Hi. Freaking Out. Help. HELP!!... I mean, please help, please. :)

[DigitalMariner]

I don't even know where to begin so if Mods want to move this someplace more appropriate I understand. Also, I apologize for what I presume will be a long post. I tend to ramble sometimes and I can feel it coming on.

Long story short, my wife has a ton of extra vacation days given to her due to a major project at work last year. So since her plan A of a super-maternity leave seems to not be happening, she proposed out of the blue on Tuesday the idea that she wants us to try and take our boys (7, 4.5, & 3yrs at travel time) to Disney World for the first time. This April. As in approximately 12 weeks from now. Roughly 85 days and counting.

Wait, What? Yeah, that was my reaction also.

Now, I'm what has been called a Fact Finder (literally, an old job had us KOLBE tested and that's what I came back as). I research and plan a lot for minor things, and knew this would be coming one day as we've talked about it but thought I'd have months to research and pre-plan and prepare even before the 180 day window to start reservations for stuff. I was expecting so much more lead time I think I'm going to end up having a breakdown by the end of this week just thinking about it (in the hyperbole kinda way, not having an actual anxiety issue kinda way).

So... I already had a couple of 2014 WDW books on my bookshelf (did I mention I'm a planner?) even though we weren't planning to go anytime soon. We've briefly looked into things over the years and have each had a few ideas in mind that we'd like to do. And now my browser is currently open to 10 other Disney-related tabs beyond this DIS one I'm typing in. I feel like I'm in Disney overload and we haven't even decided we're 100% definitely going.

My number one fear, the thing that drives me to feel like I need to keep researching and planning, is that I'll miss something obvious. Something there for 20+ years and just forgot to add to the list.

I DON'T want to schedule every minute of the trip. I don't want to freak out because we're 4 minutes late somewhere. I'm not that type of planner, I just don't want to miss out on something or pay more than we need to because I planned it wrong.

We don't have a lot of money and as much as I've always said I only want to go when everyone will be able to remember it for their lives (so the youngest would be ideally be at least 6+), I don't know if we'll end up being able to do that. So this may be it, which just compounds the pressure.

Ok, enough background rambling. Here's what I've got so far.

I don't know how much info is needed to help me, if I somehow miss something I'm sure I can fill it in for you. I apologize in advance for gratuitous info.

Family of 5 (three boys who will be 7, 4.5, and 3 at trip time). This trip will replace their traditional birthday parties (oldest and youngest have birthdays in March, middle is Sept so it's his 1/2 birthday). So I want to be able to spend a meal "celebrating" each of their birthdays, especially since they're still young enough to enjoy all that goes with that. Also, this fall is our 10th wedding anniversary so I feel like we should try and work in something for that.

The younger two both still nap daily (1.5-3hrs per afternoon) and the older one will occasionally take one but usually insists he doesn't need one (even when he does). We can and have pushed through naps before but that usually ends up meaning everyone crashes and meltsdown around dinner and go to be early. Typical routine is they wake up around 6am and go to bed around 8pm (and are asleep by 9pm).

We're looking mid-April. I've been using Friday 4/17 - Saturday 4/25 as a rough date range just to ballpark costs. But we're somewhat flexible. The oldest is in 1st grade so with that plan he's missing 6 school days which is probably our max for skipping.

Direct nonstop Flights from Philly to Orlando on Southwest currently quote at ~$1800+taxes.
Driving ~2,150 miles round trip = $850 for gas, hotel, meals, tolls not counting whatever maintenance we might need first (so, double?). Also, it's an extra couple days crammed into the car instead of a park.
So after talking last night, we agreed to that flying sounds best deal especially factoring in the time. This will be each kid's first flight. Even more fun. But we're open to opinions.

I've thought Art of Animation would be the best hotel for us, both in terms of bang for the buck and because the boys like those movies and will love staying in the Cars buildings. She's wanted to stay at Contemporary because of Chef Mickey's and being on the monorail. She wanted to be close to help the ease going back for naps/rest if needed. But after looking at prices last night, we're realizing that monorail hotels would likely be budget busting, so she's coming around to AoA as the resort. Again, happy to hear opinions if you have one.

So now we're onto details. 3 meals vs. 2 meals + groceries in room + cash for maybe an extra meal or two. 5 day ticket or 6 days for $50 more? $300ish for Park hoppers or just do one a day? Get the photo package for the memories or save the money? How much is there to do for these ages at Epcot or Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom? Is it worth a whole day or just skip one (or more) of those parks? What are good places to try and have special birthdays for the boys? At this point are we out of luck to try and get a reservation? How difficult is getting fast passes going to be this late? Am I so full of questions it's worth giving up control and going through an agent to walk us through things this time?

