Our first visit ! SOOO Excited! Looking 4 tips!

[osmommie]

Hi all. I cannot believe that we are finally heading to WDW on Jam. 30 - Feb 5. It only took a divorce for my Husband ( X-husband) to finally take me. Oh dont forget it is also for my 6 year old son's birthday.
What will wait times be for rides? weather? all things good that I have no idea and my travel agent is a bit " not knowledged"
We are booked at All star movie resort and are planning our week as Tues ~MGM . Wed/Thur ~ Mk and friday animal kingdom. We have the dinningplan and restaurants booked so I am good there. Just curious about any tips or thought anyone might have for our 6 year old ( veteran to big kids rides ) who loves tv, and electronics.
Also what you think is better for him going to Epcot or Ak? Our friends just came back and they said if they could of skipped one it would of been AK. So just curious??
Thanks so much .
Also the Hopp de doo? dinner show? Any advice there...
Thanks sooo much...
Love to all
T , O, J

 

[blueroses]

Have you purchased a Disney guide book yet? They are very helpful even for WDW veterans. The Passporter and Unofficial Guide are 2 popular ones.

I would pick Epcot over AK if I had to, but a six-year-old may get bored with the World Showcase. He might enjoy Innoventions at Future World for the video games (some of which I think you have to pay for, I can't remember).

 

[Amirah95]

Firstly, did you take a look at www.wdwinfo.com or www.allearsnet.com or buy a guide book yet? I want to recommend you take a look at one of those websites and then buy Birnbaum's Official Guide to WDW 2006. All of these sources have a wealth of information. Once you get a feel for the World present your questions here on The Dis so that we can help you with your specific needs of yours.

Also, you should visit all four parks on your trip to get a feel for each environment. You never know, you're child may love Epcot and not really like AK too much or vice versa. If this is your first time going, you'll be glad you did.

 

[osmommie]

Oh my goodness, I keep saying I have spent more on dosney books and planning guides that I actually will at disney.Thanks for the advice.

Take Care.
T. O. J

 

[Amirah95]

OK so you do have guides and have read them. What is it you're looking to do? What type of advice do you need? I'm confused.

 

[osmommie]

i have read all of the guides and am just over planning ( well over but under planning .. no expectations just fun!)
Maybe wanted someone who has a boy near my sons age so they could tell me there how to's and what worked for them.

But I do have 1 question ... how much do autograoh books in the park cost roughly?

T ,o , J

 

[fanofpan]

Also what you think is better for him going to Epcot or Ak? Our friends just came back and they said if they could of skipped one it would of been AK. So just curious??
Thanks so much .
Also the Hopp de doo? dinner show? Any advice there...
Thanks sooo much...
Love to all
T , O, J

My kids where 7 and 8 last time we went, and AK for the young ones is more impressive than Epcot. Me personally, as an adult I would rather do Epcot. But my vote for a child that young, would be the Animals over the Worlds.

 

[preemiepedsnurs]

Hi all. I cannot believe that we are finally heading to WDW on Jam. 30 - Feb 5. It only took a divorce for my Husband ( X-husband) to finally take me. Oh dont forget it is also for my 6 year old son's birthday.

I had to laugh when I read this. I'm sorry that you got a divorce, but the same thing happened to me. I was married for 14 years and we NEVER went on any kind of family vacation at all. This year, I (and I alone ) am taking all three of my kids to WDW for 10N/11D in June. It's our first time too!!

 

[java]

