🏰

Walt Disney World

September 21–28, 2026 Β· 11 Guests Β· 6 Adults, 5 Kids

🏨 Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
8
Days
4
Parks
7
Character Meals
1
Halloween Party
—
Days to Go
Mon 21
Arrival · Pool & Relax
No park · Story Book Dining 5:20pm
Tue 22
Chef Mickey's + Halloween Party
Chef Mickey's breakfast · 7:50am · MNSSHP 4pm–midnight
Wed 23
EPCOT · Food & Wine Festival
Akershus breakfast · 9:50am · festival dinner
Thu 24
Hollywood Studios + Fantasmic!
Hollywood & Vine breakfast package · 9:05am
Fri 25
Animal Kingdom
Late start ~9:20am · Tusker House dinner 5:15pm
Sat 26
Magic Kingdom · Princess Day
Bibbidi 2:40pm · Cinderella's Royal Table 5:30pm
Sun 27
Magic Kingdom · Ride Day
All LLs before noon · out by 6pm
Mon 28
Topolino's + EPCOT + Departure
Topolino's 8:35am · EPCOT till 3:30–3:45 · fly home 6:50pm
πŸ§’Bryce40"
πŸ§’Oakley40"
πŸ§’Blakely42"
πŸ§’Lincoln44.5"
πŸ§’Rosalie48"
Mon21Sep
Arrival β€” Pool & Relax Day
🏊 Pool Day✈️ Arrival😌 No Park
🏨 Nothing to catch β€” you're already there
No park, no tickets, no schedule until 5:20pm. You land at 7:45am off a 5:30 flight β€” everyone will be running on a short night. This is the one day of the trip with nothing to optimize, and the next six are relentless. Pool, naps, and an early dinner.
ℹ️ Why no water park: Typhoon Lagoon closed for seasonal refurbishment on September 9, 2026 and the free check-in-day water park admission ended the same day. Blizzard Beach would now cost roughly $750 for 11 β€” not worth it for a half day on arrival. The resort pools are free and better suited to the day.
🏊 How the Day Runsβ–Ό
Morning: land 7:45am, transfer to Bay Lake Tower, drop bags. Rooms usually aren’t ready until 4pm β€” change into swimsuits in a resort locker room rather than waiting on the room.

Pack swimsuits in the carry-on, not the checked bags: suits, sunscreen, goggles, water shoes, one dry outfit each.

Two pools, both free:
β€’ Bay Lake Tower pool β€” zero-entry, waterslide, kids’ splash area. Your building.
β€’ Contemporary’s pools β€” a short walk over, and Bay Lake Tower guests have access.

Afternoon: build in a real nap window. Everyone was up before 4am for the 5:30 flight, and Chef Mickey’s is 7:50am tomorrow.

Free things worth doing if the kids get restless: monorail loop to the Grand Floridian and Polynesian, the Contemporary’s 4th-floor concourse, and Magic Kingdom fireworks visible from the resort at 9:30pm.
🍽️ Story Book Dining β€” 5:20pmβ–Ό
Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy & the Evil Queen at Wilderness Lodge, 5:20pm. The enchanted-forest theme sets the Halloween tone on night one. Wilderness Lodge is a boat or bus hop from the Contemporary β€” leave Bay Lake Tower by 4:30pm. This is the day's only fixed commitment, so build the afternoon backward from it.
Tue22Sep
Chef Mickey's + Halloween Party Night
😴 Rest AMπŸŽƒ Party 4pm–midnight
🚝 Monorail β€” steps from your room
Chef Mickey's at 7:50am β†’ pool and rest β†’ MK at 4pm on the party ticket. No regular park ticket needed today. Eat a real meal before 6pm β€” don't rely on candy all night with 5 kids.
🚝 Getting Thereβ–Ό
Monorail station is inside the Contemporary β€” walk downstairs and board. 5 min to MK. Best hotel access to Magic Kingdom on property.
🍳 Chef Mickey's Breakfast β€” 7:50amβ–Ό
Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy & Pluto in chef outfits β€” table of 11, downstairs in your own resort. An early seating on a no-park day is the easy version of this: leave the room by 7:35am, no transfer, and you're back at the pool before 9:30. Nothing today depends on rope drop.
πŸŽƒ Party Priority Stackβ–Ό
Pick your focus β€” you can't maximize all four with 5 kids:

