Just found Board Leaving Wed for DW Any Quick tips

[closetmousefan]

Hello, I just found these very helpful boards. I spent most of today reading. However we are leaving Wednesday 1-17-07 for WDW and I still have to pack and go to work. What are your best tips for me. Traveling with husband, 4yo DS, and 75 of his students (I will be left alone with 4yo frequently) Help Please.

 

[stacy347]

Hi!

I'm not sure if you will be visitng all of the parks or exactly what kind of tips you're looking for but a few attractions that the little ones in our group loved on our recent Grand Gatherings trip were Playhouse Disney at MGM (your little one is the perfect age for this, I think), the Character Connection meet & greet at EPCOT, almost anything in Fantasyland at MK and our crew LOVED the Pocahontas show and Flights of Wonder at AK. There is much more than that of course, but those were particularly big hits!

As far as general tips, I'd say (as I've seen stated here on the Dis over and over and is soooo important at WDW) ~ allow enough rest/down time for your DS!
As fun as it all is and as much as he will want to do everything, I would recommend planning for specific ideas to step out of the masses (we noticed such a huge difference in all of the kids in our group after we sat down to have a bite to eat and it wasn't that they were starving, we all just needed to step back for a bit and regroup).
Even if it is in between meal times and you just do something like popping in to the ice cream shop for a treat or finding one of those out-of-the-way spots in the parks and just kicking back with your DS for a bit, it will make a world of difference when either of you start to feel like you've had enough.

I'm not sure if that is the kind of info you were looking for but I hope that helps a little and I'm sure the more experienced Dis'ers here can add a lot to what I said!

Have a great trip!!

 

[closetmousefan]

Thank you that was great. Anyone else for a few last minute quick tips? The things you would tell me as I walked out the door having never seen the boards before.

 

[Good4chunns]

we've never been in Jan. so I don't really know how to tell you pack. I think you are going at one the best times for low crowds at the parks. The advice from stacy347 is great counsel. One of my best tips applies to MK. If at all possible arrive before the park opens. They have a little show before hand that builds the excitment. As soon as you enter most people walk down main street towards the castle. I suggest getting on the train. If you're one of the first ones the cast members may let DS blow the whistle. Take the train to the next station in Frontierland and you've beaten the crowds to splash mountain. If your DS is intimidated by the rides in Frontierland make your way to Fantasyland and make sure you check out the sword in the stone ceremony.

 

[Desnik]

If you have the time to stop at a book store then I'd suggest getting Birnbaums guide to WDW. They also have an a guide book just for kids. It has maps of the parks and descriptions of the rides. It's a great way to get an idea of what to expect and great reading for the plane ride. I would suggest getting to the parks early and try hitting the most popular or your "must do's" first. Rent a stroller for DS if he needs it. WDW is huge and there is alot of walking involved. Try to read up on these boards as much as you can. There really is so much great info here. Too much to list in just one post! Also do not go with the mind set that you are going to see/do everything. Take your time and try to enjoy the small stuff. Like the rose garden in MK, or the Jr. chef program at Epcot, or watching a parade. A must see for us is the stars in motor cars parade at MGM. If your son is a playhouse Disney fane, and Disney Cars fan then this is a must! There are so many different characters at this parade it's terrific! Not sure if you are staying on site but if you are then a mid day swim would be a nice distraction from the theme parks.
I hope you have a great time and I'm sure we'll be seeing you here again! WDW has a way of sucking us in and making us all fanatics! You'll be back here planning your next trip in no time!!

 

[closetmousefan]

Thank You all for your posts. I just spent most of today and a few advil on the best secrets and best tips threads. I cut and pasted as many as I could.

Please feel free to say hello at DTD on Friday night 1-19-07 @ around 7PM. Our High School, and Middle School Choirs, from Frederick, Maryland, will be performing on the stage across from the Big Disney Store that over looks the water! I will try to find something Lime Green to wear.

 

[blsx3]

Thank You all for your posts. I just spent most of today and a few advil on the best secrets and best tips threads. I cut and pasted as many as I could.

Please feel free to say hello at DTD on Friday night 1-19-07 @ around 7PM. Our High School, and Middle School Choirs, from Frederick, Maryland, will be performing on the stage across from the Big Disney Store that over looks the water! I will try to find something Lime Green to wear.

have a great trip!!!

another quick site to check out if you haven't is:

www.allears.net

great tool to use with this site.

 

[deekaypee]

Hello, I just found these very helpful boards. I spent most of today reading. However we are leaving Wednesday 1-17-07 for WDW and I still have to pack and go to work. What are your best tips for me. Traveling with husband, 4yo DS, and 75 of his students (I will be left alone with 4yo frequently) Help Please.

Congratulations on your trip! Sorry to get back to you so late, but I hope you get a chance to check before you go.

--if you're going to be alone with 4yo frequently, definitely bring/rent a stroller. You'll both appreciate it.
00Don't try to see everything; it's a recipe for frustration. Do plan lots of breaks, for yourself, DS, and DH. But the go early-take a break strategy is the best advice you'll get.
--Even if it's slow, use FastPasses so that you can move through lines quickly.
--You can bring snacks and drinks into the park (no glass containers).
--DTD: Legos! DS will love it. Earl of Sandwich--good food, reasonable prices.
--You're going at a good time of year. It's close to the wire, but if your child is shy about characters or if you would like him to get a more leisurely one-on-one time with characters, see if you can get a reservation for a character breakfast or brunch. The characters will come to you. I like the Crystal Palace. DS might be a little young for autograph books, but you'll love the photo opportunity. Oh, and if you're by yourself, servers will be happy to help you and DS get a pic together with a character (bring your own camera).
--Speaking of cameras, don't be afraid to ask people to take pictures of you. Other guests love to do so. (Okay, so I'm speaking for myself...).
--Don't overlook Disney transportation, both practical and attractions, esp. in MK. If you can, ride at the front of the monorail. Take the train around MK.
--If you're staying on-world, explore your resort!

Good luck. You'll have a blast!

 

[PrincessTigerLily]

Most valuable piece of advice I ever received, and did not listen to on our first trip: TAKE A BREAK! It sounded so stupid to me, I paid a bunch of moola on this trip and I wanted to make every second count! That resulted in a crabby me, crabby Dad, and crabby DD. Especially at 4 yo, take a little time in the afternoon to go back to the room, nap, rest, or have a swim. It might be chilly, but they do heat the pools!

Definitely bring/rent a stroller.

Bring plenty of snacks in with you for your 4 year old! They are so active in there, they get awful hungry awful fast!

We bring in a small blank scrapbook of our own and a big thick sharpie marker for our own autograph book which your 4 yo might like to do if he/she is not afraid of the characters. When we get home we print our photos with each character and paste it on the page next to the autograph.

Don't forget to take a second, look at the castle, and savor the moment!

Have a fabulous trip and let us know how it went!