*** OFFICIAL January 2013 Thread ***

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Getting really excited. Only 21 days left to go! This will be our first trip with my two kids. We are staying at Port Orleans French Quarter January 24th-29th. Can anyone give me any advice on the plane ride as well as good rides and activities to do in the parks? DS is 22 months old and DD is 6 months old. I have been to the parks before and have some ideas, but i wanted feedback from some that have actually done it with kids this age.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

What does everyone think the weather will be like? I hope in the lower to mid 70s during the day!

Here's what worked for me when I had to take DD5 and DS2 on a flight from DC to San Diego last year. This will probably work

1) New toys, crafts, and books: I bought a few small/cheap new toys and books and surprised the kids with them after our flight took off.
2) One toy/book at a time: I would give them one thing to play with at a time and when they get bored with it, put the item back in the backpack and show them something new.
3) Videos on tablets: If you have a tablet or a laptop, videos worked well for my kids. Check ahead of time to see if your aircraft has wifi - more and more flights do. If they do have wifi, you could easily stream movies or TV shows. I found out that our plane didn't have wifi, so I downloaded about 2 hours worth of video directly on to my ipad and used maybe about 30 minutes worth. I wait until after the initial ascent to show them any videos - you don't want to start showing them a movie as soon as you board because you'll have to turn it off in about 20 minutes when the plane starts to taxi, and that would make most toddlers upset.
4) Snacks: Have a lot of snacks ready. My favorites are lollipops or ringpops. I usually give them one right before take off. It usually keeps them distracted so that they don't try to squirm out of their seatbelts and stand up. It also helps with their ears during the initial ascents and final descents.

Which Parks are you planning on visiting?

 

[Furrybunny]

Here's what worked for me when I had to take DD5 and DS2 on a flight from DC to San Diego last year. This will probably work

1) New toys, crafts, and books: I bought a few small/cheap new toys and books and surprised the kids with them after our flight took off.
2) One toy/book at a time: I would give them one thing to play with at a time and when they get bored with it, put the item back in the backpack and show them something new.
3) Videos on tablets: If you have a tablet or a laptop, videos worked well for my kids. Check ahead of time to see if your aircraft has wifi - more and more flights do. If they do have wifi, you could easily stream movies or TV shows. I found out that our plane didn't have wifi, so I downloaded about 2 hours worth of video directly on to my ipad and used maybe about 30 minutes worth. I wait until after the initial ascent to show them any videos - you don't want to start showing them a movie as soon as you board because you'll have to turn it off in about 20 minutes when the plane starts to taxi, and that would make most toddlers upset.
4) Snacks: Have a lot of snacks ready. My favorites are lollipops or ringpops. I usually give them one right before take off. It usually keeps them distracted so that they don't try to squirm out of their seatbelts and stand up. It also helps with their ears during the initial ascents and final descents.

Which Parks are you planning on visiting?

Thanks for the suggestions, all of that sounds great. I actually just picked up a Galaxy Note 10.1. So I will definitely download some kids shows, games, and movies. He hasn't really played with it much, so hopefully it will be new to him and enjoyable.

The two main parks we plan on heading to are Magic Kingdom (2 Days) and Animal Kingdom (2 Days). We will be at Epcot and DHS for only a half a day or so each. That is plan right now.

Thanks,

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

The two main parks we plan on heading to are Magic Kingdom (2 Days) and Animal Kingdom (2 Days). We will be at Epcot and DHS for only a half a day or so each. That is plan right now.

Thanks,

That sounds like a good distribution of days! We spent most of our time in Fantasyland when DD was two. Had the most number of rides she could go on at the time. Rides that were hits were Dumbo, the Carousel ( I think we rode this one at least 10 times!), Winnie the Pooh, and the Enchanted Tiki Room. At Epcot, Turtle Talk was a big hit. Disney Jr Live was another favorite but this will be in refurbishment starting mid January. Other shows were hit and miss depending on the length. Nemo was a little too long for DD to sit through at that age.