  • Boo-to-You Parade β€” aim for second showing (better viewing spot)
  • Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks
  • Haunted Mansion (short lines during party)
  • Trick-or-treat trails
  • Fantasyland rides (Dumbo, Small World, Peter Pan)
  • Rare characters only if kids truly care
Best Value NightTuesday = cheapest tier + fewest crowds in Sept
Wed23Sep
EPCOT β€” Food & Wine Festival
🌍 EPCOT
🚌 Direct bus from Contemporary (easiest for group)
πŸ”‘ Early Entry 8:30 Β· Park 9–9
Be inside for Early Entry at 8:30. Rope drop Frozen Ever After in Norway, then walk next door to Akershus for 9:50am. That frees your Tier 1 for Remy's at 11:30 after breakfast. Build in indoor breaks β€” EPCOT is deceptively exhausting with young kids.
🚌 Getting Thereβ–Ό
Use the Resort Monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center, then transfer to the EPCOT Monorail. With 11 people and strollers, a prebooked rideshare/Minnie Van split is the more predictable option for a 7:45–8:00am security arrival. Confirm the exact September park and Early Entry hours when Disney publishes them.
🎒 Ride Plan β€” Rope Drop vs Lightning Laneβ–Ό
  • ROPE DROPFrozen Ever After β€” 8:30am Early Entry, standby. Any height βœ… all kids. Riding it here is what frees your Tier 1 pick.
  • LL TIER 1Remy's Ratatouille Adventure β€” target 11:30am, right after Akershus. Any height βœ… all kids
  • LL TIER 2Soarin' β€” target 12:15pm, The Land
  • LL TIER 2Spaceship Earth β€” target 12:55pm, front of park
  • SINGLE PASSGuardians of the Galaxy β€” target 1:45pm. 42" min, buy 8: 6 adults + Lincoln & Rosalie. Bryce, Oakley & Blakely sit out on Rider Switch
  • STANDBYSeas with Nemo Β· Gran Fiesta Tour Β· Journey Into Imagination Β· Turtle Talk
πŸ‘Έ Characters & Diningβ–Ό
Anna & Elsa meet & greet Β· Akershus breakfast at 9:50am (Norway Pavilion) β€” dine with a rotating cast of Belle, Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Snow White, Jasmine & Mary Poppins. Then World Showcase + Food & Wine afternoon.
🍷 Dinner β€” Food & Wine β€œDinner Crawl”▼
No sit-down dinner tonight β€” graze the festival booths as your meal. Work around World Showcase small-plate by small-plate, with an optional quick-service meal available if the kids need something more familiar.

Booth game plan: hit your must-try kiosks before the 5–7pm rush, and grab a pavilion table as a home base for the group. Confirmed 2026 booths include The Alps, Australia, India, Spain, Greece, Belgium, Brazil, HawaiΚ»i & β€œGyozas of the Galaxy” β€” most have a kid-friendly bite (mac & cheese, dumplings, desserts).

For the kids: Remy’s Ratatouille β€œHide & Squeak” scavenger hunt (~$10 map) keeps them busy; keep Regal Eagle BBQ in mind as the optional quick-service backup.

