Help please...first trip to WDW!

[MinnieMama09]

We just booked our stay at WL for June 1-6 (Sun-Fri) for our very first trip to WDW. It'll be me, DH, and 2 kids (DS 8, DD 5). We will most likely be in the parks Mon.-Thurs. We are from Arizona originally and are very familiar with DL, so are new to all this planning...which parks which days, ADRs, etc. With our kids ages and interests, I really feel like they would enjoy MK (probably 2 days), AK, and HS (still not sure if we will do EP this first trip--really want 2 days in MK). I looked on Undercover Tourist and Easy WDW websites for crowd calendars and am a little unsure as to what the best strategy would be for the 4 days we are there. We really wanted to start on Monday at MK but it isn't recommended on both calendars. I also need to make our ADRs and that would influence what parks we would be at too (hoping to get in a few character meals).

Sorry for the rambling, but all that to say...any recommendations? I'm thinking Monday at HS, Tues MK, Wed AK, Thurs MK again.

The only change up would be if we decide to make it a package, the spring offer is to add an extra day to tickets which would also give us Friday morning in a park too.

Thanks for your help!

 

[bobbie68]

Hi congrats on your first trip. We are going in August and this will be our 7th trip. Honestly, this is the first year I have looked at a touring plans strategy. We use to plan by ADR's and shows, fireworks and parades. We never had a problem touring like that.

I have heard from several people on this board that the touring plans have not been accurate. I am going against one of the parks that is not recommended on the easy wdw site. It just fits into our schedule better.

I think your plan looks good. I agree because it is your first time your kids will probably want MK twice. I am glad to see you are going to AK. It is our favorite park.

I just want to give you something to think about. When we first went we did quite a few sit down meals and character meals. This can eat up a lot of time from the parks depending on how many you do. Especially if you don't do the parks from RD to close. I would maybe do one or two character meals if your planning down time at the resort.

Just something else to think about if you decide to go to a package and take the extra morning in a park it could conflict with ME. The ME will come 3 hours to pick you up at your hotel before your flight.

Anything else please feel free to ask. Happy planning!

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I ususally advise first time visitors with children to avoid Magic Kingdom on their first day, anyway, because it usually is the children's favorite park and they might not fully get all that they can out of the other parks if they are thinking, "This isn't as good as Magic Kingdom." Or, "I wish we were at Magic Kingdom." With your family being Disneyland veterans, that might not apply, though, as Magic Kingdom has so many similarities to Disneyland that the kids might already know what to expect.

If it were me, I'd look at starting out Monday at Epcot. Easywdw has it the only recommended park and Josh is usually spot-on with his recommendations. Despite it's reputation, there really is a lot that kids can enjoy here. My three year old daughter absolutely loved Soarin' in January and has loved Spaceship Earth since her first trip in December of 2012. I bet your son would also really enjoy Test Track. It's a similar concept to Radiator Springs Racers, but you actually get to design your car before you start the ride. I prefer RSR, but I know many who absolutely LOVE Test Track, and many of them have younger boys. Turtle Talk with Crush is fun for all ages and I would recommend it not be missed (then again, you know about it at DCA). The street acts in World Showcase are fun. Make sure you check out Sergio in Italy as he does a great job of getting the kids involved. In fact, with your daughter's age, she would most assuredly end up throwing a ball into his net. Also, don't forget about Kidcot stations and Agent P's Adventure to help keep World Showcase fresh and fun for the kids. For dinner, I'd suggest Garden Grill in The Land Pavilion. The food is excellent and fresh, served family style, and the kids get their own meals but are more than welcome to eat the adult foods, as well. Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto come around and greet you and, unlike most character meals, will come to your table multiple times.

Tuesday, I'd head to Animal Kingdom. It's the second most recommended park on easywdw, but I'm going to save the number one recommended park, Hollywood Studios, for later in the week. Possibly look into a Tusker House breakfast to help you get into the park early. You will dine with Donald, Daisy, and Goofy. It's a buffet and it is located in Africa so when the park officially opens, you already have a head start to get to the safari, which I find the most fun early in the morning.

On Wednesday, I'd head over to Magic Kingdom. If you want to do Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique with your daughter, this would be a great time. And, you could see about getting your son a Pirate's League reservation for the same time so they both have something fun.

