Newbie with questions

[SUZI]

Hello Everyone. I am new to posting but I have appreciated all the advice and tips that I have been reading about. Thanks to all of you! I am planning my first trip to WDW!! This will include me, DH, DS5, and DD2. Anyway, I have a few questions if someone could help me out:
1. What is a photopass?
2. Tell me about lanyards. I know what they are in general, but is this part of the park ticket or something that is recommended to have? Do I buy one locally? (sorry about these silly questions -- did I mention this is my first trip and I don't know a thing?)
3. Costumes for children: to what activities do children wear Disney costumes? probably character meals, but will my children want to wear a costume while touring the parks?
4. I have plenty more, but I"ll save them for another day

Thanks again!!!

 

[Perditamarie]

Welcome to the Dis...I think you will get a lot of great info here for your trip.

1. A photopass is a card you receive when you have your photo taken by a Disney photographer, like when you first head down main street or w/a character. Hand your card to the photographer for any subsequent photos and they will all be linked. You can then turn your photopass card in at a park to view which photos you want made into prints or order a photo cd or movie w/all of the photos. You can also view all of your photos online after your trip and have up to 30 days to make a purchase before your photos are deleted.

2. Lanyards are like ribbon necklaces. Some folks get plain ones w/a plastic sleeve hanging from them at Walmart and use it to carry their park tickets and fastpasses. There are also character/Disney themed lanyards to wear/display Disney pins, which are fun to trade w/castmembers.

3. Children wear costumes all over Disney, often to character meals and often just because. Any time is appropriate for a child in a costume at WDW! I would just make sure it is comfortable (don't forget to take the heat into consideration), safe (careful of giant swords or face masks), make sure the child has comfortable/safe shoes on and that you have a plan B for when the kid wants to change.

Happy planning!