1st time for everyone :)

[lv0214]

Hey everyone!

My husband and I are taking our daughter (5) in August of this year. We are so excited because it will be the first time for all us!

So far we know we are doing All Star Movies for 7 days/6 nights myw park tickets with no dining plan.

I'm undecided on the dining plan?? We'll probably just wing it but I'm worried it will get expensive. We're not big on doing sit down dinners cause the DD eats so slowly (really, she takes 45 minutes to eat a sandwich) and she's very picky!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

That's probably a good choice then not to do DDP. Because it's your first time you might not want to be tied to any kind of schedule. Just wing the meals and plan everything else. I'm sure you will get LOTS of advance!! I think the most important is to get to the parks early and leave midday for a swim and rest at resort. Come back for dinner and nightime activities. This was the BEST advice ever gotten and do it every trip! It works great. It really rejuvinates you and no one gets to cranky.

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi and welcome!!!

A few suggestions:
1. You may want to load up a debit card with money specifically for food. That way it won't feel as though you're dipping into your wallet for food every 10 minutes. Or consider the Quick Service plan.

2. I WOULD suggest one or two character meals:
a) The Princess breakfast at Aukerhaus in Norway (Epcot.) It's standard breakfast food, from bagels and pastries to eggs and bacon. But FIVE princesses go table to table for autographs and pictures!!! My younger daughter wore her princess costume-- I forget which one--and was in absolute heaven.
b) Dinner with Cinderella and the Step Family at 1900 Park Fair. The stepfamily is a total hoot!!! The stepsisters argued about who was prettier-- it was so much fun!! The food is a buffet, including mac and cheese, nuggets, pizza etc. AGain, bring autograph books!
c) Chef Mickey's-- another food buffet with lots of kid favorites. Mickey and the crew put on a show and go table to table for photos and autographs.

3. On the family forum here, sign up for a Fairy Godmother. Someone who is heading to WDW before you go will send your daughter from Disney, anticipating her arrival. You, in turn, volunteer to do the same for someone else when you go.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2440121&page=46

4. Hit amazon.com and get some Misty Mate personal misters. They're GREAT for combatting the humidity, need no batteries, and are a bargain.

5. Hit Walmart or the dollar store, and stock up on disposable $1 rain ponchos. They're much cheaper than the ones in the park. Likewise,get some of the glow necklaces and bracelets... it's a lot easier to spot your daughter in the dark.

6. Learn how to use fastpass.

7. Read up on photopass and take advantage.

8. Read a LOT here; you'll be amazed at all you can learn!

 

[Metro West]

 

[lv0214]

Thanks for the tips and the welcome! Talked to the husband and I think we're gonna try and do chef mickeys and the princess breakfast. She usually eats more at breakfast so this sounds great. The fast pass is confusing but I'm gonna dedicate some time soon to learning it!