The only things I know for sure my wife wants to do is 1) a Character Breakfast at Chef Mickey, 2) to eat at Cinderella's Royal Table, 3) obviously spend at least a day in Magic Kingdom, 4) a day to rest/pool/downtown disney to avoid burning out and 5) to try and keep them up for at least one fireworks show somewhere. Everything else is wide open, which is nice and flexible but daunting to fill in.

They are really into Disney Junior shows: Mickey's Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins, Octonauts, Jake and the Pirates (helps that the youngest is named Jake) etc.. That channel is our go to when we need a quick reward or distraction. In terms of movies they mostly enjoy Pixar stuff like Cars and Nemo. They haven't been exposed to traditional Disney movies much but we will start a crash course if we decide to go. The youngest's favorite is currently Winnie the Pooh, the middle is all about Frozen (especially Olaf), and the oldest is transitioning from Cars to more Superhero stuff, but he does seem to get spooked easily by dramatic elements.

There's just so much... so much stuff. So many options, so many things to consider. Brain is just overflowing. Did I mention she wants to keep it all-in under $8000? Yeah, $8000 including airfare, food, hotel, souvenirs, taxes, tips... Everything. $8000. Funny, isn't she? I think my first rough draft last night came in a little over $10k before taxes and tips. I'm in trouble I can feel it.

I do enjoy planning things like this and usually can pull it off pretty well and exceed expectations but boy am I feeling overwhelmed by the pressure already.

Anything you can offer to help try and streamline my focus or answer my questions or give advice based on your own experiences is greatly appreciated.

*whew* I think that's everything.

Thanks in advance and thanks for just humoring me enough to unload like that.

PS - Totally forgot to mention, middle child has a peanut allergy. I've heard Disney is pretty good about accommodating that but he was only diagnosed 5 months ago so we're still new and paranoid about that.

 

[Suzerella]

I DON'T want to schedule every minute of the trip. I don't want to freak out because we're 4 minutes late somewhere. I'm not that type of planner, I just don't want to miss out on something or pay more than we need to because I planned it wrong.

While you can get away with not planning every minute, you should definitely make a rough schedule - knowing which parks on which day is a good way to start. This will help with your FP+ reservations, and meal reservations.

The younger two both still nap daily (1.5-3hrs per afternoon) and the older one will occasionally take one but usually insists he doesn't need one (even when he does). We can and have pushed through naps before but that usually ends up meaning everyone crashes and meltsdown around dinner and go to be early. Typical routine is they wake up around 6am and go to bed around 8pm (and are asleep by 9pm).

You should plan on being flexible with this. Most people recommend heading back for naptime - and DH and I actually refer to 3-5pm as the "meltdown hour" as kids across the park start to lose it. But, heading back can eat up 2+ hours of your time, in addition to the actual nap. With our kids (2, 5 and 6) we find it's best just to end the day early, and spend the afternoon resting or at the pool. Then we plan to head back to a park one or two days during the trip to catch the fireworks. But we know we won't be doing many rides, and if we do, it's a bonus for those nights.


So after talking last night, we agreed to that flying sounds best deal especially factoring in the time. This will be each kid's first flight. Even more fun. But we're open to opinions.

I say fly, especially if it's nonstop. Will make your vacation much more relaxing! Pack a ton of snacks, stickers and iPads, and your kids probably won't even realize they are on the plane...


I've thought Art of Animation would be the best hotel for us, both in terms of bang for the buck and because the boys like those movies and will love staying in the Cars buildings. She's wanted to stay at Contemporary because of Chef Mickey's and being on the monorail. She wanted to be close to help the ease going back for naps/rest if needed. But after looking at prices last night, we're realizing that monorail hotels would likely be budget busting, so she's coming around to AoA as the resort. Again, happy to hear opinions if you have one.

AoA is great as far as theming goes. That said, I don't think the 5 of us in my family would be comfortable, even in a suite, for 7 days. We did two connecting rooms (for almost the same amount of money). The other option, given the cost of the suites, is to look into renting DVC points - just google David DVC Disney.

So now we're onto details. 3 meals vs. 2 meals + groceries in room + cash for maybe an extra meal or two. 5 day ticket or 6 days for $50 more? $300ish for Park hoppers or just do one a day?

