Help!!!!! I overloaded on info!!!

[RDM83]

I think the biggest misconception with Disney is that you have to do everything.

Your children are young. I would two have the older kids look at the book and pick one or two rides that are important. Pick out one or two shows you think are important. Take breaks. Find the play areas.

Make sure to keep everyone hydrated and fed. It's easy to lose track of time and not eat properly. Bottom line is if you don't over think it and over plan, you can really have a great time.

The first year we went it was for a family reunion. My kids were 7 and 5 at the time. We bowed back from the riguous schedule and took them on a few rides and let them meet the characters. They did really well when we did this. The days we followed along with the family (mostly older kids) it was really rough. It was information overload and too much for us.

So I guess what I am saying is that maybe you should use the book to find a few rides, scope out some nice places to rest/play, and then put it in a drawer. Sometimes the best layed plans are the ones you make while just walking around enjoying your vacation.

THNX! This is definitely a must do, I definitely want to keep my babies at a comfortable pace. They are wonderful kids but I can imagine what heat, crowds, hunger and exhaustion can do to kids!!

 

[crisi]

Before our trip, each person picks their top two "must see" attractions in each park. I select these as the favorites for the free customized maps offered on the Disney website. We don't carry the maps around in the parks, but look them over in the room before heading out or the night before. You will not be able to do everything this trip, but if you make sure to do each person's one or two "must see" attractions everyone should feel that their interests were heard.

We do this one - particularly when we bring newbies. For our family, we have gone often enough that it isn't necessary, but when we are traveling with others - its a must. That makes sure EVERYONE gets to see their highest priority things and it sets the expectation that we won't get to everything at WDW (I've been going for years and I haven't done everything at WDW).

It also sets a pace for touring that works pretty well. Chances are, there will be some overlap in the "top things" and you'll be able to knock off everyone's (unless the party is large or the attractions are all long) in a morning at each park. That can set a quieter pace for the afternoon and evening.

 

[Maleficient]

We've stayed at the cabins multiple times, and I highly recommend renting the golf cart. It saves SO much time and reduces frustration of waiting for the internal busses. Plus they're the easiest way to get around the Fort (pool, store, laundry, etc) We also rent a car because we find with 3 kids its easier to get to the car vs. wait for whatever transportation. The Fort is great and you may find that you spend more time there than you anticipate. Have a great time - we'll be there April 1-8!

 

[cheshireqt]

You are going to Disney!
Before our first overnight trip to Disney I did the same thing, overplanned and worried that my plans would need to be replanned. Plans did end being replanned in some cases but that was based on what WE WANTED to do. This is what works for us:

before arrival
-use U.G. for which parks are expected to have least crowds
-determine park hours using Disney's website
-decide must see parades, firework shows
-Map out the week according to which park(s) we will be visiting and when (our kids are older so we will parkhop to another park on some days, especially after down-time at the resort)
-Make dining reservations based on where we expect to be

after arrival
-stay flexible, expect the plan to change some
-use fastpasses! FP a ride as soon as arrive at a park and then go ride another ride. Come back to ride FP'd. Get a new FP,and repeat process.
-If parks are not crowded do whatever we want!
-remind ourselves (continuously) that downtime at the resort makes for much happier memories, and we can get more "done" after a refresher.
-take lots and lots of pics. Don't underestimate the joy of meeting characters! Even if you think it will put you off schedule.

Relax and remember this: you will have a wonderful time, no matter what. It is Disney after all