firecracker725
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2010
- Messages
- 1,903
I've never been to WDW, but I have wanted to for what seems like forever. As my husband and I were trying to decide where to go for spring break (I'm an elementary teacher, and he's a grad student at UGA), we just weren't all that excited about dragging our 2 year old daughter all over Charleston or Savannah.
I suggested that we stay home, save our money, and take a bigger vacation during the summer. We discussed several places, but I noticed that many of my friends and aquaintances were planning SB trips to Disney. This made me wonder what kind of deals were to be had, so I checked it out.
I found a pretty nice deal on Travelocity for 5 days under $1000, and that convinced the hubs that Disney was do-able. He's been twice before, so he wasn't as anxious to get there as I was, but he's all about a good deal. At the suggestion of another website, I contacted a travel agent who pointed out that I could get 6 nights with 5 day park hopper passes for around $1,300, but also receive a $300 gift card to spend at the parks. This was slightly better than the Travelocity package, and we KNEW we'd spend atleast $300 during our stay.
The hubs was sold. I booked our package. I wasn't at all excited....I was obsessed! I created an Excel spreadsheet listing the parade times, park hours, and EMHs. I began to plan what parks we'd visit on what days, then I added a few ADRs.
I'll admit, I had some serious reservations about taking a two year old to WDW. Thankfully, my MIL offered to go with us as a "nanny". She's been twice before, and loves Disney. I'm so excited that she's joining us.
Onto the specifics...
The Cast:
The Setting:
All-Star Music Resort, May 25-31
The Menu:
This is where things get sketchy. We're on a very tight budget, so I plan to bring our mini-fridge and a cooler to brown bag it as much as possible. Nearly all breakfasts will be in the room (cereal and fruit anyone?). Many lunches will consist of sandwiches back at the resort followed by toddler naps. We'll have our car, so we're planning on several dinners off-site. I have made a few ADRs:
The Plan:
So that's it! I am so looking forward to sharing my first trip to WDW with my little girl!
I suggested that we stay home, save our money, and take a bigger vacation during the summer. We discussed several places, but I noticed that many of my friends and aquaintances were planning SB trips to Disney. This made me wonder what kind of deals were to be had, so I checked it out.
I found a pretty nice deal on Travelocity for 5 days under $1000, and that convinced the hubs that Disney was do-able. He's been twice before, so he wasn't as anxious to get there as I was, but he's all about a good deal. At the suggestion of another website, I contacted a travel agent who pointed out that I could get 6 nights with 5 day park hopper passes for around $1,300, but also receive a $300 gift card to spend at the parks. This was slightly better than the Travelocity package, and we KNEW we'd spend atleast $300 during our stay.
The hubs was sold. I booked our package. I wasn't at all excited....I was obsessed! I created an Excel spreadsheet listing the parade times, park hours, and EMHs. I began to plan what parks we'd visit on what days, then I added a few ADRs.
I'll admit, I had some serious reservations about taking a two year old to WDW. Thankfully, my MIL offered to go with us as a "nanny". She's been twice before, and loves Disney. I'm so excited that she's joining us.
Onto the specifics...
The Cast:
Me--Crystal, 32
The Hubs--Ben, 30
Our Daughter--Avery, 2
The MIL--Terri, 50 something
The Setting:
All-Star Music Resort, May 25-31
The Menu:
This is where things get sketchy. We're on a very tight budget, so I plan to bring our mini-fridge and a cooler to brown bag it as much as possible. Nearly all breakfasts will be in the room (cereal and fruit anyone?). Many lunches will consist of sandwiches back at the resort followed by toddler naps. We'll have our car, so we're planning on several dinners off-site. I have made a few ADRs:
- Trail's End 5/25 Dinner
- Crystal Palace 5/27 Dinner
- Chef Mickey's 5/31 Breakfast
The Plan:
- Day 1: Magic Kingdom (morning) Animal Kingdom (afternoon EMH)
- Day 2: Magic Kingdom
- Day 3: Epcot
- Day 4: Hollywood Studios
- Day 5: Whatever we need to finish, likely AK and Epcot
So that's it! I am so looking forward to sharing my first trip to WDW with my little girl!
I read your first post earlier, but didn't comment at the time. Your trip sounds great! A newbie! 
My brother and sister-in-law are taking their girls for the first time this August. I've been trying to help as much as possible without totally freaking them out!! 
Hi Crystal! I thought I'd jump over to your TR since you jumped over to mine! 
has been OBSESSED with Max & Ruby. 
Seriously, it's the first thing she wants when she gets up. She also enjoys Sesame Street. In fact, we had a Sesame Street themed 2nd birthday party for her. However, I just couldn't get her interested in Disney shows. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and My Friends Tigger and Pooh were just background noise during her extended "reading" sessions. The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and Alice in Wonderland all ended in complete meltdowns 
approximately 3 minutes in when she realized it wasn't "Nats (Max)". 
I knew she would enjoy WDW without knowing which character was which, but I felt like she HAD to know atleast a few. 
Then it hit me....BOOKS!!! Before Avery was born, we read to her. When she was lying in the NICU, hours old, we read to her. She has shunned all sorts of glitzy, noise-making toys in favor of her growing book collection. The MIL ("T") has supported this by buying books for every holiday and occasion. It doesn't hurt that her mommy 
has a good knowledge of children's literature either. Before there was Sesame Street or Max and Ruby, there were books about them. This is where we'd have to start.
jammies at Kohl's, and she's really picking up on the characters. Last night, we bought her a little "suitcase" of MMCH books. She was so excited that she wanted to sleep with them. It was ridiculously adorable. 
