First family trip in April—how to balance Genie+/ILL with kids’ need to look at everything?

[Jen81NYC]

Hi, we’re going on our first trip to WDW the week after Easter. I have two boys, 6 and 9, and a husband who’s not a huge fan of crowds, heat and lines (ugh!) The immediately preceding days we’ll be on a 3-night Disney cruise the in-laws are treating the larger family to. When we get to WDW, we’re staying at the Poly for 5 nights.
For some reason, I am really spiraling with anxiety about this trip! It was originally scheduled for April 2020 and though that planning was stressful, I was confident that with the FP times, EMM reservation, etc., we’d have a good time. But now I have no idea how to best approach the trip! It seems like with Genie+ and ILL, there’s no real control over the times we snag, right? So the plan of hitting park in AM and then going to resort may not work out? And what if I spend too much time hustling the kids to various rides rather than letting them explore and go at their pace? Is that gonna make it miserable for everyone?? I don’t want to me drill sergeant mom during the trip but I also don’t want to waste any ride passes we may have!
Would love any insights/tips re: how to have an enjoyable first trip with the new system and kids & less than enthused spouse!! The trip is so pricey and since it was delayed two years, I just want to make sure it’s not a bust. Thanks!!

 

[Mrs~Incredible]

You will have a wonderful time. My advice:

1. make 2-3 ride priorities per park and only worry about them. Everything else is icing on the cupcake. Look for attractions with shorter standby waits.
2. definitely force yourself to make time to “take in” the ambiance. Take time to see shows. Relax on a bench. Yes the rides are often the main focus here, but there’s so much more to discover. Check out Wilderness Explorers in AK. And the Pirates Adventure in MK. Both are free and fantastic.
3. Definitely make time to enjoy the pool at the resort.

have fun!!

 

[sponica]

It's all about mindset (honestly). If you go in thinking you're spending way too much money, you're going to be disappointed. Your brain will just think "I'm not riding enough rides, eating well enough and the lines are too long"

I take the strategy of what are the 3 or 4 things I want to get done every day? What experiences are my MUST-DOS?

I booked my dining this morning, and got all my must do dining experiences, so I'm happy with that.

My kids want time at the pool, and since this is one of the only times I'm sure we'll be at the Poly, I'm making that a priority. If we have to leave a park early to make it happen, so be it.

Take in the cavalcades, stop to smell the roses (so to speak). If the kids want to watch the trains in Germany for an hour, let them watch the trains.

 

[glocon]

Also, remember that you have an hour time slot for the ride. You’ll have time to guide your family to where you need to go, just be mindful of the time. And maybe try and stay in each area in the park instead of running back and forth if possible. And lastly, go in knowing you can’t possibly get everything you want to done- the parks just have too much to offer to fit it all in in one trip. But now you’ll have a feel for the parks so you can better plan your next trip!

 

[MainMom]

Hi, we’re going on our first trip to WDW the week after Easter. I have two boys, 6 and 9, and a husband who’s not a huge fan of crowds, heat and lines (ugh!) The immediately preceding days we’ll be on a 3-night Disney cruise the in-laws are treating the larger family to. When we get to WDW, we’re staying at the Poly for 5 nights.
For some reason, I am really spiraling with anxiety about this trip! It was originally scheduled for April 2020 and though that planning was stressful, I was confident that with the FP times, EMM reservation, etc., we’d have a good time. But now I have no idea how to best approach the trip! It seems like with Genie+ and ILL, there’s no real control over the times we snag, right? So the plan of hitting park in AM and then going to resort may not work out? And what if I spend too much time hustling the kids to various rides rather than letting them explore and go at their pace? Is that gonna make it miserable for everyone?? I don’t want to me drill sergeant mom during the trip but I also don’t want to waste any ride passes we may have!
Would love any insights/tips re: how to have an enjoyable first trip with the new system and kids & less than enthused spouse!! The trip is so pricey and since it was delayed two years, I just want to make sure it’s not a bust. Thanks!!

Can you do more leisurely park mornings while stacking for the afternoons/evenings?

I am taking my 2 Nephews & 1 Niece in June. My plan for one of our MK mornings is Space, Buzz & Speedway. Then check and see what BTMRR & Splash wait times look like. I never would have done Speedway & Buzz first thing in the past, but I have to change it up with the new system. The kids don’t know any different and they will be happy to drive a car and shoot aliens.