Oh, Karin1984, would you mind if I ask for your expert knowledge??
We will be there towards the end of May - we are coming over on the EBTA. It will be me 31, and my mother 68. We want to experience the parks as fully as possible because we realize we may not have the opportunity to revisit with all the other places she wants to go - so we are open to staying as many days as necessary to get the full experience, but don’t want to spend more than necessary. We would like to stay on property - I know there are cheaper alternatives, but since we are going to do it, we want to do it like we aren’t going to do it again. Just for some backstory… The absolute biggest reason we have decided to go ahead and come from Barcelona is for me - I LOVE Ratatouille and the thought of being in Paris at DLP is just my ultimate weakness! (I have been reading and know not to expect much at the Remy themed dining, so my expectations have been managed about that!) We have been to WDW a lot, so our visits are generally focused on the rides, but since we are planning for this to be a one and done, we would be interested in the can’t miss shows and are willing to stay longer if needed to see them. So this trip to DLP, rides and the exceptional shows will be equal priority. But no interest in the character meets. We will likely go open to close. Would love and appreciate your thoughts!!!
Ok, so we have a once in a lifetime trip, adult daughter & mother who want to do it all, open to close, no characters, after a TA cruise.
I would firstly recommend at least one rest day between the cruise and any other activity. I have done the WBTA last year, and even when you 'don't do anything on a cruise', you can be exhausted from the travel. It'll be a long 2 weeks and yours ends with several port intensive days.
If you can spare the time and money, I would stay in Barcelona for a day or two to store all the memories of one trip in your brain, before going on to the next.
Ok, I'm going to adjust what I said in a previous thread, yes, mid May is a good time to visit, however...
You arrive in Barcelona on 18 May. 19 and 20 May are public holidays. Not in Spain, but they are in France and several other European countries. This means that it's a long weekend off for a lot of people. These days will be busier than other days.
My thoughts:
- Book Santa Fe or Cheyenne. If you stay open to close, there is really no reason to go for a place that is more expensive, if all you need is a bed.
- Go for 3 full park days (which can also be 2 full days, and 2 half days due to travel), to do everything at a relaxed pace. I would suggest to travel to Paris on Monday 20th.
- Many new shows have been announced for next year, so we do not know exactly yet what to expect, but for shows I would put Mickey and the Magician and Lion King - Rhyhtms of the Pride Lands on your list for sure. I am going to assume that the new drone show will be just as good as the current one. Same goes for the new hub show. Probably not to be missed. I have no idea what to expect from an Alice in Wonderland stunt show, but let's put it on the list of something unique.
While absolutely good shows, if you are in a time squeeze, I would skip Disney Jr. and Together.
- About food... indeed adjust your expectations when you are used to WDW table service meals. It's absolutely not bad or inedible. It's just at a different level (and overpriced ;-) ) there are plenty of people who love Remy. So if this is your dream, go for it.
My favourite restaurants are in Disney Village.
- Be prepared for lots of walking. I would also advice to make sure you are in good shape. It's much easier to walk from the hotels to the parks, between parks, than it is in WDW. Taking the bus usually takes you longer and it's not convenient with security. When you walk from the hotels, you have your own security and you are not in the lines with the general public.
These are the first things to come to mind. Happy planning!
lol. So for the 3 full day recommendation, would you do the 3 day/2 night transferring to an offsite property after the park on that third day or do the 4 day/3 night using that last day as a half day? I’m not sure why thinking this through for Americans is so hard! 
lol. 
