first timer questions

[krismomof3boys]

Wow, this is a great discussion board! You all seem like seasoned pros!

Here's my situation: I am a first timer to WDW. I have 3 boys. One will be 6 and twins who will be 18mos at the time of the trip. Any advice on having a great trip for these 3 would be welcomed! I see there are many of you who took children even younger than 18mos. Can I expect little ones this age to really enjoy the park? They don't seem to fear characters (their older brother never did) In fact, Tigger was just at our local mall a few weeks ago and they smiled and laughed when they saw him, so I don't think they'll have any fears there.

We took them to our local theme parks this summer and they enjoyed that. What can I expect to be able to do with them?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

 

[Big V]

Hi krismomof3boys and welcome to the Dis! There is a LOT of information on these boards and I'm sure as you keep reading you'll find you have more questions than you have answers! Just keep reading and when you have a specific question post a thread on it and you'll get some answers! My first suggestion is to do a Character meal. The characters have a lot more time for individual interaction at them than they do in the parks. Just keep asking those questions and I'm sure you'll find an answer!
Scott

 

[MELSMICE]

Welcome to the DIS!! You'll get a lot of useful information here.

I would also recommend at least 1 character meal. It's worth the cost instead of waiting in line to see your favorite characters.

As far as accommodations, because you have children under 2 (I have twin DD's - they are now) you would be able to stay in any resort, so with that in mind, it would depend on your budget as to where you want to stay. Honestly though, I would try to stay somewhere that the kids could move around a little instead of just a hotel room, especially after being in strollers quite a bit of the day. My recommendation would be either a cabin at Fort Wilderness or renting points from a DVC member & staying in a 1BR or 2BR unit at a DVC resort.

All of these accommodations have full kitchens, which might be nice to have with 3 young children. This way you wouldn't always have to do restaurant meals.

Like the other poster said - ask many, many questions & gather as much info as possible. This is definitely the place to do it. And again - WELCOME!!

 

[crisi]

Pretty much any attraction without a height restriction will be open to your twins....and the six year old.

Many rides will seat two or three, but not five, so be prepared to split your family up on some of the attractions.

Your kids will probably enjoy the rides that have great color and music - like Small World, Pooh. Plenty to do though, and most kids that age are too little to be scared - so you can usually bring them into the Haunted Mansion (they don't really know its supposed to be scary) and Pirates of the Carribean. The youngest I've had kids at Disney is 2 1/2. She was too little to wear the glasses for the 3D movie, but happily enjoyed pretty much everything we did.

 

[2d_star_to_the_right]

Traveling with a 6 year and 18 month old twins is going to require some planning. The 6 year old is going to want to do things such as the bigger rides which means waiting with the twins or doing something else with them. I would recommend strategizing a little bit about fast pass, places for the twins to wait (there is a little playground area by Splash mountain for example), and how to use the parent switch so that both of you can ride with your son and he gets the benefits of riding twice!

We found with our younger children that a great time to do these bigger rides was during "nap" time- which was basically around 5:00 after a day of riding and an afternoon of swimming. This way they could sleep in the strollar and one parent could have a pleasant wait. Our children don't generally nap and this wouldn't happen every day but when it did we took advantage of it.

18 month olds probably arent' going to like being strapped in the strollar so have some idea where you want them to walk- such as fantasyland. I would recommend riding in Tomorrowland and Fronteirland as those are very congested and easy to loose sight of young children.

For MGM- hit the big kiddie shows such as Playhouse Disney and Little Mermaid early when your children are more likely to sit-especially Playhouse Disney as that is seating on the floor.

Set a reasonable pace and be sure to pack snacks, drinks and allow for an afternoon break for swimming, napping or playing on the beach. Keep a few trinket toys in your back pack that you can pull out while waiting for parades, or other long waits.

Your children should have a great time!

 

[iain harrison]

As soon as you get into your hotel room, leave a bathroom towel over the door to the bathroom. This is in case any of those little ones lock themselves in, which could be easily done.

If you are in a Disney Hotel buy the refillable mugs - you can get soft drinks all the time in the hotel - making a big saving.

If you go to Epcot go around anti clockwiase - as it is natuiral for people to go around clockwise and you will beat the ques / rushes.

Remember that in Orlando they have babies to - don't take too much food / Nappies (Soryy Diepers??? those things little ones wear) as this will take up a lot of your luggage.

Again, if your in a Dinsey Hotel they have great night time stoires on the Television which puts out three to sleep. A localised disney channel specific to the resort.

Try the Dinosaurus breakfeast at Animal kingdom - in the park early and near the kids ride - first ones on - and great value.

Hope this helps