If you are ok with $50 more, buy the extra day. It will give you flexibility to go on your arrival or departure day. Even on days we take "off" from the parks, we find we still want to sneak in to catch a parade or fireworks or one special ride.

Get the photo package for the memories or save the money?

Yes, definitely get it if you are there for that long. Pre-purchase it to save $50.

How much is there to do for these ages at Epcot or Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom?

Plenty!

Is it worth a whole day or just skip one (or more) of those parks? What are good places to try and have special birthdays for the boys?

For the little one, try for Crystal Palace with Pooh and Friends.

At this point are we out of luck to try and get a reservation? How difficult is getting fast passes going to be this late? Am I so full of questions it's worth giving up control and going through an agent to walk us through things this time?

I would recommend booking through an agent if you're not doing DVC points. They can walk you through step by step. Your options are going to be more limited now than 3 months ago, but there will still be stuff open. Don't freak out - you are going to Disney! Enjoy what you ARE able to do, don't stress about what you can't.



They are really into Disney Junior shows: Mickey's Clubhouse, Doc McStuffins, Octonauts, Jake and the Pirates (helps that the youngest is named Jake) etc..

Make sure you see the Disney Junior at Hollywood Studios! The characters outside of it (Jake and Sophia) are not face characters - they are more "plush" and less scary for the little ones.



PS - Totally forgot to mention, middle child has a peanut allergy. I've heard Disney is pretty good about accommodating that but he was only diagnosed 5 months ago so we're still new and paranoid about that.

When you make your reservations, tell the agent (Disney or travel) and they will put you in contact with the appropriate people. Disney is the BEST place to take a kid with an allergy.

 

[julieanddanny]

I'll admit - I skimmed a lot of that
Things that stand out:

That week is a school vacation week in the northeast. There ma be a spike in crowds

If you want Chef Mickey and CRT you need to log on right now and see what's available and when you see that they are booked You'll need to wait for cancellations and hunt them down - you probably will be able to get them if you are patient and persistent!

I'd double check with the Spring offer and make sure I think AoA and Cont will be similar in price - nothing beats being on the monorail!

I'd go with a ticket for each day and not a park hopper. Get to the park early, take a mid-day break and return to the same park in the evening.

Yes, get the Memory maker - worth every penny as long as you seek out the photographers and see characters.

 

[Lmans77]

Ok, take a deep breath. Cause that's what I had to do on our first trip. You sound like me. I am an over researcher and love a good deal. Which sounds really type A, and is funny because with anything else, I am so not type A. But I am also a fact finder.

We decided to do our first family trip around 3 months prior to traveling and while we had our house on the market. And then we sold the house, closed on said house , bought new house and moved about 2 weeks prior to the trip. So you got this.
Plus now we've been 1 other time, and have the 3rd trip planned for this August, so you see what road you're leading yourself down.

I think you can get close to 8K at AOA. Looks like AOA family suite for your party for those dates is about $5700 with a regular dining plan. Plus airfare, souvenirs and tips from dining plan.

We've been twice as a family. 1st time we got free dining and bumped it up to the deluxe dining (3 TS a day). We did that because we did lots of character and 2 TS meals (CRT, Spirit of Aloha and Hoop Dee Doo). But still way.too.much.food. And believe me, we love to eat. Plus we felt overscheduled and tied to our ADRs.
2nd time was regular dining and it was much better and more flexible. Only 1 reservation per day to worry about and get to.

Memory Maker, we did it last summer but I'm not sure it was worth it.. My most treasured photos are some from my cell phone. My kids grinning ear to ear as they were spinning in the tea cups. Yes, we got some really nice photos..but they really weren't that many and I just don't know if its worth the cost.

Factor in cost of a stroller if you don't have a good double to bring. I would absolutely get one for the little 2, again, if you don't have one. I used Orlando Strollers but there are lots of good places.

Another thing, DH and I have realized that we really aren't bus people. First visit, we flew, stayed at Port Orleans and were dependent on Disney transportation, juggling a double stroller and a 4 and 2 year old. Plus we had all those dang ADRs and it got exhausting.
Last visit we drove, stayed at WL. We loved having our car and the ability to just pack the stroller in the back and leave when we wanted. Easy to travel to other resorts for ADRs. We did take the bus to the MK just because we were so close from WL. Parking is free if you are staying in a Disney hotel.

But that's me. So many people love love Disney transportation and not having to drive or worry about that. So you just have to know yourself and your family.

