Must Do's

[pixiewonders]

Hi Everyone.
This is going to be my first time going to Disneyworld with 3 small children. (4,2,1) All the other times I have gone its been as an adult and this time Im going to see the park through my childrens eyes.
So what do you feel are the must haves to do at each park? I want to make sure they see the characters (ressies are tough) but I don't want to stress so much about it. What are the things that the small ones are going to like?
thanks

 

[Maggie'sMom]

How many days will you be in the parks?

With children so young, you will likely want to spend a lot of time in the MK. All of Fantasyland is a must for kids those ages. Your 4yo should be tall enough to do Goofy's Barnstormer in Toontown. That's been a favorite of my DD.

You don't have to do character meals in order to meet the characters, although it is easier since you don't have to wait in line. If any of your children are interested in meeting the fairies or princesses, be sure to hit Toontown at opening. TT opens later than the rest of the park and the rope drop for there is approximately 9:45. We've had a lot of luck meeting characters with short lines on the character greeting trails in AK. Just avoid going there right after a FOTLK show lets out.

In AK, I'd highly recommend both the FOTLK and the Finding Nemo shows. The Safari is a must do as well.

At HS, the Playhouse Disney show is a must do for young ones. I think I heard something about the show changing so make sure to check out a refurb schedule in case it will be shut down while they make modifications to the show.

In Epcot, I'd say the number one must do for young kids is Turtle Talk with Crush.

These are just my opinions, of course. Everyone else will chime in with their suggestions.

Have fun!

 

[pixiewonders]

Thanks Maggies Mom. What is FOTLK?

You must be a good person to have a child called Maggie...
since I do as well!!!!

thanks

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Thanks Maggies Mom. What is FOTLK?

You must be a good person to have a child called Maggie...
since I do as well!!!!

thanks

FOTLK = Festival of the Lion King. The theater for it is back in Camp Minnie Mickey, just next to the character greeting trails.

 

[Aliceacc]

My own choices would be:

Magic Kingdom: Small World, Peter Pan, (Aladdin's Magic Carpet-- my youngest's FAVORITE!!!!!), and pretty much most of fantasyland. AVOID Stitch and Snow White!!!! Make sure there's time for the parades.

Epcot- Nemo, Turtle Talk with Crush, Imagination, and Mexico (though the ride gets a little dark, it's charming and not at all scary!!!)

Animal Kindgom- Lion King and Nemo shows, safari

Hollywood Studios-- I don't know. Aside from Toy Story Mania, we always have bad luck there (last time, my son bit into a Mickey Ice Cream bar and broke his new braces; it killed the day!!) and seldom get to really see what we want.

One reservation at Chef Mickey's would get you a lot of characters. If you want to do the princess thing, make breakfast reservations at Aukerhaus-- the restaurant in Norway in Epcot. You'll have 5 princesses come over to your table and pose for pictures-- have the girls wear their princess costumes if they wish-- and the food is standard breakfast fare.

My best suggestion would be the standard ones: be there for rope drop, and plan to get back to the resort for a rest in the afternoon.

Have a great trip!

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

When we've gone with young children, our focus always shifts from the big attractions to the little ones: Mickey ice cream bars while sitting on the rocking chairs at Fort Wilderness, letting them play in the splash zones, watching the jumping water fountains at Epcot (and the kids all chasing the water!). All the memories I have of the kids at the parks when they were that young are all fairly simple -- but still magical! -- moments that I couldn't have planned on.

Hope you all have a fantastic trip!

 

[5stljayhawks]

I would plan for the characters they know.

Story time with Belle is pretty cool for the girls at the MK.

There is Jasmin & Dude and Mary Poppins at epcot. The living sea is neat as well.

 

[DISNEYNV]

Congrats on your upcoming trip with the kids! On our first trip with my daughter (she was three) and with my son (he was one) was seeing their reaction when walking down Main Street of Magic Kingdom and seeing their reactions to the Cinderella Castle! That was my favorite part of each trip
You can make a reservation to have your youngests first hair cut in the MK barber shop. We did this with our son and LOVED it!!!

As far as rides go I would make "room" for the Fantasy Land in MK of course and Tea Cups, Peter Pan, Dumbo, Small World, Toon Town areas if they are open are great for the little ones too.

Playhouse Disney area in Hollywood Studios is a must!Block Party Bash parade was really cool.

Nemo Ride, Living Seas area and Turtle Talk with Crush in Epcot.

Finding Nemo the Musical, Lion King musical, and walking trails and Jungle trek, and also the Conservation Station areas. This is a good place to meet and greet some characters as well.

Dont forget those autograph books! Take lots of photos and have fun