First trip in over 20 years w/ two littles--Help!

[m19s99u]

Hi all! Thanks in advance for all of your tips, helpful hints, and trip reports. I've been browsing since we booked our trip a few weeks ago, and have had my eyes opened a bit to what the Disney experience is like now. The last time I was at Disney was in the 80's, same for my husband. We are coming in November with our two girls, who will be 3 and 6 at the time of travel.

We have to make our ADR's next month, and we will be moving the same week. Thankfully we are staying CL at the CR (4 days, 3 nights), so I'll have someone to assist me, b/c I'm afraid I'll forget or we will be w/o internet service at the time.

Because our stay is fairly short, I want to make sure we hit the classics and highlights for our girls in regards to their ages and likes, but I'm not going to make ourselves crazy and try to see every last thing while we're there. We're also trying really hard to stay within the benefits and constraints of our DDP, and what's offered CL at the CR. We do have park hoppers, although I don't know how much we will end up using them.

That being said, I've browsed around a little, and determined that CRT is a best bet for a character dining experience. If I was to book only one more, and only one that used only one TS credit, what would you recommend? I'd love to do BOG, but our youngest right now is scared of the beast, so I don't want to put her in that situation, so I think we'll FP+ that for lunch instead.

And as far as rides and attractions are concerned--is Enchanted Tales w/ Belle worth a FP+? Or is there something else you might suggest for them? It seems like a lot of the classic rides for little ones, that using a FP isn't necessary? Of course they want to meet Anna and Elsa, so fingers crossed I can deliver on that.

Thanks again for your help!! So looking forward to visiting the MK again after so many years!!

 

[tigerbelly]

For 4 days with park hoppers I would do Magic Kingdom 2 days, Epcot one day, split a day at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

I would also probably choose the princess meal at Akershus in Norway over CRT. Save the extra dining credit for another character meal. Perhaps Chef Mickey- to see the classic characters, since you are staying at the Contemporary.

 

[m19s99u]

For 4 days with park hoppers I would do Magic Kingdom 2 days, Epcot one day, split a day at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

I would also probably choose the princess meal at Akershus in Norway over CRT. Save the extra dining credit for another character meal. Perhaps Chef Mickey- to see the classic characters, since you are staying at the Contemporary.

Our first day we won't be there until probably close to 3pm--would it be wise to maybe hit HS that day? I can think of 2-4 things they'd love to do there, and would probably be satisfied. And then maybe do AK one afternoon after a break?

 

[esquared221]

We've been lots with littles so I'd say if you're not too bushed from traveling HS is a good option for the first evening. There's not much your youngest can do there but Toy Story Midway Mania is the reason we go (so much FUN!). If you're traveling from far away maybe downtown Disney is a better idea for that evening you arrive. Traveling is tiring with small ones and you might find you just don't have the energy for a park. We like Downtown Disney for dinner our first night because you get just a little taste of Disney without all the fuss of the parks (easier in and out and TO BED!).

MK is your best bet for having the most things for both age groups and it's big enough to hit twice without re-doing everything more than once. Plus it's close to the Contemporary and the kids might get a kick out of riding the Monorail. If you choose to do AK, I'd go in the morning and do Kilimanjaro Safari first thing (you can see more animals in the morning) and then you can head back to the room for a break and or hit the pool in the afternoon. You could even take advantage of your park hopper and do HS that evening after your afternoon break.

As far as ADR recommendations, our personal must-do is Chef Mickeys. The food is very kid-friendly and the classic characters are all in one place. And I mean what's cuter than Mickey in a chef hat?

 

[esquared221]

And as far as rides and attractions are concerned--is Enchanted Tales w/ Belle worth a FP+? Or is there something else you might suggest for them? It seems like a lot of the classic rides for little ones, that using a FP isn't necessary? Of course they want to meet Anna and Elsa, so fingers crossed I can deliver on that.

We did FP for Enchanted Tales with Belle for our upcoming trip because we weren't sure what the lines are typically like since it's a fairly new attraction. We did it on our last trip and it was adorable (DDthen5 was chosen to be Philippe). Most of the rides that your youngest can go on probably wont require FP. Dumbo has been revamped and has a really nice play area that the kids can play in while they wait to get on the ride so you could skip FP for that. If you're hoping to get on the new Snow White ride I'd get a FP for that. Also, DEFINITELY get a FP for Elsa and Anna if you can get one. We couldnt but I don't think we're going to pass that up (read: this is the one and only thing Im willing to stand in line for an extended amount of time for!!).

