Need opinions on WDW for almost 5 year DD

[GatorGirl]

Hi -- I will try to keep this short. We are taking DD (only child will be just shy of 5) in late Jan. 08. This will be a Thursday to Sunday trip.

We have booked so far dinner at CRT for Thursday night (our first night), the Princess Storybook Dining in Restaurant Akershus for Saturday at lunch and then possibly (if they have it available) the Pirates and Princesses party on Saturday night.

Questions:

1) Is this too much for an almost 5 year old girl? We are planning to pretty much only stay in the MK with exception of the lunch in Norway. I have planned for mid-day naps/breaks and have no schedule to follow other than what we have already booked. All day Friday is deemed "DD gets to do whatever she wants day"

2) If you chose to give up one which would it be? Pirates and Princesses, CRT dinner or Norway lunch?

TIA

PS Please give me any other tips, tricks and/or experiences you have. DH and I have been many times as both children and adults but this is DD first trip.

 

[Princess Roo]

You'll have a great time! What are her favorite characters? That's a lot of princess time in 4 days, but if that's her favorite it's not necessarily a bad thing.

If money is an issue at all, then since you're spending most of the time in MK I probably wouldn't get park hoppers and then would either spend one whole day in Epcot (there really is a lot there for kids, too) the day of the Norway meal or else I would drop the Norway meal and add a different character experience at MK or a hotel.

 

[digman6]

We are taking our DD who just turned 5 for her first trip this December .
I think it seems like you are fine with your plans ,though I have not eatten at any of them. I think you allowing breaks and that you should be fine.

We are taking 4 kids with us 11,8,5,and 2year old. I planned for my dinners at the time they are used to sitting down to dinner, and I planned a few breakfasts as well.

The only suggestion I could really offer is maybe a stroller for when her legs are tired. you can either rent one there or bring one with you. I know we will have one for our 5 year old and 2 year old.
Bring snacks and that are more healthy, apples, granola bars, etc keeps her going.

Have a fun trip.

We are eatting at CRT as well Xmas eve for breakfast, hope you enjoy your time in the castle as well

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I vote that your schedule sounds fine. We did a sit down meal daily and DD was able to handle it (however, we have learned the hard way that two in one day is NOT a good idea at that age). Just wanted to ask if you have looked at the menus on the restaurants you are choosing. The dinner/lunch menus tend to be more...adventurous let's say. Are there any breakfast slots available? I only say this because honestly, dinner at CRT was the WORST meal I've ever had at Disney. And since you are spending all that money for those meals, you want princess time but you also want decent food. Have you checked into whether 1900 Park Fare is back open at the time of your trip. They do a Cinderella dinner and the food has been great there. Just a though.

 

[Disneylush]

I second that CRT for dinner is the most horrible experience and food I have ever had at Disney!!!

 

[Tammysue5]

I think your plans are just fine. We just went and did a character meal almost everyday (12 days) and our DD5 was fine with it. I like your idea of having a DD does what she wants day! We did the same thing... works wonderful!

While I may be in the minority... I have to share that we LOVED the CRT meal. The Akershus was nice for the characters but we were not overly impressed with the food. I think it is a matter of taste.

Have fun!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I wanted to clarify that CRT breakfast was good but the dinner was terrible. Although the "glass slipper" dessert ALMOST made up for the terrible meal...but not quite!

 

[kimberh]

1900 Park fare has the glass slipper desert if you pre order it. I think it has to be 48 hrs. We did this for my DGD, very good.

 

[MomtoGKC]

I don't think it's too much. It's nice to have a reason to stop for lunch - it's a forced break. We liked the lunch at CRT. Well, I didn't but that;s because I'm super picky - my husband ate both of our meals and my kids just had chicken strips which is about all they'll eat anyway. The kids got cute little ice cream sundaes for dessert and one of my DD's got a mini cake with hers since it was her b-day.

We ate breakfast in Nowray and only my husband really liked that, but we knew we were basically paying for the princesses (it was my other DD's b-day and she picked the meal.)

Oh, and the stroller option is a good one - my 5 1/2 year old kept trying to jump into the stroller with her little sister and brother!

 

[2goofykids]

I think your plan sounds fine. I would also suggest a stroller. My ds was 6 the last time we went and his legs got tired after awhile. Also if your dd is into being a princess you may want to bring a princess outfit for her to wear to CRT & PSD. A lot of the other little girls that age wear them to those meals. But I would only have her wear it for the meal not all day those dresses can get uncomfortable.

 

[mdsouth]

I would suggest you trade one of the princess meals for a character meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) with Mickey and characters or Minnie and characters.

When most kids talk about WDW they think of Mickey! It would be a shame to miss that opportunity. Of course, you can always see Mickey at the County Fair.

I also second the advice on taking or renting a stroller. Walking around the parks all day is tiring for adults, let alone a young child.

Have a great trip!

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Hi! It sounds like you are planning very well! Having that day to let DD make the decisions is wise and will help avoid the possibility of any breakdowns. I think the #1 faux pas parents make at WDW is trying to get their kids to do and see too much, when the pool tends to be one of their favorites!

I just want to make sure that you are aware that CRT for dinner does NOT have Cinderella. You may get a visit from the Fairy Godmother, but no princesses. Just eating in the castle is fantastic, and I'm certain DD will love it! Definately bring a gown for the occasion! You could even look into the Bibbidi-Bobbidi-boutique for a makeover beforehand! You do have Akershus for the princesses~which is a great experience for a little princess-in-training!

FYI-1900 Park Fare is back open with a new title "Cinderella's Happily Ever after Dinner"

Have a wonderful time! There is NOTHING like taking your DD to MK for the first time! Have that camera ready to snap some pictures of her face the first time she sees the castle! Oh the memories....