Lots of planning questions

[boyohboyx3]

It has been ten years since we have been.... We used to be regulars, but kids grew up, went to college etc.... Now we are going back with the next generation... We are taking our son, his wife and our grandsons ages 6 months and almost 3. My daughter in law and of course the grandkids have never been. A lot has changed in ten years at the parks and also on these boards. I have some questions and need somme help with planning. The last week of January always was a great time to go... Now crowd calendars are showing 7's and 8's... I guess I was kinda expecting 5 or 6's. I know it's always crowded in Disney now... but given all the construction going on do you think these are accurate? We used to go in January and it was great. We are planning on purchasing lightning lane for all the parks. Do you think this is necessary? We are staying 7 nights and doing 6 park days so we can have time to come back and take breaks etc... given that we are traveling with little ones. No park hoppers, so I figured 2 days at MK and HS and one day each at EP and AK. I actually prefer a second day at AP, but I feel like HS would be the better choice in this case. We are doing the regular dining plan. We aren't drinkers... Can we substitute virgin drinks? Like could I get a virgin pina colada in place of a coke? We are staying at Coronado Springs which is a first for us... I just couldn't pass up the price and I feel like the pool and play area is a good option. I think there is one big conference going on there the last couple days of our trip. How much does that impact the bus transprtation, pool etc? Pin trading... my boys used to be so into that. Is that even done anymore? Worth it to buy magic bands? They used to be included.... and if we do get them should we get one for the little one even though he isn't ticketed... just so it can interact with the shows etc? Are there many restrictions on the dining plan? Thought about going to Trex our first day and saw that the steak is excluded.... Wondering if that is the case at many places... Let me know your tips and tricks. I am so excited to be going back and I feel like I know a lot... but also like I am starting over. I know it will not be easy with two kids this age... but I have been wanting to go back for ages... and they are free haha... So we are just going to take it one day at a time! Hit me with your thoughts!