One thing I learned when visiting with toddlers is to let them be your guide when touring the parks and be flexible to their likes and dislikes. Attractions that may not be high on the list for adults can easily become their favorites and require some adjustments on touring plans. Our kids loved to spend time on playgrounds (Boneyard, Honey I Shrunk the Kids) and I think they had more fun on those than on most rides! We once spent over an hour at the Boneyard! On the other hand, DD and DS both did not like meeting any characters when they were two years old, so we avoided meet and greets.

 

[Jadak]

In regards to the Bone Yard, where is that at? I remember it on the planning DVD and them saying there were similar rest/play areas at each park. Does anyone know what they are?

 

[Furrybunny]

That sounds like a good distribution of days! We spent most of our time in Fantasyland when DD was two. Had the most number of rides she could go on at the time. Rides that were hits were Dumbo, the Carousel ( I think we rode this one at least 10 times!), Winnie the Pooh, and the Enchanted Tiki Room. At Epcot, Turtle Talk was a big hit. Disney Jr Live was another favorite but this will be in refurbishment starting mid January. Other shows were hit and miss depending on the length. Nemo was a little too long for DD to sit through at that age.

One thing I learned when visiting with toddlers is to let them be your guide when touring the parks and be flexible to their likes and dislikes. Attractions that may not be high on the list for adults can easily become their favorites and require some adjustments on touring plans. Our kids loved to spend time on playgrounds (Boneyard, Honey I Shrunk the Kids) and I think they had more fun on those than on most rides! We once spent over an hour at the Boneyard! On the other hand, DD and DS both did not like meeting any characters when they were two years old, so we avoided meet and greets.

Great, I will try all of the ones you mentioned. I will already prepare myself to let my DS lead the way around the park and ride what he wants. I can't wait to see his reactions.

I am really disappointed regarding Disney Junior Live on Stage. He loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and Handy Manny. I know this is to add Doc McStuffins (He likes that too) and Sophia the First Princess. I didn't know it went from January 14th-February 15th. Thanks for that information, I will not plan that out in our vacation. We are going back to Disney in November, he can see it then I suppose.

I have heard about the Boneyard at Disney's Animal Kingdom and Honey I shrunk the Kids and DHS. Are there any playgrounds at Magic Kingdom or Epcot the kids would enjoy?

Thank you for all of the suggestions and help!

 

[Furrybunny]

In regards to the Bone Yard, where is that at? I remember it on the planning DVD and them saying there were similar rest/play areas at each park. Does anyone know what they are?

I know the Boneyard is at Animal Kingdom. The giant Honey I shrunk the Kids set is at Hollywood Studios. I have always seen a lot of kids running around the Honey I shrunk the Kids set. Seems they love it. I can't wait to take my toddler there. I asked on this thread about similar areas at Magic Kingdom and Epcot too.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[mickeyplanner]

The wait for enchanted tales was posted as 120 but ended up being 43 min. The animatronics alone were worth seeing! (we are four twenty year olds, two girls and two boys who couldn't stop talking about lumiere). We got in line for be our guest at 10:20 and then left after waiting ten minutes and a CM said we would have a TWO HOUR wait.

Here's hoping the wait time lessen for the month of January at BOG. How are the crowds elsewhere in MK today?

Getting really excited Can anyone give me any advice on the plane ride as well as good rides and activities to do in the parks? DS is 22 months old and DD is 6 months old.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

What does everyone think the weather will be like? I hope in the lower to mid 70s during the day!

Fantasyland is a must for this age, when we took our DD at 20 months old we rode Its a small world 11 times that trip. Now that Winnie the Pooh & Dumbo have the interactive play areas those are great too.

To our surprise our DD loved Epcot especially the World Showcase and getting to color at each Kidcot stop.

One thing I learned when visiting with toddlers is to let them be your guide when touring the parks and be flexible to their likes and dislikes..

That cannot be said enough, you have to go with the flow of your child. Naps are very important and the train and tommorrowland transit were great for all for nap time and break for parents.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

In regards to the Bone Yard, where is that at? I remember it on the planning DVD and them saying there were similar rest/play areas at each park. Does anyone know what they are?

The Boneyard is located in Dinoland right by the entrance from Discovery Island.

Are there any playgrounds at Magic Kingdom or Epcot the kids would enjoy?

Thank you for all of the suggestions and help!