Pack some snacks in your bags for breakfasts or snacks. Or if that's not an option, you can buy that stuff at the gift shop or order from Garden Grocer.

Don't worry about being over scheduled other than ADRs. The only other thing you have to schedule are your FP, and you'll want those. So yes, you do need to figure out what parks to go to what day. You can look at EasyWDW for crowd calendars, but really, just pick where you want to go and when. It'll work out. For any ADRs that might be harder to get at this point, you can schedule those, and then plan that park for that day.
Personally, I like the FPs and having to choose the park. Otherwise, I'd meander and not get anything done -which is what we did the 1st trip. Back then were the old paper FPs which we understood, but didn't understand how to take full advantage of, didn't understand the importance of rope drop.

This last trip (2nd trip), we planned like crazy. But then it was SO smooth! We got so so much done and we had a blast.

I don't think you NEED Park Hoppers. We've always gotten them and used that function, but I've also thought that we dont' need them.
Would yall be interested at all in doing water parks?

Some might suggest a Downtown Disney day. We did that, but didn't feel the love other than a good place to eat. I do think pool days are good. Maybe a nap. Go to a park for the evening.

I'll wrap this up because I ramble too. I took a quick peak at Touring Plans crowd calendar (it is subscription based ~$10 with a promo code easily found online, and I really like it) and your crowd levels look great for that week. 5s and 6s.

Good luck!

 

[mamabunny]

PS - Totally forgot to mention, middle child has a peanut allergy. I've heard Disney is pretty good about accommodating that but he was only diagnosed 5 months ago so we're still new and paranoid about that.

You have already gotten some great advice - just wanted to reiterate what others will tell you about WDW and food allergies: It's literally THE best place I have ever experienced. Say what you want about anything else at Disney, but when it comes to food allergies, they are on the ball. At most TS (Table Service) restaurants, we have even had the Chef visit our table to insure that they had a good understanding of our daughter's food allergies.

Oh - and get the MM (Memory Maker) package if you can. You can just look for the MM photogs, and let them take the pictures for you, and then supplement with the snapshots you grab. I love it because for once, I get to be IN the picture, and not TAKING the picture!

Last but not least - Once you get to The World, make like Elsa, and just "Let It Go"... relax, enjoy yourself, and watch the Magic unfold through your children's eyes.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[MOpGrad2013]

Are you hoping to add the Dining Plan?

It may be cheaper to pay out of pocket for your meals instead of the plan. The regular plan gives you credits for 1 Table meal, 1 Counter Serve and 1 snack per person over age 3. As you mentioned Cinderella's and Chef Mickey's, those come up to using 3 credits. (Cinderella uses 2) There are several websites that can do the comparison, telling you how much you will spend (including tax and gratuity).

Planning a sit down meal may be what you need to recharge, but other times it may be better to grab a quick lunch. http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/disneydining.cfm has menus so you can see that you will not be limited to burgers, chicken nuggets and fries. Only you know your family best.

I think you should skip the park hoppers. For our family of mostly adults and a preschooler, there is so much to do in each park, we don't need to head to another. As other PP mentioned, some folks may be celebrating their Spring Breaks so be prepared for waits.

When it is all said and done, try to relax. Once you get a bit of planning done, you will be happy with your vacation. And when you get there, other than those few scheduled meals and FP+ times, you are free to walk about and enjoy each other at the House of Mouse.

 

[DigitalMariner]

Ok, take a deep breath. Cause that's what I had to do on our first trip. You sound like me. I am an over researcher and love a good deal. Which sounds really type A, and is funny because with anything else, I am so not type A. But I am also a fact finder.

Hi, a kindred spirit!

We decided to do our first family trip around 3 months prior to traveling and while we had our house on the market. And then we sold the house, closed on said house , bought new house and moved about 2 weeks prior to the trip. So you got this.
Plus now we've been 1 other time, and have the 3rd trip planned for this August, so you see what road you're leading yourself down.

Well that does make me feel better. That is a very busy couple of months, thankfully I don't think I can compete with that.

I think you can get close to 8K at AOA. Looks like AOA family suite for your party for those dates is about $5700 with a regular dining plan. Plus airfare, souvenirs and tips from dining plan.

We've been twice as a family. 1st time we got free dining and bumped it up to the deluxe dining (3 TS a day). We did that because we did lots of character and 2 TS meals (CRT, Spirit of Aloha and Hoop Dee Doo). But still way.too.much.food. And believe me, we love to eat. Plus we felt overscheduled and tied to our ADRs.
2nd time was regular dining and it was much better and more flexible. Only 1 reservation per day to worry about and get to.

