Yoo Hoo, John!
JB>Last year, our families went to WDW for Thanksgiving.  This was our first
  >time at WDW spent with my wife's folks, and we decided to do things
  >Old Key West which have excellent kitchen facilities), and everyday we
  >returned to 'home' and then back to the parks.  What I found was that this
  >was more exhausting for me!  I got to see less of the parks, and all that
  >extra walking in and out of the parks in order to find our way to the bus
  >terminals and then back to our rooms not only took time away from touring
  >or having fun, but wore me out!
JB>We're going back again this year, so what is everyone's opinion?  Is it
  >better to stay at the parks, maybe just taking it slow if you get tired, 
r
  >better to return to the hotel during the day?
You bring up a good point.  We do much the same as you, and have had
many a fine home-cooked meal at OKW.  What I have found over the years
may be what you are looking for, but will cost you a little more.
In some cases you will be extremely lucky to exit the park and catch a
(waiting) bus and go directly to OKW.  In most cases that trip extends
for the better part of an hour - sometimes more!  By the time the meal
is prepared and everyone eats, then heads back out to board a bus to
return to a park, 2-3 hours have elapsed.
My solution, which I have to fight for each trip, is to find an
inexpensive rental car and drive to each park.  The key is
"back-dooring" when possible.  Parking by the Contemporary to enter MK
or by Y&BC to enter Epcot from the World Showcase.  Know the most direct
roadways to and from each park helps, too.  The time savings are
substantial.  Travel time to OKW is ~15 minutes.  By the time most
people have waited for a bus, we are home eating.  It also frees up part
of our party to take off early, nap or shop and still maintain a
schedule. Several years ago, my 7 yr old and I hit just the special
highlights in all 3 parks in less than 4 hours.  It was our second last
day and we followed a plan taking into account park hours, location and
parking. It is still something she remembers!!
We have been doing this as a family for 11 years and have found it works
out very well.  We also take light snacks for all of us and still enjoy
eating on property as the situation permits.
Hope this helps.  BTW, were you there to see the X-mas decorations go
up?? That was the highlight of our trip.
Joe
 * QMPro 1.53 * * "I'll throw in a dash of childish delight!" -Dreamfinde
--- InterEcho 1.19
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