Only 19 more sleeps until our very first trip...HELP!!

[Haileys_mom]

We will be flying from Canada for a 10 day trip to WDW at the beginning of May. Our DD is 7. Any tips, tricks or advice for a newbie??
TIA!!

 

[ILMICKEY]

Take a lot of pictures. Not of things, of your daughter looking at things! Those are the most special!

 

[pl'smama]

Yes, do take lots of photos of your DD, but also the neat things you do not see anywhere else. Try to get lots of Character photos to.

If she is interested and your budget will allow, book an appointment at BBB. THe result is just lovely and your DD will have a blast.

Make sure you get your "First Trip" buttons when you arrive and wear them all the time. YOu will get some little gifts from the CM's, especially your DD. Just pin it to your hat or bag.

Take some wipes in a ziplock bag. These are great for wiping up spills or even if you get too hot and need to wipe your forehead.

Pin trading is a great way to meet and talk to all sorts of people. If your DD is interested you could probably still get some from Ebay now, so they are cheaper. That is what we did. We also flew from Canada, so I think you have time.

Have a great trip!!

 

[TENIA66]

i have some thread links which might help:

packing tips:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=787435

disney trip tips: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=311217

 

[asktriplets]

ok, i don't have any specific tips for you, other than to have at least some sort of general plan on a daily basis, get to the parks at opening, use fastpasses, and plan to have a GREAT time! we'll be there in the beginning of may, as well.

your post caught my eye because my kids have trouble (for some reason) with the concept of days, so we countdown by "sleeps" as you do (only 13 more sleeps until we leave for Disney)! how cute!

have fun!

 

[Haileys_mom]

Thank you all for your responses!
I am not sure which one of us is more excited...quite possibly it is me!!

asktriplets-I am not sure why, we've always counted by "sleeps" instead of days...I think I'll blame my parents for passing it on to me.

pl'smama-I had no idea about the "First Trip" buttons, thanks for the heads up!

We'll be staying at POR for the duration and we've made ADR, but other than that...no specific plans since I have no idea what we're in for.

ONLY 18 more sleeps!!

 

[asktriplets]

hi haileys mom,
i saw that you don't really have plans yet... i would highly recommend at least printing out each park's daily hours and extra magic hours for each day of your trip (you can get that from the disney world website) and having a general daily plan....

-as for which parks on which days, we generally skip any parks that have EMH because with 3 little ones, we aren't looking to spend time on lots of big rides... i'm looking for LEAST crowded for maximum enjoyment . we do MK EMH because fantasyland is awesome at 8am!! the crowds shouldn't be too busy midmay, but i think it is easier to have a plan that you CAN follow if you choose, than to go in having not much of a clue...i've been to WDW lots of times and i still feel a bit overwhelmed if i don't have a basic plan for the day UNLESS i know that we are just having a "wandering" day. you can plan your days around AVOIDING EMH parks or ATTENDING EMHs at the parks, and that is a great place to start a plan.

-you have to plan on being in certain parks at certain times for your ADRs, so that will help your planning

--if you want to see Spectromagic in MK, you have to plan for that, too (isn't daily)

as for specific daily plans, i like to break the day up by AM and PM (we do a midday break/nap and we park hop often), and pick a few rides/shows that i KNOW we want to hit. for example:
MONDAY AM: (we always plan to arrive at opening)
MK:
-fantasyland
-toontown at opening at 10am
-pick up fastpasses for Buzz?
-ADR at Tony's at 11:30
-buzzlightyear and more tomorrowland/monsters inc. comedy?

back to resort

PM:
Epcot:
-fastpasses for soarin'
-living with the land/circle of life?
-imagination fountains or innoventions while waiting for soarin"?
-soarin'
-dinner in mexico/morocco-counter service in world showcase?

. this plan gives a focus for the morning/evening (rather than walking in and wondering, "well, now what?") and also gives me an idea of what i want to get to FIRSTwith no waiting before the crowds arrive midmorning (or what i want to get fastpasses for when i get into a park in the evening). obviously, we have hours and hours of "unplanned" time in the parks each day.

whether or not we FOLLOW the plan, i know that i have some place to start.

not sure if this helps...

have a fabulous time!

oh, have you picked up a "disney for kids" book? my kids LOVE reading up on all the rides. my niece, who was 6 on her first trip, loved using that book, too. other things to help make the wait more exciting is looking at disney maps, doing a countdown calendar, watching the planning dvd, and we've made disney tshirts (the "creative DISigns" board here has tons of ideas)

 

[Haileys_mom]

[QUOTE oh, have you picked up a "disney for kids" book? my kids LOVE reading up on all the rides. my niece, who was 6 on her first trip, loved using that book, too.QUOTE]

I haven't even heard about this book?! (here I thought I had done my research )
Where would I find something like this??
We booked our trip through a "disney specialist" and so she helped us quite a bit as far as our basic itinerary and our ADR. Your list really helps a lot, thank you! Since we haven't been there I am having a hard time getting our days organized...it's tough not knowing where we need to be for what, KWIM?
Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it!

 

[LuvOrlando]

I've been there almost every year since my kids had their 1st haircuts at WDW. The most important things I've learned through observation, trial & error are below.

My primary advice for everyone who goes is to try and remember you are there to enjoy your family, not get your money's worth. Count the smiles not the number of rides or shows you manage to squeeze into a day.

My second suggestion is to keep everyone well fed, hydrated and comfortable. When someone is hot find refuge in an AC spot and rest. When a young child is sleepy park in an air conditioned dining spot and sip on a soda then nibble some fries.

Have a great trip

 

[Family5LovesDisney]

We will be flying from Canada for a 10 day trip to WDW at the beginning of May. Our DD is 7. Any tips, tricks or advice for a newbie??
TIA!!

A ten day trip gives you lots of time to explore and enjoy yourselves. How lucky!

My number one tip is to try to be at the parks before they open (even 5 or 10 minutes) Head to your "most wanted" rides first! You can do lots of attractions without the crowds before lunch. In the afternoon you can take a break, go swimming back at your resort, go to parades or shows within the park that are slower paced

Next tip: Make sure you bring COMFORTABLE walking shoes! Bring slippers, foot lotion, and other pampering items for the end of your day when you are back in your hotel.

Last tip: ENJOY!