On Thursday, I'd head over to DHS. This has turned out to be my daughter's favorite park which, I must admit, I love as it has been my favorite since I was 8. That said, it does seem a bit polarizing. Some kids love it and some just don't. If your son is at all into Star Wars (or your daughter for that matter), I highly recommend Jedi Training Academy. I'm not really into Star Wars and I love watching the kids. Make sure you sign up for this first thing, though, if you are interested as spots fill up fast. If your daughter still likes Disney Junior, I'd look into the Play and Dine at Hollywood and Vine. She will get to dine and dance with Sophia, Doc McStuffins, Handy Manny, and Jake. It's a fun one for the kids.

Friday, I'd head back to Magic Kingdom. If your kids really just loved Animal Kingdom and want to do that again since there is nothing like it at Disneyland, keep that option open, as well.

I hope this helps you out. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask.

 

[Tbiafore]

You will be going in June when kids are out of school, so I would advise that you follow the crowd calendar (EasyWDW is the best in my opinion). If you dont, the waits in line and the parks will be so full that it could drastically affect your fun and how much you can cover at the parks.

 

[4mykids]

Check the Park Hours to ascertain the EMH for each day. Personally, I avoid those parks with a passion. I plan to go to the park that had EMH the day before. For example, if MK had late night EMH on Sunday night, I'd head to the MK on Monday morning. I don't know if you are park hopping, but we've always found that 1/2 day in AK is plenty. I'd go to AK early. You can book Tusker House (Donald's Breakfast Safari) for 8:00. If the park opens at 9, you should be finished with breakfast, be right by the Safari, and hop on that first just as the park opens. That is our favorite character meal. Excellent food and service. Another option is to reserve Crystal Palace the same way for a MK day. The Pooh characters are there. Great food. And it's wonderful seeing the MK with no one in the park! If you do a 1/2 day in AK, I'd head to Epcot for 1/2 day. We love the food in the World Showcase. Or head back to MK or the Studios for 1/2 day.

Be ready to call for dining ressies at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time 180 days out to get those early ressies. Other restaurants we love are 50's Primetime and Sci Fi at the Studios, Kona Cafe at the Poly, Via Napoli in Epcot. Line up for Be Our Guest in the MK for lunch around 10:30. It's well worth the wait, and I've heard it's better at lunch than dinner. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.

Enjoy your trip! You'll love the food at WDW! I find it to be better than the food in DL. But allow lots of time for commuting between the hotel and parks. It's not like DL!

 

[ucfknight]

Please don't dismiss Epcot so quickly.
It is easily the 2nd favorite of the 4 parks for my 7 and 5 year old (behind Magic Kingdom, of course).

 

[ougrad86]

I'm not sure about the days, other than no MK on Monday. I have heard that since I started going.

Chef Mickey's is a good option for character dining. You get to meet most of the big ones. If you plan to stay at the parks all day, this would be a chance to get off your feet and cool off. The Contemporary is within walking distance of MK.

I would also pick up the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. It has a lot of valuable information in it, although FP+ has changed touring somewhat, but has reviews of rides and restaurants and the like, plus basic strategies. It was my bible for our first couple of trips with my son, and I still pick it up every year...I just like it. MouseSavers newsletter comes via enail and has some info as well, and is free once a month.

Have fun!

 

[redhotariel]

First- You have a good plan, don't second guess yourself. Especially not because a website tells you. I have honestly (in all of my trips) never looked at that. I always, always, always start at MK, how better to start the Disney Magic, than at the Magic Kingdom itself. I always finish with it too (on a 5 day or 4 day trip), you can actually kiss the castle goodbye. I love the plan.

Now here is where my normal plans differ from yours, although I agree with you because you have kids: I easily toss away DHS, As an adult I have been there, done that, and would only go back if I feel a need to ride the rock'n'roller coaster or the TOT, which I do, don't get me wrong, but that is what I use a hopper for. For younger kids it is a good park, it has a lot to offer, so if you like it go with it. Also, AK, I'm so proud. I remember going to it in 1998 or 1999 right after it opened I was 6 or 7 and I was soooo upset that we had to go. In fact my parents were too. But AK is very different today. In fact it is one of my favorite parks to go to (sometimes I think I like it better than MK... I know, I know). I truly enjoy it so again I am very proud. To Omit EPCOT I do understand, however make sure you do it if you ever have a chance to go back. It is really more (to me) than people make it out to be. There is a lot of learning that can be done at EPCOT but also a lot of fun can be had as well. Make it a next time thing if you really can't do it this trip.

