DF's First WDW Trip with Kids - any tips?

[Pea-n-Me]

She is going with her DH, DS8 and DD4 and it is the kids first time there. (DF was last at WDW in 1980). They are going in early December and staying 4 nights at the Marriott Grand Vista (got a great deal and doesn't mind taking tour) but in the future may consider either SOG or S/D since she can get a goverment worker discount.

Anyone have any kind tips for them?

When to get to parks?
Would kids enjoy Epcot? MGM?
How to dress that time of year?
They will get two adult tickets for taking time share tour - which parks? (They may want to visit Sea World).
Other thoughts on buying tickets? AAA 4D PHs? (Not sure if they want to go to water parks).
Staying at MK one full day vs going more than one morning and leaving early.
SOG vs S/D?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Sydnoahmom]

During December, tell them to be cafeful about MK because of MVMCP. I know it's for sure on Sunday's, Tueday's, & Friday's but not sure about any other days. On those days, the park closes at 6:00 and there won't be a showing of Spectromagic and WISHES (IMO, not to be missed). That time of year, I think they should just spend the entire day at MK. It shouldn't be that crowded, so they should almost get everything in as long as they get there at opening, but avoid an EMH day(Sunday & Thursday). We went last year on a Monday (11/30) and had a great day. We would have seen more but were with a group of 17 which slowed us down a bit. Hopefully the December hours should be out the first part of October.

As for weather, you just never know. I prefer shorts unless it's freezing out and then wear a t-shirt, sweatshirt and maybe bring a jacket. We've also been in January when it's been almost 90 degrees. My kids always wear those pants that zip off into shorts. Great for early am's and cool evenings and easy to store in a back pack or fanny pack.

Have them give each kid a cheap fanny pack to wear and fill with small snacks. Saves on $$$ and also helps when waiting in line or not near a food stand. I also give may kids a few Disney $$$ that they can spend on anything they want. It's never more than $5(depending on age) at a time in case they lose them when getting a snack out.

My kids loved MGM (at the time DS4 and DD7) We haven't been to EPCOT with them since 2001, so I can't say about that. And we love AK. I would suggest park hoppers in case the kids don't like EPCOT and for AK, if they don't like the rides you'll have time for another park.

I would have them stop on Disney property(or download them, sorry don't know where) to get the park maps in advance to familiarize themselves and get some sort of game plan.

Hope it helps!!!