Need Advice for first visit with kids

[autoracepr989]

It's the first time I've been on this part of the boards, mainly because I don't have any kids of my own....

My cousin & his family are going to be joining me for a day at the parks the last full day they have in FL in January. They aren't going to do any more parks than that one day and then the afternoon before at DTD with another cousin, DSis, & myself for lunch. They'll be staying at ASSp most likely and we're hoping for their room to be kinda close to the one I'll have.

They have 2 sons (14 months & 4 years) at the time of the trip. Any advice as to how much to plan that they'd like to do, what attractions we should try to get to do first, and any CS places that are better than others. Also should we be looking at a park stroller rental for the 4 y/o in your eyes? He's on the smaller side (Only 3T-4T sizes for clothes).

We are only planning to do MK since they'll only have the 1 day at the parks and I don't want them overwhelmed. They are bringing a single stroller for the 14 month old baby since he did sleep really well in it when I was just out by them last week.

TIA

 

[kmb584]

It's the first time I've been on this part of the boards, mainly because I don't have any kids of my own....

My cousin & his family are going to be joining me for a day at the parks the last full day they have in FL in January. They aren't going to do any more parks than that one day and then the afternoon before at DTD with another cousin, DSis, & myself for lunch. They'll be staying at ASSp most likely and we're hoping for their room to be kinda close to the one I'll have.

They have 2 sons (14 months & 4 years) at the time of the trip. Any advice as to how much to plan that they'd like to do, what attractions we should try to get to do first, and any CS places that are better than others. Also should we be looking at a park stroller rental for the 4 y/o in your eyes? He's on the smaller side (Only 3T-4T sizes for clothes).

We are only planning to do MK since they'll only have the 1 day at the parks and I don't want them overwhelmed. They are bringing a single stroller for the 14 month old baby since he did sleep really well in it when I was just out by them last week.

TIA

Is this going to be their 1st visit to MK? Regardless of the answer to that question, I would definitely advise your cousin to sit down with his 4-year-old son and show him the attractions and shows at MK. This can be done via photos or YouTube videos and then begin to formulate a plan around what interests him the most. Also, it'll probably be an overwhelming experience as there is just so much to see and do, but go with the flow as much as possible and FP the most popular attractions.

As for CS, I far prefer lunch at BOG but in this instance would not recommend it as people begin to line up as early as 10am. Cosmic Ray's would be my personal pick as there are various stations with offerings to please almost any palate.

Strollers are a hot topic on the DIS but I'd recommend that yes, go ahead and rent one. Most people don't realize the amount of miles one covers on a daily basis touring a WDW park and little ones have little legs that get tired. My daughter is 4 and I still bring her stroller. She doesn't utilize it a lot (we typically spend 10-12 hours at a park and she'll spend 9-11 of those walking) but it's great to have when she needs a rest.

 

[Happyjen27]

It's the first time I've been on this part of the boards, mainly because I don't have any kids of my own....

My cousin & his family are going to be joining me for a day at the parks the last full day they have in FL in January. They aren't going to do any more parks than that one day and then the afternoon before at DTD with another cousin, DSis, & myself for lunch. They'll be staying at ASSp most likely and we're hoping for their room to be kinda close to the one I'll have.

They have 2 sons (14 months & 4 years) at the time of the trip. Any advice as to how much to plan that they'd like to do, what attractions we should try to get to do first, and any CS places that are better than others. Also should we be looking at a park stroller rental for the 4 y/o in your eyes? He's on the smaller side (Only 3T-4T sizes for clothes).

We are only planning to do MK since they'll only have the 1 day at the parks and I don't want them overwhelmed. They are bringing a single stroller for the 14 month old baby since he did sleep really well in it when I was just out by them last week.

TIA

I would do the basic outline listed by Josh on Easywdw, he gives the order of operations for families. My own plan of attack was: Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo are in order of getting there first thing in AM. Tomorrowland Speedway is also one you want to get to quickly because it is a slow loader. Buzz Lightyear was a must for my 5 yo boy. Enchanted Tales with Belle is a first morning thing, but not imperative if the kid isn't into Belle since it sounds like this is their one and only day in the park. So, that might be skippable. Then we hit up BTMR and Jungle Cruise, Aladdin's carpets and Pirates of Caribbean.

Rent the stroller. My kids hadn't used a stroller at home for years and really needed one when they were 5. It's a lot of walking, and sometimes it's nice to move at your adult pace instead of a 4 year old's pace.

 

[DadLightyear]

I think it's important to know how adventurous the 4 year old is. My son is 4, and he absolutely loves the rides. He did Splash, Big Thunder, Barnstormer, Haunted Mansion, Star Tours, with no problem. My niece is 5, and she was terrified on Splash. So, it's important to know what kind of rides the 4 year old will like. The 14 month old will likely be doing only dark rides (except for Dumbo, Magic Carpets), and shows.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[jtopp]

Its fabulous that you want to spend time with the family, and even more so that your main concern is the happiness of the children. Hope you all have a magical day!!!

 

[amym2]

I agree that looking at easywdw.com (or get The Unofficial Guide) will give you the best plan for ride order. I'd definitely plan to be there at rd and hit Fantasyland first. From there, determine what the 4yo wants to ride (if he's small, he's probably too short for BTMR and SplashMtn). I'd definitely work Buzz into the plans.

Personally I'd skip the stroller for the 4yo. If he needs a break, someone could hold the baby and he could ride in the stroller for a bit. If they were spending multiple days at WDW and hitting parks every day, it would be a necessity, but for one day at MK he'll be fine. At 4, our kids preferred to walk (with the occasional ride on daddy's shoulders) than to be confined to a stroller. It was just one extra thing for us to keep track of.

We're not big fans of CS in MK, but we'd head to Columbia Harbor House if we needed to eat there.