days, I would do:

2 Universal
1 MK
1 Epcot
1 extra MK or AK, depending on interest in animals.
1 day off

HS has so few attractions actually open I can't see going there unless it's a longer trip or people in your party are really into Star Wars.

AK will still have animals out in August especially in the morning, which is the time you want to be there in August anyway. I like AK but it's not my favorite. You'll get different opinions on it. I do think it's more than "just a zoo" if you are into the other things it offers.

You can book passes 30 days out when staying off property. You have to create an account on "my disney experience" and link your tickets to the account. It's very easy.

30 days in advance of each day (when staying off property you have to do it for each individual day) you'll book your FPs. For suggested itineraries there are a bunch of websites out there but I like easywdw the best. He has cheat sheets that simplify it all for you.

For your day off, I would do something low key like mini golf, hanging by the pool, maybe some shopping. Some people think Downtown Disney (now called Disney Springs) is worth a visit. I personally can take it or leave it. It's an overpriced shopping and eating mecca - meh.