First Visit From Blighty With Four Kids-any Tips!

[KJandKids]

eeeeK !!! I am so excited - I have been fortunate to have visited Disney in California when I was ten years old, and our family since have done a mini trip to Disneyland Paris, so hence get tearful with excitment everytime I think about our trip in the first two weeks of December this year to Disney World Orlando with my husband and our four kids - but are there any hints and tips out there to make this two week Disneyfest a treat !! Does anyone know, if the queues are a lot less this time of year (not that it is a major problem - us brits take queuing so seriously and would win gold if it were an olympic competition !) we actually leave on the 22nd so will miss the major Christmas Holiday crowds - from a very excited mum ! PS - if anyone is out there at the beginning of December and sees a blubbery woman with a big smile on her face, it is most probably me watching my kids having a great Disneyfest of a time !!!

 

[edingerc]

If you're a champion queuer, then you probably won't mind a coach. My suggestion is Tour Guide Mike, http://www.tourguidemike.com/ He will teach you how to maximize your time in "The World." The cost is about the same as a tour book and we have a great forum community that loves to help people out. His site is also fun to rowse, to highten your excitement.

On your specific question though, I think that the crowds are low that time of the year. Make sure to make time for the MVMCP in the MK and the Osbourne Family Lights (no, not Ozzy's family) in MGM.

If you don't want to do TGM, I suggest the UG (Unofficial Guide). It's quite a good book, although it doesn't have enough pictures to keep you hyped up.

WDW has so much more than DL or ED that you need to plan your visit. If not, you'll be completely lost. Hope to see you on TGM's site!

 

[Harambe]

I'm blubbering just reading your post! Enjoy your trip, don't tour like a maniac and since you'll be there for two weeks, plan two or more resort days to relax and regroup (no parks).

Have fun! You'll also get to see all the Christmas decorations. Are you doing Mickey's Verry Merry Christmas Party? You kids would love that.

 

[minnie61650]

Welcome to the DisBoards!
I am so excited for you and your family.
You will enjoy your 2 weeks at Disney.
December is a wonderful time to enjoy Disney.
You will get to see all the wonderful decorations.
I too would recommend Tour Guide Mike or the Unofficial Guide for great touring tips.
Another nice tour guide is Walt Disney World The Official Guide by Steve Birnbaum. It has lots of Pictures in it and describes the rides in great detail so
your children can pick out their must sees.
Have a wonderful time at Disney!
Linda

 

[fizz13]

Hi there! Welcome to the DIS I too am from the uk and did a trip this past January with my 3 kids. I am a subscriber to TourguideMike so here is my suggestion: if you are going to use the site, get on there fast as there is so much to absorb/ read it may well take you till December to do it. I think Unofficial Guide is more helpful when you are planning from scratch as there is a lot of info on choosing a hotel, travel (and some is purely written for a US reader), although it is a fantastic book and the tour plans do work.

As for crowds, the first 2 weeks of December are fantastic for crowds and experience. All the holiday decorations and festivities will be underway, including the Osborne Lights at MGM and Mickeys Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom (although you would need to order special tickets for this as it is a separate ticketed event in the evening), crowds are at a minimum and you should have a great time. Beware the weather as it can go from swimwear to hats and scarves. In other words, completely unpredictable

You will have a great trip and any questions you may have, well you know you found the right place. Be sure to check out the UK boards on the discussion forum menu as well.

Much pixie dust for a great trip,
Claire xx

 

[Shooby doo]

If you can get a look try Simon Veness's "A Brit's guide to Orlando",it's got some great tips.We always go to MK on our first park day,ferry ride across,they have a mini show to open the park,worth seeing to get you in the mood! We normally don't hop from area to area to do the best rides but instead go clockwise from Mainstreet & do each thing as we come to it- make sure you wear good shoes/trainers because you can do some serious mileage!! Don't overdo things as you can reach "burn-out" & it stops becoming enjoyable then.
I would also try to fit in US,IOA,SW & BG if you have time,they all offer something different to WDW & as much as I love MK,US is my fave park! We normally go for 3 weeks (none of our friends can believe that you can stay in the same place for that long & not become bored!!) so generally can take things easier.
Although we've never done MVMCP we have done MNSSHP 3 times & it is well worth the extra admission,puts anything we have over here to shame!
My only other pointer would be do an Itinerary,you don't have to stick to it but gives you an idea plus it gives you something to do until Dec & it all adds to the build up!!
HTH SD aw:

 

[webmomom]

The other thing I would tell you is, to make resservations for dinners. There is nothing worst than walking around the parks all day and then not being able to find somewhere to eat. You can always change them once you get here, but at least you will know you have somewhere to eat each day.