Overwhelmed Rookie -- Help Please!

[WEDWDW]

You're welcome.

Here is an old Times Guide for Magic Kingdom.(I just HAD to Post an old Epcot one since I LOVE that park).

 

[Shmily1]

Hvanes, have a great trip! The best planning is to know that you can't do it all in one trip so choose what's most important and do that. Anything extra is a bonus. Enjoy your children's laughter and their excitement. Watch their faces instead of the fireworks and parades while they are watching the fireworks and parades. That's when you know it's all worth it.

As for hints, look here on the dis for things that you have questions about. Plan your days but not rigidly (such as, we'll go on Dumbo, Peter Pan, and IASW before we go to Toontown...btw do Dumbo and Peter Pan early or you will pay with a long wait!!!) Don't stress about what you are missing... everyone else there is missing something too. Relax and enjoy.

About EPCOT, I took DS20 and DD19 when they were little. After that trip, I swore they would not go back until they were older. I finally gave in when they were 15 and 16. It was much better and I love going there with them now. While it is a place you, your DH, and your two oldest will love, I just can't recommend it with very small children because there's not as much for them to do. Been there, done that!

Have a great time!!

 

[calngavinsmom]

Hi there. My advice might not be as sage as all the others but here is what we do in a nutshell. You have already completed step one.....deciding what attractions are important to your party members.

Step two.....enter the park as early as possible, grab a map and pick a direction based on which way the majority of the attractions you want to see are.

Step three......loop around the park sticking to the same direction you choose at the beginning. We found zig-zagging across the park wastes time and energy(especially tiring for kiddos) these parks are HUGE!

We have tried more complex planning but have found this way works quite well especially for a family with small children.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Motomom06]

I took 4 little notebooks (the ones that are pocket sized and spiral bound at the top) - one for each park. In them I wrote our schedule for the day, what rides had fast passes, not to be missed attractions and the best places to sit for the parades and fireworks. Also for Epcot what drinks to have in each country. We had 5 day passes so we did each park a day and then let DS8 pick what park he loved the most to go back too. Much to our surprise he picked Epcot. (I thought for sure we were going back to HS) It was by far his favorite park. Especially the World Showcase because of the Kim Possible missions. And of course DH and I didn't complain - more drinks for us!!

 

[heatherwillmom]

I am a huge Disney fanactic as well as a over-planner. You are doing the right thing by reading these boards. Just remember everyone is individual, the same thing doesn't work for everyone. We have been going at least once a year since my son turned 3. I spend a great deal of time reading travel books to get ready as well. If you will send me a personal message, I will tell you which ones are the best. There are many experienced travelers on these boards who are more than willing to help you plan. Good luck & congradulations on your first trip. I know it wont be your last!!