I'm new , please help!

[debbiej]

Hi, I've just booked my first trip to disney world for june 2005. We're going for three weeks. Sorry I have a few questions. 1st Question how many days in each park do you need? I have one 4 year old and one 9 year old.
The littlest will prefure disney but the eldest will like universal studios/islands of adventure best (comic book fan). Other question is what to do on July 4th, don't mind crowds just for the fireworks. 3rd question can you hire push chairs out there (from England). Any suggestions comments would be grateful. I'm so excited!
Thank you.
Debbie
P.S how different is it to disney land in Paris?
This forum has already been a great help.

 

[gravel72]

You’ve started on the right track by coming here. 3 weeks at Disney, you’re making everyone jealous.

You have a lot to learn. But stay here and we will have you good and ready by June.

A little translation please? “can you hire push chairs out there” .
I assume you mean can you “rent” strollers ? If that is the question then, yes. They rent them for $8 a day. There are some conflicting opinions on whether they are worth it or not. Search the message board for “strollers” and decide for yourself.

Also, keep in mind you will be there when the crowd is at it’s maximum. However, if you read this message board often. You will find ways to “beat” the crowd.

-gravel72

 

[debkorb1]

Welcome to the Boards! Always good to see another Englander.

First thing, three weeks is a lot of time, which is great because you can spread things out. I would say 2 days for the Magic Kingdom, 1 day for MGM, 1 for the Animal Kingdom and 1.5 or 2 for Epcot depending on how interested your kids will be in the World Showcase - I could spend days there just soaking up the atmosphere! I would get at least a two day pass for Universal (I think they sometimes do 3 days for the price of two).

Yes you CAN HIRE PUSH CHAIRS at the parks (I use 'English' words sometimes and don't get my head bitten off), although I don't think in advance from England - I would check this. Also make sure you read up on them in general because at busier times of year they can take up a lot time hiring and returning.

General advice

1.) Buy the Unoffical Guide to Disney by Bob Sehlinger (although wait until September when the 2005 edition comes out). It is an amazing book that will answer all your questions.

2.) Remember that some planning is good - you'll be going at a busy time of year. Don't freak when you read stories about the busy Summer months because it really is the best time of year to go for us Brits.

3.) Unless you are at a Disney hotel avoid Extra Magic Hour (days when Disney guests are allowed into the parks an hour early).

4.) If you can, get to the park before opening, leave at Midday and return after 5 to beat the queues and unbearable midday sun!

So much more to say but you'll pick it up by June.

Enjoy.

P.S. Never been to DisneyLand Paris, but it is the equivalent of the Magic Kingdom, albeit with a couple of intense roller coasters. WDW has sooooooooo much more!

 

[twocat]

Just an FYI--

The Unofficial Guide for 2005 is out now in the States! I bought it this weekend. Another great guide is the Passporter. The major book websites carry it and you can get it directly from them at www.passporter.com.
If you're staying at Universal, which I reccomend because you go to the head of the line by showing your resort ID, You'll like any of the 3 hotels on property. I've stayed at Portofino Bay and it was lovely. Your kids might like the Hard Rock though. Keep coming to these boards, posting questions, reading threads and you'll be an expert in no time. I haven't been here long (but consider myself somewhat of a Disney expert) and these wonderful people here blow me away with their knowledge.
Happy Planning (that's half the FUN)!

 

[kathmzh]

Just a quick suggestion to add, it may be more cost-effective for you to buy an inexpensive "push chair" or stroller from a Walmart or Target after you get to Florida, it will probably be less than the combined rental fees over three weeks.
Read these boards, keep notes on tips, and you'll do great!

 

[RLewis]

since you're staying so long, you can definately get in the two water parks, mini-golf, and Disney Quest. You should do these between parks (don't just hit all the parks the first 4 days).

for universal, all hotels are nice, buy Pacific Rohay and Hard Rock are closer (walking distance) to the parks. RP is closer to IOA (where the 'toons are).

If by push chairs you mean wheelchairs, you can rent those also.

July 4th will be a mob. The biggest going ons (and crowd) will be at MK.

I would suggest 2 days at every park except AK. Note that I would not spend more than one entire day at one time. For example, go to MK for a full day oce, then come back for two half days,

I figure 7-9 "days" at the parks, plus another 3-4 at the pools and other Disney stuff. About 3-4 days at Universal (that's a lot), a day or two at the beach - still havng trouble filling up 21 days. You should have plenty of time to relax and see a little more of Florida. Busch Gardens is nive if you like bigger coaster. The Space Coast (where most US shuttles launch). Daytona has a very nice beach. Plus there are many smaller tourist attractions around Orlando.

 

[phyllis1966]

We've never been to WDW during the busy summer months, but even if there is a line, I'd much rather rent a stroller at the parks than lug one around - it seems especially inconvenient on buses and the monorail. The $8 per day is a bargain for the convenience!

Enjoy your holiday!

 

[natalielongstaff]

hi,welcome to the dis boards.....i am planning on taking one pushchair for ds who is 3 and i am borrowing a buggy board from a friend for dd who is 6 to hop on and off when she needs to so that may be another option for you

these boards are a great source of info and i know they are giong to make our 1st visit much better than if i went blind so to speak

 

[tiggerlady]

Hi Debbiej We have been to the World on 3 occasions on the 4 th July my advice would be not to visit the mk on the 4th as it is mega busy we always choose Epcot as there is loads to do and is quiet plus this is where the best fireworks are,go early take a mid day break then go back around 6pm and stake out a good area for viewing the lake area I usually take a blanket to sit on then take it in turns to go for little walks . It is well worth seeing these fireworks as you get the standard Illuminations plus some of the best and loudest you will ever see IMHO.

 

[debbiej]

Wow thanks for all the great advice, I'm sure I'll be asking more questions on here.
P.S pram-stroller (sorry about that)

 

[SnackyStacky]

If you've experienced Disneyland Paris - you're in for quite a shock when it comes to Disney World, but a good shock!

Disney World covers 122 square kilometers. That's larger than the Island of Manhattan here in the states.

There's TONS more to do. Don't let it overwhelm you. Just do the best you can and remember that you WON'T see it all in one visit. Although you're off to a good start with 3 weeks!