Advice for first visit

[banderboo]

I will be bringing my grandson to Disney for his 5th Birthday in December. It will be his first visit. Its been many many years since I've been to Disney with little ones so I need advice on rides, things to do/not do to make his birthday visit extra special?

We are staying at the Contemporary and plan to go back to the room for naps. I've booked MVMCP and 2 character breakfasts with his favorite characters (hopefully this will be enough to avoid standing in meet and greet lines). What else do I need?

 

[Quellman]

Sounds like you are off to a great start. At check in make sure he gets a birthday button. You might want to confirm his height before your trip so you don't try getting on an attraction only to find out he won't ride it. Take snacks and water into the park. Have him help plan the things he wants to see and do. Maybe order the trip planning DVD. If a ride looks iffy look at videos of it online to see if it is something he would still like to do. Don't discount the indiana jones or the lights motors action stunt shows.

 

[MataHari22]

When you book, mention that it's your grandson's birthday. (They have always asked me if I was celebrating something.) This can lead to a little extra pixie dust. I have gotten birthday cards and a Happy Birthday call from Mickey, free desserts, and lots of good wishes. They may give you an It's My Birthday button at check in, or you can get one when you go to the parks, for free. When he wears it he will get many HB wishes from CM and guests. You can get buttons at:

• Magic Kingdom – City Hall on Main Street
• Epcot – Guest Services
• Hollywood Studios – Guest Services
• Animal Kingdom – Guest Services
• Downtown Disney – Guest Relations

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

My only advice is to go before the crowds arrive.

 

[lovndisney12]

Great suggestions from PP. Stitch's Great Escape is very dark and can scare kids - so unless this is something he really wants to do - I would pass (and it isn't great anyways). Also, my boys loved to just spend time on Tom Sawyer's Island - so if your Grandson is that type of kid - make sure to not rush through it and just let him "play" around the fort and caves.

Sounds like you will have a great trip! What a special gift.

 

[henry lutz]

What a great thing to do. Keep checking this great place. Also easywdw. And others. With his age ..let him go have fun..remember some things are scary for lil kids. Pirate training ?....

 

[williamscm3]

We took my son for his 5th birthday last November...
1) you could get a birthday cake delivered to one of your meals? We ate at Chef Mickeys on his birthday and had a cake delivered there...that was a lot of fun! I recommend the Disney Cake Chatter thread for all the tips and questions you may have pertaining to ordering cakes at Disney.
2) you could take him on the Pirates and Pals fireworks cruise? That was a lot of fun and it leaves from the Contemporary so that would be super convenient for you.
3) pirates league at magic kingdom? My son loved that.
4) if he likes rides like my 5 year old, MVMCP will be a great opportunity for you to ride lots of rides with minimal waits.
5) you could try a dessert party at Magic kingdom...we really enjoyed that too on our last visit.
Hope these help! Hope you have a great trip!

 

[DisneyCAL]

I agree with lovndisney12, Tom Sawyer Island is great for that age! If you do AK he will probably like the Boneyard too. Our kids spent over an hour in that playscape, had to pry them away with the promise of ice cream. He might like A Pirate's Adventure in MK or the Pirate Adventure Cruises at Grand Floridian.

 

[banderboo]

Thanks everyone, these are great suggestions and will help alot......Question about the Pirate Adventure cruises. From what I read it's for the kids only (no adults allowed) I think he'd really like it but sometimes in new situations he doesn't do well with going off on his own. Will the cast members do a good job of coaxing the shy, timid kids onboard and encourge them to get involved?

 

[DisneyCAL]

How does he do when being left at a daycare or school? The CM's for these activities are amazing and are meant to handle situations as its ages 4-12 and its a small group around 8 kids so I don't think it would be "overbearing" for a lack of words. You could always call the reservations line and have any other questions answered. Hope this helps.

 

[banderboo]

"How does he do when being left at a daycare or school? He doesn't go to daycare but on his first day of preschool he was pretty reluctant to stay at first. His teacher was great and allowed parents to stay until they were ready to start "class". Once he was engaged in activities he was fine and looked forward to going every day.

 

[g-dad66]

Our grandsons have always enjoyed the play areas, so I agree with the Tom Sawyer's Island and Boneyard suggestions. Also Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area at Hollywood Studios, and even the play area at the exit of Mission Space in Epcot (you don't have to do Mission Space to access the play area, you can enter from the Exit through the gift shop). I hadn't planned on the Mission Space play area at all, but three grandsons surprised me by spending over an hour scampering around in the play structure there.

You never know quite what kids are going to enjoy the most. Two of our grandsons like nothing better than trying to catch the tiny lizards that are everywhere, and swimming at the resort pool is probably the highlight of their day. (I always think, "We could just stay home if what they want to do is swim" but then I realize it's a much-needed break from a high-crowd whirlwind touring schedule on a very warm Florida day.)

 

[banderboo]

Thanks...I hadn't given much thought to stopping at any of the play areas. I'll have to check them out and allow for some additional play time while we're at the parks.