How necessary are ADRs to be able to eat at a Table restaurant? I was (naively?) thinking that we just needed to get an ADR for a couple meals like Chef Mickey and Cinderella and just wing it for the rest. As I type this I'm starting to realize that, especially with cranky little ones, maybe having a predetermined dinner plan isn't so much restricting as it is a guarantee to not wait hours for food.

Memory Maker, we did it last summer but I'm not sure it was worth it.. My most treasured photos are some from my cell phone. My kids grinning ear to ear as they were spinning in the tea cups. Yes, we got some really nice photos..but they really weren't that many and I just don't know if its worth the cost.

Factor in cost of a stroller if you don't have a good double to bring. I would absolutely get one for the little 2, again, if you don't have one. I used Orlando Strollers but there are lots of good places.

Despite the fact I have a friend that says this all the time (actually she says to buy one there and sell it on craigslist or something before leaving), I totally forgot about strollers. Thank You!

Another thing, DH and I have realized that we really aren't bus people. First visit, we flew, stayed at Port Orleans and were dependent on Disney transportation, juggling a double stroller and a 4 and 2 year old. Plus we had all those dang ADRs and it got exhausting.
Last visit we drove, stayed at WL. We loved having our car and the ability to just pack the stroller in the back and leave when we wanted. Easy to travel to other resorts for ADRs. We did take the bus to the MK just because we were so close from WL. Parking is free if you are staying in a Disney hotel.

But that's me. So many people love love Disney transportation and not having to drive or worry about that. So you just have to know yourself and your family.

Pack some snacks in your bags for breakfasts or snacks. Or if that's not an option, you can buy that stuff at the gift shop or order from Garden Grocer.

Don't worry about being over scheduled other than ADRs. The only other thing you have to schedule are your FP, and you'll want those. So yes, you do need to figure out what parks to go to what day. You can look at EasyWDW for crowd calendars, but really, just pick where you want to go and when. It'll work out. For any ADRs that might be harder to get at this point, you can schedule those, and then plan that park for that day.
Personally, I like the FPs and having to choose the park. Otherwise, I'd meander and not get anything done -which is what we did the 1st trip. Back then were the old paper FPs which we understood, but didn't understand how to take full advantage of, didn't understand the importance of rope drop.

This last trip (2nd trip), we planned like crazy. But then it was SO smooth! We got so so much done and we had a blast.

I don't think you NEED Park Hoppers. We've always gotten them and used that function, but I've also thought that we dont' need them.
Would yall be interested at all in doing water parks?

No we weren't really thinking water parks in April. The kids will likely be more than satisfied with the hotel pool. Maybe if we go back, maybe when they're older, but this trip I don't think it's even on our radar.

Some might suggest a Downtown Disney day. We did that, but didn't feel the love other than a good place to eat. I do think pool days are good. Maybe a nap. Go to a park for the evening.

I'll wrap this up because I ramble too. I took a quick peak at Touring Plans crowd calendar (it is subscription based ~$10 with a promo code easily found online, and I really like it) and your crowd levels look great for that week. 5s and 6s.

Good luck!

I appreciate all that info, rambles and all. I just want to pull it off with minimal hitches and without stressing out in the process. Knowing it won't ruin the trip starting late is more help than I can adequately express with words on a message board. Thanks

 

[DigitalMariner]

Wow, so many helpful responses so quickly. I knew from occasionally lurking for a few posts now and then over the years that the people here were on top of things but asking first hand I'm glad I came here.

AoA is great as far as theming goes. That said, I don't think the 5 of us in my family would be comfortable, even in a suite, for 7 days. We did two connecting rooms (for almost the same amount of money).

Where did you stay that two connecting rooms were close in price to the suites at AOA (Spring sale showing ~$300/night). Unless I'm missing something (very possible) everything looks much more expensive than that for just a single room.

I'll admit - I skimmed a lot of that

I understand. When I told my wife how much I wrote I thought her eyes were literally going to roll out of her head.

I'd double check with the Spring offer and make sure I think AoA and Cont will be similar in price - nothing beats being on the monorail!

Contemporary is saying "This room type is unavailable for the dates, party size or offer selected" when I select the Spring Sale. I'll have to play around to see if other dates make it work. Thanks!

Are you hoping to add the Dining Plan?

