Another newbie planning a trip.... your input, please!

[Claudia1]

We are landing at MCO at 11am on 12/22 and have ressies at Portofino. I have already ordered our 5 days for the price of 2 tickets that will be picked up at the kiosk there. We leave the morning of 12/24 for WDW. We are a family of 5: 2 adults, 1 teen, a 10 yr old, and a 1 yr old. We love good rides of all types and are planning on using the room key perk of going to the front of the line quite often. We were there 5 years ago for just one day.

My questions (search is often down when I need answers.......!):
Do they have child-swap?
What is on your personal "not-to-miss" list?
Hints on touring?
What not to do?
What do you want all newbies to know?

Can't wait to get there!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Check out my vacation planning guide. Not too much information is on there yet, but you may find some things helpful.

Flyfly's Vacation Planning Guide

The Vacation Planning Guide is part of my website with some various information on my (a teenager's) perspective.

They do have a baby swap for at least most of the rides. I know this to be true for MIB, Hulk, and Spiderman, at least.

My personal not to miss list:
US:
Extreme Ghostbusters Show (obviously)
Horror Makeup Show
Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue (if you like music from "I Will Survive" to "One Wild Night")
Men in Black
Shrek 4-D

IOA:
Hulk rollercoaster
Spiderman
Dueling Dragon rollercoasters

Easier to be able to say though...are the teenager and 10-year old male or female? makes all the difference for certain things. Females prefer the Ghostbusters Show over males (BUT, many guys like the show...but...are more likely NOT to than a female...).

HOWEVER, I forgot you were going in December. At least last year the Ghostbusters Show changed a little to be more "holiday" based. I think they are doing this again this year. Not sure, but most likely. I don't know what it's like yet...will see it for the first time on Thanksgiving and will defintiely give reviews.

If you have specific questions, let me know!

 

[h20jag]

Great time to be at WDW & UO!
After checking in at PBH, I'd recommend taking water taxi to hit USF. Grab a few park maps & guides, maybe see Shrek and other attractions near the entrance.
Then, 5 min. walk over to IOA to do same thing. In IOA, maybe go right to Seuss Landing for Grinchmas stuff.
You'll be able to formulate a really good plan with all the map & guide info (plus, all the reading you'll keep getting here!).

Lots of child swap places on virtually every ride there. And call PBH direct to get all there Christmas happenings too. I think it's (407) 503-1000.

Water taxi back to PBH at nite is one of the prettiest sights at night.
Have a grand time there!

 

[SpideyHulk24]

You are going to have such a good time. PBH is awesome and the parks can't be beat!!!!! Read up alot here, you will learn like crazy...and we are all willing to help out.

Don't know if you know, but during your dates, December right???....PBH will have nightly Christmas stories with Santa and the Grinch. You may want to check it out. It's free from what I hear and they have milk, cookies, etc.

 

[highlander447]

With FOTL u will not have to miss anything enjoy your Xmas

 

[Motherfletcher]

See if you can get the tickets sent to PBH. I had a little bit of a hassle (45 min.) getting the Halloween tickets at the park.
You will want to go to the Grinch storytelling at PBH, Macy's Parade and Whoville (all seasonal). You do not need a touring plan with FOTL. I'll be there the 19th to 24th with 15 y.o. and 10 y.o. if you have any more questions.