gbrogers said:
To stay on a familiar theme, go at your kids pace. And don't just concentrate on the rides. Disney's live shows and character interaction are great. Things like Belle's Storytime just add to the magic (Our DD5 and DD2.5 at the time got to be on stage with Belle).
Know your kids. In our family, our kids are night owls just like us. So they have little problems hitting the parks late. We don't always get to the parks at rope drop in the morning though. If your kids are morning kids, then go at their best time. If they are the type who NEED their sleep, make sure they get it. If they are like our family, who kind of get wired at WDW, then they would be upset to have a forced nap when they aren't tired. Still, we do plan some down time into our trips, and even a bus ride back to the room for a pool break - is quiet time without a fight. Pool time also means different things to different kids, ours sometimes take a break at the pool - while others continuously swim laps.
Some people might disagree with me, but opting for lunch at a resort (Like going to WL) and taking some time to sit in the beautiful lobby before or after your ADR can also be a stress free way to get some quiet time. You can even hunt for hidden Mickey's or watch a few cartoons (many lobbies have tv's with cartoons)
Although eating dinner at 4 might not appeal to you now, eating lunch at 11:30am is a great idea - especially if you dine at a place like the food court at the Land in Epcot. If you eat lunch at EXACTLY noon or 13:30 - expect the LONGest lines and crowds. Early October isn't a super crowded time to go, so the crowds probably won't be THAT bad, but eating slightly off schedule will maximize your valuable time.
I guessing that your kids will need break times, and that you won't go from gate open to gate close every day....bearing that in mind - the number of hours your kids are at their peak will be limited - do you want to spend those limited hours waiting in line for food - or do you want to spend that critical hour (12 to 1) taking advantage of short line rides? By eating at slightly off times, you can be at the attractions while everyone on else is eating. Similarly, parade time is a good time to be on rides. The little ones might enjoy the parade, but the adults might get more out of the shorter ride lines.
Baby swap! Learn how this system works. With three little ones, you'll probably not want to spend TOO much time on the big thrill rides, but allowing yourself a few luxuries will be very worth while. The adults could also take turns staying in the park (maybe) during afternoon nap time.
With three kids that young - it is a great age to take them!!!!! - but you'll want a good stroller (Or a double stroller and a single, most likely). We like to bring our own. Lightweight is good, but you want to make certain it has certain features. Full recline is important, so is a sun shade, and a storage pouch. One-handed foldup is also a big plus. I know some DIS-ers will disagree with me, but the kids in our family sometimes nap best in their comfy stroller. The rocking movement helps them to sleep well. I wouldn't want to make a kid nap in one of those hard plastic rental strollers, but a comfy fabric with full recline is fine.
Make sure everyone gets plenty of WATER. Dehydrated kids don't feel well. It sneaks up on kids. Bottled water (Buy some with squirt tops so the little ones can drink too) is a lifesaver, but buy it before you go to the parks. MUCH better to drink lots of water than all soda or juice! Encourage them to drink frequently between rides. Maybe try to get the kids used to drinking water before you go. You can also save lots of money by drinking water with your meals in restaurants, and saving the other drinks for off times.
Your kids, maybe not the youngest, but the two older ones - will probably get a huge kick out of an autograph book. They could be scared of some characters, so the human type characters are the best ones to start with. You mention CRT - a good choice. I've never been to Coral reef, but from waht I've read, it might not be the best choice anyhow. We actually enjoy eating 'around the world showcase' for one of our dinner meals. The food court at the Land is excellent too - WAY beyond anything you'll ever see in a mall (at least quality wise). By having open plans for meals, you'll have greater flexibility for when you want to eat. You won't have to plan your entire day around meal times. (Though I think you did a good job picking your ADR's, and having some nice sit down meals is also a wise choice.)
Boma's always been a top choice in our family, but I guess not everyone loves it like we do. We love walking around AKL before and after dinner, too.
From Epcot or MGM, you could try eating at the Boardwalk, BC, YC, Swan or Dolphin. They offer quiet retreats from the park that are close.
With the little ones, and unpredictable nap times - eating outside of the parks one evening might be a good option for your family, too. I'm not sure what there is for options at your resort, but there are a number of offsite eateries that are good too, and you won't need an ADR to get in.
When packing, putting complete outfits in ziploc bags (or two related outfits together) is smart. It will help you get out quickly in the am. If you've got a second coordinated outfit in the same bag, you can bring it with you maybe. That way, if chocolate gets spilled on a shirt, or there's a leaky diaper, you'll be able to do a quick change for the soiled part of the outfit in a pinch, while still in the park (or maybe a trip to the car) - and everything will still match.