Optional: catch an early Eat to the Beat concert (~5:30pm) mid-graze. Check the booth menus a week out to pre-pick favorites.
Optimal DayWednesday = best crowd day for EPCOT all week
Thu24Sep
Hollywood Studios + Fantasmic!
🎬 Hollywood Studios
🚌 Disney bus from Contemporary
πŸ”‘ Early Entry 8:30 Β· Park 9–9
Be inside for Early Entry at 8:30. Rope drop Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway β€” it's just inside the gate and runs ~20 min, so you're off by 8:55 and a 4-min walk from the 9:05 Hollywood & Vine seating. Lightning Lane covers Toy Story Land after breakfast. Rise of the Resistance is a separate Single Pass β€” 5 adults + Lincoln & Oakley, ~12:30pm. Fantasmic is 9:30pm β€” long day.
🚌 Arrival Planβ–Ό
Take the direct Hollywood Studios bus from the Contemporary or use prebooked rideshares/Minnie Vans. Target security by 7:45–8:00am and the park entrance by 8:15–8:20am. Confirm the exact September park and Early Entry hours when Disney publishes them.
🎒 Morning Order of Operationsβ–Ό
Breakfast is at 9:05am, and one ride fits before it. Runaway Railway sits on Hollywood Boulevard just inside the gate and runs about 20 minutes at Early Entry, so you're off by ~8:55 and four minutes from the table. Slinky Dog Dash is too far back in Toy Story Land to attempt first with 11 people β€” that one waits for Lightning Lane after you eat.
🎒 Must-Doβ–Ό
  • ROPE DROPMickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway β€” 8:30am Early Entry, standby before breakfast. Any height βœ… all kids. Riding it here frees your Tier 1 pick.
  • LL TIER 1Slinky Dog Dash β€” target 10:30am. 38" βœ… all 5 kids
  • LL TIER 2Toy Story Mania β€” target 11:05am, same land
  • LL TIER 2Alien Swirling Saucers β€” target 11:35am, same land
  • SINGLE PASSRise of the Resistance β€” target 12:30pm. 40" min, buy 7: 5 adults + Lincoln & Oakley. Kayla sits back with Bryce, Blakely & Rosalie
  • STANDBYDisney Junior Β· Frozen Sing-Along Β· Beauty & the Beast Β· Star Tours β€” shows are walk-in, don't burn LLs on them
🍽️ Hollywood & Vine + Fantasmic! Package β€” 9:05amβ–Ό
Breakfast with Disney Junior characters through the Fantasmic! Dining Package. You receive one voucher per diner for guaranteed seating in the reserved Fantasmic! section. Seats within that section are first-come, first-served, so arrive at least 25 minutes before showtime. This is especially valuable for 11 people with young kids because it avoids a 60–90 minute general-seating wait. Add an optional quick-service meal in the afternoon as needed.
πŸŒ™ Fantasmic! Nightβ–Ό
Plan to stay through Fantasmic! The show is often around 8:30pm on September-style schedules, but exact September 2026 times can vary and should be confirmed when posted. Use the dining-package entrance on Sunset Boulevard near Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage.
Optimal DayThursday = one of the best crowd days for Hollywood Studios
Fri25Sep
Animal Kingdom
🦁 Animal Kingdom
🚌 Disney bus from Contemporary
πŸ”‘ Early Entry 7:30 (skipping) Β· Park 8–6
No rope drop today β€” this is your recovery morning after Fantasmic. Leave the resort around 8:45 and walk in near 9:20. Lightning Lane carries the morning: Safaris, Festival of the Lion King, then Na'vi. Head to Tusker House at 5:15pm for dinner.
🎒 Ride Plan β€” No Rope Drop Todayβ–Ό
Skipping Early Entry entirely. You're back from Fantasmic near 10:45pm the night before, so walk in around 9:20 and let Lightning Lane carry the morning. AK has no tiers β€” any three picks.
  • LIGHTNING LANEKilimanjaro Safaris β€” target 9:30am, book the 9:00–10:00 window. Any height βœ… all kids
  • LIGHTNING LANEFestival of the Lion King β€” target 10:45am, Harambe Theater
  • LIGHTNING LANENa'vi River Journey β€” target 11:45am, Pandora. Any height βœ… all kids
  • SINGLE PASSFlight of Passage β€” target 12:30pm, same land as Na'vi. 44" min (Lincoln & Rosalie only, plus adults on Rider Switch), buy 8. Required now that you're not rope-dropping it
  • STANDBYExpedition Everest (44") Β· TriceraTop Spin Β· Gorilla Falls Β· Finding Nemo: The Big Blue
🍽️ Character Dinner β€” Tusker Houseβ–Ό
5:15pm: Donald, Daisy, Mickey & Goofy in safari gear (Donald's Dining Safari) β€” the only character meal in Animal Kingdom. African-inspired buffet and a natural finish to the park day.
🍽️ Quick Bitesβ–Ό
Satu'li Canteen β€” mobile order, best food in AK Β· Flame Tree BBQ β€” quick with great outdoor seating
Flexible ParkAK is forgiving any day β€” rope drop beats the crowds
Sat26Sep
Magic Kingdom β€” Princess Day
🏰 Magic KingdomπŸ‘Έ Princess Day
🚢 Walk or 🚝 Monorail from Contemporary
πŸ”‘ Early Entry 8:30 Β· Park 9–10pm
Be inside for Early Entry at 8:30. Rope drop Peter Pan's Flight in Fantasyland, then Lightning Lane Pooh and Dumbo, Seven Dwarfs at 10:30 and Jungle Cruise at 11:15. Slow down for lunch before Bibbidi at 2:40pm, castle photos and Cinderella's Royal Table at 5:30pm.
πŸ’„ Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique β€” 2:40pmβ–Ό
2:40pm check-in for Rosalie (8), Blakely (4), Lincoln (6) and Oakley (4). That leaves roughly 2h 50m before the castle β€” enough for four makeovers plus photos, but don't add a ride between them. Disney serves children ages 3–12 with princess and knight/adventure packages. Bring dresses or outfits from home if preferred, and allow enough time for four makeovers plus photos before dinner. Consider Memory Maker for unlimited photos.
🎒 Ride Plan β€” Rope Drop vs Lightning Laneβ–Ό
  • ROPE DROPPeter Pan's Flight β€” 8:30am Early Entry, standby. Fantasyland is open early. Riding it here frees your Tier 1 pick.
  • LL TIER 2Winnie the Pooh β€” target 9:05am, steps away
  • LL TIER 2Dumbo β€” target 9:35am, Storybook Circus
  • SINGLE PASSSeven Dwarfs Mine Train β€” target 10:30am. 38" min βœ… all 5 kids
  • LL TIER 1Jungle Cruise β€” target 11:15am, Adventureland
  • STANDBYUnder the Sea – Little Mermaid Β· It's a Small World Β· Pirates Β· Haunted Mansion Β· Princess Fairytale Hall
  • πŸŒ™ Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away β€” night parade, park open to 10pm
🍽️ Cinderella's Royal Table β€” 5:30pm Dinnerβ–Ό
Meet Cinderella in the lobby, then Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine, Snow White & Belle visit your table inside the castle. The timing creates a clean sequence from Bibbidi to castle photos to dinner. Your #1 booking priority. Requires 2 table-service credits per person on the dining plan. Fireworks after.
Open Late ✨No party tonight β€” the day that makes a Cinderella dinner possible
Sun27Sep
Magic Kingdom β€” Ride Day
🏰 Magic Kingdom
🚢 Walk or 🚝 Monorail from Contemporary
πŸ”‘ Early Entry 8:30 Β· Park 9–6 (party)
Be inside for Early Entry at 8:30. Only Fantasyland and Tomorrowland open early, so bank walk-ons there first β€” Tiana's Bayou Adventure is a 9:05 Lightning Lane, not a rope drop, because Frontierland stays closed until 9:00. Everything booked lands before noon. All 5 kids clear the 40" lines today. Out by 6pm for a pool evening and fireworks from the Contemporary.
🎒 Ride Plan β€” Everything Booked Before Noonβ–Ό
  • ROPE DROPUnder the Sea – Little Mermaid + Winnie the Pooh β€” 8:30am Early Entry, standby. Only Fantasyland and Tomorrowland open early, so bank walk-ons here while Frontierland and Adventureland are still closed.
  • LL TIER 1Tiana's Bayou Adventure β€” target 9:05am at park open. 40" min βœ… all 5 kids
  • LL TIER 2Pirates of the Caribbean β€” target 9:45am, Adventureland
  • LL TIER 2Haunted Mansion β€” target 10:20am, Liberty Square
  • SINGLE PASSSeven Dwarfs Mine Train β€” target 11:00am. Repeat buy from Saturday
  • SINGLE PASSTRON Lightcycle Run β€” target 11:40am. 48" min (Rosalie only). 2nd Single Pass hits the daily cap
  • STANDBYAfternoon restacking: Jungle Cruise Β· Big Thunder (40" βœ… all 5) Β· Buzz Lightyear Β· Tomorrowland Speedway
  • ⏰ Last Lightning Lane by 5:30pm β€” party-night MK closes to your group at 6pm
🍽️ Flexible Mealsβ–Ό
Keep Sunday reservation-free so the day stays focused on rides. Use mobile order for a quick-service lunch when the group is ready; Columbia Harbour House, Pecos Bill and Cosmic Ray's are flexible options by land.
πŸŒ™ After 6pm MK Closureβ–Ό
Pool night Β· Monorail resort crawl (Grand Floridian, Polynesian) Β· Fireworks visible from Contemporary Β· Early pack + calm bedtime
Out by 6pmRope drop critical β€” you lose the park to the party at 6
Mon28Sep
Check-Out & Departure
✈️ Departure
🚐 Prebook Mears Connect or private vans to MCO
Topolino's at 8:35am at the Riviera, then a quick Lightning Lane stop in EPCOT β€” the Skyliner runs straight there, no transfer. Leave Bay Lake Tower by 7:50am, bags already with Bell Services so the room is done. Head back from EPCOT between 3:30 and 3:45pm, rideshare straight to the Contemporary, then leave the resort by 4:40pm to hit MCO at 5:30pm, 1hr 20min before the 6:50pm flight.
✈️ Getting to MCOβ–Ό
There's no complimentary Disney airport shuttle β€” you'll need to arrange your own. Best options for 11 people:
  • 2 prebooked private SUVs β€” cleanest for a group with luggage, ~35 min to MCO
  • Mears Connect β€” book at mearstransportation.com, standard or express
  • Minnie Van β€” Disney's in-app service, larger vehicles available
Timing: leave the resort 4:40pm β†’ MCO 5:30pm β†’ wheels up 6:50pm. That's 1hr 20min at the airport, which is enough for bag drop and TSA with 5 kids if you're checked in on the app beforehand.
🍳 Departure Morning β€” Topolino's 8:35amβ–Ό
Mickey, Minnie, Donald & Daisy as French artists at the Riviera rooftop β€” the one character set you see nowhere else, and the best-rated character meal at WDW.

