First Timer, would love some help!

[khattikat]

Hello everyone,

My family and I are going to Disney World in July. It will be the first time for everyone. My family consists of my husband and myself, daughters ages 4 1/2, 7 (will be celebrating b'day at MK) and an 8 1/2 yr old. We are also bringing my 15 yr old cousin to help us with the kids and to also watch them while DH and I go to the parks alone.

I know there are so many tips on what to do, but I thought I would share our trip plan so far and see what you guys think. Also, we will be staying off site due to the fact that it's just too expensive for a family of six to stay on-site. We will be staying in a 3 bedroom villa at Windsor Hills Resort. What we are hoping to accomplish is to make it a great trip for the kids, but also for DH and I to have fun too. We will be there for 12 days.

Here's our plan..
7/9/2006-Magic Kingdom
7/10/2006 - Epcot
7/11/2006 - Animal Kingdom
7/12/2006 - Daughter's b'day at MK Breakfast w/ Cinderella, Wonderland Tea Party and dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern
7/13/2006 - Go to a Beach (any suggestions)
7/14/2006 - Universal w/ kids
7/15/2006 - MGM
7/16/2006 - Universal just DH and I
7/17/2006 - Islands of Adventure just DH and I
7/18/2006 - Go to a Beach (any suggestions?) Cirque Du Soliel front row in the evening
7/19/2006 (My 29th B'day) Magic Kindom and Dinner at 1900 Park Fare
7/20/2006 - Anything that we missed and need to re-do.

We researched about the Fast Pass at Disney and plan on doing that. We also plan on buying the express pass for Universal. Too bad we will be paying a fortune everyday for parking. Ugh!

Does anyone recommend doing anything else? Or are there vital things that we should do first at certain parks?

My middle child gets heat sick easily ( and of course we are going during the hottest month,but we are from Texas and are somewhat used to the heat), so we bought some 'cool bandz' as well as thermos' that keep drinks cool for 24 hours. I also bought a O2 Cool mister fan for my daughter.

We are all so excited. I think I am more excited than my girls. Ever since I was a child I have always wanted to go to Disney World, so I can't wait to experience it for the first time with my 3 princesses.

Thanks so much in advance,

Kat

 

[lovindonald]

One thing I would suggest is that you pay the extra money at Universal to get the better parking. The walk from the parking area is extremely long just to get into the parks. I did Universal with my 3 kids last year and that was the worst thing. I think it costs about $5 more but you park closer and it is worth it. Don't miss the Jimmy Neutron ride in Universal Studios. Another thing we loves was Seaworld, feeding the dolphins. Remember that Animal Kingdom is very hot since it is built in a sort of bowl. So go early and then head out. Have a great trip!!

 

[AussieAngel]

Hi khattikat!

You've come to the right boards for some great trip planning advice!! I've never been to Disney either (yet!), but have picked up heaps of fantastic suggestions from people here for my September trip.

Have you thought about making ADR's (advanced dining reservations)? These need to be made for pretty much all table-service restaurants in Disney World. I don't know if you're planning on eating at table service restaurants, but it can be lots of fun planning where to eat in each park!

Reservations need to be made a long way in advance though, so if you do decide to book reservations, do so soon.

But don't panic - there's lots of counter service restaurants with your usual fast food (burgers, chicken strips, etc...) at the parks too, if you don't want to have a full-on table service meal.

Other than that - have fun! Read lots of this board and you'll learn heaps!

 

[khattikat]

Still looking for more comments - we leave for DW next Saturday!

 

[lovindonald]

Are you looking for anything specific? Having been there several times and a total lunatic for Disney, I can answer just about anything but it would take pages and pages to post. Where can I help???