As far as I know, Epcot does not have similar scaled playgrounds like the Boneyard. They usually install seasonal playground sets during Flower and Garden Festivals. Innoventions is a semi-playground with a lot of interactive games and decent "running space".

In MK, the interactive queue to Winnie the Pooh is a semi-play area. DD actually likes this play area more than the ride itself. Once, she just wanted to play there while the rest of the group went on the ride! It's right by the standby entrance and to the side of the queue line itself, so it's easy to just pop in and out of the play area without actually having to get in line when crowds are low. Casey Jr Splash n Soak is another play area but that may not be do-able depending on the January temperature. Tom Sawyer's Island is a great "playground" with caves, forts, trails - and it's far removed from the rest of the MK crowds.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

That cannot be said enough, you have to go with the flow of your child. Naps are very important and the train and tommorrowland transit were great for all for nap time and break for parents.

We used the MK Railroad train for naps as well! If I remember right, it took about 20 minutes for the train to circle MK once. We stayed on the train and circled it three times for about an hour while DD took her nap.

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

There's also a play space in MK near Splash Mountain (near the fast pass machine) for toddlers. It has a house and slide and a rubber-ish floor to run around on. My 3 year old really enjoyed it. It's nothing like the big playgrounds, but a nice place to stop and play for a bit with the little kids.

 

[TruBlu]

We used the MK Railroad train for naps as well! If I remember right, it took about 20 minutes for the train to circle MK once. We stayed on the train and circled it three times for about an hour while DD took her nap.

We use the boats for naps.

 

[TruBlu]

Only 419 hours until our flight!!!

Sent from Tracey's iPhone using DISBoards

 

[OhStuffandFluff]

Really getting excited now that the Holidays are over... Makes it a little easier to come to work on a cold January morning knowing I'll be with Mickey in less than 3 weeks!!!

I agree with you completely!!

 

[TruBlu]

I agree with you completely!!

Sent from Tracey's iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Marshay]

Booked Jan 25 - Feb 4 on Christmas Day Can hardly contain my excitement! I spend the entire day at work yesterday online and dreaming about our trip. How will I survive the next few weeks?

Welcome!!

Planned out our itinerary this is a big headache my sister is now coming with us which would be okay except she has back problem is extremely obese and can't really walk that much. I explained to her to get a scooter but she is very embarassed and won't rent one like renting one will force her to the realization that she can't walk and get around like she use to.

I at least talked her into renting one on our MK days because that and Epcot I believe are the most spread out. She also was to take it easy and go to a park every other day. Which I honestly have no problem with.

January 21 arrival check in OKW
January 22 AK tusker house. check into AKL jambo studio
January 23 free day
January 24 MK
January25 check in kidani 1 bedroom Ohana
January 26 DHS
January 27 free day dinner Sanaa
January 28 Epcot
January 29 departure


So far that what we will be doing free days we will spend shopping, going to different resort. Hubby and I have APs so she has no problem staying in the resort and we can just visit the park.

I hope it goes well with your sister.

We will be at POR jan26-feb6 ... Can hardly wait!!

Welcome! POR is so beautiful!

Hi! Doing a super-last minute, super cheap trip 1/28 to 2/2 at the Pop Century

Better cheap than not at all!

Seems like I'm super late to the party, but figured I'd jump in and introduce myself anyways.

I'm Emily, and I'll be staying at AoA 1/13 to 1/19. I'm traveling with my sister for our first sister-trip down! We're both complete Disnerds so we're very excited!

We will be there 1/13 to 17 so maybe we'll see you there! We will be in LK section. Look for a tall guy with long hair and a tall woman with pink stripe in her hair -- that's us!

DH surprised me with a longer stay AND we are now staying at my dream resort for the first time~~the Poly!! I am beyond excited......21 more days!!

Poly

I'll be there Jan 28th-Feb 4th, Pop/Coronado Springs split stay! Woo hoo!!!

Welcome!

I will be there January 15 - 20, staying at the Pop!

2 more weeks can't wait.

Welcome!

