Just got back and disappointed...

[C.Ann]

It sounds to me like your biggest problem was the timing of this trip.. The parks were way too crowded - thus you ran into more rude and pushy people..

The first time we took my DGD was just before she turned 3.. It was the beginning of September (we were down there on 9/11).. The last thing we wanted was to deal with crowds and there weren't any.. Of course after 9/11 we practically had the parks to ourselves..

The next time I took my DD, her DH, and my DGD (as their Christmas present) it was the beginning of December 2006.. Again - no crowds - and we had a great time..

Researching and making lists and planning and deciding what you want to do are all very important - but the single most important thing is timing..

I would just try again - at a less crowded time of year..

 

[tink_lover]

I'm echoing what many here have already posted - Oct is our absolute favorite time for WDW. We find spring break at WDW overly crowded, but LOVED DL this past year over spring break. I think we have decided as a family to do WDW in the fall and DL in the spring. I also think taking really young kids is hard. It has become really enjoyable the past couple of trips. In fact, this last one was the first WITH NO STROLLER AT ALL!! We had different expectations with young kids. At the ages of your children, my kids probably loved the pools best also. That has definately changed. We do love the monorail resorts for the convenience - especially with young kids. We also do TGM for the touring plans and when the kids were younger, they helped immensely. Good luck with planning the next trip.

 

[disney_family_1247]

The secret is to never, ever go in the summer. It's tooooooo hot, way overcrowded, and did I mention the heat? Either go for the free dining in September (less heat/smaller crowds) or go in February. We did a trip in Feb once, and it was amazing. Cold weather, mini-crowds, and heated pools in the evening made for a perfect trip

 

[MarriedToAPrince]

I agree to go in a different time of year. The week after labor day is still hot like FL but MUCH less crowded. Most rides are 5 minutes waits or none. I definietly recommend taking the buses and NEVER driving. I know you said it wasn't for you, why? My husband and I always use the buses and avoid driving. As far as the rude people, really the key is to ignore them and let yourself get wrapped up in the magic. Part of a vacation and Disney is making it what you want it. You will always have to contend with other people who might not be as magically or nice as you would have hoping but learning to look past that and see the pure joy in your children's faces and your own heart is what truly makes Disney the most magical place in the world!