1st time @ DWorld - need help

[txaggie]

My husband, 4 year old daughter and I are going to DW for the first time 7/12-7/16. We're staying at the Pop Century hotel and have 4 day park hopper passes. I know this is asking a lot, but will someone please make recommendations on which parks to go to which day and which attractions/rides would best suit a 4 year old little girl? We are planning on taking a break in the afternoon to go back to the hotel to rest & swim. Also, we have character breakfast reservations at Chef Mickey's on Wed (7/14) at 11:30am. And, do you think I should get a stroller for our 4 year old? We've gotten our Brita water bottles and our worn-in Teva sandals. I'm NOT looking forward to the hot weather...that's for sure.

Thanks!

 

[trracers]

Obviously she will LOVE the MK!! Plus MGM has lots of shows that she will like. My DD likes the Animal Kingdom too, just to see all the different animals. It is probably my fault, but she isn't much on Epcot (but neither am I ).

We have always rented a stroller even if she didn't use it the whole time. Seems like we use it more for a cart to carry around all of our CRUD instead of lugging it around, rather than a place for her to ride!!

She will love FantasyLand for sure and probably Buzz Lightyear. My daughter has the Disney for Kids by Kids and we read it together and if you do that, she will probably tell you what she wants to see

Have a great trip!

 

[Laz]

Welcome to the Dis! you came to the right forum for answers

Our first trip to WDW was when our DD was 4, so I know where your coming from.

With a 4 year old, your biggest enemy will be fatique (for all of you), so a break away from the parks will be great! As far as a stroller, IMHO it is plus/minus. Its great when the child gets tired and decides to take a nap, and with a top it keeps the sun/rain off the child. Park it early just behind the rope for parades and you can stand right behind it for an unobstructed view for all. Parking it and lugging onto buses can be a real pain and it is hard to move it around in the crowds. I ended up carrying my DD on my shoulders for most of the vacation.

You all will LOVE Chef Mickey's! Get an autograph book and take you camera!

Personal mist fans can help with the heat--esp. for DD!

Things to Do!

MK: Anything in Toon Town and Fantasyland. Big hint: Go to EE and make a beeline right for Dumbo! The lines and heat for the rest of the day can make it almost impossible. A majority of the rides are kid friendly everywhere.

EPCOT: You might consider staying away from: Mission Space, Body wars, Honey I shrunk the audience (That one got DD screaming her head off when the mice ran by her feet).

MGM: You might keep DD away from: Tower of Terror, R N Roller Coaster, and Star Wars. Make sure you see the Muppets and Fantasmic!

AK: You would probably want to avoid Dinasour (sp?). Great shows for kids in this park. Go early to The Lion King show, get your DD in the front and they may choose her to be in part of the show!

Don't forget you can use Kid Swap so you can enjoy the rides that you DD can't or won't ride. Good Luck and have fun!

 

[Missy1961]

1. Get a stroller. You'll be glad you did.
2. MK is awesome for that age. Go to FantasyLand first. I recommended Fast Pass for any ride that has a wait more than 15 minutes. If you get there early enough, you might be able to get on a few rides before they get to busy. I hate Dumbo and the wait is all out in the sun. But kids love it., so you might want to do that first. Then Fast Pass Peter Pan, watch Philamagic.
3. If you do Animal Kingdom, do it in the morning. It's a hot park, without too much shade. Besides, the animals won't come out in the heat.
4. Some kids do like Epcot. If you do it, make sure you do the Kidcot (I think that's what they're called) craft stations in each country.
5. MGM's shows are nice, but I don't think the rides work for little cards. I think I'd do Epcot before I did MGM with kids.

 

[emmabelle]

Hello, this is my first post in the Disney World section. I have gone to Disney in July in "00, '02, '03, so I have a little experience with it. I would definately do the extra magic hour for MK, it will be on the Thursday of the time period you are there. They open some attractions an hour early for resort guests, including Fantasyland, it is so worth it. You'll be able to get on all the Fantasyland rides with waits of 10-15 minutes. You won't be disappointed. The parks get so crowded in the afternoon in July so an afternoon break will be awesome. Take it slow and you'll be fine.