Getting there: the Contemporary has no direct link to the Riviera. Prebook two rideshares or Minnie Vans (Chrysler Pacifica, 6 passengers each) and leave by 7:50am for the 8:35 seating. Budget ~25 min each way.

Pack before you go β€” bags to Bell Services before you leave for breakfast, so there's nothing left to do after the EPCOT stop but wait for the ride to MCO.
🚑 EPCOT Until 3:30–3:45pm β€” Remy's + Soarin'β–Ό
The Skyliner from Riviera runs straight to EPCOT's International Gateway β€” no transfer, ~10 minutes. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure (Tier 1 Lightning Lane, book 10–11am) is right there in France. Soarin' and Living with the Land share The Land pavilion.

This is a full day, not a quick stop. You're in the park by 10:05 and checked out with bags at Bell Services, so there's no reason to come back early. That's 5+ hours β€” three Lightning Lanes, lunch at Food & Wine, and afternoon restacking.

Getting out: rideshare directly from EPCOT to the Contemporary (~20 min) rather than Skyliner β†’ Riviera β†’ rideshare. Fewer moving parts, and it doesn't fail when afternoon storms suspend the Skyliner.
πŸ“… Key Booking Dates
πŸŽƒ Halloween Party β€” Sep 22
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets for Sep 22. 6 adults ($169) + 5 kids ages 3–9 ($159) = ~$1,811 incl. tax. Confirm these are in hand β€” September dates sell out well in advance.
βœ… Dining β€” Booked & Confirmed
All reservations secured on July 23. Confirmed times:

