Planning a family trip

[kcfish]

My parents, my wife, a 4 yr old daughter and 15 month old daughter and myself are starting to plan a trip to WDW. I am so pumped, I haven't been there since 1986. I can't wait to share some memories with my girls. Any info that anyone can share on planning for my little girls would be awesome. Also any info on renting points would be cool.

Thanks,

Bret

 

[3happydancers]

My parents, my wife, a 4 yr old daughter and 15 month old daughter and myself are starting to plan a trip to WDW. I am so pumped, I haven't been there since 1986. I can't wait to share some memories with my girls. Any info that anyone can share on planning for my little girls would be awesome. Also any info on renting points would be cool.

Thanks,

Bret

Hi, and ! How great, love to hear about the family visits to Disney. We've never done that, but last year for Christmas we surprised my mom, 68 with a surprise trip to Disney. Her first EVER! to Disney and her first VACATION ever. Can you imagine, being 68 and experiencing your first vaca of your life . Well, enough about us.

Where to begin to plan for the children. What does your 4 year old like-does she have a favorite princess? I know that right in MK they have the boutique where little girls are treated like princesses. They have different packages so you can choose what best fits your budget. You can go from simple like nails, hair and a little make-up (don't cry dad!) to full blown princess outfits! Also depending what time of year you go, Disney has special event parties like MNSSHP (I hope I have the initials right) its an awesome halloween party in MK where most will dress for the occassion, special fireworks and a parade that your children and yourselves would never forget. Not to mention that MK has many great rides for small children. Really, I can go on and on. Oh, and at Hollywood Studios (MGM) they have a Little Mermaid show, a Beauty and the Beast on stage show and let's not forget Fantasmic.
See, there I go again. At Epcot, you can enjoy the Illuminations show-absolutely beautiful. And over in AK, they have other great shows like Nemo (I'm sorry can't remember the title) but a great on stage show, The Lion King, a safari ride and a fabulous parade in the afternoon.

I think I'd better stop here. I guess I just got excited for you . I remember when we surprised our little girl with her very first trip to Disney. I still remember the magic in her eyes-PRICELESS! and the same for my mom!

Most importantly, try not to get too consumed with having to do "everything". Relax, enjoy, when your tired rest. Besides, it will give you an excuse to have to go back .

Sorry so long winded. Wish you and your family a magical time!

 

[Aliceacc]

I don't know anything about renting points, but you can probably find something here to help with your planning: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1715551

 

[stopher1]

WELCOME!!!

 

[Disneynut71]

I have a now 5 year old daughter who loves princesses. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is so much fun. I bought the full package for my daughter as a belated birthday /prep for pirate princess party. Here is a pic

Having breakfast at Cinderella's castle is so much fun.

At Magic Kingdom there is a barber shop. I would go there first thing in the morning but for $14 (at least that's what it was the last time I was there) you can get a hair cut and at the end they will add color gel with pixie dust or for $5 you can just get the color and dust.

Picture-

If you are looking for a princess dress check out the Disney Store or even Wal mart. WDW are around $60 and up where you can get one at other stores around $25 - $30 Not as fancy but my daughter never knew the difference.

Family Magic Tour is a blast. It runs on Friday mornings and advance reservations are required. It is a hunt through the Magic Kingdom with an awesome surprise. I don't want to give it away but both of my kids loved it.

OH one more thing...if you ride Cinderella's Carousal find the white horse with the gold bow on the tail. That is Cindy's special horse.

Picture of my princess-

I hope this helps and have fun.

 

[Goofy4]

Check out the "princess" dining options at http://www.wdwinfo.com/just_for_kids/dining.htm

 

[PADISFAM]

Also any info on renting points would be cool.
Thanks,
Bret

head over to the DVC threads- you find out TONS of info on renting points (I assume you mean renting DVC?)

 

[Jill in Chicago]

Having a large group with all different ages means lots of different expectation levels. If the grandparents are easy going, and want to do whatever is best for the grandchildren, great, BUT be prepared for this not to be so.

Often (not always I know) grandparents are early birds. Toddlers, on the other hand may want to sleep in. (Not my kids. They were both up at 5:00 a.m. every day, but that's another story.)

My point being, will half the group be "raring to go," and the other half "dragging out of bed?" Will kids need naps every day? Will some of the party stay at the parks, and others take turns going back for naps? Will the whole party return to the hotel for naps?

Will you want the grandparents to babysit a night or two? Will you ask them this ahead of time and coordinate it, or hope, hope, hope that they'll come up with the idea on their own? (Always better to ask ahead of time so, again, expectations are out there in the open.)

Moving a group through the parks is tough. People dawdle. There are constant potty breaks. People get thirsty, but rarely at the same time. There are melt downs from all ages. People get crabby.

I know I am sounding so negative, but please read through as many extended family trip reports as possible. Learn from others.

Time apart is extremely important. Letting people do what they want, when they want is also important. You do not want to spend every minute together. All adults must have cell phones.

Plan a mid-week, just sit by the pool and order in pizza day. You will all need it.

 

[themudd4]

I have rented points and had a great time...but this thread will likely be moved if this is the main topic for this. I would suggest reading the information threads in renting DVC points...that will help you alot! Also, feel free to PM me if you have any DIRECT questions I can answer for you.

Congrats on taking your family. I know the fist time I took my DH & DD it was wonderful. Then we took our DS and was able to experience it again. It is such a different feeling when you are the one looking into your child's eyes as they fall in love with this place!