First visit - am I missing anything?

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Oh yes, they are pricey. We are doing the dining plan, so I figure might as well do the Char Dinners for our table service ones.

 

[maxtomsmom]

Am I wrong, but I've been mostly seeing these Character Dining events as entertainment more than as a meal. Is this the wrong way to look at it? How many are a good number for a little one?

One or two per trip is plenty. Try to be more choosy. There are threads with people's opinions on them. Also, try to pick ones with different characters like CP is the only one with Winnie the Pooh and friends - no Mickey or Pluto. Chef Mickey has all the characters.

 

[stacyface]

Hi we are going to disney in 4 days and was wondering if you would email me a copy of your list. I have a 8dd, 5ds, and 3dd. we are staying at port orleans riverside for 4 days. thanks stacy

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi we are going to disney in 4 days and was wondering if you would email me a copy of your list. I have a 8dd, 5ds, and 3dd. we are staying at port orleans riverside for 4 days. thanks stacy

Stacy, which list were you referring to?

Here's a list of the Disney characters and where you're likely to find them for autographs: http://home.att.net/~disneysue/characters/wdw/disneycharacters.html

Here's a list of the height requirements for each ride: http://www.allears.net/tp/rr.htm

Here's a list of character meals: http://www.wdwinfo.com/Just_for_kids/character_dining.cfm

 

[Cruz91]

If you arrive later in the day, I think AK usually closes fairly early (as compared to the other parks, anyway)....

 

[LuvOrlando]

-

 

[Rylee]

We are planning our first visit soon. Just double checking I'm not missing something here. We are staying on property. This will be our first trip to Disney (me and DS turning 4). Staying at All Stars. 3 nights. Have park hopper & water park tickets (upgraded to them for free in our package).

1. have ADR's for dinners (CM, CP, Whispering Canyon, Hollywood & Vine)
2. have packing lists that include ponchos, umbrella stroller
3. packing swim suit in carry on backpack & DS's to the park
4. bringing camera, but plan to pre-purchase photopass
5. buying autograph book at resort before heading to the park
6. first night in going to MK, dinner at CP (although DS says he'd rather see "wild animals" than Mickey. Sigh... on the fence about trading this one out, but since the next night is EMH at MK, thought it may be better to be at AK that night.
7. No to Pal Mickey (agree/disagree?)
8. Doing early EMHs, but avoiding parks with evening EMH
9. Skipping Downtown Disney, Epcot and Waterparks due to short visit
10. Napping mid day and then returning to the park
11. Bringing DVD for airplane (2 hr flight - needed?)
12. Using Magical Express
13. Used Guide Book to learn about parks.
14. Getting "first trip" & "Birthday" buttons

Am I missing anything you vets would feel important? I'm thinking I have it all covered and can put the trip planning on cruise now - good thing because our world will be hectic for the next month until the trip!

Any thoughts would be great!!!! I'm excited. It's taken 35 years to get here, but visiting Disney soon!!!

Hi,

A few questions...

What time do you arrive and depart?
Have you checked park calendar hours?
Which park/s on which days? Even though you have hoppers, you should plan on being in the park or the nearest park, to your scheduled ADR's to cut down on travel time.

Make sure you have everything you'll need/want for your first day, packed in your carry-on. You may not see your luggage for several hours.

You can check-in as soon as you arrive at the resort... your room might not be available, but they will give you your passes and store your carry-on so you can head directly to the parks.

Since there is just you and your son... I would keep the character meals you have scheduled. The children's menus are very limited and buffet style character meals will provide more options for your son.

I would probably keep the CP ADR and go to Magic Kingdom on the first night. (AK usually closes earlier than the other parks.)

Definitely watch Wishes at MK (watch for Tink and/or stand where she'll fly directly over-head) and consider Fantasmic at the Studios.

We had days when we did and didn't return to the resort for naps. (In our case, my husband ends up napping and the kids and I hit the pool.) Generally, we find it's not necessary... either the kids don't fall asleep or they fall asleep on the bus and wake as we are getting off the bus. If your son doesn't usually nap, you may find he doesn't need one at Disney, either. Our children easily fall asleep in the stroller but another good idea is to take in shows during the afternoon, not rides... sometimes they'll drift off in our arms, a short nap, but enough to refresh and keep the "crabbies" away. Your son will let you know what's right for him.

Make a list of "must-do-and-see" for you and your son. Hit these attractions first thing in the morning (even if it means zig-zagging the park.) Also, use fastpasses. (Example - since your son loves animals... go directly to the safari ride at AK. If you think he'll want to do something twice, grab a fastpass, but then get in the stand-by line, ride, and then return at the fastpass time, or ride and then grab a fastpass for later.) After you take in a few of your "must-see-and-do" attractions, RELAX and discover the magic at you own pace!

Do have a plan for touring the parks... what you want to see and do, and where these attractions are located, BUT don't be afraid to toss out the plan and flow with the moment! The most important thing is spending time and making happy memories with your son.

Have a magical trip.

 

[mrstomrice]

Bringing DVD for airplane (2 hr flight - needed?)

We had a dvd for the flight from Phila to MCO. It was nice for the plane, as well as a good thing to have in the room so DS3 could fall asleep to a familiar movie ( a naptime ritual at home).


We also like taking our boys to the barbershop if they are in need of a cut...fun experience!
We have also put our DS in his bathing suit on hot days in the park so he can go through the water fountains and dry quickly.

We like character meals. We found that the later breakfast sittings allow for a better character experience...at CM we were visited several times by all of the characters because by the end, half of the other tables had cleared out already. Goofy even played with the kids, taking their Pluto doll for a walk as he held their hands...too cute! The later time also allows for 2 meals and a snack instead of three meals.

1 more suggestion...imho...you might be able to get away without doing an autograph book...my ds 3 never seemed to care that he didn't have one and it saved a lot of time.
Have a great trip!

 

[MommyBuzz909]

I would totally do Pal Mickey - I know that my son will love it and I'll find it informative!