Mon Sep 21 β€” Story Book Dining, 5:20pm
Tue Sep 22 β€” Chef Mickey's, 7:50am
Wed Sep 23 β€” Akershus, 9:50am
Thu Sep 24 β€” Hollywood & Vine Fantasmic! Package, 9:05am
Fri Sep 25 β€” Tusker House, 5:15pm
Sat Sep 26 β€” Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique 2:40pm Β· Cinderella's Royal Table 5:30pm
Mon Sep 28 β€” Topolino's Terrace, 8:35am
⚑ September 14 β€” Lightning Lane Booking Day
Disney Resort guests can purchase Lightning Lane 7 days before their stay. Sep 14 is your big LL planning moment β€” not each park morning. Be ready at 7am ET. Buy Single Passes first β€” Seven Dwarfs (Γ—2 days), Rise, Guardians, Flight of Passage, TRON β€” then lock in each day's Tier 1 pick.
🎟️ Check Your Tickets β€” Now 6 Park Days
Adding the Monday EPCOT stop makes it 6 park days (Wed–Mon), not 5. Confirm your ID.me discounted tickets cover 6 days and that Monday is a valid admission day before Sep 14.
βœ… Before You Arrive β€” Airport Transfer
Prebook airport transfer for 11 guests. Mears Connect (mearstransportation.com) or 2 private SUVs. Don't leave this to day-of Uber with luggage and 5 kids.
🍽️ Character Dining Options
Cinderella's Royal Table
Inside Cinderella Castle Β· Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
βœ… #1 Priorityβ–Ό
🏰 Inside the CastleπŸ‘Έ Princess Dining⚠️ 2 credits on DDP
Characters: Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Snow White, Jasmine.
Note: Requires 2 table service credits per person on the dining plan β€” plan accordingly.
Why it's special: Only restaurant inside the castle. Post-makeover magic.
~$45–65+ per person Β· βœ… Booked
πŸ“… Paired with: Sat Sep 26 Princess Day β€” 5:30pm dinner after the 2:40pm Bibbidi makeovers and castle photos.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Inside Magic Kingdom Β· Princess Makeover Experience
βœ… #2 Priorityβ–Ό
🏰 Magic KingdomπŸ’„ MakeoverNot a meal
Princess and knight/adventure makeover experience for children ages 3–12. Booked for 2:40pm β€” Rosalie (8), Blakely (4), Lincoln (6) and Oakley (4). Bring dresses or outfits from home if preferred.
Varies by package Β· βœ… Booked
πŸ“… Paired with: Sat Sep 26 β€” 2:40pm makeovers, castle photos, then Royal Table dinner at 5:30pm.
Topolino's Terrace β€” Breakfast Γ  la Art
Disney's Riviera Resort Β· Breakfast only
βœ… On Your Planβ–Ό
🚐 Transfer required🍳 Breakfast onlyPlated (not buffet)
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Donald & Daisy as French artists β€” unique to this restaurant.
Rated #1 character meal at WDW. No direct transport from the Contemporary, so prebook rideshares or Minnie Vans and leave by 7:50am.
~$54 adult / $33 child Β· βœ… Booked
πŸ“… Paired with: Mon Sep 28 departure morning β€” 8:35am, back well before the 11am checkout.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
EPCOT Norway Pavilion Β· Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
βœ… On Your Planβ–Ό
🌍 EPCOTπŸ‘Έ Princess DiningBuffet + Plated
Characters: Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Aurora, Ariel β€” best princess variety in one meal. Booked for 9:50am, after rope dropping Frozen Ever After.
~$55 adult / $33 child Β· βœ… Booked
πŸ“… Paired with: Wed Sep 23 EPCOT day β€” 9:50am breakfast, right in the Norway Pavilion.
Chef Mickey's
Disney's Contemporary Resort Β· Breakfast & Dinner
βœ… On Your Planβ–Ό
🏰 Steps from your room🍳 BreakfastBuffet
Characters: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pluto β€” the full Fab Five.
7:50am on the Halloween party day β€” a table of 11 downstairs in your own resort, on the one morning nothing depends on rope drop.
~$52 adult / $33 child Β· Group: ~$480+ before tax Β· βœ… Booked
πŸ“… Paired with: Tue Sep 22 β€” 7:50am, then pool all day and MK at 4pm on the party ticket.
Hollywood & Vine β€” Fantasmic! Dining Package
Hollywood Studios Β· 9:05am Breakfast
βœ… On Your Planβ–Ό
🎬 Hollywood Studios🍳 Breakfast buffet🎟️ Reserved Fantasmic! section
Characters: Disney Junior friends at breakfast. The package includes one voucher per diner for guaranteed seating in a reserved Fantasmic! section; seats within the section are not assigned. Arrive at least 25 minutes before showtime.
Package currently listed at ~$67 adult / $42 child before tax & gratuity Β· 1 DDP table-service credit per person
πŸ“… Paired with: Thu Sep 24 β€” 9:05am, straight from park open, then Fantasmic! that night.
Tusker House β€” Donald's Dining Safari
Animal Kingdom Β· Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
βœ… On Your Planβ–Ό
🦁 Animal KingdomBuffet
Characters: Donald, Daisy, Mickey & Goofy in safari gear. The only character meal in Animal Kingdom β€” a natural fit for your Fri AK day (different characters/setting than Topolino's, so both earn their place).
~$52 adult / $33 child Β· βœ… Booked
πŸ“… Paired with: Fri Sep 25 AK day β€” 5:15pm dinner seating before park close.
The Crystal Palace
Magic Kingdom Β· Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
⬜ Optionalβ–Ό