Also. About the dining. I do love Disney Dining Options, they have good food and the prices are not terrible (for Disney) but now you did not say you were on a Disney Dining Plan, so I will assume that you are not. In this case Table Service, especially Character Meals/Buffets can get pricey. I would honestly pick the one (maybe 2) that interest you the most. I love Chef Mickey's for Character breakfast but if I was paying out of pocket at $36.00 a person I wouldn't do it. I can't eat that much in the morning, and I'm hungry again 3 hours later regardless of how much I ate at breakfast. To me I would take park time over TS and Character Dining. Especially if you are paying out of pocket. Save yourself some money. Once your kids walk into the park and see the snacks they will be hungry again too. I would eat breakfast at the resort, something small maybe around $7 per person, then get a snack or two at the park $5-$10 per person total and lunch at the park $11 per person QS. And you are still only up to $28 per person. Bring in your own water bottles (there are water fountains to refill them) and stick some granola bars in a backpack in case you feel a little hungry and then do something bigger for dinner. Your kids can get pictures with characters at the park if they need to. So my recommendation again is maybe 1 or 2 TS and more park time!!! Stay where the Magic is!!

 

[rcarman213]

I am looking for tips and tricks for our first family trip to WDW. I have been there when I was younger but my wife has never been there nor have my kids. My 4 yo daughter is a Princess fanatic and loves everything princess. Any help would help!

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I am looking for tips and tricks for our first family trip to WDW. I have been there when I was younger but my wife has never been there nor have my kids. My 4 yo daughter is a Princess fanatic and loves everything princess. Any help would help!

Absolutely look into Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! My family prefers Akershus to Cinderella's Royal Table for princess dining. It's cheaper, more food, and the princess interaction is top notch! If she's also ultra girlie or really likes Aurora, look into the Princess Tea at the Grand Floridian, as well.

 

[ougrad86]

I am looking for tips and tricks for our first family trip to WDW. I have been there when I was younger but my wife has never been there nor have my kids. My 4 yo daughter is a Princess fanatic and loves everything princess. Any help would help!

If you don't mind skipping morning at Epcot, breakfast at Akerhaus in Norway is chock full of princesses. They come to your table one be one. WS has many of the same princesses as well, and there might be a meet and greet over at MK, but not sure...my DS is 17 and has never been into princesses, we just kind of stumbled into the Akerhaus one.

 

[Leveretttltl]

As others have said, don't skip over Epcot. So many times it is looked upon as an "adults only" park. Totally not the case! We LOVE Epcot. Since there are so many of the same things in Magic Kingdom that you have experienced at Disneyland you should consider spending at least one day in Epcot!

I have a 7 year old daughter. Our favorite character meals are Tusker House for breakfast (we did not like the food at lunch), Akershus for breakfast (we also did not like the food at lunch/dinner), Cinderella's Royal Table and Garden Grill. I have also heard wonderful things about Ohana's character breakfast. We have not eaten there yet for breakfast, but we've had dinner at Ohana twice and have a ressie for there next month. It is our favorite restaurant on property.

 

[DVCMikey]

A few things. Day at epcot, try to get ADR for Via Napoli, its great atomosphere.

Also, if you have a chance and want to see a dinner show, see the hoop dee doo musical review. Its all you can eat and drink and the show is amazing. Its not far from you either, as its at the campground at the wilderness resort

 

[MinnieMama09]

Oh, so much to consider! I really appreciate all the considerations and input. I am going to take a closer look at the easywdw calendar before I decide for sure. I really see the kids enjoying DHS because of all the shows and entertainment (as well as Toy Story, etc.)...it's so many of their favorite characters. I wanted to do a character meal there because my daughter is obsessed with both Sophia and Doc. And then like some of you mentioned, I'm looking forward to AK because it's just so different than anything at DL. I think part of me just has a hard time waiting til Wednesday to get to MK, does that make sense? I know we will be going often now that we are on the east coast (we went every year to DL when we lived in Arizona), but I just want to make the most of this FIRST trip to WDW. I still need to think about EP for sure for this trip (we will not be doing Park Hoppers to save some money so just trying to see if we want that extra day at MK). Need to make decisions soon for ADRs! Too excited though for it to get here!

