Any Recommendations?

[slapwhitey]

I'm going down in April with my best friends family who has never been. I've been a half dozen times and pretty much know what's what. This will, however, be my first time with younger children (9, 11). They're pretty much happy with myself doing all the planning but I'm trying to find something special that will be a lasting memory for years to come. Could someone please help me out as to what I can plan for the whole family. I'd really appreciate it. Thank you.

 

[MECH8T7]

If you don't mind killing a couple hours at the MK, how about the Family Magic Tour at the MK? It starts at 10:00 am and, if you're on-site, you can do it on an early entry morning (Friday) and get a few rides in before the tour starts. It costs $25 per person. You can do a search on the Parks board for some reviews on the tour.

 

[hockey mom]

To be honest I don't think you need to plan anything extra to have a great lasting memory. Maybe a character meal. The water parks are a huge hit with kids that age, especially swimming with the sharks at TL. They are going to have a blast just doing all Disney has to offer.

Have a good time!

 

[PoohBWV]

I'm with Hockey Mom on this one. I think that just being at the parks is enough to thrill any kid. My own kids always loved the parks, but also really loved the hotels, especially the Boardwalk.

 

[calena]

Lots of pictures. My son, then 7, made his own photo album with pictures and clippings from the guides they give you at the park. He still loves to look at our scrapbook. I think the whole experience is so wonderful it is hard to isolate one event the kids liked the best. My daughter, now 10, just gave her speech on our trip to Disney World and it was interesting what she chose to highlight. My husband kept saying - what about this and that? I think just being there, and having the memories through pictures is the best.
I recommend Disney very highly.

 

[slapwhitey]

Thanks a bunch. You guys are right, if I was so overwhelmed that I keep going back, I can't imagine what it feels like to a first time child (I was 21 on my first trip during the 25th anniversary). I will try the waterparks, never been, and how often do you get to swim with sharks. Thanks again I appreciate the input.

 

[hockey mom]

If you have never been to the water parks you also are in for a nice treat. In April you are going to need them also, nice and hot. As for shark reef you can keep going through as many times as you like. The way it is set up is you pick up your mask and breathing thingy at one end of the pool then line up at the other end. They send about 8 people at a time and you have to swim straight to the other end. Once you get out if you want to line up and go through again you can. My kids usually go through about 3 times.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

I also think you should look into the Family Magic Tour. I did this with 4 Newbies a couple of years ago, and it was so much fun and really added to the MK experience for everyone. You should however, do it after they have visited MK once during your visit. This way they are not distracted at all the magic, but can find things they may want to revisit after the tour. What I did was not tell anyone what we were doing Just that we had to be at MK City Hall at 10am one morning for a surprise. We had a great time and finished with lunch at Cindy's castle. It was the best $$$ we spent on that trip.

Also, encourage them to bring pennies in a mini M&M's tube, and purchase a pressed penny book upon arrival. My kids always have fun collecting pressed pennies. Canadian pennies work fine, but you'll need 50 cents US for each. Pressed quarters are $1.25

Autographs are fun, but not sure 9 and 11 yr olds will be totally into it. Maybe you could purchase a white T-shirt from TDS or ball cap and have the characters sign them. That might be more fun since they are older. Just make sure you bring a "sharpie" permanent market. Remember, they cannot be wearing the shirt to be signed.

Also a fireworks cruise is also fun and gives you that feeling that you are viewing away from the crowds and special.

The comment from our Newbie was that they didn't realise there were so many "extra" things you can do besides the parks/rides, which is why I was glad we enhanced the experience with some of the other things you can do.