First time visitor to Disneyworld needs advice!

[joesmama]

Hi all! DH and I are taking our now 4 year old to Disneyworld for his 5th birthday from April 24th - 28th. We have a now 2 month old that we are bringing as well. My question is for all of the repeat visitors out there: What are the things that we MUST do/see while we are there? I know the parks are huge, more than we can seen in just 4 days and want to plan wisely. We are staying offsite. Also, can you participate in character meals if your aren't staying at one of the resorts??? Thanks for any advice!

 

[staci]

Anyone can do a character meal, but there may not be any left available now. Call ASAP and see if there is any availablity at all! Our 2 year old loved it. With the short # of days you have to experience the parks, I would try to get one in a park or close to one. Crystal Palace in MK has Pooh characters, Chef Mickeys (in the Contemporary- a short monorail ride from MK) has MIckey and friends, etc. I hope you are able to get into one.

Plan on spending a lot of time in MK as that is a great age for that park - ds loved the buzz lightyear ride, and Mickey's Philharmagic (amongst other things). The Lion King show at AK is a must-do for our family.


HTH>

 

[kid@heart25]

When i was in college I worked at Disneyworld (MK) and so if you have any questions feel free to ask. Make sure that you guys hit Down Town Disney one day and go to Rainforest Cafe..your little guy will love it. There is also a Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom as well. It is a good idea to make reservations.

 

[bartleby1]

Definitely get yourself a guide book (passporter is a good one) and familiarize yourself with the maps of the parks and highlights that you want to do. You won't be able to see everything in that short of a time so you don't want to waste time wandering aimlessly without any idea what you want to see. At least if you have a general idea ahead of time what the parks look like, it will save some time in the parks. Knowing where bathrooms are helps too, lol! After our last two trips, one of which I was 6-1/2 months pregnant and the next my DS was very newly potty trained, I think I know where every bathroom is in all of WDW!

Your 5 yr old will probably enjoy MK the most. We like to get to the parks at opening to avoid some of the lines and head right for fantasyland. Usually we can do most of the fantasyland rides before the lines build. Be aware that getting to the MK takes some time because usually you need to take a tram through the parking lot and then take the monorail or ferry to the MK. So, try to start out early.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[kimbac3]

If the more popular character dining options are booked you could try
Donald's Breakfastosaurus - it's in Animal Kingdom.
Just have fun. A good idea may be to look at the park maps/rides ahead of time and decide on the must dos. Also measure your son ahead of time that way you'll already know what he can and can't go on. This will help ease disappointment.
Get a birthday button for him at guest services. Mickey's Philharmagic is a must do (if your little one is ok with 3D - it's not scary at all). If you have a must see character you can ask at guest services in the morning if and where they'll be.
Have a great time. Your first time is so special!! Take lots of photos!!
Kimba

 

[DisneyMomx7]

MK must do's -

Peter Pan
Winnie the Pooh
Mickeys Philharmagic
Dumbo (do it first it gets really crowded)
Small World
Buzz Lightyear
Jungle Cruise
Haunted Mansion - only if your 5 year old doesn't scare easily
Splash Mountain - if he meets the height requirements
SPECTROMAGIC and WISHES Don't miss these!

My dd was scared to death of the SNow WHite attraction when she was 5.

MGM

Muppets 3D
Little Mermaid Show
Playhouse Disney
Beauty and the Beast Show

AK

Lion King
Dinosaur dig area
Kilamanjaro Safari

I think you'll spend most of your time at MK. Don't try to see everything at once, you'll get too stressed. I'm sure you can fit in at least one character meal if you call right now. Just tell Disney dining your dates and ask if they have any availability - that you are flexible. Good luck!