game plan for day trip to Sesame

We were hoping to do an overnight to Sesame in August, but with 5 kids between newborn-5 years old, it is just WAY to much work! Instead, we are leaving the 3 girls (16 month old twins & our newborn), with grandparents for the day, and we will be taking the boys (5 & 3).
For those who have done a day trip, what time do you leave? My parents can come whenever, they are only 10 minutes away. We were thinking of leaving at 7:00ish. Getting breakfast as soon as we get to the park, doing the water park/rides in the morning. Lunch, and then dry rides in the afternoon. Then maybe dinner around 6, hitting the road back to NT around 7? Is that allowing too much time? I feel like 3 meals in the park is overkill. Maybe a breakfast of dry cereal/granola bars/fruit in the car on the way, lunch at the park, then hit a drive thru on the way home for dinner? I just feel like a day trip is cramming a lot in, but an overnight trip is just not feasible this year with a new baby. TIA!!

game plan for day trip to Sesame

We've done it many times always as a day trip. Time we leave depends on day of the week and whether were doing breakfast with elmo. If we're not doing the breakfast we still plan to get there a little before the park opens. I bring bagels and yogurt pouches to eat in the car. We wear bathing suits in and do dry rides, then the splash pool once we get too hot. After that we go out to the picnic area for a late lunch, grab our cooler from the car, and eat and relax in relative peace. We usually take a long break and try to get a nap for the kids. Then we go back in for more rides. When it starts to get late we clean up and change into dry clothes, find a spot to watch the parade. I like to just get something quick for dinner while we watch. If we're still standing, we'll do another ride or two after the parade and head home at closing. Very do able and such a fun day!

Re: game plan for day trip to Sesame

Re: game plan for day trip to Sesame

We eat breakfast in the car and get there when it opens. We usually head back to the dry rides because there are no lines when it opens. Instead of eating full meals we have a snack and do the 2nd lunch with the characters. After that the park is a lot emptier so we go on more rides watch the parade and leave.