It may be cheaper to pay out of pocket for your meals instead of the plan. The regular plan gives you credits for 1 Table meal, 1 Counter Serve and 1 snack per person over age 3. As you mentioned Cinderella's and Chef Mickey's, those come up to using 3 credits. (Cinderella uses 2) There are several websites that can do the comparison, telling you how much you will spend (including tax and gratuity).

Yes, we were leaning towards doing one of the dining plans (either 1 Quick Service + 1 Table Service one or the Deluxe one that has 3 meals) because it just seemed easier. Wife is supposed to be working to compare/contrast the costs the plans and try and figure out what will work best. I'm sure I can just google it but if there is a website that you recommend to compare the costs we'd appreciate the tip.

Last but not least - Once you get to The World, make like Elsa, and just "Let It Go"... relax, enjoy yourself, and watch the Magic unfold through your children's eyes.

Yeah, that's the hope and the goal. Only time will tell I guess.

Thanks again, really appreciate the help and support!

 

[klinlin]

You have gotten a lot of good advice quickly. I thought I might suggest the FT Wilderness Cabins. With two napping you have a bedroom door that closes without all of you having to go to sleep or be quiet. You also mentioned allergies, and the cabins have a full kitchen. It is close to the MK too.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip and don't stress too much!

 

[Hisgirl]

We took our grandsons, very close to the same ages, this time last year. We stayed at fort wilderness cabins. It was a perfect solution to so many issues. We had plenty of room for all to sleep. We cooked our own breakfasts every morning and even a few dinners.

The fort is so close to the Magic Kingdom we could run home for naps, via the boat. For that age, we did MK and Animal kingdom. We also did HS but there wasn't a lot for their ages so we did MK a LOT. I think over the week we went to MK four days. They LOVED it. We got there early each day and were home by 2pm.

There tons to do at the fort for the kids and they never felt pressured. Breaking MK up into several days was a great compromise. We even did the family scavenger hunt tour at MK one day and it was a blast!

Yes, to needing ADR for any onsite meal. And honestly, read the reviews at Cinderella's table. I, too, thought I wanted to go, but after reading the reviews and the upfront costs...I got over that really quick.

Take the kids to Beaches if you can for burgers and ice cream. We also ordered t-shirts ahead of time and got the boys some disney trading pins from ebay...the legitimate ones. They LOVED LOVED LOVED trading pins with CMs. They would tell you it was one of the highlights of the trip!

No matter what you do you'll have a wonderful time. Park hoppers were never needed cause we decided to focus on MK during the days. And we went back on a few nights for fireworks. We saved one FP for wishes and we were SO glad we did!

The contemporary is so expensive. It's loud and modern and feels cold to me. If yall can consider something else, that would be my choice. Also, when you make your reservations, you can save a good bit by reserving through ebates then to orbitz or travelocity and using a coupon for at least 15% off.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Docmom]

Hi! Second a PP who mentioned looking into renting DVC points. Look at the DVC Rent/trade board or David's DVC rentals. There are a few 1 bedroom villas that sleep 5, have washer/dryers and a full kitchen. We're not big breakfast eaters so instead of spending $100 for breakfast will just have something in the villa. Ft Wilderness cabins have kitchens also. If you don't mind being a bit cramped some DVC studios sleep 5 (1 Queen bed, 1 double sleeper sofa and a twin pull down Murphy bed)....they don't have washer/dryers or full kitchens though just a small fridge and microwave. At least compare the cost vs AoA...you might be pleasantly surprised.

Make sure to get birthday buttons for the boys to wear ...can get them at check in or at the parks.

Agree with PP about Cinderella's Royal Table....personally think it's overrated for the price. If you want a Princess experience Akershus in Norway at EPCOT is only 1 TS credit / cheaper if paying cash. Look at menus to see if you'd like the meals. That will help in planning also. I'm not a fan of the food at Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios but they have some cute character meals that appeal to younger kids. Was Little Einsteins years ago when my kids were younger but not sure who's there now. Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom is fun for Pooh fans and the buffet food is decent.

Memory maker is nice but if it's a budget buster or something you'd do in lieu of something else I'd skip it. The photographers will also take a picture with your camera if you ask. If you do get it make sure you take as many photos as possible to get the best bang for your buck!

Park hoppers are probably not necessary with young kids. You won't be commando touring and going to multiple parks in one day! Since your kids are used to waking up early plan on being at a park for rope drop, leave for their nap and maybe return for a bit in the evening.

The planning can be done on short notice so relax. You may not get into some of the harder ADRs like Be Our Guest or some FP like Anna and Elsa but you will be able to get most of the others. Relax and have a great time!