I need lots of help!

[Trini]

My family will be going to disney world mid august for a week. Its our first trip and I really have no idea what to plan.

1. We get in late our first day. I think the plane lands at 7pm. What should we do the first night? time change for us. We'll be on California time. So we can stay up pretty late on Florida time.

2. Do you have to have reservations for restaurants? I have tried to get some but have not been very successful. I got a really early dinner and one really late dinner. The person helping me was so nice suggesting restaurants and trying to find us some reservations. Are we like out of luck now? What options do we have?

3. We are staying at the Animal Kingdom lodge (we just switched to it). It looks great. We got just a standard view room. I am sure we'll be able to walk to areas at the hotel to see the animals. What things are fun to do at this hotel? What sorts of tips do you have regarding transportation? They told me everything is by bus. How long are teh waits for buses? Is the pool usually really crowded? Are there shady areas near the pool?

4. What tips do you have for us to keep cool. I know that AUgust is miserably hot and humidity is high. What sorts of things should we bring from home? Are we allowed to bring Misty Mates into the parks? What about frozen bottles of water, can you bring them in or do they make you buy it there? What sorts of shoes are the best for the long days in the heat?

5. One child is ADHD and has a hard time waiting in line. Can one parent take him off to do something else and rejoin the others when they are closer to the ride? Is that frowned upon? I am afraid he will make everyone around us miserable if we force him to stay in line.

Thank you. I am sure I will have more questions. Cant wait to hear what you all have to say.

 

[Bob P]

Welcome to the DIS!

Here are my thoughts:

1) If you are landing at 7, you will not be at AKL until at least 8, maybe 9. You might not want to waste a park ticket on just a couple of hours at a park.

2) It will help to have reservations for dinner, especially if you are flying all day.

3) Look here for lots of tips on AKL:

http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_akl.htm

4) Start early, take a mid-day break at the pool, go back out at night.

5) Check over on the DIS-Abilities board for some tips.

 

[DisneyMomOK]

Hi, Trini, I agree w/ Bob, don't waste a park day that first night. How about pizza or something at the counter service (can't remember the name) and swimming at AKL; the pool is great. I would read everything possible on Fast Passes and utilize those as much as possible. Also, EMH in the evenings are wonderful for going to parks without some of the crowds. Decide what attractions everyone wants to do that day so no one leaves disappointed, use the Fast Pass, and then if things get too crazy, go back to the AKL and cool off. Hopefully, you have gotten the park hoppers, that makes the EMH much more convenient IMHO.
If you prepare a little before you go, you should have a fabulous time.

Best of luck,,

Sharon

 

[maciec]

My family will be going to disney world mid august for a week. Its our first trip and I really have no idea what to plan.

1. We get in late our first day. I think the plane lands at 7pm. What should we do the first night? time change for us. We'll be on California time. So we can stay up pretty late on Florida time.

I agree with the others, stay at the resort and relax since you are getting in late. You will have already have had a long day. Be rested and refreshed for your start the next day.

2. Do you have to have reservations for restaurants? I have tried to get some but have not been very successful. I got a really early dinner and one really late dinner. The person helping me was so nice suggesting restaurants and trying to find us some reservations. Are we like out of luck now? What options do we have?

I would definitely have reservations for the table service restaurants. It will be very difficult to just walk into someplace and get seated. I would suggest that you start by figuring out which days you will be at which parks and base your reservations off of that. I would also suggest that you go to http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dining.htm and look at the different menus. Check out the Restaraunts forum on the DIS. There are lots of reviews. If what you want is not available, keep tryin because there are always cancellations.

4. What tips do you have for us to keep cool. I know that AUgust is miserably hot and humidity is high. What sorts of things should we bring from home? Are we allowed to bring Misty Mates into the parks?

Yes, infact they sell them at the parks

What about frozen bottles of water, can you bring them in or do they make you buy it there?

Yes, many people do this

What sorts of shoes are the best for the long days in the heat?

Comfortable sneakers - for me. Others have great luck with broken in Tevas and sandals of the like

5. One child is ADHD and has a hard time waiting in line. Can one parent take him off to do something else and rejoin the others when they are closer to the ride? Is that frowned upon? I am afraid he will make everyone around us miserable if we force him to stay in line.

