11/2008 Disney trip - Hello everyone!

[Zoetmom]

We are taking my daughter to Disney for her 4th birthday! I am more excited than she is....:

Looking for tips for the trip. Thanks!

 

[I believe]

Hi Zoetmom,

to the boards!

It is so much fun to be swept up in the excitement! I can already tell that you are going to have an amazing time! Disney World is the easiest place in the world to have a magical time with your daughter. At 4, she is going to LOVE everything she sees as she walks around every corner. Be sure to snap a picture of her face after you walk through the train station and she first sees Cinderella Castle! I would recommend staying at a Disney resort, it really helps keep the magic going throughout your whole vacation. I am wondering how long you are going? Even if you are only going for 2 days I would spend them both, in the MK. There is so much to see and do there you really want to let yourselves soak in all of the pretty sights and magic that lay all along the way between the better known attractions. Where your daughter is 4, I would recommend visiting Dumbo behind the castle when you first enter the park. This line moves slowly and becomes very congested as the day goes along. Ride once and maybe even again. You will have a nice view of the Castle from this ride. Your daughter is sure to love everything she sees in Fantasyland you might want to start there and work some other FastPass rides in along the way, like Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. I would recommend taking in Story Time with Belle next to the Castle somewhere during the day. Pick up a "Times Guide" on your way in to the park for her show times. I would also be sure to see the 3:00 parade, you can see the parade route marked on the park maps. After a busy day there is nothing nicer than having a yummy sit down meal with the characters. Consider booking a character meal, call 1-407-wdw-dine for reservations. Crystal Palace (Pooh and Friends), Liberty Tree Tavern (Minnie and Friends), Cinderella Castle (the characters visit tables during breakfast and lunch), and there are several more options for nearby character dining. I wonder if you have more questions. I will check this thread later.

I hope you have a great trip!!

 

[Zoetmom]

Thank you for posting! With the size of this board, I was unsure if my post would even be seen. We will be in Orlando November 1-8. We actually were given a gift of a week stay in a timeshare condo off grounds, close to the park. They have a shuttle service to the park, so they say. We were also given a gift of free passes to Sea World (which we will visit for one day during our stay). If not for the gifts, we would likely not make it to WDW for another few years as there is no way we could afford a vacation.

I have been to WDW a few times as a child and Epcot as an adult (but many years ago). So I am very excited to go with my family! ...and to be there ON my daughter's 4th birthday will be so magical!!!! Her birthday is Nov. 6 and I have already made reservations for the Royal Table dinner with Cinderella. I still need to order the cake, but there is time for that. I am so excited, I can harldy contain myself. I have a feeling this will be a very emotional trip ...for me.

I am here to explore tips and suggestions for our trip as we still don't know how we will get to Orlando - fly or drive. I bought a double stroller so we have something to transport all our goodies while we're in the park, and to support a sleepy/worn out little girl, if needed. I have so many questions, I just dont' know where to start.

 

[magicaldisney]

 

[I believe]

Thank you for posting! With the size of this board, I was unsure if my post would even be seen. We will be in Orlando November 1-8. We actually were given a gift of a week stay in a timeshare condo off grounds, close to the park. They have a shuttle service to the park, so they say. We were also given a gift of free passes to Sea World (which we will visit for one day during our stay). If not for the gifts, we would likely not make it to WDW for another few years as there is no way we could afford a vacation.

I have been to WDW a few times as a child and Epcot as an adult (but many years ago). So I am very excited to go with my family! ...and to be there ON my daughter's 4th birthday will be so magical!!!! Her birthday is Nov. 6 and I have already made reservations for the Royal Table dinner with Cinderella. I still need to order the cake, but there is time for that. I am so excited, I can harldy contain myself. I have a feeling this will be a very emotional trip ...for me.

I am here to explore tips and suggestions for our trip as we still don't know how we will get to Orlando - fly or drive. I bought a double stroller so we have something to transport all our goodies while we're in the park, and to support a sleepy/worn out little girl, if needed. I have so many questions, I just dont' know where to start.

I just love first trips! My kids still look forward to every trip with that first trip excitement, me too. Did you know you can get your daughter a birthday button at Guest Services (City Hall in MK) at any of the parks. I would recommend picking up a button and having her wear it all day. It will bring extra smiles. You have a great idea of pre-ordering a cake. They do a wonderful job. I would be sure to also see the Castle Forecort shows. See your times guide for the daily show times. You might even want to consider making shirts for your party, or at least for your daughter. Something that says proudly Today is my 4th birthday. The cast members love to make the day for Disney guests. Put the message out that it is her special day however you can and give them the chance to make her day with extra smiles and attention. I love that you are so excited. I will keep checking in with the thread in case you have any other questions.

 

[jimmalru80]

Hello and welcome to the DIS!!!

 

[Zoetmom]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes! I am looking forward to learning a lot via this board! Thanks for all the tips!

 

[stopher1]

WELCOME!! Happy planning - hope it turns out great for you!!!

 

[Metro West]

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi and welcome!

There may be something here to help you: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1715551

 

[Maribell]

Have a wonderful trip in November. It is always wonderful to see Disney through the eyes of a child.

 

[2bagator]

Good tips for a first timer, thanks as I will need these when we go for the first time.

 

[lighttech]

WELCOME!!! We took my son for the first time last November. (He was almost 3) and had such a wonderful time. It is a whole new experience seeing WDW thru your child's eyes.

I haven't read all the tips you've gotten so far, but you've come to the right place. I found these boards during the planning of our trip, and couldn't believe how helpful they were.

Be sure to wander off the Welcome Forum to the other areas. Theme Park Attractions and Strategies will have some good day planning tips. The Disney for Families Forum is wonderful for all your kid related questions from the (most) kid friendly restaurants to stroller rentals to bathroom stops!

Try allearsnet.com too. Its not full of fun people like here, but I found their schedules of show times, etc. easier to understand than Disney's website. But, go ahead and sign up on Disney's official website too! They have full color maps you can print out there that are directed just at kids (lists all the rides that are for the little ones and show locations... also family restrooms, etc.)

November was a wonderful time to go. We really lucked out on weather, and the crowds were down. I'm not sure when they start their Holiday celebrations, we went mid-Nov-ish and were able to participate in MVMCP (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party) and see some of the holiday decorations which were phenomonal.

Either way, have a blast!!! Slow down and take in WDW thru your daughter's eyes. You many not hit all the rides and attractions you would have just "commando-ing" thru w/ adults only, but she'll notice things you never would have seen.

Have fun!!!