Tips for toddler and preschooler, 1st trip to WDW

[jabuller]

Hi all, I have been to Disney about 5 times, but not in eight years. I am now getting ready to take my 3yo DD, 2yo DS, Dh, and 18 yo sister who have all never been to Disney. We are staying off property due to space issues. The main tips I'm looking for are....
1. DD is almost 3, she will turn 3 one day after we get there. Do I have to buy a ticket for her? I know staying on property they don't need one if they turn 3 during the trip, but does it work the same way off property since they don't know when our reservation began? She is also a tall kid, 39.5 inches, so do I need any proof of her age when we go?
2. What about birthdays, I have read some tips for special things to do for birthdays. Any in particular that you recommend?
3. How does the ride switch work? Say DD and DH ride a ride while I stay with DS, when switching can I ride it with her riding again or do I have to ride alone? Do all rides offer this or is it only certain ones, if so are the participating rides posted somewhere?
4. What are your must do meals? We aren't on the DDP since we are off property, but still want to have a few fun meals with the kids. We are going to do Askerhaus since Belle is have favorite princess and have debated on the Lilo and Stitch breakfast, what's the overall reviews on those two? Also how "worth it" is Chef Mickeys?
5. Any other small child friendly advice is welcomed

[angelmom27]

The ticket issue you could ask a CM what they suggest to do. When you go to buy your passes just tell them while we are here she will be celebrating her 3rd birthday and if you should buy a pass for her too for when that happens.

To celebrate you can always request a cupcake or small cake for 15$. And when you get there go to GS and get her a pin to wear.

For ride swap yes she can ride again with you. When DH gets off you will get a fastpass ticket to go on the ride with her.

[Ferrentinos]

We just returned from a trip with DD who is just over 2. We loved the breakfast at Ohana with Lilo and Stitch. Highly recommend it!!!! She had a blast with them and DH and I loved the breakfast! The breads were so good! Let me know if you have any other questions. Love to talk about our trip!!

[Claire&TheBoys]

I think as long as she was 2 at the start of your trip, regardless of whether you're staying on-site or off-site, she will not need a ticket. You don't need to worry about taking any proof of her age, the CMs will trust you to be honest. Especially if she's riding in a stroller, they won't question you.

For "rider switch": Rider switch is only available at attractions that have a height requirement and all of those attractions utilize FastPass. You approach the CM at the attraction entrance with the entire group (they need to see the under-height child) and say, "we need to do a rider switch." The CM will give you a FastPass-sized ticket that is good for up to 3 riders. The first group will get in line to ride while one or more people wait with the too-short rider(s). When they are done, you take the Rider Switch Pass back to the FastPass entrance and up to 3 people can ride with that one pass. It's not "advertised," specifically, you just have to know to ask. Again, it's only on attractions with height restrictions.

Birthday: go to Guest Relations and get your daughter a birthday button and have her wear it. She'll get birthday wishes, may get a cupcake or special moment sometime along the way.

We used to love Chef Mickey's but our last dinner there was not very good, so it's off our list. My best friend has daughters and they love Akershus, so that's definitely a good one to do. We did the 'Ohana breakfast once but we didn't love it, so we haven't been back. We do love Crystal Palace, though. We had breakfast there one morning before the park opened and loved being in the park so early. I would definitely do that again.

Have a magical trip!

[jabuller]

I need to look into Crystal Palace I keep hearing great reviews. Good to know you need need proof of age, she will be in a stroller when we head in for the day so things should be easier.

[kdog_1981]

I am here now and we did Askerhaus the other day for breakfast. We have 3 kids and have the dining plan. The breakfast food and selection isn't that great. No omelette station or meat carving. The price for 3 people was over 100 bucks! Thank goodness it was a dining credit.

[SweetMissy]

We did the Lilo and Stitch breakfast the year before last and it was nice. The kids LOVED seeing all the characters up close. I remember the food and this juice they had was so good!

[jabuller]

I might have to really think about Askerhaus then. We will not be on the dining plan and I wants at least good food if I am going to spend that much. How was the character interaction at Askerhaus?

[kdog_1981]

Interaction was short and brief. You can get more time see them at the parks. Boma is by far my Fav and a not expensive for breakfast.