First time with kids ages 4-9

[Southerndisney]

Family taking kids, 2 girls and 2 boys, ages 4-9 for the first time to WDW. This will be over Thanksgiving. What would be your most important advice besides be at rope drop and use fast pass?

 

[MkWzwski]

We just brought our 3 kids, 2,4 &7 for the first time.

I'd say it was very helpful to check out the crowd calendars and have at least a general touring plan for each park. The couple of days I didn't plan, we wandered around more than I would have liked. That having been said, I think it's very important to be flexible. I'm sure you know that with kids involved, nothing goes exactly as planned.

In making your touring plans, figure out your must-dos, because it's nearly impossible to get everything done (I tried!). It was nice to know that we, at the very least, got to do what was most important to each child. I found it helpful to be familiar with the park maps.

Budget more time than you think you'll need for everything. It seemed to take double the time I thought it would to do many things.

Take some time to "stop and smell the roses". We didn't (even though my kids would have preferred it) and it's my biggest regret. We're going back within 3 months of our last trip because of this. There is so much to enjoy that doesn't cost money or involve rides/attractions.

Don't underestimate the time your kids will enjoy spending at EPCOT, even the WS. My kids loved it and I feel like I rushed them through it. The passports and Kidcot stations were so much fun for them.

If your kids are like mine, you may want to set a budget for souvenirs. I had planned to, but once we were there, even I got caught up in the Disney magic. We spent SO MUCH money in extras.

You may want to have a way for someone to contact you if you get separated from one of your children. In the hustle and bustle of it all it's a bigger possibility than you might think. We lost our 4 yr old at EPCOT for 15 minutes and it was terrifying. We put tattoos on them with our cell numbers, but never discussed with them what to do if they got separated from us. My 4 yr old was walking around with our number on his arm, but didn't even know he should ask someone to call it! Huge oversight on our part.

Have fun! We loved it!

 

[four michies]

When we took our kids when they were 4 and 7, they loved the Hoop Dee Doo Revue -it's what we did the evening we arrived. In order of parks, they liked MK, then Epcot, then AK, then HS. They really liked all the street performers as they were no-wait, spontaneous things. Worked very well to stay close enough to take nap breaks each day. And like all kids - loved the monorail. And they had us spent great amounts of time waiting to meet characters - it does eat up a lot of time, but it really makes kids happy. The kids will want autograph books and pens for that. Enjoy.

 

[chasemi]

My advice would echo what the other posters have said plus to bring snacks and drinks for the kids. That can really add up. We have a no souvenier unwritten rule, and my kids get that, so that we don't spend any money there. I think it's easier for them to understand no $ for souveniers vs. putting a limit on them. If you are going to try to get autographs, character meals are much more efficient that waiting in lines in the parks. One year, we bought a little photo album at home for autographs. We filled it with blank index cards that could slide in and out of the photo page holders - MUCH less expensive than buying one at the parks. Also, I would suggest a stroller(s). There is a LOT of walking and a LOT of standing in lines, and little legs get tired. My DD was 6 the last time we were there, and it was the first time she didn't need a stroller. Girls will love the Bippity, Boppity Boutique either at Downtown Disney or in the castle. If you can make an appt, try to get it in the morning so that the girls can have their hair done in the parks - it will get them so much special attention from the CMs. Also, if they have them, bring their princess costumes/dresses to wear in the parks - another attention getter. Have a great time!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Since you are goiing over a fairly busy time, I'd say about the biggest potential mistake you could make would be to spend all of your time in line. Avoid that on ethign and you'll likely be fine. You should be able to do fastpass attractions with fastpasses, but maybe skip some of the attractions like Dumbo that aren't FP but do have overly long lines.

I'd also avoid doing the kiddie rides at 'kiddie' times of day if you can. If the four year old is a flexible kid - try saving IaSW until after 9pm.

WDW has LOTS of very fun things to do that don't involve lines. One HUGE hit in our family has always been the water fountains outside Capt Eo in Epcot. (you have to go up the stairs). Another hit is the landscaping. There's no line to see the amazing topiaries. One of the biggest impressions of WDW that remains from my childhood was the topiaries that used to line the monorail route. Simply put, they were unique to WDW. I went to other amusement parks, but WDW was teh only place I saw topiaries. WDW has all kinds of neat stuff to see, and CM's will be out in full force. Meaning soft attractions like the safari trail guide CM's will be out. Take a moment to see what critters they are showing.

Another big mistake you could make is to pull them too early from something they love. I once made that mistake myself. The kids I took were dying to hit the pool. I talked them into going to apark instead the first day. They enjoyed the park, but their faces really lit up when they hit the pool! (Something I consder very secondary to the parks.) In retrospect, I'm sure they would have loved the parks even more if they had been allowed to swim first.

Do not necessarily go to MK first. Probbaly go to Ecpot on Thanksgiving day, avoid MK on Saturday. Dodging crowds is still very important. Crowds can ruin a first trip. The important thing is to let them have fun - not to do things in the order of 'imporantce.' or to do EVERY attraction. I think that's a mistake many visitors make trip after trip. If you are feeling tired or overwhlemed or burned out by crowds - take a break.

