Daughter's first trip, tips?

[Sandi]

My DD never had a problem getting up early so we could make rope drop and get lots done in the morning. But we ALWAYS take breaks in the afternoon for a real nap. When DD was little, everyone would nap in the afternoon and we'd all be much happier people. Also, if one of your DD's most favorite things to do is swim in the hotel pool, that is just as magical as anything else. Enjoy what she enjoys.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I agree with majority to keep your plans simple and flexible as possible. The trouble with many options at WDW is that they = time constraints. How long it takes to GET to the meal at the SPECIFIC time you are required to be there is the problem. Instead of BBB, our extended family prefers bringing costumes, but ONLY AT the character meal (w/sneakers + outfit under it). Just as much fun for the 4 year old, but much easier!!!! Actually being one of few kids NOT in a costume at princess meals can be hard. Costume can be simple hair clips, themed shirt, or costume gloves. One or two character meals all week is plenty.

A few dollar store trinkets are fun, but simple = good. Autograph books help with learning letters! A great travel toy is a Doodle-Pro board: low $, and so many uses: numbers, drawings, + reminders.

Another fun for a child is drawing tip envelopes in the hotel. If you are staying onsite at either WDW or US, and even some offsite...strategically leaving a few small dolls/ figures or stuffed animals on the bed often =housekeeping fun. (simple but fun)

Kids in our extended family didn't NEED afternoon breaks every day (except summer), but sometimes napped in stroller or room. LIGHT+ easy fold were key in stroller + a junk basket and rain cover (a $.99cent poncho can work) Also MARK stroller: stickers, or Knotted ribbon. CM's always move strollers.

Agree, WDW can=over stimulation. not just kids, but also adults. This is another reason to keep expectations +plans simple. I've seen too many sad families over the years because a PARENT is having a meltdown! ("I paid for this, and YOU WILL enjoy it!")

Giving simple choice (food, rides, clothes) is super. Encouraging children to face fears = good, forcing them on rides they hate/eat foods they hate = bad. Fine line between the two. Also, WDW= the very best marketing in the world. I suggest making small allowances here and there.

But by far the best way to enjoy WDW with small kids is to allow them time to discover. Giving them a (free) paper map can be great! DO explore water fountains, gardens, resorts. Do pick up a free kidcot bear in the World Showcase and get it stamped in each country. CM's will also write names in different languages or draw little flags. (though we always said, "We'll color it later.") Another fun free option is asking a CM in each country how to say something like please and thank you. It isn't just the WS either. WDW has multi-lingual CM's in over WDW and hotels. The only parade we ever see is the night parade in MK, and if we happen to be in a spot to see it, the water parade on the MK lagoon. both have amazing lights.

 

[TravelingTotMom]

One of our favorite things on our son's first trip was getting his first Mickey Ears hat with his name on it. We got it right before going to visit Talking Mickey in Town Square on Main Street.

Also, if your daughter needs to get some energy out and run around, visit places like Tom Sawyers Island in the MK or the Boneyard playground in AK.

It's not Donald, but if your daughter likes Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, there is a great meeting spot tucked away in the back of the UK pavilion at Epcot. Last May we went later in the evening, and we were the only people in the room.

 

[Sandi]

I just remembered that I always brought an extra set of clothes for DD in my backpack (and a gallon zip lock bag) so she could go through the water feature at Epcot with abandon. I'd dry her off with a hand towel and get her dressed in dry clothes. She was much more comfortable that way. There is a water feature at MK, too, but that was well after. She is going to be 21 next month!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I just remembered that I always brought an extra set of clothes for DD in my backpack (and a gallon zip lock bag) so she could go through the water feature at Epcot with abandon. I'd dry her off with a hand towel and get her dressed in dry clothes. She was much more comfortable that way. There is a water feature at MK, too, but that was well after. She is going to be 21 next month!

Sometimes the splash-park style water fountains are closed. (esp winter) We were surprised to see one open last month that we'd seen closed for years! If you can keep it compact, extra clothes can be great. In extreme weather, we all change.(usually at the room) Nights can be much cooler than afternoons. Epcot can be breezy. Food can also get spilled, and it is easy to sit in something. (And STILL I make the mistake of wearing white shorts!) It can also be great to change for nice dinners.

Oh, just about all WDW non-character TS give kids crayons. Most food courts have them as well.

Innoventions runs on multi-year contracts. recently they were making big changes, but that area typically has many fun things for kids to see. One used to give away free make-your-own plastic robots, and another kids could make paper. Both of those are gone, but it may be well worth looking.

A few attractions can be scary for kids at AK: It's Tough to be a Bug (mostly others scream at sight of some bugs+ LOUD) and DINOSAUR (strobe + dinos + LOUD). Most of WDW great for tykes. Though AK has few RIDES for little ones. Shows and animals, but not rides. CM's are great about explaining animals. We also love taking small kids to AKL. (Boma or Sanaa for dinner?) AK also sometimes has free activities for kids: kids can sometimes get a special activity map that they take around to get stamped. They learn something at each stop. AK doesn't always offer them though.

 

[JPKnapp]

Tips for those traveling with kids under 5.

1. Dont try and do too much. Give it time to sink in and make the memory last. Rushing from ride to character to show to character will mash all the memories together.
2. Keep the eating schedule. Hangry toddler = stress
3. Bring snacks and disposable sippy cups (no worries if they are dropped)
4. Hit restrooms whenever possible. Nothing worse than leaving the Anna/Elsa line 45 min into a 50 min wait because "I cant hold it"
5. Don't plan on naps in the stroller even if they are used to taking them at home. My 4 year old was dead tired but wouldnt fall asleep. When I finally just asked her why she wouldn't take a nap in the stroller. She said "because I'm having so much fun and I dont want to miss anything".
5a. I like to ride the Epcot monorail with kids in stroller for a mid-park nap time.

 

[mzsarah10]

We took my oldest when she turned 4. I planned it out for a year. Her and my favorite moments were those that just happened. We got on the tea cups and rode with Alice. We were in the UK and spent 20 minutes alone bouncing with Tigger. We celebrated her birthday at every meal. I am so glad that everyone on this board told us to slow down. It was a great first trip.

 

[andiraye]

I agree with all the PP's that you don't need to do anything extra to create magic. 4 is an amazing age to be at WDW, especially MK. That being said, here are a few tips that made visiting at that age work well for my 4yo son.

1) Use a stroller
2) pack snacks, water and a change of clothes
3) be sure to build some rest time in, either whole days off or midday breaks
4) plan to spend lots of time in MK
5) start in fantasyland. It gets you in the spirit and also will let you see how your DD does on rides

For extra fun, consider tinkerbell gifts, which were just fun for me to put together and fun for my kids to receive. Also consider bippity boppity boo for your daughter, but even if you don't do it, bring a princess costume so she has the pleasure of meeting a princess while being one.