1st Time AT WDW with Children- Suggestions

[RJ Cumpata]

The DW and I have been to WDW many times, but this will be the 1st time with children.
We have DD-2 and DS- 1.5.

We are staying at POR or WL.
Planning on going to AK and MK- also considering Blizzard Beach if weather allows.
What are some good things to do with them at WDW?
Is the little kids section of Blizzard Beach good for children this age?

 

[disneygoof]

I recommend familiarizing yourselves with the Baby Centers early. They're clean, air-conditioned areas to feed and change the bambinos. They sell diapers, formula, and even pacifiers--lose your last one and you'll know how important this is!

I also recommend going early to MK so you can get all those Fantasyland rides in without major wait times. Dumbo doesn't have FP and can run in the 1-2 hour range all day long.

Have fun!

 

[dzneelvr]

Don't bother with any of the water parks with kids your ages. They will have just as much fun at the resort pool areas and you won't have to pay extra, nor pack all the "stuff" that is required for a day off site.

As a veteran traveling family at WDW, I would recommend:

Keep it simple. Don't make PSs for early morning if you kids are late sleepers. Don't OVERDO--there will always be other trips and as your children grow, you will add things and let things go.

Enjoy your resort and all it has to offer. You don't have to hurry and get to the Park to enjoy WDW. Take time to eat a good breakfast, use the pool, shop in the gift shop, etc.
Use fastpasses. That way, you know you will get on the attraction, and it allows you to walk around the park and catch some shows while waiting. Your kids will like the Country Bears Jamboree and the Tiki Room at MK.
Come armed with PSs for the special meals. You do not want to leave your mealtime to chance with small children.
This is my rule: do sit down meals .vs. counter service. If you price out the items, you'll find there's very little difference between eating off of china and having a linen napkin inside served than grabbing 3 seperate items off a cart and trying to slam them down while sitting on a curb! Okay, this may be a pet-peeve of mine, but I NEED to have some comfort and eating on the run something dripping off a stick just doesn't do it for me. Your kids will probably share one kids meal and you and DH can share an entree and an appetizer for a nice selection. My "kids" are now 15 and 17 and they wouldn't do it any other way.
Truly, it pays to enjoy your mealtimes.

Most of all, don't force the same schedule at WDW as you would at home. the kids will sleep when they're tired and eat when they are hungry. There is so much to look at and absorb that they may have more stamina the first few days than you think.

Have a wonderful time. It is our favorite family vacation spot!!

 

[K & D Mickey]

Our experience when it comes to eating...
Character meals on a trial bases.. 1st year at age 1 he loved character.
Last year planned one for almost everyday - 2 years old -- hated characters
cried through the 1st days of PS meals - decided on Peco bills - resort food court, etc - for chicken nuggets / ff/ mac/chees... You can even order a adult meal/ appetizer and child meal for yourself.... I did that alot at food court or sit down meals.... got one Big meal - salad or some side and a child meal and split it all between us 3.... cheaper but can sit down and relax.

RIdes - bring a 'small book light' that don't shine in other people to distrube but we put on and hold down by the seat so not complete dark like in
Pirates, Space Earth, Figment , etc....

go with the flow - don't have a 'down to the second' plan --- take naps when they seem tired even if 11Am and then don't get to parks till later in afternoon which has happen.... but now with the evening hours for resort guests be great... I let our child wake up naturally.... if up at 7 get a buffet for breakfastal --call for PS if possible even that morning --- If wake up at 9 --- grab something at food court and get a lunch around 11............or pop tart that we have in hotel.... and eat early lunch after a couple rides....

Grab fast past like on winnie the pooh...... we stood in line for over 45 minutes for a 2 minute ride --- he loved it == but never again - FP for us...
We did have trouble that in the baby centers - they have a toy room --- we had trouble leaving there from playing and sometimes through a fit... so this year not planning to do them - just for that reason.... YEs not quite potty trained - just turned 3 in dec... but after DISNEY a MUST!!!