Last, we're not big parade people - but I would make certain to take them to see the nighttime parade at MK! Again, of all parades, MK's is unique. They may not be old enough to appreciate the complex computer programs that go into make the allhe lights twinkle in sync, but they will love the effect. Then again just seeing MK at night is AMAZING! Likewise, if you have the chance to see the Osbourne lights, GO! GO, and get a cup of hot cocoa while you're there! (especially if you can go while it's 'snowing'!)

(one of my favorite things about MK at night is seeing how all the lights twinkle. Gaslights look like real flames, the treelights in Fantasyland look like magic fireflies!)

 

[casper_jj11]

Make a touring plan so you can hit all the rides with no lines. We've been many times and do favourites several times each trip without lines.

Don't keep the children up late. You can't do rope drop and late nights. We do RD, take a break for swimming and return only until 7pm. The exception is one night where we stay til the end at MK so the kids can experience the parade and Wishes.

Avoid EMH like the plague! (which is linked to the 'have a good touring plan' advice.) Know where you'll be each day and generally what rides you want to hit in that park and when. I really like www.easywdw.com

 

[DCbride]

look at the maps, vacation videos with the kids and have them pick a ride at each park that they really want to do. Include those rides on your daily schedule and share with the kids each morning what is going to happen. Most arguments and melt downs that I see in the park are when the parent asks "what do you want to do now?" and gets many different responses so someone is upset. (And of course tired adults/kids tend to overdramatize...) and make a plan with merchandise. If they can buy something every day or just 1 day, etc. Every ride empties into a gift show and I can not imagine dragging 4 kids out if they do not know what your expectation is for buying.

And we always build in 3-4 hours outside of the park during the afternoon no matter the season. In warm months we swim, but other times we go to AK to view animals, play on a playground or nap. I NEED time away from the crowds to regroup, reenergize and refresh each day and my 4 yo definitely needs it too.

 

[Love Tink]

I agree with the PP that you should make sure you leave time for the World Showcase. My boys were 4, 7 and 9 on our last visit and they all loved walking throungh the "countries." They especially loved the Kim Possible missions.

They'll love Innoventions, too. We skipped it our first visit, more concerned with the "big" attractions. But it is great for kids.

 

[honeydiane1953]

Family taking kids, 2 girls and 2 boys, ages 4-9 for the first time to WDW. This will be over Thanksgiving. What would be your most important advice besides be at rope drop and use fast pass?

It'll will take more time with kids. Bathroom breaks, snacks and naps will have to be figured in. Patience beyond words also.

 

[Karpkg]

With kids those ages, I would definitely make sure they have potty breaks half hour after drinks and before getting into long lines. All of them, not just the one that says yes and others say "I don't have to go". You will encounter long lines in the bathrooms, so don't wait until it's nearly too late.

 

[Southerndisney]

Thanks so much for the helpful advice. I know it will be a good trip. It is Disney!

 

[mikehn]

Im sure you already know, kids that young are going to dictate the agenda. So follow their lead and dont set your expectations too much higher than that.

 

[jayandstacey]

All really good advice. I've always believed there's a good balance between planning and experiencing without a plan - so for instance, I do the following:

• - Plan what parks what days
• - Plan the first few rides each day
• - "Play the edges" by getting there early or staying late and dodging the crowds when possible. More of this = less need for precise planning.
• - Insert a few dining reservations but also just assume there will be a number of stops for sodas and such.
• - Get/bring a stroller, even if you don't use it normally at home. You're clan is only as happy as the least happy member and you can usually take that least happy member and get them off their feet for a while with a stroller while keeping the rest of the clan happily moving.
• - Have donuts/muffins/whatever in the morning in your room. Save the money, time and aggravation of a sitdown breakfast for days you don't go to the parks.
• - Like a prior poster, we have a $0 budget for souveniers but will typically buy something in response to a need somewhere in the trip - like a sweatshirt on a chilly night, a dry t-shirt after a wet ride, etc. Keeps them off our backs and out of the shops.
• - Do a construction paper chain countdown, where you make a link for every day prior to leaving, then write a different question on each one ("what ride do you look forward to? What is your favorite girl character? etc") tear one off every night at dinner. Makes a nice visual countdown as the big 30 link chain drops to 4-3-2-1...
• - Watch the Wolf family videos for clues on how much fun you can have just being there - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLOJ9HMkgAE
• - If you are at some place like Big Thunder Mountain and you ride and like it - and there's no line...ride it again...and again...and again!!!
• - The rain is your friend. Bring a poncho, do a wet dance and ride some rides while others fear they'll melt. Big Thunder Mtn is AWESOME in the rain!!
• - Hug your kids, take pictures, tell them you love them, smile, and pay no attention to the little stuff like untied shoes. No lectures or such - keep a smiling attitude and hopefully you won't need any anyway.
• - Keep in mind that the goal is to maximize the fun, not necessarily maximize the number of rides. The two are not the same.
• - Be a little romantic with your spouse, in the park, in front of the kids. Hold hands, sneak a kiss, whatever. Then do it again the next day.
• - Enjoy. Then plan to do it again.