Leaving Saturday! Last minute tips

[LadyShea]

I am so glad I joined these boards for this trip.

Summary: It is the 5 year anniversary of a kidney transplant from me to a dear family friend and coworker (although I telecommute and live across the country from the office he still is a coworker, LOL). To celebrate the first year he and I went to DL for a weekend, this time he is taking me, DH, and DS-20 months to WDW. His father gave us a timeshare condo to use, so we will be off property but close by, I am told, at Parkway International. We will be driving to the parks. DS has happily napped on a towel at the beach and at the water park on a chaise lounge, so am confident he will nap easily in a comfy shaded stroller.

It is our friends first trip to the World, though as a SoCalifornian he has been to DL many times. It is my 5th trip (I am from CA originally so DL was where I got my fix mostly), DH's 3rd and DS's first...although none of us have been to MGM, just never fit into our previous short trips. I am trying to balance an adult's first trip and a toddler's first trip so we don't overemphasize either one.

So we have 5 day base tickets, with only 4 planned days-Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday, day off Tuesday- so we can use the 5th day on Friday to hit a park if we feel we missed anything, but don't have to if we're tired.

I feel pretty good about my itinerary, but am still not 100% sure about a few things, maybe y'all can help me

1. Exactly how does rider swap work? I seem to get different answers. Do we have to go through the whole line with DS, or can we ask the CM usually standing out front? Seems it would be better if the person staying with the child can get the swap ticket before getting in line, then go do something else while waiting. Would using fastpass be preferable?

2. What are some "must dos" at MGM for both adults and DS?

3. DS drinks milk...it's his fave. I have never had to ask for milk at WDW before, is it easily found or should I bring some in a soft sided cooler?

I think that's all I am still unsure about, thanks both in advance and for all the tips and help I have gotten to this point.

 

[mommy2paris]

Hi! We are also leaving Saturday, and taking our 2 dd's , 2.5 yrs and 7 months.
Our oldest daughter also has to have her milk, I am pretty sure that each of the counter service locations has milk in the plastic bottles. Since it is so hot, we are going to also get a cup of ice, and put the milk and ice together in her sippy cup. We are going to try limit the amt that she drinks, I don't want her to have an upset tummy full of milk b/c she is hot and running around everywhere.
Your trip sounds really special, hope you have a great time!

 

[LadyShea]

Thanks for the well wishes and for the tips on the milk...that one was really worrying me LOL. Will they fill sippy cups with ice for free at CS places and snack kiosks?

Oh, also for the actual anniversary day, our day off Tuesday, I made ADR at Artist Point for an early dinner at 5:30. Can we go to the campfire at FW even though we aren't staying on property or is that for resort guests only? Is there anything else fun to do at the WL after dinner, or in the afternoon before dinner?

I hope your family has a wonderful trip as well

 

[ndgqccmiller]

Thanks for the well wishes and for the tips on the milk...that one was really worrying me LOL. Will they fill sippy cups with ice for free at CS places and snack kiosks?

Oh, also for the actual anniversary day, our day off Tuesday, I made ADR at Artist Point for an early dinner at 5:30. Can we go to the campfire at FW even though we aren't staying on property or is that for resort guests only? Is there anything else fun to do at the WL after dinner, or in the afternoon before dinner?

I hope your family has a wonderful trip as well

Yes you can go to the campfire at FW. It was one of our most laid back but fun activities. Our kids choose it ove MNSSHP and we saved 165.00 Bring a blanket.

 

[LadyShea]

Yes you can go to the campfire at FW. It was one of our most laid back but fun activities. Our kids choose it ove MNSSHP and we saved 165.00 Bring a blanket.

I am so glad to hear that, I thought it sounded like a fun nice time and was hoping we could go

 

[TinkerbelleMom]

Yes you can go to the campfire at FW. It was one of our most laid back but fun activities. Our kids choose it ove MNSSHP and we saved 165.00 Bring a blanket.

I'll second that...and suggest some bug repellent, it's still 'skeetery here. I got a bit chewed up the first night at the campfire, but when I bug sprayed the family the 2nd night, it was fine.

Don't forget your marshmallows too!