First time at Disney...

[sbpuckett]

Hello all, this is my first time on the boards and I would love some advice from all of you veterans. This is our first time going to Disney - ever! It will be my husband and I and 2 sons (6 & 4). Any advice on what we MUST do and what can be skipped? What parks we should visit first? Any advice at all? As of right now we plan to be staying at an off-site resort (we own timeshare) and I plan to purchase tickets before we get there. We are driving the 13 hours because it will save us over $1000. We are coming in early to mid October. I've read about pin trading and my hubby thinks it's crazy but I think my boys will want to do that once we get there. Any tips, ideas, general info is greatly appreciated. We are planning to do this on a tight budget but want it to be a very memorable experience for our boys since it's our first really big family vacation.

thanks!

 

[MichelleChell]

Start with The unofficial Guide to Disney 2006. I am about to leave on my first trip in a few days and I have learned SOOO much from that book. Get it now though because it is big and full of tips and info.

Also read read read these boards. Lots of great info here.

When do you go? Have fun!!

 

[java]

Keep reading the boards check out the Theme parks board- you will get lots of tips there on touring plans.
As far as pin trading goes if you think they will be into it get them your first day. Because one trip- no interest until the last day then tears.....
Also be prepared that they may not want to trade the pins the get. CM's will often just give pins to kids and they are also eager to trade(my dd got a great Christmas Pooh that way) And you have to approach them as they won't approach children. But if you say "want to trade?" chances are you will find some fun ones.
Must sees with your boys ages:
in MK Buzz Lightyear
Jungle cruise
maybe Space Mountain if they are tall enough(the 6 probably will be)
Tom Sawyer Island is a nice break- and they have a paint brush search in the mornings and if you find one you get a fast pass for either SM or BTMR.
Mickey's Philarmagic
most of Fantasyland
And maybe the Aladin Carpet ride
You know you can search on Walt Disney World's website for touring suggestions for specific ages.
Oh and if you think they are going to be into autographs get that early on too! because nothing worse than searching around for characters your last day in Orlando- also a good place to see them in the Judges Tent in Toontown or at a Character Meal. And start making those ADRS now!

 

[jj1403]

My suggestion for what park to do first would be Magic Kingdom. It always seems to start of the trip right when walking down Main Street USA with the Castle in the background.

Wander around the boards you'll learn a lot! Have fun planning it's really half the fun of the trip. And just in case you are wondering you can never do too much planning!!

 

[sbpuckett]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'm not really sure when we are going yet, just early October. I am considering the Halloween thing they have as well. Does anyone know if my 4 year old can ride Magic Mountain with us? I am definitely a planner and get obsessed with it all - definitely park of my fun. Keep the suggestions coming please.

 

[java]

Magic mountain is not in Disney- they have Space Mountain(indoor rollercoaster you sit single file behind your child. Splash mountain- Big log flume drop at the end- you will get wet but nice looooooong ride(sit side by side)

 

[WAHMto5]

Start with The unofficial Guide to Disney 2006. I am about to leave on my first trip in a few days and I have learned SOOO much from that book. Get it now though because it is big and full of tips and info.

Also read read read these boards. Lots of great info here.

When do you go? Have fun!!

I totally agree with all of this!! If you get the book and look over the boards you will have a great time! Planning will make you trip soo much more enjoyable, knowing most things ahead of time and not just going and winging it.

POin trading is a lot of fun, I think they will LOVE it

 

[sbpuckett]

Magic mountain is not in Disney- they have Space Mountain(indoor rollercoaster you sit single file behind your child. Splash mountain- Big log flume drop at the end- you will get wet but nice looooooong ride(sit side by side)

Oops! Told you I was a first timer!! OK, can my 4 year old ride either one of these with us? He is 40 inches tall right now...

 

[Pink Disney]

I've never been to the World, only Disneyland, but I do agree about the Unofficial Guide. Awesome book, tons of info., and these boards are great as well. My boys were six and eight when we first took them to Disneyland, and they loved Tom Sawyer Island, save at least an hour for that. You will have a great time. Please post a trip report when you get back. We're not going until 2007, so I need to live vicariously through others.

 

[justplaingoofy]

Welcome!!!

I have learned so much here from everyone... While in Epcot when you tour the countries the kids can get paper type passports (free) and when they visit each country they can get it stamped.

I would sign up with:
http://www.allearsnet.com/index.html
http://www.mousesavers.com/

All kinds of great info. Allears has everything from height requirements for each ride to menus from most Disney dining..

Since you are staying off property ....When you drive to a park and pay the parking fee $9 (i think) keep your tag because if you go to another park later you do not have to pay again... (same thing with a stroller & wheelchair)

 

[rlrx]

We just returned with DS7 and DS3. My DS3 was just over the 40 inch mark for the rides but I think Space Mountain is 44 or 48 inches. He rode Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad though.

 

[sbpuckett]

We just returned with DS7 and DS3. My DS3 was just over the 40 inch mark for the rides but I think Space Mountain is 44 or 48 inches. He rode Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad though.

Thank you - maybe he'll have a growth spurt before then - we do have about 3 months left