First Trip....advise needed, PLEASE.

[toddandmelinna]

We are going to Disney, January 2nd thru 7th. This is the first trip for both of my kids. My husband and I have both been however, it was 20 puls years ago. Anyway, I need advise, any and all.
What MUST-SEES do you reccomend? We have the park hopper and 4 days.....
What items are MUST PACK and LEAVE BEHIND?
Any others DO's or Don'ts?.....
Thanks to all....

 

[100AcreWood]

Yikes! Where to begin. You may want to check out allearsnet.com for more information about Disney World. It will provide you with details on each theme park.

1-How old are your kids?
2-My favorite must-see is Illuminations at EPCOT. Normally the Illuminations fireworks begin around 9:00. Also, the Spectromagic Parade is my favorite parade. It is truely awesome!
3-Pack clothes for crazy weather. In January it could be cold one day and hot the next. Definitely prepare for cooler nights though. We were there in December and used light jackets. But one night my daughter was so cold she needed a jacket and a blanket in the stroller.
4-Don't forget to use the fastpass!

Have a great first trip!

 

[tmli]

Our must see is Fantasmic at MGM. Get the unofficial guide and write down your must sees for each park.

You will not be able to see everything and if you don't go with a plan you will see even less.

 

[toddandmelinna]

my DS is 7 and my DD is 11..... Again, Thanks to all

 

[merfsko]

For your kids, I would suggest buying "Disney For Kids by Kids." It's includes every attraction, show and restaraunt, along with small not-so-secret tips, that can be very helpful. I've used this book for all four trips we've gone on, and it's always been helpful. It's fun and easy to understand for kids and teens, and useful for adults.

Have a great trip and we can't wait to hear about it!

Hope I was of some help,
merfsko

 

[andromedaslove]

The best and only recommendation I can give you is to spend the $20.00 and register for Tour Guide Mike. The website is www.tourguidemike.com . You will find almost any and all information you will need along with the best ways to avoid the crowds since it still may be a little busy while you are there. I promise it is worth every penny and then some.

Dana

 

[JodyTG]

And don't forget to call 407-WDW-DINE and make your ADR's. It's not usually very crowded at that time, but with the dining plan it's better safe than sorry.

 

[staci]

Where are you staying?

Get to the parks in the am and beat the crowds. it really is worth getting out of bed (and I like to sleep in )

We LOVE splash mountain in MK, such a cute ride inside. It has only been there about 12 years or so so it was not the when you were last.

Make some ressies if you havent already. I would do a character meal for the kids if you can still get one booked. There are a ton of great places to eat depending on your tastes.

Bring stuff for breakfast in the room (donuts, fruit, juiceboxes, cereal bars, etc). This saves time and money.

 

[Hoosier Mom]

I was impressed by the disney website. You can see each attraction at the theme parks, choose your favorites, then print off itineraries.

We went in January once. There weren't many lines. Very enjoyable. We did not go to the water parks however. It was a bit too cold. We were there for 1 week. It got to 80 degrees one day, so that was the day we spent at the resort (Carribean Beach Resort). Enjoyed the sandy beaches & rented pedal boats.

I second the suggestion on taking breakfast to eat in your room. We took cereal. There was milk in the fridg in our room. I've also heard they sell milk in the sundries section at the food court.

The last time we were there I remember really enjoying dinner at MGM at the 50's Primetime Cafe. Also the Muppet 3D thing was fun. At Epcot, the Living Seas was neat. Didn't care too much for the Spaceship Earth attraction. At MK, we loved the Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Railroad.

Have fun!

 

[DKx3]

We returned from a week in WDW in November, 1st time ever. My kids are the same age as your kids. Their must do things were space mountain, soarin', big thunder mountain railroad. Also, if riding the monorail ask to ride up with the driver, my kids loved it (ask the first CM you see up there).

 

[T-i-double-g-err]

Get to the park of your choice when it opens. Research the attractions with your kids now, and let everyone pick a must do. Hit those attractions first thing (possibly twice if you can do so without a wait for the second go). Enjoy the lower priority attractions that everyone wants to ride.

I'll also second the advise to get ADRs for meals. We typically have one ADR per day either lunch or dinner. Breakfast is at the hotel early before we leave. The other meal (or serial snacking) is based on where we are and how we feel.

My kids are a little younger than yours, so we break in the afternoon for some downtime at the hotel (nap, pool, snack, etc.). I'd recommend that you take breaks either back at your hotel or at sit down attractions/rest areas in the park. Nobody has fun if you start getting tired and cranky, which leads up to the most important advice...

Above all else, have fun!

PS We'll be there for the same time period. Counting down the days!!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We'll be there January 5-10 so lets both hope for good weather.

My advice would be - make sure you have ADRs. Buy the Unofficial Guide to Disney it will really help you decide what is most important for your family to see and do. Get to the park when it opens, you can get so much done! Relax and have a wonderful time - don't try to do everything, that's what future trips are for. Oh, and make sure you see Spectromagic parade and Wishes, you won't be sorry.

 

[KathyFP]

Remember that you can not see everything or do everything. Get a book do research and have your kids pick their must see list. I know that my DD (7) is a thrill seeker. We almost always start with Rockin roler coaster and tower of terror at MGM.

If you send me your email, I will send you my planning sheets.