On
Dec 31, 2012
Dawn
Asked
Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.
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We are staying at Port Orleans-Riverside 1/16-1/22 w/ 5-day Hopper to celebrate my daughter's 5th birthday. She's super excited for dining with a princess & I'm kicking myself for not making CRT reservations sooner. Suggested daily itinerary? Other din”
Hi, Dawn!
What an exciting way for you to celebrate your little princess's 5th birthday...a trip to Walt Disney World!
Regarding princesses dining, have you taken a look at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall? I just took a peek to see if there were any breakfasts available during your stay and easily found some open reservations on my first try. While dining in Cinderella Castle is truly spectacular, we usually opt for a breakfast with Storybook Princesses at Akershus, in Epcot's Norway Pavilion. A bit less expensive that Cinderella's Royal Table and often easier to get into, you'll dine with Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Princess Aurora, Ariel and Mary Poppins. Guests will get a complimentary photo keepsake to help commemorate the big day.
For itineraries, I like to use touringplans.com, an unofficial crowd-predicting site that can help you navigate around the crowds. According to this site, the least crowded parks on each of the days of your trip are these:
1/16: MK, EP, HS
1/17: MK, EP, HS
1/18: MK, HS, AK
1/19: HS, AK
1/20: MK, HS, AK
1/21: MK, AK
1/22: MK, HS, AK
Set aside two days for Magic Kingdom, with a short day at Animal Kingdom tucked in too. Since you have Park Hoppers, head over to Epcot on the evening of your AK day, even if just to view Illuminations and see the beautiful countries in World Showcase.
On the days when you are not park hopping, head over to Downtown Disney, a non-ticketed venue that includes fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities such as bowling and movies. You'll love it!
Send me another question, Dawn, letting me know if you'll be on a Dining Plan and if you need Advanced Dining Reservation suggestions, too. I love to help! And be sure to tell your little one that pixie-dusted birthday wishes have been sent her way from all of us on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel!