Disney with boys -- what are MUST DOs???

[jhnsnfamily]

A group of us (14) are traveling to Disney in June. The kids traveling with us are all boys -- 10, 9, 8, and 7 -- none of the kids have been there before. So, we need some advice on what are MUST DOs for our boys. They are obviously not into princesses, etc. Rides, pirates, Animal Kingdom, etc., suggestions would be GREAT and much appreciated. :

We want them to have a great time and we want to take advantage of all the things YOU think they will enjoy.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jx3smom]

In EPCOT Fast Track is a must. All my boy always loved miniture golf. Big Thunder Mountain in MK and Splash Mtn. The Indiana Jones show at MGM and Pizza Planet for games.

 

[Colinsmom]

My DS is only 5, but his tastes run older:

Epcot: Test Track, Soarin, Mission Space (over and over and over again)

MGM: Tower of Terror, Lights Motors Action Stunt Show, Rock n Roller Coaster

AK: Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl, Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari, Kali River Rapids

MK: Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Speedway, Buzz Lightyear, Jungle Cruise

I know that I'm forgetting stuff since I don't have a map in front of me at the moment! Basically, look for things with height limits or ride restrictions - they'll love that stuff!

Fireworks, too - hit as many of the fireworks shows as you can!

 

[Pixiedust34]

The above lists are pretty good, but add Star Tours to the MGM list.

My ds LOVES the Lego Store in Downtown Disney. You can build your own light sabers in Once Upon a Toy, too.

 

[jhnsnfamily]

Thanks for the quick response ...

I'm writing it all down in my "anal-retentive, crazy detail, planner queen" Disney trip binder. (surfin' when I should be workin')

Keep 'em comin'!

 

[Motherofboys]

As my name suggests - we have boys, lots of them!!

Magic Kingdom: Pirates, Buzz (shooting and keep scores, double bonus!!), Splash Mountain, BTMRR, Space Mountain, Speedway race cars, Stitch (they like the burping and noise), Philharmagic - those are the faves. They go on everything though and enjoy it.

Animal Kingdom - Safari, Expedition Everest (as many times as possible), Kali River, Dinosaur, Primevial Whirl, It's Tough To Be a Bug (wonder why?? Could it be the stink bugs?? )

The Lego store in DTD is a great suggestion, the boys love it there. I would also add Goofy's Candy Counter, RFC, and don't forget the allure of swimming!!

Hope you all have a great time!!

 

[pigletof4]

How about the pirate treasure hunt that they have. I think you catch the boat at Grand Floridian and they also provide a box lunch I think.

We haven't done this, but many on the board have.

 

[LJD2143]

My boys (ages 9, 6 and 6) ABSOLUTELY LOVE the sports store at the Downtown Disney Marketplace - Team Mickey Athletic Club.

We even got to watch as they engraved a personalized Rawlings bat with my 9 year-old's name and the year of our trip. As an avid baseball player and fan, we know that this souvenir from Disney World will be one he will have and cherish for the rest of his life!

 

[LoriMomx5]

If you are there during the Star Wars Weekends my boys loved that. It is at Disney Studios on weekends in June this year.

 

[jhnsnfamily]

LoriMomx5 -- How do I know when Star Wars weeks are? We are going June 7 - 14th, 2008 ...

Pigletof4 -- If we are staying off-site (Windsor Hills/6 br house), can we still do the Pirate Treasure Hunt at Grand Floridian?

Motherofboys -- Windsor Hills has a great resort pool/slide, but we are also planning on doing one of the Disney waterparks -- have you been? If so, which do you think boys would prefer? Also, we do plan on going to the Lego store and the candy store ... I've also heard a lot about the Ghiradelli store ... good for PMSing moms????

 

[Disney1976]

Star Wars Weekends this year are scheduled for June 6-29th, and take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

If you are going to go on any of those days, and wish to get autographs of actors or are considering purchasing any of the limited edition memorabilia, considering getting there early, like 5 or 6 am. No, that's not a typo. SWW are a HUGE draw and the lines to meet actors and buy merchandise are very long. Special parades and other events are less crowded, though the whole area where the Star Tours ride is will be crowded.

 

[SilverMickey]

Great list!

My DS is only 5, but his tastes run older:

Epcot: Test Track, Soarin, Mission Space (over and over and over again)

MGM: Tower of Terror, Lights Motors Action Stunt Show, Rock n Roller Coaster

AK: Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl, Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari, Kali River Rapids

MK: Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Speedway, Buzz Lightyear, Jungle Cruise

I know that I'm forgetting stuff since I don't have a map in front of me at the moment! Basically, look for things with height limits or ride restrictions - they'll love that stuff!

Fireworks, too - hit as many of the fireworks shows as you can!

 

[LoriMomx5]

Thank you Disney1976 for your response on the dates for the Star Wars Weekends. I could not recall the dates but had previously read on another thread that they were all in June this year. We will be there June 14-29th this year also.

 

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

All great suggestions!!!

My boys (ages 9 & 11) love all those things ....... and Sci Fi Diner (at MGM -- err, uh, Hollywood Studios). The atmosphere is SO much fun (drive-in movie theater).

 

[jhnsnfamily]

Star Wars Weekends this year are scheduled for June 6-29th, and take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

If you are going to go on any of those days, and wish to get autographs of actors or are considering purchasing any of the limited edition memorabilia, considering getting there early, like 5 or 6 am. No, that's not a typo. SWW are a HUGE draw and the lines to meet actors and buy merchandise are very long. Special parades and other events are less crowded, though the whole area where the Star Tours ride is will be crowded.

I usually don't get up for anything that early unless it's labor pains or somebody is throwing up!



Thanks for the tip though ... I'll have to think about that one! Maybe with a super double espresso with a shot of chocolate, I'll be able to pull that one off!

 

[jhnsnfamily]

All great suggestions!!!

My boys (ages 9 & 11) love all those things ....... and Sci Fi Diner (at MGM -- err, uh, Hollywood Studios). The atmosphere is SO much fun (drive-in movie theater).

I'm still writing down your ideas!!! Thanks so much!

 

[mousescrapper]

LoriMomx5 -- How do I know when Star Wars weeks are? We are going June 7 - 14th, 2008 ...

Pigletof4 -- If we are staying off-site (Windsor Hills/6 br house), can we still do the Pirate Treasure Hunt at Grand Floridian?

Motherofboys -- Windsor Hills has a great resort pool/slide, but we are also planning on doing one of the Disney waterparks -- have you been? If so, which do you think boys would prefer? Also, we do plan on going to the Lego store and the candy store ... I've also heard a lot about the Ghiradelli store ... good for PMSing moms????

Hi,

were going in June as well (5-12) I have 1 DS almost 9 and 3 girls. This will be our 2nd trip with the kids.

Our son has some special needs so he likes some of the slower paced things, but a few things not mentioned....

In MK Peter Pan's Flight it's a classic and Mickey's Philharmagic. If your boys haven't ridden on costers yet consider the Barnstormer in Mickey's toontown for as I read elsewhere "they're coaster baptism"
Hanuted Mansion and if you want them to run off a little steam Tom Sawyers Island just go early or late. Parents can sit at Aunt Pollys and have a lemonade.

If anyone likes Pirates: there's a Jack Sparrow Tutitorial by PoC have to ck times.

If anyone likes Toy Story or the Pixar Films at the renamed (MGM) Studios there's going to be a new ride Toy Story Mania and the parade is new as well Block Party with the Pixar characters. With the Stars Wars weekends in mind, were going off a good online source to visit on Sunday the less crowded of the 3 days. And yes be there at rope drop! I haven't read as early as 1 post, but still prior to 9am

At Epcot there are so many fun things in the Innoventions areas

Were skipping the Water Parks this yr but they are a BLAST! We like both equally

One last thing: The Pirate Adventure/Cruise

Yes you don't have to be on property to participate. Thery're are like 3-4 to choose from leaving from different resorts. My DS is going to be doing the one from the GF. it's $30 w/tax and the children sail to different ports, wear a pirate bandana, get a simple lunch of a PBJ, goldfish, drink and RK treat, plus they bring home a loot of treasure trinkets. You need to make an advanced ressie for it. And can't say for all but if there's inclement weather possible they have an indoor version in the GF.

Have fun in your planning. Sounds super exciting. Check out my PTR too and if you do one post on mine or let me know. We're basically going to be there at the same time!

 

[Motherofboys]

LoriMomx5 -- How do I know when Star Wars weeks are? We are going June 7 - 14th, 2008 ...

Pigletof4 -- If we are staying off-site (Windsor Hills/6 br house), can we still do the Pirate Treasure Hunt at Grand Floridian?

Motherofboys -- Windsor Hills has a great resort pool/slide, but we are also planning on doing one of the Disney waterparks -- have you been? If so, which do you think boys would prefer? Also, we do plan on going to the Lego store and the candy store ... I've also heard a lot about the Ghiradelli store ... good for PMSing moms????

We haven't been to the water parks but the boys really want to go to Blizzard Beach next time. DisneyQuest is high on our list too!

Goofy's takes candy store to the next level with the "make your own" treats, the create your own pixie sticks (plastic tubes), and the create your own slushy cups - don't miss it!!

Yes, Ghiradelli is wonderful for everyone!! Their sundaes are really a cut above regular ice cream places and large enough to share. You can also sign up for their email newsletter thing on their website a couple of weeks before you go (input Fla location as fave) and you should get some coupons to use.

Have a great trip!!

 

[ISP2MCO]

My boys are 8 and 12 and have been to Typhoon Lagoon twice and Blizzard Beach 3 or 4 times over the past few years. They prefer BB over TL.

 

[jhnsnfamily]

My boys are 8 and 12 and have been to Typhoon Lagoon twice and Blizzard Beach 3 or 4 times over the past few years. They prefer BB over TL.

Yeah, I was thinking Blizzard Beach, too. After visiting an indoor water park here in Ohio and Soak City at Cedar Point this past summer, my boys are geared up for the big guns (i.e., the gigantic water slides!). Unfortunately, my DH is trying to talk me out of the water park ... he says "the resort we are staying at [Windsor Hills] has a water slide and giant pool" and "we can go to waterparks in OHIO ..." Somehow, I don't think it will be the same. We'll see. I have 5 mos. to work on him changing his mind. Thanks for the input, though! Pray for me!