🏰 Magic KingdomBuffet
Characters: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore & Piglet β€” the only Pooh character meal, and a character set nothing else on your list covers. Great for the littlest kids, and it's inside MK so it's an easy add with no extra travel.
~$52 adult / $33 child · ⬜ Not reserved
πŸ“… Pairs with: Sun Sep 27 MK ride day.
⚑ Lightning Lane Guide
πŸ“… September 14, 2026 is your big LL day. Be ready at 7am ET β€” Disney Resort guests book 7 days before arrival, not morning-of. Strategy: take the earliest return window offered on every pick. You can't book a 4th Lightning Lane until you've tapped into your 1st, so early windows mean more rides. Every day below is built to burn all three by roughly midday and restack all afternoon. Buy Single Passes first (Seven Dwarfs Γ—2 days, Rise, Guardians, Flight of Passage, TRON), then Tier 1. Slinky Dog Dash goes fastest.
🌍 EPCOT Wed Sep 23
πŸ”‘ Early Entry 8:30amPark 9:00am–9:00pm
8:30
ROPE DROPFrozen Ever After
Standby at Early Entry β€” Norway, walk-on before 9:00. This is why Frozen isn't one of your booked picks.
9:50
MEALAkershus β€” 75 min
Same pavilion as Frozen. Out by ~11:05.
11:30
TIER 1Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
France. Walk from Norway via the Plaza and east side, ~12 min. First redemption unlocks your 4th booking.
12:15
TIER 2Soarin'
The Land, World Nature. ~12 min walk back from France.
12:55
TIER 2Spaceship Earth
Front of park. All three redeemed by ~1:05 β€” stack aggressively from here.
1:45
SINGLE PASSGuardians of the Galaxy
World Discovery, next to Spaceship Earth. Buy 8: 6 adults + Lincoln & Rosalie. Bryce, Oakley & Blakely sit out β€” Rider Switch.
2:30+
STACKWorld Showcase + Food & Wine
Rebook as you redeem: Test Track Β· The Seas with Nemo Β· Gran Fiesta Β· Journey Into Imagination Β· Turtle Talk.
🎬 Hollywood Studios Thu Sep 24
πŸ”‘ Early Entry 8:30amPark 9:00am–9:00pm
8:30
ROPE DROPMickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Yes β€” this works. It's on Hollywood Blvd just inside the gate, ~20 min standby at Early Entry. Off by ~8:55, then a 4-min walk to Echo Lake. Frees your Tier 1 for Slinky.
9:05
MEALHollywood & Vine β€” 75 min
Fantasmic package. Out by ~10:20.
10:30
TIER 1Slinky Dog Dash
Toy Story Land. 38" β€” all 5 kids.
11:05
TIER 2Toy Story Mania
Same land, 2 min away.
11:35
TIER 2Alien Swirling Saucers
Same land. All three redeemed by ~11:50 β€” start restacking immediately.
12:30
SINGLE PASSRise of the Resistance
Galaxy's Edge. Buy 7: 5 adults + Lincoln & Oakley β€” Oakley rides with you. Kayla sits back with Bryce, Blakely & Rosalie. Lunch at Docking Bay 7 right after.
2:00+
STACKShows + rebooked LLs
Disney Jr Β· Frozen Sing-Along Β· Beauty & the Beast are walk-in β€” don't burn LLs. Restack Star Tours and a Runaway Railway repeat.
8:45pm
SEATINGFantasmic β€” package entrance
Showtime is 9:30pm. Package holders arrive at the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater package entrance 40–45 min early. Out ~10:45pm β€” Friday's late start is built around this.
🦁 Animal Kingdom Fri Sep 25
πŸ”‘ Early Entry 7:30amPark 8:00am–6:00pmNo rope drop β€” sleeping in after Fantasmic
9:20
ARRIVESkip Early Entry β€” walk in around 9:20
You're back from Fantasmic near 10:45pm Thursday, so no alarm clock. Leave the resort ~8:45. AK is a half-day park; this is the day to give up rope drop.
9:30
LL #1Kilimanjaro Safaris
Africa. First LL of the day as requested β€” book the 9:00–10:00 window and walk straight on. Animals still active mid-morning.
10:45
LL #2Festival of the Lion King
Harambe Theater, same land. Match to the posted showtime nearest 10:45.
11:45
LL #3Na'vi River Journey
Pandora. All three redeemed by ~noon β€” restack from here. AK has no tiers, so any three work.
12:30
SINGLE PASSFlight of Passage
Same land as Na'vi β€” no extra walking. Now required since you're not rope-dropping it. 44": Lincoln & Rosalie only, plus adults on Rider Switch. Buy 8, ~$240.
1:30+
STACKAsia + DinoLand
Finding Nemo Β· Gorilla Falls Β· TriceraTop Spin Β· Expedition Everest (44"). Storms usually hit 2–3pm β€” good time for an indoor show.
5:15
MEALTusker House
Park closes at 6:00 β€” dinner runs right up against it.
🏰 Magic Kingdom Sat Sep 26 · Princess Day
πŸ”‘ Early Entry 8:30amPark 9:00am–10:00pm
8:30
ROPE DROPPeter Pan's Flight
Fantasyland is open at Early Entry. Rope-dropping it frees your Tier 1 for Jungle Cruise.
9:05
TIER 2Winnie the Pooh
Fantasyland, steps from Peter Pan.
9:35
TIER 2Dumbo
Storybook Circus, next door.
10:30
SINGLE PASSSeven Dwarfs Mine Train
Back in Fantasyland β€” mid-morning as requested. 38", all 5 kids.
11:15
TIER 1Jungle Cruise
Adventureland. All three LLs redeemed by ~11:30 β€” restack through the afternoon.
12:00
STACKPirates Β· Haunted Mansion Β· Small World
You're already in Adventureland β€” Pirates then Liberty Square. Lunch ~12:30.
2:40
BOOKEDBibbidi Bobbidi Boutique β†’ castle photos β†’ Royal Table 5:30
