First-Timer Needs Help

[SpringBreak2006]

I'm bringing my two sons, who will be 5 and 8 when we leave, to Orlando for our spring break. We live in Houston, so one reason for the trip is to see some Astros spring training games. Obviously, the other reason is Disney. We probably have two, maybe three, days to devote to Disney parks.

What park(s) should we go to? When should we go? What rides are appropriate for a couple of young daredevils who aren't afraid of anything? How do we go about doing everything that we'll want to do efficiently? Anything we should absolutely not miss? What do I not know that would make our trip easier and better?

Both of the boys play lots of ToonTown online. Anything there relating to ToonTown? They'd love that.

Thanks in advance for all of your help.

Joe

 

[mmeb144]

Get to a library and borrow some Disney guide books. Read these boards.

What I did with my kids was buy the official guide by Birnbaum and we went through it to look at the pictures. That way, they could tell me which rides looked fun to them.

You probably need to make some dining reservations. I would suggest Crystal Palace at MK. Winnie the Pooh and pals are there for this buffett. It's lots of fun.

With only 3 days, given the ages of your kids, I would take 2 at the MK and 1 at EPCOT. That way, you'll have time to enjoy some of the attractions 2 or more times.

Remember to relax and enjoy your little ones.

Marie

 

[Goofy4]

The links at the very top of this page will help (www.wdwinfo.com). The following are also good resources:

www.allearsnet.com
www.mousesavers.com
www.touringplans.com

Mickeys ToonTown Fair at Magic Kingdom bares resemblance in name, but I can't say it's much like ToonTown online.

Innoventions at Epcot has a game that is very similar to one of the games on ToonTown -- "ToonTown tag" I believe.

 

[paoil]

We like the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disneyworld. As far as parks suggest you start with Magic Kingdom. Make dining arrangements for Crystal Palace. MK can be done in a day if you follow the touring plans suggested in the books (but with a 5 & 8 year old they'll be exhausted!).
I agree with the above post regarding EPCOT. You can sleep in and still see a lot of EPCOT. Thus it might be a nice 2d day park. Bet at least one stroller. First thing get a fast pass for either test track or Soarin. While you're waiting do Mission Space and Honey I Shrunk the Audience. Try eating at Garden Grille--it's a rotating restaurant with characters. You can also do the boat ride at the Land (where the Garden Grille and Soarin are also located). If the kids are tired by then (and if 8 year old will still do a stroller) the adults can then wander among the countries.
On day 3 you could go back to MK, but I wouldn't miss MGM. When our kids were yours' age, MGM was their favorite park. A fun restaurant there is Sci Fi Drive In. They're teenagers now (one in college) and they still love Sci Fi.
I would strongly suggest making some dining reservations sooner than later.

 

[JulielovesDisney]

Definitely buy/borrow Birnbaums Guide to WDW. They have details descriptions of all the rides/restaurants/resorts. They also have Birnbaums Guide for kids. I'd check that out for your sons too.

I'd recommend Magic Kingdom & Epcot each for a full day, and MGM & Animal Kingdom can be put together into one day. They all have plenty of things for kids and adults. They all have thrill rides, but also the classics. Epcot has whole centers for hands-on activities in Innoventions and Imagination, if your sons enjoy that stuff. Animal Kingdom has a Boneyard playground type thing where kids can "dig up" dino bones.

Any park that you choose will have lots of fun things for your family. Enjoy!

 

[tinabheart]

You should definitly order the Disney Vacation Planning Kit DVD. It's free - and not only beneficial before the trip - but one of my DS12's favorite DVD's to watch over and over!

 

[goofy4tink]

Many good suggestions. After traveling with my dd, now 12, on about 9-10 trips since she was 6 (turned 6 at WDW!!!) these are my suggestions...
Buy Birnbaum's guide for kids. It's a great book..one my dd still gets for every trip.
Get the WDW official planning DVD. Lots of fun for the kids to watch.
Get either the PassPorter or the Unofficial Guide to WDW for yourself. Gives a great overview of what to expect once you get there and you can make some plans ahead of time.
Check out the Restuarant board here. You can get some terrific advice on eating. Myself..I would book Chef Mickeys and Crystal Palace with your kids' ages. Maybe Donalds Breakfastasaurus at AK also.
All the rides are based on size. Only you can determine what your kids will enjoy. The guidebooks will give you a good idea of what to expect from each ride. If it were me, I would focus on MK for at least one day. Then split a day between MGM and AK. With little kids I don't spend more than 1/2 day in each one. If you find you really like a particular park, then go back to it on the last day. So obviously you should be getting the park hopper ability added to your passes.

Other than those suggestions, the best advice I can give you is to 'slow down'. You are not going to be able to do it all, see it all. I've been 10 times and I still manage to do something new every single trip. Read the guidebook and make a list of the things you really want to do each day, in each park. But be sure to plan on non-structured time in the parks. Those so called 'magical' moments usually come when we are least expecting them, at a 'down time'. Enjoy the moment with your kids. They are young just the one time. Each trip brings it's special memories.
Have a great trip!!! Oh, Welcome to the DIS boards!!!