Help me plan!

[megan926]

Hello!!! It seems like only a short time ago I was on this site planning my Disney Wedding (July 2004)...now I am back planning a trip for my almost 2 year old daughter.

I am a teacher, so is my DH. We are planning on going next August (the last 2 weeks). My parents, DH, DD and stepson are all going.

I have NO CLUE how to plan with a toddler. I know Disney well, but not with kids. HELP!

What places to stay are best? Packages? Deals?

 

[ndgqccmiller]

Are you guys planning on staying at Disney?

 

[stacy6552]

On our August trip with a very small child, we stayed at OKW in a 1 bedroom. I highly recommend at least a 1 bedroom. The villa was very spacious. To be able to close the door on a sleeping child was priceless. IN the summer the parks are all open late, so you can lunch and nap in the afternoons and still have all evening to play. You'll beat the heat and crowds this way. OKW was a wonderful quiet oasis just for this purpose, but most of the HAFH resorts are fantastic.

 

[cindarella]

We have gone with a 4, 3, and 1 yr. old and were fine. Don't worry. I really liked the layout of the POR rooms. Take a nice stroller that is easy to pack up, or rent one. I suggest taking a mid day break with a nap for EVERYONE and then go back at night for fireworks. That seems to help with kids and DH who can't really do "commando" Disney.

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi Megan,

We're 2 teachers too; we'll be there from the 12th to the 18th with our 3 kids (10, 8 and 5)

After much hemming and hawing, I decided on the Contemporary. The thought of being able to hop on a monorail or even WALk a tired 5 year old back from the MK just would not leave my mind. Yes, it's a total budget breaker, but that's OK. I'm thinking it's money well spent.
We got the AAA discount, the cheapest rooms they could find us, and we're hoping a code comes out to lower the price even more. I'm on the lookout for a cheap airfare, even though it's really too early for that yet.

Since my kids are relatively small, I'm skipping the water parks. The pool slide at the resort has them salivating already, and they love ANY pool, so we're saving some money there.

I decided to go with the meal plan. It really is a value for the kids. The adults may or may not save lots of money, but we're certain to at least break even. It will save us the hassle of bringing extra cash for meals.

I have a tentative breakdown as to mornings/evenings (afternoons are back at the pool)-- subject to change once I get a look at extended hours. Let me know if you want me to dig it out. I'll make our ADR's in February.

 

[megan926]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, we plan on staying at Disney.

Good thought about staying on the monorail line. It is more expensive, but definitely worth thinking about.

I've never stayed at OKW. How are the prices there?

 

[Perditamarie]

Consider renting points from a DVC owner for your accomodations. Check out the DVC rental boards for specific info - you can rent points from DVC owners for around $10-14 a point and stay at a deluxe resort w/full kitchen and w/d on property. A Sunday-Friday would be the most economical. A 2 bedroom would fit your whole group (sleeps 8). You can order groceries online or pick them up your self and also have the convenience of eating breakfast/lunch/snacks/beverages in your room as well as any big meals you'd want to prepare.

Park hopper passes are worth it to manage the crowds when it is busy. We often go to MK several mornings and just hop to another park when it becomes unbearable.

Plan equal park/pool time and definately take a midday nap/swim break.

Get everyone's 3 "must do" rides for each park so everyone in the group is accommodated and you have an itinerary to follow.

Definately bring a cooler bag w/snacks and drinks for your little one...it will be hot and you want to ensure you are not waiting in lines everytime she needs a drink.

Rides can be dark (bring a flashlight/light toy), loud (teach to cover ears or wear earplugs), sometimes scary (scope out the exit!). Fireworks can also be loud ---I have found it is not worth missing regular bedtime to see fireworks.

Ease into meeting gigantic characters - watch Disney movies and sing-a-longs to introduce the characters. Particularly good is a Ding-Along called Disneyland Fun, as it shows kids singing with characters like she will see in the park.

It will be hot. Bring a water/fan sprayer from home and incorporate an "air-conditioning" strategy into your touring, so you are often sitting in cool theaters/air conditioned rides in the afternoon or eat lunch in air conditioning! Don't forget the beautiful pool -- your daughter will probably love it best!

Watch out for stroller fever -- crabbiness that sets on when a kid is in the stroller too long. Plan breaks to play at playgrounds at all of the parks and the interactive fountains as well (pack change of clothes and have her wear sandals that can get wet) so she can stretch her legs and run.

Do you ziplock pack? It is wonderful! Put individual outfits in ziplock bags and it is a snap to get ready in the am. You know clothes out of the ziplock are dirty, Dad can get her dressed in a coordinated outfit and you have all kinds of handy ziplock bags around.

Consider shipping a box of stuff to your resort including diapers, wipes, swim diapers, snacks/breakfast items, suntan lotion, spray fan thingies, etc.

Happy planning!