Do you have a park hopper pass? Because I don't know if AK is a full day - or even MGM for someone with a 6 year old. I am thinking you might be able to hop over to Epcot after the AK and hit some of the stuff he would probably love(like test track and soarin and universe of energy-if he is into dinosaurs- Turtle Talk with crush if he is into Nemo) And at MGM - I would think you may be skipping RocknRoll rollercoaster? although my dd did go on at 6 - she was tall. The time killers at MGM are Indy stunt show(which he will really like I bet) the Lights Motors Action show- a HUGE time zapper and waiting for Tower of Terror and RocknRoll Rollercoaster. You can spend time in the Honey I shrunk the kids playground. He may like Star Tours(if he is into Star Wars) Muppet 4-D is funny. In AK he will enjoy the Safari, Kali Rapids(you will get wet) Dinsosaur is a maybe at 6(a little scary but if he has a high tolerance and loves Dinosaurs maybe a must do) and wandering around and seeing the animals. We love AK and see all the shows and wander for a day if we are spending a long time in Disney- if not we do it Blitz and just hit the stuff I mentioned(although Expedition Everest is going to be first on our list this year!!) And I assume you know what to do at the MK. As far as meals go did you book Donald's Breakfast in the AK? My boys love that one. Any questions ask away- I have 3 boys and a girl so we have seen and done it all!

 

[f7prez]

Every first visit tends to be an all out rush to fit everything into one week or even less. With a 6 y/o, the best advice I can give you is to take your time, slow down and let the 6 y/o set the pace. You will be walking some serious mileage. Hopper passes will allow you to visit more than one park per day. This can be helpful on your first visit, since you do not know what to expect from each park, or how your son will like them. You WILL be going back, so see what you can this trip and make a note of the things you want to try on the next trip. A fun thing with Disney is watching your kids grow over the years, graduating from the young kids rides and shows then enjoying the things for more mature audiences. My kids still have to take at least one trip through "It's a small world", and they are now 14, 16, 17, 18.

My guess is that your son may enjoy Animal Kingdom more than Epcot. Most kids love to see animals up close. This park also allows you to walk and meander through the various trails without a lot of waiting in line. Get fast pass for the big draw rides and then walk one of the trails viewing animals as you wait.

 

[Cinderella Fan]

i have read all of the guides and am just over planning ( well over but under planning .. no expectations just fun!)
Maybe wanted someone who has a boy near my sons age so they could tell me there how to's and what worked for them.

But I do have 1 question ... how much do autograoh books in the park cost roughly?

T ,o , J

The autograph books cost $12 each when we were there last month. But don't be surprised if they went up a little with the other price increases.

Hope you have an amazing trip!!

 

[rcraw45425]

osmommie, welcome to the DIS! First of all, you're going at a moderately busy time, take advantage of FAstpass if the wait is over 30 minutes. Also, if you plan to ride Splash Mountain at MK and Kali RIver Rapids, either take disposible ponchos for you and your child or purchase the Disney ones there. They are under $5 I think. Kali will soak you! We rode it in November, moderate temp, low 70's, we thought we were going to freeze the rest of the day. I looked as if I had showered in my clothes! Miserable for my kids too. My girls are 8 & 10 now, we have quite a few trips under our belts. Their favorites at MGM are Tower of Terror, Star Tours, the Fantasmic show, and Rockin Roller Coaster, but be advised, it's very loud and does go inverted, gives me a migraine afterwards. Try to fit in a lunch at Sci Fi Dine In for burgers and the atmosphere. He'll love it! We have tried twice (on different visits) to make Lights, Motors, Action. They cancel if it rains, be advised. At MK, I advise arriving first thing in the morning. By lunch time it tends to get busy. The mountain rides are a must for us, as are Haunted Mansion, Pirates of theCaribbean, even Peter Pan. Make sure to see Mickey's Philharmagic, it's terrific. We try to do Future World at EPCOT in the morning, Test Track, Ellen's Energy Adventure ( if he likes Dinosaurs), SOarin' is amazing! Spaceship Earth is a soothing ride, He'll probably enjoy Honey I shrunk theAudience too. We tend to save the "countries" for the evenings, dine at one of their restaurants then walk around till time for Illuminations. AK is our least favorite park, but will probably change with the opening of Expedition Everest. If he doesn't frighten easily, he might enjoy Dinosaur!. Very loud and intense. My youngerDaughter loves Primeval (I call it PrimevIL) Whirl, a mouse type ride that jerks and spins. Tough to be a bug is fun too. The Safari is nice, try it in the morning when it's cool, see more animals. Kali does soak you. Try to see Wishes one night at MK too. Most of all, take it easy and enjoy your son's reactions! Oh yeah, stop by City Hall at MK and at the Back entrance to EPCOT and get birthday pins for him. He'll love the attention he'll receive from cast members and guests (happy birthday wishes). Make sure to tell the podium at the sit down restaurants that it's his birthday, usually they bring out a cupcake and sing to him. Enjoy your trip!