I agree with the other poster about going to the Disabilities board. I also suggest that you go to http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/special.htm

Thank you. I am sure I will have more questions. Cant wait to hear what you all have to say.

Anytime!

 

[kandeebunny]

as for the ADHD my suggestion is bring something he lives from home that keeps him occupied, game boy, catchphrase, something along those lines for lines!

 

[CaipiraBob]

5. One child is ADHD and has a hard time waiting in line. Can one parent take him off to do something else and rejoin the others when they are closer to the ride? Is that frowned upon? I am afraid he will make everyone around us miserable if we force him to stay in line.

I don't know the age of the child or what your family thinks of this, so it's a random suggestion.

We generally don't let kids play video games except as a reward during the week, or in general only on weekends with TV priviledges.

We have two "gameboys" we take on trips to adult destinations. If the kids are totally disinterested, they can play on the gameboys without getting bored out of their gourds. I have a nieghbor who uses the gameboy for the same thing for their child, who has a pretty severe disorder along the lines of ADHD. The gameboy has served to help him focus in public situations, and has made his parents life much easier to deal with him in similar social situations.

It might serve as a tool for "long line" scenarios for you as well. Just a thought.

 

[rlovew]

My family will be going to disney world mid august for a week. Its our first trip and I really have no idea what to plan.

1. We get in late our first day. I think the plane lands at 7pm. What should we do the first night? time change for us. We'll be on California time. So we can stay up pretty late on Florida time.::

If you want to do more than stay at the resort try going to Downtown Disney, enjoy dinner at Earl of Sandwich (they are one of the best counter service on property), if the plane is late than having reservations at a sit down restraunt on this day won't help because you are already getting in fairly late. This way if you are more tired than expected when arriving you can always tay at the resort. Another possibility is going minitaure golfing at one of the courses- we enjoy them both- it is about $11.00 per person.

2. Do you have to have reservations for restaurants? I have tried to get some but have not been very successful. I got a really early dinner and one really late dinner. The person helping me was so nice suggesting restaurants and trying to find us some reservations. Are we like out of luck now? What options do we have?::

If you want to eat at a sit down restraunt call now and get whatever you can in reservations. If they are not available now you will have more trouble getting them once you arrive. Instead of searching for a specific restraunt on a speficif day ask them to look at the restraunt for your whole trip and then plan your days around where you are eating. If you are not getting park hoppers than plan to eat at some of the resort sit downs where you will not have to be in a specific park on that day. If you are using the dining plan than call and stay on the line until you have reservatioons you can live with. If you are not on the dining plan than plan to eat at a few sit down meals and look for the counter service places that have different meals to widen your variety while you are in the park.

3. We are staying at the Animal Kingdom lodge (we just switched to it). It looks great. We got just a standard view room. I am sure we'll be able to walk to areas at the hotel to see the animals. What things are fun to do at this hotel? What sorts of tips do you have regarding transportation? They told me everything is by bus. How long are teh waits for buses? Is the pool usually really crowded? Are there shady areas near the pool?::

There are many areas to see the animals outside and there are usually guides that can tell you about the animals and that offer night vision googles that you can use to see the animals. At the front desk I believe they have a hidden mickey scavenger hunt, they also have a African storyteller regularly. They have a variety of children's art activities. Check out some websites such as www.allearsnet.com for more information about specific activities.

4. What tips do you have for us to keep cool. I know that AUgust is miserably hot and humidity is high. What sorts of things should we bring from home? Are we allowed to bring Misty Mates into the parks? What about frozen bottles of water, can you bring them in or do they make you buy it there? What sorts of shoes are the best for the long days in the heat?::

I would suggest the cool gel packs you can put around your neck. They are sold at places such as Walmart. They are similar to teething rings as they are put in the refrigerator and will keep you cool for awhile. You can bring water in plastic containers into the park. You can also bring in snacks. You biggest thing will be carrying everything you want to bring in. You can also order a cup of water free at any counter service restraunt. I wear sneakers that support my feet well and are comfortable for lots of walking. I generally walk about 7 miles each day we are at the parks and we only visit from 8-1 and then again from 6-closing generally.

5. One child is ADHD and has a hard time waiting in line. Can one parent take him off to do something else and rejoin the others when they are closer to the ride? Is that frowned upon? I am afraid he will make everyone around us miserable if we force him to stay in line.::

Generally having people wait out of line is frowned upon. Make good use of Fastpasses , especially on long lines, if you have park hoppers go to the early morning parks for the first 2 hours of the day- you will get on more rides than any other time of the day. Have each family member choose out 2 attractions to visit and plan you day to get to those doing the largest and most cowded attractions first and then working to those where you will not have much of a wait. Take note of places where you can relax in the cool and not have a long line to do so- things like the Hall of Presidents, Walt Disney's story, Innoventions, and such. Take something with you that will allow him to stay busy, something that can change often if possible because my students that are ADHD can't even focus on video games very long. Also plan times where the kids can run arround. At MK go to Tom Saywers Island and let them run around the fort and through the caves. Go to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground, go back and swim at the resort. Have a basic plan for your days and learn the park maps before you go so you won't spend your days wondering aimlessly. Many people on this list can help you plan a day or use a service like Tour Guiode Mike's.

 

[Mariaºoº]

Disney also have game systems similar to game boys. The games will download onto the system as you're walking through the park to the different attractions. My kids absolutely enjoy these! It keeps them entertained while standing in lines and excited when a new game downloads onto their systems. If I remember correctly they cost about $25 and you can get them in the parks.

As the others have mentioned before...don't waste a ticket into a park the first day you arrive. Enjoy your resort and the atmosphere there or go down to DTD or even hop the different resorts on the monorail line.

There are many ways to keep cool in the August heat. One of the things we normally do is schedule a sit down late lunch...around 2pm. This gets us into an air conditioned restaurant, able to get off our feet after walking all morning, enjoy a wonderful meal with lunch time prices compared to dinner prices and allows us to rejuvenate our energy to keep going the rest of the day/night. We've never been the type to go back to our rooms for naps or breaks.

Keep calling for dining reservations. They always have cancellations and if you still have a couple of ADR's to make that you haven't been able to get before you go check with guest services at AK. They'll help you find something. Figure out which park you'll be in on which day and base your reservations on that. Deb's site has a list of menu's and locations of each restaurant so be sure to check that out. www.allearsnet.com Great site with great information and tips!

 

[TinkerDaisy]

My son has ADHD and Anxiety Disoder, but he had so much fun and there was so much going on he did really well, Aug isn't too bad for lines. I have a baby too and my DH and I took turns with each child so my oldest son had the full attention of one of the parents at all times. Just remember melt downs are inevitable and retire to the resort and pool for quiet time as soon as he has signs of overload, and then come back after he regroups. You might be surprised at how well he does I was!!!

 

[720L]

3. We are staying at the Animal Kingdom lodge (we just switched to it). It looks great. We got just a standard view room. I am sure we'll be able to walk to areas at the hotel to see the animals. What things are fun to do at this hotel? What sorts of tips do you have regarding transportation? They told me everything is by bus. How long are teh waits for buses? Is the pool usually really crowded? Are there shady areas near the pool?

You will love AKL! We just got back Sunday from there. We had a standard view (we got a room close to the lobby overlooking the pool-well actually the walkway to the pool which was great with kids not having to walk far to the buses, pool, food etc) You can walk to lots of areas to view the animals and there is always a CM there to answer your questions. Our kids loved the storytelling (if it rains they do it inside ask a CM where they are having it).
They also have nightly activities the kids can do and every time they do an activity they get a bead to make a necklace for a souvenier of AKL. The kids can join a parade around the hotel playing the instruments they have in the gift shop--can't remember the time sometime around 7pm I think. You don't need any tips regarding transportation because AKL has the best bus service at WDW!!(imo) We didn't wait longer than 10 minutes for the buses. The pool gets busy but it was never too crowded its quite a big pool. There is a water slide for the kids and that line can get quite long. There are shady areas near the pool but I wouldn't go in them--I got bit by a "yellow fly" while sitting by the kids playground and it was a nasty bite. My toe swelled up and got hot and itchy. I had to take a Benedryl. I'm just glad they didn't bite my kids! Next time we go I will avoid the shade and wear bug spray.

 

[ChickieToo]

I'm sure this has been suggested to you already, but I'll mention it again. AKL has a great restaurant called Boma. The food is african-inspired, but there is something for everybody. It is a buffet. It would seem to me you would be able to get a late reservation there for your first night and then you can stay at the resort and explore, use the pool, etc. Don't wear the kids out by staying up too late with the time change and all, because the next day they will sleep in (it might only be 7:00 pacific time for their body clocks when it is 10:00 eastern time) and you won't get an early start which can be key to managing heat exposure.

 

[jbdreamer]

Your first trip to WDW! How Exciting!

AKL is a beautiful resort, you are so lucky to be staying there. I think on your first night it will be too late to go to a park. I highly suggest making reservations at Boma for dinner since you are already at AKL. I is one of my WDW resturants. Make reservations now for any dining plans!

As for keeping cool, yes I suggest bringing Misting fans. I got mine at Walmart for $5. And drink lots of water! I always bring my own bottle. When I need a refill I just go to a counter service resturant and ask for a free glass of ice water.

For foot wear bring your favorite comfortable shoes and switch between them. I never wear the same pair two days in a row. I am usually in sandles of some sort. Foot powder and mole skin is also a good thing to bring along.

Another thing I suggest stocking up on is disposable ponchos. You never know when a rain shower will suddenly appear. Disney changres a fortune for ponchos. I prefer to just toss mine when I am done using it.

The buses I think are a great way to get around. It's usually only a 5-10 minute wait. It's more crowded in the evening when leaving the parks, be prepared to stand.

As for your son, I honestly think you'll have a hard time leaving the line and coming back later - there is not really a way to get in and out in most lines. Like others have said a Game Boy would be a great thing to bring along. Being August I don't think you'll have a terrible times with lines anyways. Just take advantage of Fast Passes with rides with long waits.

Have a fabulous trip. I'll be there in August too!

 

[Trini]

wow, thank you for all the wonderful replies and ideas

I have tried really hard to get dining reservations but there isnt much left. I was able to get a few, mostly early dinners or really late dinners. I am not sure how it will work out. But I wont worry too much we wont starve!

I changed our reservation to a savannah room. We were originally at the Beach Club but I switched to AK to save some money. As I read reviews of the hotel and knowing how much my kids love animals, I went right back up to about the same price with the savannah room. Oh well, it will be worth it. I am really looking forward to this hotel.

My boys wear slip on vans exclusively. Any ideas how to convince them to wear sandals of some sort? Those vans shoes dont have any support.

My darling ADHD son is pretty normal in most situations, its really only when we make him 'wait' for something that he gets agitated. He cant focus on video games when there are 'people around'. He is an amazing artist so I thought I would bring a small pad of drawing paper and have him draw the attractions or something while we are in line. I odnt know how long that will last, or if it will even work. He also loves legos, so I will bring a small container of them. He can make something. It may be tough while standing in line but it will work in restaurants and waiting for the parade and things. Do you guys have any other suggestions? I will read that other forum. That will help I am sure!

You guys are great!

 

[JennyMominRI]

wow, thank you for all the wonderful replies and ideas

I have tried really hard to get dining reservations but there isnt much left. I was able to get a few, mostly early dinners or really late dinners. I am not sure how it will work out. But I wont worry too much we wont starve!

I changed our reservation to a savannah room. We were originally at the Beach Club but I switched to AK to save some money. As I read reviews of the hotel and knowing how much my kids love animals, I went right back up to about the same price with the savannah room. Oh well, it will be worth it. I am really looking forward to this hotel.

My boys wear slip on vans exclusively. Any ideas how to convince them to wear sandals of some sort? Those vans shoes dont have any support.

