Never been to WDW, where to start?

[Bama mom to 3]

Thanks so much for all the great tips!! I'm really looking forward to my daughter meeting the "real" Cinderella. Most of her conversations beging with, "When we go to Disney...."

However, my dh is changing jobs, so it throws a wrench in the planning process. He will not be eligible for vacation until next year, so it looks like we will go next year with both kids. So, I have a year to absorb all of your knowledge and live vicariously through your trips!!

Thanks again!!

at least it gives you more time to decide whats right for your family....LOL

BTW, Im from Alabama too (as if you couldn't tell from my username.... )
Our trip in June will be my 4th. Each of the other 3 times we drove. But only the one in 2000 was with children (our then 4 1/2 and 2 1/2 year old). the other two trips before that was just adults (one being me and dh's honeymoon). The trip in June we will be flying. We will fly out of Birmingham. Its 2 hours south of us (we are way up here close to the TN'AL stateline) But my sis lives in B'ham so we will just probably stay the night before our flight with her.

 

[gr8ful4Him]

I can tell you that I will ALWAYS stay at Pop (unless, of course, I win the Powerball tonight -- then I might splurge for a moderate resort!!!).

I'm guessing you'll be staying at POP again...unless you bought your powerball tickets in Oregon

 

[jackmac]

Have a great time, it truely is a magical place and if you go with that idea then magical things will happen.
We went for the first time in 1998 and loved it, we have been going back 2-4 times each year since (bought into DVC). The best advice is don't expect to see everything on this trip. It takes years to see all of disney and then they change it. Too many people feel that they must see it all. You will see "commandos" that charge into the parks at rope drop and dont't leave until after the park closes. Give yourself time. Everything at Disney takes extra time. I do suggest getting to some parks at rope drop, there is a great welcoming ceromony at each park, but don't do it everyday. Your daughter is young and you'll probally be at the Magic Kingdom mostly, take your time. Get fast passes when you can. One word of advice, the Extra Magic Hour in the morning is great, EMH at night, go to a different park.
Read the boards, read Mousesavers, Allears net, the laughing place, etc. and read up on the guide books. But always remember, given a choice GO LEFT at all of the lines.

 

[paytonjsplace]

Nope...our measly 2 tickets only hit 3 numbers total. I think we are getting $5 -- and that won't pay for an upgrade out of Pop! Which is fine...why spend the money when you only SLEEP in your room, right?

I have the luxury of staying at CSR next week (potentially during Wilma...if my flights don't get cancelled)...but that is for work. CSR might be nice, but POP is so visually appealing to both kids & adults -- and the price is right. So, Pop it is for us next year.

 

[julieannbabe]

Thanks for getting back with me. I'm thinking about 5 days, and I'd like to do the parks each day. I would get the park hopper. Do you recommend?? I want to be sure and spend time each day back at the hotel to allow us down time. A suggested itinerary would be great.

I see you're from Bama, too!! Do you fly to Dis or drive?

Thanks again for your help!!

i think that you will be exhausted doing each park for five days straight - esp. with a four and a half year old.

Maybe just concentrate on the magic kingdom and maybe animal kingdom and the waterparks?

have fun - and remember don't get worried if you can't see it all - you won't - even if you went for two weeks it is huge.

xjx

 

[kcdisneymom]

Birnbaum's series of books are good guides to WDW. I like to point out the characters and show him the pictures before we go. I think it makes it more exciting when he finally gets there. I know there is one called WDW by kids for kids. You might check that out just to see which rides she can and can't ride.