Park open to 10:00pm β€” Starlight parade after dinner.
🏰 Magic Kingdom Sun Sep 27 · Ride Day
πŸ”‘ Early Entry 8:30amPark 9:00am–6:00pmParty night β€” out by 6
8:30
ROPE DROPLittle Mermaid + Pooh (Fantasyland)
Only Fantasyland and Tomorrowland open at Early Entry β€” Frontierland and Adventureland stay closed until 9:00, so bank easy walk-ons here first.
9:05
TIER 1Tiana's Bayou Adventure
Frontierland, right at park open. 40" β€” all 5 kids clear it.
9:45
TIER 2Pirates of the Caribbean
Adventureland, next door going counter-clockwise.
10:20
TIER 2Haunted Mansion
Liberty Square. All three redeemed by ~10:35.
11:00
SINGLE PASSSeven Dwarfs Mine Train
Fantasyland. Repeat buy from Saturday β€” separate purchase, allowed.
11:40
SINGLE PASSTRON Lightcycle Run
Tomorrowland β€” closes the loop. 48", Rosalie only. 2nd Single Pass = daily cap.
12:00+
STACKEverything booked before noon βœ…
Afternoon is pure restacking: Big Thunder (40" βœ… all 5) Β· Jungle Cruise Β· Buzz Β· Speedway Β· Mad Tea Party. Last LL by 5:30.
🌍 EPCOT Mon Sep 28 · Departure
πŸ”‘ Early Entry 8:30amPark 9:00am–9:00pmFull day β€” head back 3:30–3:45
8:35
MEALTopolino's Terrace β€” 75 min
Riviera. Bags to Bell Services before you leave. Out by ~9:50.
10:05
ARRIVESkyliner β†’ International Gateway
Direct from Riviera, no transfer, ~10 min. You land in World Showcase between France and the UK.
10:15
TIER 1Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
France β€” steps from where the Skyliner drops you. Book the earliest window available.
11:00
TIER 2Soarin'
The Land. Repeat from Wednesday β€” you said you're fine with this one twice.
11:30
TIER 2Living with the Land
Same pavilion as Soarin' β€” no extra walking.
12:00+
STACKLunch + restack all afternoon
You're checked out with bags at Bell Services, so nothing forces you back early. Food & Wine booths for lunch, then rebook Frozen, Test Track, Nemo and Spaceship Earth as you redeem.
3:30–3:45
HEAD BACKLeave EPCOT
Rideshare straight from EPCOT to the Contemporary, ~20 min β€” don't route back via the Skyliner and Riviera. Back at the resort ~3:50–4:05, collect bags, load up. September storms suspend the Skyliner, which is why the rideshare is the default and not the backup.
4:40
DEPARTResort β†’ MCO by 5:30pm
1hr 20min before the 6:50pm flight. Consider adding a Single Pass after all β€” this is a real park day now, not a token stop.
πŸŒ™ Thursday is your late night β€” Friday is built around it. Fantasmic runs 9:30pm Thursday and you'll be back at Bay Lake Tower near 10:45pm. That's why Friday skips Animal Kingdom Early Entry entirely: no alarm, walk in around 9:20, and lean on Lightning Lane instead of rope drop. The trade-off is that Flight of Passage now has to be bought β€” Early Entry was the only cheap way to get it.
🍱 Disney Dining Plan
Disney Dining Plan (Table Service) β€” 2026
Kids ages 3–9 eat FREE all year with adult plan purchase βœ… Confirmed for 2026
$98.59 per adult / per night
πŸŽ‰ Kids ages 3–9: $0 / night in 2026
Your group: 6 adults Γ— $98.59 Γ— 7 nights
6 adults Γ— $98.59 = $591.54/night
5 kids ages 3–9 = $0 (free!)
All 11 guests are included in dining reservations
Total: 7 nights Γ— $591.54 = $4,140.78
🍽️
77
Table Service Meals
11 people Γ— 7 nights. One sit-down restaurant visit for all 11 = 11 credits. ⚠️ Cinderella's Royal Table = 2 credits/person
πŸ₯‘
77
Quick Service Meals
Counter service restaurants. All 11 eat lunch together = 11 credits. 7 group lunches total.
🍦
77
Snack Credits
Dole Whips, Mickey pretzels, popcorn, ice cream bars, bottled drinks. ~1 snack per person per day.
β˜•
11
Resort Mugs
Refillable at any Disney resort (not in parks). Unlimited soda, coffee, tea at your hotel.
πŸ“‹ Example Day β€” All 11 People
β˜€οΈ Breakfast: Chef Mickey's (table service) βˆ’11 TS credits
🌞 Lunch: Satu'li Canteen (quick service) βˆ’11 QS credits
🌴 Afternoon: Dole Whips (snack) βˆ’11 snack credits
After day 1: 66 TS Β· 66 QS Β· 66 snacks remaining
πŸ“Œ Important Rules & Fine Print
βœ…Credits are pooled β€” anyone on the reservation can use any credit. Grandma skips a snack, a kid uses an extra one.
⚠️Cinderella's Royal Table = 2 table-service credits per person. That's 22 credits for your group of 11 β€” 29% of your 77 total TS credits in one meal.
⚠️Kids ages 3–9 must order from the children's menu where available.
❌Gratuity not included at most restaurants (Cinderella's Royal Table is an exception β€” gratuity included).
❌Resort mugs cannot be used in the parks β€” resort only.
❌Must be purchased as part of a Disney Resort package. Must include all guests ages 10+ for the entire stay.
πŸ“…All credits expire at the end of your stay. Use them or lose them.
πŸ’‘ Is It Worth It for Your Trip?
Your current lineup has 7 character table-service meals. Six use 1 credit per person and Cinderella's Royal Table uses 2, for a total need of 88 table-service credits. The plan provides 77, so the schedule is 11 credits short β€” exactly one full-group standard table-service meal.

