First time to Disney

[HailtotheVictors]

So neither my wife nor I were ever able to go to Disney as kids and now we are fortunate enough to be able to take our son (Soon to be 2-tomorrow, will be 2-1/2 or so when we travel in April). We have decided to drive our RV and stay at the campgrounds along with our other 2 children (4-legged) Boston Terriers.

Any advice on the campground, loop to stay in, things we should know etc. Also any advice for us Disney first timers would be great as well. Seems this is our first time and our son is young I am sure we will only see a fraction of the parks with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom at the top of our list. We are also meeting some family and their kids there however they will be staying at one of the non camping resorts(Their 2nd visit to Disney).

We are foodies but with our son being so young I am sure we will miss out on a lot of the Epcot and other food offerings. We are initially thinking of maybe only a couple days at the parks and the rest maybe enjoying the campground recreation, site seeing etc.

 

[Grumpy92]

Definitely set some time aside for the resort. There is lots to do there. Your son will enjoy the petting zoo at the Tri circle D ranch, the hayride and the boats that go to a few of the other resorts & MK. Each evening their is a a sing along with chip and dale then a disney movie at the Meadow trading post area, it is free. Go down to PH and sit on the porch in the rocking chairs and let your son play in the playground while you people watch or have a refreshment.

We love to walk the path way between FW and WL early in the morning or early evening and look for the deer that always come out. If you dont want to deal with the crowds for fireworks you can watch them on the beach with the Electical Water pageant.

If you want your puppies to stay with you then you will only be allowed in Premium, Preferred and Full Hook-Up campsites in loops 1600 through 1900, 300, 700 and 800, but they must be kept in those areas.

Golf carts are very popular at the resort. You can reserve one before you arrive thru the bike barn.

IF you do nothing else at EC enjoy the walk around the lake at WS. There are lots of places to stop and get a snack. Your son can go to one of the many craft stations and color his Duffy bear.

You will absolutely love FW. It is like no other campground you have been too.

 

[ruthies12]

I haven't stayed at the campground yet (planning to for our next trip) but have been to Disney 3 times with my two daughters. You might want to consider a meal at chef mickey's at the contemporary, we eat there every trip and love it and I believe there is a boat going from the campground directly to the contemporary. this recommendation is dependent on whether you think your son is going to like the characters though and not be scared of them.

I wouldn't rule out eating a nice meal at epcot if you want to. the restaurants there are VERY used to kids, we have never had any problems eating in any of the restaurants with our little ones and we've taken 10 month olds twice. Just bring stuff for your son to do at the table like some coloring stuff or an ipad. if you'd like to try a meal without the little one, there is Kids Night Out that does babysitting and I believe they will come to the campground. Pricey though.

and last but not least don't forget to check out Hollywood studios, they have jake and Disney junior stuff. If you son likes characters then there might be more at Hollywood studios for him than Animal Kingdom.

 

[ruthies12]

just want to add that if you didn't already know this- strollers have to be folded up on all busses so make sure you take a stroller that folds easily and quickly if you plan to use the busses, especially if you are going to be using the internal busses at the campground as well as the park busses. and if your son still naps then it is worth the hassle of taking your own stroller cause the ones you rent in the park are hard plastic.

 

[PEC]

With a 2 1/2 y/o you will want a lot of Camp time. Even on the park days you will not want to do the open and close the park thing. Plan a couple of Days for MK but keep in mind have shorter days. Go to the other parks at least once but same thing (shorter days). With the shorter days there will be plenty of things to do at the campground.

 

[Stepster]

enjoy guys- my first time was magic- literally magic

 

[HailtotheVictors]

Thank you for the advice. A couple people have told me that our son would probably enjoy the studios more than Animal Kingdom. We may or may not skip Animal Kingdom and do the studios. We are definitely going to make plenty of time to enjoy the Campgrounds.

 

[MichaelaF]

I'd be interested to hear why your friends think your son would like the studios better than Animal Kingdom? I think it depends - if he REALLY likes Disney Junior/ Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, then there is that to see at the Studios, but otherwise, I don't think it's that great for littler ones. Our kiddo (though he's only 1 1/2) really loves animals, and he'd enjoy AK much more than DHS!

(I'm sad that the petting zoo is no longer at the Fort. I was so looking forward to taking him there!)

 

[staceyrhood]

I'd be interested to hear why your friends think your son would like the studios better than Animal Kingdom? I think it depends - if he REALLY likes Disney Junior/ Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, then there is that to see at the Studios, but otherwise, I don't think it's that great for littler ones. Our kiddo (though he's only 1 1/2) really loves animals, and he'd enjoy AK much more than DHS! (I'm sad that the petting zoo is no longer at the Fort. I was so looking forward to taking him there!)

I agree with this, the studios really does not have a lot for little ones, my son is 7, and still prefers AK.

 

[HailtotheVictors]

Well our son definitely loves animals, and his Disney characters as well. My original plan was to do MK & AK and maybe we will go back to that. I am not sure if we will fit in a 3rd and do the Studios as well. I am sure I can add a park even if it is close to travel time or after we arrive? Maybe the 3rd for this trip could be a waterpark.
We just booked our days and will be there April 5th-11th.