Advice? planning 1st trip to WDW

[JEWLSVERN]

We are planning our 1st trip in Feb 2010 for 7 days. DH, my mom, DD2, DS (currently 6 weeks) and I are going. We have a time share off site that we have already booked. We are driving down from VA.

Just wondering if you have any advice for someone who knows pretty much nothing about WDW. We do want to do some TS meals. DH loves buffets and DD is starting to love the characters. We are thinking about doing CRT.

What should I know, do, plan for this trip?

I grew up minutes from Disneyland and have been there over 100 times. So that is my only Disney experience.

 

[PigletsMommy]

Make ADRs for meals that you know you want. I believe sometime in October they are going back to 180 day window. Currently it is only 90 days.

Plan on taking breaks during the day, especially with little ones. If your kids are early birds then catch rope drop then leave late AM or early PM for some down time. Go back in the evening for the parades and fireworks.

When are you going? We are going Feb 8-12.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[Kitikat]

Hello Fellow Virginian
Read the Dis boards....plan everything...but be flexable...We took our first trip 3wks ago and loved it...We also drove down from Va...we either drove at night or had things for our kids to do..(mp3 players & DVD player)... Also the napping during the afternoon is so important....we did it and none of our kids nap anymore...it was more for me & DH to recharge....
I also recommed tour guide Mike & the Unofficial disney guide....I know there is plenty i'm forgetting...
We loved Disney so much we aregoing back for Christmas....

 

[JEWLSVERN]

Any suggestions for restaurants? We will have a 2 year old (one week from 3) and a 6 month old, plus 3 adults.

 

[indimom]

Someone else will have to help you with the name of the restaurant, but there is a "Play and Dine" meal in DHS (I think) with characters like Little Einsteins and such. I would think that would be a perfect character experience for a two year old if they watch any Disney Channel cartoons. Also Chef Mickeys at the Contemporary Resort is a lot of fun and you get to meet Mickey, Donald, Chip and Dale and Goofy. This is also a good excuse to take the kids for a ride on the monorail (which travels between MK and the Contemporary), most kids love this as much as the rides in the parks. Hope this helps. Sorry i couldn't remember the name of the first restaurant.

 

[diamondpixienc]

Crystal Palace is a dining exp w/ Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, & Friends in the MK would also be great for a 2 and 6 mo old.

 

[Metro West]

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

Someone else will have to help you with the name of the restaurant, but there is a "Play and Dine" meal in DHS (I think) with characters like Little Einsteins and such. I would think that would be a perfect character experience for a two year old if they watch any Disney Channel cartoons. Also Chef Mickeys at the Contemporary Resort is a lot of fun and you get to meet Mickey, Donald, Chip and Dale and Goofy. This is also a good excuse to take the kids for a ride on the monorail (which travels between MK and the Contemporary), most kids love this as much as the rides in the parks. Hope this helps. Sorry i couldn't remember the name of the first restaurant.

The name of the restaurant is "Hollywood & Vine" which is in DHS. I think that it is the only character meal in DHS, though they have some great theming.

All of the parks have some character dining and also some of the resorts. Grand Floridan has a character meal with Mary Poppins, the Poly has Lilo and Stitch, the Contemporary has Chef Mickey, Beach Club Resort has a breakfast with Goofy, Minnie and the gang. Just look at www.allearsnet.com for descriptions of the character meals and it will also give you a menu.

 

[Cherinva]

On this website, if you look on the left, you see menu items. Under Disney dining, they have menus there also with what characters. Do some research to see which ones you would like to eat at. I recommend Crystal Palace (MK), 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian), Chef Mickey's (Contemporary), O'Hana's (Poly) for breakfast, Cinderella Royal Table (a little costly, but worth it) and Liberty Tree Tavern (MK). There's a ton of information on these boards and I'm sure that any question you have, someone on here can answer it. Also, listen to the Pod Casts. They provide great information there also. Good Luck to you and enjoy your trip. You're kids will love it.

Edit: Another good idea is to order the DVD from the Disney Website. It's free and worth watching.