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

Oh, so much to consider! I really appreciate all the considerations and input. I am going to take a closer look at the easywdw calendar before I decide for sure. I really see the kids enjoying DHS because of all the shows and entertainment (as well as Toy Story, etc.)...it's so many of their favorite characters. I wanted to do a character meal there because my daughter is obsessed with both Sophia and Doc. And then like some of you mentioned, I'm looking forward to AK because it's just so different than anything at DL. I think part of me just has a hard time waiting til Wednesday to get to MK, does that make sense? I know we will be going often now that we are on the east coast (we went every year to DL when we lived in Arizona), but I just want to make the most of this FIRST trip to WDW. I still need to think about EP for sure for this trip (we will not be doing Park Hoppers to save some money so just trying to see if we want that extra day at MK). Need to make decisions soon for ADRs! Too excited though for it to get here!

Oh hey, I have a random tip. June can get pretty rainy. It will seem like it rains everyday in the afternoon, but only lasts for an hour at most - and usually more like 20 to 30 minutes. The ponchos at Disney... well, they must be proud of them for what they charge. My tip would be to go by Wal Mart before you leave. In the camping section, they have ponchos in these tiny bags that can fit the the back pocket of your jeans before they are opened. They are less than a dollar each.w I'd buy a few of those and carry them with you each day. Then, after you are done with them, you can just toss them out and use a new one the next day, if necessary.

 

[MinnieMama09]

Oh hey, I have a random tip. June can get pretty rainy. It will seem like it rains everyday in the afternoon, but only lasts for an hour at most - and usually more like 20 to 30 minutes. The ponchos at Disney... well, they must be proud of them for what they charge. My tip would be to go by Wal Mart before you leave. In the camping section, they have ponchos in these tiny bags that can fit the the back pocket of your jeans before they are opened. They are less than a dollar each.w I'd buy a few of those and carry them with you each day. Then, after you are done with them, you can just toss them out and use a new one the next day, if necessary.

Ooh, thank you! Very good tip...we NEVER paid for them at DL when it would rain and always said they were way to much! Thanks! See, one less thing I have to worry about!

 

[BYC]

OK.....I haven't read all the responses, so maybe this is covered already. But, why would you skip Epcot?? If you only have 4 park days, why not do one day in each? Especially if you are very familiar wit Disneyland. The Magic Kingdom is very similar to Disneyland. Epcot is great! Kids will love it! And so will you! Why would you skip it??

 

[Karbase8]

I am looking for tips and tricks for our first family trip to WDW. I have been there when I was younger but my wife has never been there nor have my kids. My 4 yo daughter is a Princess fanatic and loves everything princess. Any help would help!

I would get a guide book and use easywdw.com for crowd calendars and touring cheat sheets. There are many meet and greets for the princesses alot in Magic Kingdom Epcot. I would do one princess meal, I have done the 1900 Park Faire with Cinderella the stepsisters and step mom and prince charming. For a splurge, Cinderella's Royal Table has alot of the princesses, Ariel, Snow white, sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella. There is also a princess breakfast at Epcot. I would go through each park and pick attractons the family will want to see. You can't see everything but prioritize and also pay attention some attractions rehab or go down. Also learn how to use the new FastPass system and if you can get your family to go early to the parks even a few days you can often get a lot done in the mornings

 

[MinnieMama09]

OK.....I haven't read all the responses, so maybe this is covered already. But, why would you skip Epcot?? If you only have 4 park days, why not do one day in each? Especially if you are very familiar wit Disneyland. The Magic Kingdom is very similar to Disneyland. Epcot is great! Kids will love it! And so will you! Why would you skip it??

I know, you're probably right...that's what I keep hearing. I think I am in DL withdrawal a little bit (since we moved to SC 2 years ago we haven't been to DL and I'm really missing it). And I know how much I (I mean my kids, right? ) love it, I thought we would want 2 days there. I know this will be the first of many trips, so I thought maybe we could save EP for next time when we have more time to see more. I was thinking they would enjoy it more when they got a little older, but the more I'm hearing, that may be wrong thinking...hmmm.

 

[Darkside]

Your plan looks good, but I think it is a shame that you will miss Epcot, most of the rides and such at Magic Kingdom are the same as Disneyland. WDW is larger than you think and you will not see/do everything in 4 days. It takes quite a few trips to do that, but staying at a Deluxe is the way to go. One you will be closer to the parks and two you will get some rest and relaxation there and trust me you will need it.