Have a magical time -- ENJOY the smiles/ we have alot on video of his 3 times at Disney the last 3 years and he loves to watch them now..........
:jumping4:

 

[henrylovespooh]

We went to Disney in 2003 with a 2 year old and 11 month old. We had a great time!

First, I shipped a box to our room ahead of time with diapers, wipes, snacks and breakfast things like cereal bars. We also used Tiffany Town Car and did a grocery store stop on the way to our room from the airport. I bought a case of bottled water, milk, bananas, yogurt and peanut butter. We ate breakfast in our room most mornings and got an early start on the mornings we went to MK. I think it is essential to get to MK as early as possible on the days you go. Go straight to Fantasyland and get the kiddie rides in -- ride Dumbo, Peter Pan or Pooh first (I don't like to waste a Fastpass on Pooh if I can get there early). Then you can take the rest of the day at a leisurely pace and do what you want. I like the character lunch at Crystal Palace because if we have a late lunch there, if the kids are tired we can head back to the room afterward for a break.

I would skip Blizzard Beach for kids this age. The resort pools will be just as good for them and cheaper for you. We stayed at WL and liked the pool there. Our kids also liked the beach area and playground.

We go to AK early in the morning and do the Safari, take the train to the petting zoo, and walk around and see the animals. Our kids did not like to sit through the Festival of the Lion King show. It was hot and they didn't want to be there. They did enjoy seeing the characters in AK - the bears are really funny, and my son has a great picture with Mickey in safari clothes. This year we're going in October and we're going to take them to the Dinoland playground. This year I want to see the parade too. My kids did not like "It's a Bug's Life" when they were younger because it was loud and a bit scary. Something to keep in mind.

If you do decide to go to EPCOT, my son loved watching the miniature trains in the world showcase. He also liked making a mask at the Kid spots in the pavillions. If you like taking your kids pictures with characters, EPCOT is a great place to do it because there aren't as many kids there.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I would skip Blizzard beach for a few years and spend more time at the resort pool. I would suggest getting an early start (especially at MK to do Fantasyland) and then taking an afternoon nap/swim break before heading back to the parks at night. If the kids aren't afraid of characters do the character meals (kids under 3 are free)! Don't worry about trying to see everything, relax, and enjoy the special things with your kids that you never even planned on. Have a magical time.

 

[Mr Poohbrain]

We took our DS back in Sept, right before he turned two. He loved it - but it's the things that you DON'T expect that they always end up loving. For example:

The water area at Downtown Disney
Elevator Buttons (don't ask me why. Apparently, every toddler is THRILLED by these).
Water fountains (the ones you drink out of, as well as the ones that splash water at you)
Buses, Monorail
The lawnmower next to the bus station at our hotel.

Yes, just like most of you, I spent hours planning this maga-$$ trip, only to find that it was the free things that really made his day.

Still, we all had the time of our lives.

One suggestion - get the Disney SingAlong video that has the live charecters in it (it was filmed at Disneyland, in the late 80's/early 90's). It will help familiarize your little ones with the charecters.

Best of luck,

Mrs. PB

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I agree about the Disney Sing a long video. My kids watched it long before we knew we were going the first time and it helped them know what to expect.

 

[jxgriffi]

We leave in a little over a week. It will be our kids first trip to Disneyworld. They are DS7 and DD2. Fortunately for us, they have grown up at Disneyland so it will be even more entertaining seeing them with the "this looks familiar, but I can't quite place it" look I'm sure they'll get.

My daughter is a princess nut and wants to see them all. Norway here we come....

My son wants to go on Star Tours (even though it's the same here in CA).

We are letting them take everything at their pace and do what they want. My wife and I have been multiple times so it's completely about them. Petting zoo at Fort Wilderness, lots of monorail trips...they can't wait.

Most important...don't push them too hard. Let them take over and experience it through their eyes. It was an eye opener to do this at Disneyland with them after many years of being there without "child" eyes.

Have fun!!!!

 

[Amirah95]

Just make sure they get to take a cute picture with Mickey Mouse!