The fix: keep Hollywood & Vine on the plan because the Fantasmic! package is still only 1 table-service credit per person. Pay cash for Topolino's on departure morning β€” it's the last meal of the trip and the smallest headcount, so it's the cleanest one to take off the plan.

The kids-eat-free bonus is the biggest win. Without the promo, kids ages 3–9 would cost ~$31.94/night each β€” that's $223.58/night you're saving, or $1,565 over 7 nights just for the 5 kids.
✈️ Flight Details
πŸ›« Outbound β€” Monday Sep 21 Β· Southwest WN #2438
CMH (Columbus) 5:30am β†’ MCO (Orlando) 7:45am Β· 2h 15m
Arriving 7:45am = full day available, but Day 1 is a deliberate pool and rest day. Drop bags, change in a resort locker room, and take it easy. βœ…
Early Arrival βœ…
πŸ›¬ Return β€” Monday Sep 28 Β· Southwest WN #2725
MCO (Orlando) 6:50pm β†’ CMH (Columbus) 9:15pm Β· 2h 25m Β· Nonstop
Target MCO by 5:30pm β€” 1hr 20min before departure. Transfer runs 35–45 min, so leave the resort by 4:40pm. That leaves the whole afternoon free after the EPCOT stop.
Leave by 4:40pm ⚠️
🍽️ Character Dining β€” Restaurant Summary
7 character meals β€” all booked and confirmed. Times below are your actual reservation times. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Sat 2:40pm) is a makeover, not a meal, so it isn't in the table.
Restaurant Where Meal Characters Day Status
βœ… The Plan β€” all reservations for 11
Story Book Dining at Artist Point Wilderness Lodge Dinner Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, the Evil Queen Mon Sep 21
5:20pm
βœ… Plan
Chef Mickey's Contemporary (your hotel) Breakfast Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto (the Fab Five) Tue Sep 22
7:50am
βœ… Plan
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall EPCOT Β· Norway Breakfast Belle, Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Snow White, Jasmine, Mary Poppins (rotating) Wed Sep 23
9:50am
βœ… Plan
Hollywood & Vine β€” Fantasmic! Dining Package Hollywood Studios Breakfast Disney Junior friends + reserved Fantasmic! section voucher Thu Sep 24
9:05am
βœ… Plan
Tusker House β€” Donald's Dining Safari Animal Kingdom Dinner Donald, Daisy, Mickey, Goofy (safari gear) Fri Sep 25
5:15pm
βœ… Plan
Cinderella's Royal Table Magic Kingdom Β· Castle Dinner Cinderella (lobby) + Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine, Snow White, Belle Sat Sep 26
5:30pm
βœ… #1 priority
Topolino's Terrace β€” Breakfast Γ  la Art Riviera Breakfast Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy (artist outfits) Mon Sep 28
8:35am
βœ… Plan
⬜ Optional ideas β€” not reserved
The Crystal Palace Magic Kingdom Lunch Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore Sun Sep 27 ⬜ Optional
⬜ Other optional swaps β€” not scheduled
1900 Park Fare Grand Floridian Breakfast / Dinner Aladdin, Cinderella, Mirabel, Tiana (only Mirabel & Tiana meal) flexible ⬜ Optional
Cape May Café Beach Club Breakfast Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Goofy (beach attire) flexible ⬜ Optional
Garden Grill EPCOT · The Land Lunch / Dinner Farmer Mickey, Chip, Dale, Pluto Wed Sep 23 (2nd) ⬜ Optional
Note: Character line-ups rotate and aren't guaranteed on any given day. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Sat Sep 26, 2:40pm) is a makeover, not a meal, so it's not listed here.
Last updated
September 10, 2026 Β· Lightning Lane plan with target times
Magic Kingdom
EPCOT
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
Pool / Rest Day
MNSSHP
Princess Day