 

[vicceja]

Hi!

I say just breathe and take it all in. As far as Animal Kingdom and Epcot...that's a tuff one because both of these parks are great. I think Animal Kingdom you can try to do most of it in a 1/2 day...maybe you can run to Epcot and take advantage of the world showcase and all the great attractions there. I usually do 2 days at Epcot....Have a great time!

 

[cmassey]

i've been a couple of dozen times, and i just got confused reading all that advise. so here's mine. you have guide books, use them. depending on the book, you will get good advice for your son's age. before you go, pick out some things (together) at each park you think you just HAVE to do, and then the rest of those days can be filled spontaneously. see what happens when you get there. there's so much going on, everywhere. my son is almost 6 and we wouldn't imagine going without a stroller. they can be expensive to rent for a whole week, but it sure beats carrying a 6 year-old around at the end of the day. it is A LOT of walking every day, and even the most active kid (mine) will get tired and whiny. whatever you do, try not to get too worked up. no matter where you go (my son prefers AK), or how many (or few) attractions you see; you will all have a great time if you take it easy. have fun.

 

[osmommie]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who helped out and replied!
I am soo excited , dam 13 days is a long wait!! LOL

 

[Going Broke]

Just curious about any tips or thought anyone might have for our 6 year old ( veteran to big kids rides ) who loves tv, and electronics.


Your son may like Innoventions at Epcot in Futureworld. My brother has always been into electronics and Innoventions has always been a favorite of his. As for the World Showcase, I think this could perhaps be a little boring for your 6 year old. Just an opinion, no hate mail please!

 

[Molly41]

osmommie - We just came back on Sunday. It was our first trip with our 5 yo son. He loved it. We only had 3 days and we did MGM, AK and MK in that order. MGM closes at 7:00, AK closes at 5:00 and MK closed at 10 (we were there on a Sat.). Check to see what time the parks close on the days you will be there. We chose AK over Epcot and we are glad we did. First of all my son was chosen to help open up the park the day we went - a huge honor. He was an Honorary Cast Member. It was very cool - but that was just luck. Get there early though, you never know.

The Safari and Kali River Rapids was great at AK as well as Dinoland. The parade is great there too.

Breakfast at Crystal Palace at MK is really good. We did Chef Mickey's for dinner - food was terrible. I also hear that food at Breakfastosaurus at AK is not good either.

MGM - he loved Lights, Motors, Action and Indiana Jones, Star Tours.

I think one of the best things we did was bring a stroller. Our son was glad to go in it and we did not have to pick him so much (he weighs 50 lbs!). Any other questions, let me know.

Pack for all kinds of weather too. We had warm and chilly weather. Also, utilize FastPass. It works.

Molly

 

[keagansmom]

Your son will probably like innoventions in Epcot. I know my son did. Lots of computer games and such. Also, there's an area where he can build his own robot and keep it. Kind of neat. We loved the family magic tour in MK. We are sending my son on the pirate cruise this year so we've never experienced it, but I hear it's wonderful. Some of those "extra's" might make this a special birthday experience. Of course some of my sons (he's 7) favorite rides/attractions were : Buzz Lightyear, space mtn, BIg Thunder mtn rr, - all at MK; Lights, Motors Action, Star Tours, Indiana Jones- all at MGM; Primeval whirl (rode this upteen million times), Dino-rama games (be aware you have to pay $1-2 to play but honestly those were the cheapest souvies we got at WDW , Kilimanjaro Safari's, Rafiki's Planet Watch ( lots of hands on stuff- we dissected owl poop(very cool to a 7 yr old)- all at AK; Innoventions, Test Track, Soarin', Turtle Talk with crush, and the various street performers - all at Epcot. I would say try all the parks, if you have a park hopper you can always leave a park early and go to another one if your son i ready to go. Have a great trip! I hope your son really enjoys his birthday!