My darling ADHD son is pretty normal in most situations, its really only when we make him 'wait' for something that he gets agitated. He cant focus on video games when there are 'people around'. He is an amazing artist so I thought I would bring a small pad of drawing paper and have him draw the attractions or something while we are in line. I odnt know how long that will last, or if it will even work. He also loves legos, so I will bring a small container of them. He can make something. It may be tough while standing in line but it will work in restaurants and waiting for the parade and things. Do you guys have any other suggestions? I will read that other forum. That will help I am sure!

You guys are great!

I have standard view rooms at the AKL Aug 18th-22nd...Maybe we will see you there..I also have an ADHD son.
Have you tried booking sit down lunches? It s often easier to get sitdown lunches. Meals are cheaper then and they can get you out of the heat during the worst time of day..We usually book a sit down lunch at around 12-1 pm then head back to the pool for a couple hours. We then head back to a park at around 4 PM..We miss the worst 3-4 hours of heat this way.

 

[bobcat]

It is so exciting, and overwhelming planning your first WDW trip! A good guide book, as well as this boards and www.allearsnet.com will be very helpful in planning your trip. For aguide book I suggest the Unofficial Guide to WDW. It doesn't sugar coat things and gives a realistic picture of what your vacation can be like, especially without planning.

Read up on and understand fastpass. It is a life saver in the busier months. This will cut down your line waiting time dramatically.

August is very hot and humid! However we always go in the summer so you can survive. AKL has fridges available in your room for free so you can keep water cold to take with you. Misty Mates are great and if you forget yours from home you can buy one at WDW, but for the outragous price of $17.

Another way to beat the heat is to get to the parks before opening. Not only do you beat a lot of the crowds but by the time it gets unbearably hot you can do lots of air conditioned shows or head back to the resort to swim. Evenings are also great and there is no blazing sun beating down on you.

Since you will be getting in later on your first night I second the idea of enjoying your resort. AKL has lots of activities going on and you could spend the entire evening gogin to the different animal viewing areas and exploring the resort. The pool is one of our favorites as well. Bus service at AKL has always been good for us.

Are you going during free dining? If so that is probably why you are having a hard time getting reservations. People cancel all the time so if there is someplace you really would like to eat and you can't get a good time or even a reservation then keep trying, even once you arrive.

There is a hidden Mickey book that my kids love! They spend a lot of time looking for them and this bok is a big help. You can get it at most bookstores and even at the resort gift shop. If you ask at the front desk they will give you a hidden mickey hunt for the resort. Beware it is pretty hard, this is one place our book came in handy. This is fun to do on a rainy afternoon, and it rains everyday in Florida in the summer. We just have fun in the parks trhoguh the rain because many times they don't last long.

Keep reading the boards and asking questions. We love to help. Have a fun time planning!

 

[Mariaºoº]

wow, thank you for all the wonderful replies and ideas

I have tried really hard to get dining reservations but there isnt much left. I was able to get a few, mostly early dinners or really late dinners. I am not sure how it will work out. But I wont worry too much we wont starve!

I changed our reservation to a savannah room. We were originally at the Beach Club but I switched to AK to save some money. As I read reviews of the hotel and knowing how much my kids love animals, I went right back up to about the same price with the savannah room. Oh well, it will be worth it. I am really looking forward to this hotel.

My boys wear slip on vans exclusively. Any ideas how to convince them to wear sandals of some sort? Those vans shoes dont have any support.

My darling ADHD son is pretty normal in most situations, its really only when we make him 'wait' for something that he gets agitated. He cant focus on video games when there are 'people around'. He is an amazing artist so I thought I would bring a small pad of drawing paper and have him draw the attractions or something while we are in line. I odnt know how long that will last, or if it will even work. He also loves legos, so I will bring a small container of them. He can make something. It may be tough while standing in line but it will work in restaurants and waiting for the parade and things. Do you guys have any other suggestions? I will read that other forum. That will help I am sure!

You guys are great!

A small notebook and writing utensils are an absolute to have! Not only for him to draw while standing in line, but to get character autographs as well. Maybe he could make an autograph book. Have him draw a character on a page and then try to get that characters autograph on the next page.