We will be there on saturday. 5- 10th, Staying at Bay Lake Tower for the first time with magic kingdom view. We decided to do the deluxe dining plan and will be taking our 3.5 year old to several signature restaurants including Narcoosee and Le Cellier. not too worried since it is Disney but anyone else have any experience with this? We've played it a little safer on past trips with him.

BLT -- nice!! We are spending 2 nights there with water view...hoping to get view of castle too by sheer luck! But water view will be nice. Last time we got standard view overlooking the marina which was a lot of fun, too!

We're going to be staying at Pop from 1/18 to 1/21. I'm so excited!!

Welcome!

 

[Marshay]

H & I booked a last minute, adults-only, long weekend in WDW from 1/24 to 1/27! We're going to be there for my 30th birthday

This will be our 2nd trip to the World... our first trip was in November with our 3 girls and we are HOOKED ON DISNEY!

I really wanted to do something special for my 30th and we were looking at going to Mexico for 3 nights, but we had so so so much fun in November that we decided to just go back!

We are doing a more budget friendly trip this time since it's just the two of us. We are staying at Pop (previously stayed at AoA- Nemo) and are doing the DDP (previously did the DxDP -- NEVER AGIAN, toooooo much food!)

Here's our schedule:

Thursday 1/24: Arrive @ MCO from Newark around 4:30p. Check in to hotel and head to DTD for the night. Use 1 counter service meal for dinner.

Friday 1/25: 7:10a Chef Mickey, arrive @ AK for Rope Drop (opens @ 9), ride Expedition Everest and some Dino Land rides, maybe do the safari, then head over to MK for lunch (hoping for BOG!), rides until 4p then we'll head out for out 5:30 dinner @ Cape May Cafe Clam Bake, then off to Epcot for EMH until 11p.

Saturday 1/26 (My 30th birthday!): Breakfast at Pop, 8a EMH @ DHS, ride TSM, RnR & ToT then head over to MK around noon, CS lunch, rides until MSEP at 7p - we'll watch it from the start so we can head out the fron gate as soon as it's over so we can head to Poly for Wishes on the beach @ 8 and 'Ohana birthday dinner at 8:40p. Back to the hotel after dinner to go to bed early.

Sunday 1/27: Our flight leaves @ 8:10a, so we will be up & out early.

We have a jam packed 3 days, but that's what I wanted. Our goal is to hit all of our favorite rides! We were lucky enough to get into the Fantasy Land Expansion during previews in November so we won't be going in there this trip, except to try BOG for lunch (maybe -- depends on the line).

We are also crossing our figners for a bounceback so we can bring our girls back in December next year.

Glad to see another convert!!

Getting really excited. Only 21 days left to go! This will be our first trip with my two kids. We are staying at Port Orleans French Quarter January 24th-29th. Can anyone give me any advice on the plane ride as well as good rides and activities to do in the parks? DS is 22 months old and DD is 6 months old. I have been to the parks before and have some ideas, but i wanted feedback from some that have actually done it with kids this age.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

What does everyone think the weather will be like? I hope in the lower to mid 70s during the day!

Welcome!!

 

[Marshay]

All caught up.

If you would like to be added to the first post and are not listed, please just post on here and I will update your information.

 

[brightvalleyjrts]

can't believe it is getting so close!!! I have been sewing, sewing, sewing, trying to get my boys shirts made for our trip. It's hard to find time to sew when they are not around. I have actually told them that some of the shirts were for a friend just so I could sew when they are awake. LOL

Hoping we have nice weather the month of Jan. I am prepared to layer and bought lots of cute disney hand warmers in target just incase it's cold.

 

[3Paige14]

Did some of my packing this evening. Also got some of our snacks for the road and in the room. Getting excited.

This group is in need of a magical vacation. There's always something going on and/or we've had to step in to help out others in the family. We've all done it without complaints the whole time. We've all earned a week of fun and only having to worry about what to do next, what we're eating, and what we want to buy from gift shops.

Also looking forward to our trip to Daytona on Thursday (or DayTONY to the Tony Stewart fans such as myself). I'm so nervous and excited about meeting Tony Stewart. He's the biggest racing star I have met (it had previously been Helio Castroneves).

 

[stmize]

11 more days til we arrive at akl So excited to do online ck in tomm