 

[m19s99u]

We've been lots with littles so I'd say if you're not too bushed from traveling HS is a good option for the first evening. There's not much your youngest can do there but Toy Story Midway Mania is the reason we go (so much FUN!). If you're traveling from far away maybe downtown Disney is a better idea for that evening you arrive. Traveling is tiring with small ones and you might find you just don't have the energy for a park. We like Downtown Disney for dinner our first night because you get just a little taste of Disney without all the fuss of the parks (easier in and out and TO BED!).

MK is your best bet for having the most things for both age groups and it's big enough to hit twice without re-doing everything more than once. Plus it's close to the Contemporary and the kids might get a kick out of riding the Monorail. If you choose to do AK, I'd go in the morning and do Kilimanjaro Safari first thing (you can see more animals in the morning) and then you can head back to the room for a break and or hit the pool in the afternoon. You could even take advantage of your park hopper and do HS that evening after your afternoon break.

As far as ADR recommendations, our personal must-do is Chef Mickeys. The food is very kid-friendly and the classic characters are all in one place. And I mean what's cuter than Mickey in a chef hat?

It seems silly to not do Chef Mickey since we're right there, but then I wondered if it was a little silly for us to use a TS meal for breakfast, since we get breakfast with out CL room. Tusker has the classic characters, right? Should we maybe do a late breakfast there instead?

 

[tanyaandallie]

With 2 young princesses I would say CRT though if you are trying to save $$ or make the most of your ddp then Akershus is good as well. We have done both and enjoyed both but getting to eat inside the castle is special. If you are staying at CR, I would go for dinner at Chef Mickeys. If you do CRT and Chef Mickeys you are knocking out a ton of meet and greets! Plus, CM is at your resort! You could do early dinner at CM and then go see fireworks at MK.

Everyone has a different opinion, but when my kids were very young we skipped Epcot. There just is not as much there for the younger crowd. DHS offered my kids more with TSMM, Disney Jr. Live, the Beauty and the Beast show and Little Mermaid. Plus, I love and adore Fantasmic! A bit scary for the littles but it was one thing I insisted we do because I loved it!!

So, if it were me I would do 2 days at MK, 1 at dhs and one at AK. I would leave your arrival day open and see how you feel. You don't want to get there and keep everyone up late if you have had a long day of travel.

 

[m19s99u]

We did FP for Enchanted Tales with Belle for our upcoming trip because we weren't sure what the lines are typically like since it's a fairly new attraction. We did it on our last trip and it was adorable (DDthen5 was chosen to be Philippe). Most of the rides that your youngest can go on probably wont require FP. Dumbo has been revamped and has a really nice play area that the kids can play in while they wait to get on the ride so you could skip FP for that. If you're hoping to get on the new Snow White ride I'd get a FP for that. Also, DEFINITELY get a FP for Elsa and Anna if you can get one. We couldnt but I don't think we're going to pass that up (read: this is the one and only thing Im willing to stand in line for an extended amount of time for!!).

Okay good--we heard good things about ET from a friend, and I'm happy to hear someone else say their kids enjoyed it. By new Snow White ride, you mean the Seven Dwarfs ride, right? I think my youngest might be too little, so maybe I'll just try to FP that for our oldest and one of us.

 

[3Gsandme]

IMO, ETWB is totally worth it. It was a great experience for my two little girls.

I think DHS is doable in a half day with little people. If you want to see Fantasmic! I'd consider doing the dinning+ticket for that. Just less waiting involved for good seats. We really liked Fantasmic! (it's no Wishes, but it will do )

Akershus would be a good option if your little girls are Princess fans. There's a nice variety and the theme of the castle is very nice. I thought the food was okay. I'm such a food snob, but really, it was just fine.

Definitely schedule a FP+ for Peter Pan. It is slow loading the lines tend to just be long for that one.

 

[mm1971]

I would say to keep CRT and add Chef Mickeys at your resort for the other dinner. You'll get to see the princesses and all the favorites with the two meals.

While Epcot is my families favorite, a lot of that has to do with the time we spend in World Showcase (a lot of walking!). With two little ones, there is still a lot to do...Spaceship Earth, Soarin, Ellen Energy, Nemo, Turtle Talk, Living w/ the Land, Figment so I certainly wouldn't skip Epcot, but maybe plan your day around those and then the afternoon elsewhere. You can FP+ Soarin and 2 of the other attractions to make it easier to get future world done.

I am assuming you will have a travel on day 1 and 4. That would basically be 2 full days and 2 part days, correct? I would say DHS on arrival if you are up for it. MK the next day, Epcot and then finish at MK the third and then do AK in the morning on departure day. That is what we would do on a short trip. If you have the meal points, I would suggest Tusker House with an early reservation (7:30M). You'll get to see Donald in safari gear and be in the park prior to opening. That will allow you to get some things done quickly like the safari ride before the ones start to build.

Just some thoughts. Have a great vacation.