Planning trip with kids for first time!

[TeaForTulips]

We have been to WDW many, many times, but have never taken the kiddos. My niece (3) and nephew (5) will be joining us this time. I'm sure we'll be spending lots of time doing things we've never paid attention to. I am so excited to see WDW through their eyes!

Anyways... what are things your kids around this age loved to do? For example... I don't even remember ever seeing the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground. Ha!

I don't want to skip or miss out on things that are great for their age. Any tips or suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Yay!!! How fun that you get to take them. Lots and lots of suggestions. The big one is to start doing your research NOW about what rides they will be able to do (find out their heights ) We always avoid rides that we know are iffy height-wise because DD would have had a FIT if she couldn't get on something. (she's a dare devil) Also make sure you bring strollers for both of them. I doubt they use them at home but Disney is a LOT of walking and you'll save yourself a LOT of stress if you just have a stroller!

 

[perfectparanoia]

I am planning for the first time with a 5 & 6 year old so I know where you are coming from.

One thing I would do is ask their parents what they are afraid of (dark, sounds, heights) and try to avoid things that might have that element (or explain it to them first).

I would recommend knowing where all the bathrooms are. I suffer from TB (tiny bladder) so I am well versed but when a 3 year old needs to pee, they need to pee NOW!

Also, bring a change of clothes to the parks. They might get wet (from rain a ride or themselves) and there is nothing worse than having to go back to the resort to get changed.

I also recommend a stroller. Little legs can get very tired.

 

[PrincessPiperMommy]

One thing that my daughter loved was Ariels grotto play area. Her and her friend (3) loved this and had a great time playing in the water. Have a great time!

 

[traveljunkie2]

One thing to remember is that alot of the rides are scary for little kids. Even ones you wouldn't necessarily think of as scary. My 3 year old was scared on the Nemo ride at Epcot. It's very dark, with spooky looking jelly fish hanging from the ceiling, for example. We didn't even take him on most of the Fantasy Land rides for the same reason. And Stitches Great Escape was horrible. Almost total darkness with really scary noises, and air and water spurting out at you. I really wish we had skipped that one! It was our first time to WDW, so we were clueless. You will be much better prepared!

My 3 year old's favorites:
MK: Buzz Lightyear, Barnstormer, Tomorrowland Speedway, the island, Dumbo, Magic carpets, meeting Mickey, eating ice cream.
Epcot: Innoventions (spent hours there), Test Track, Soarin', riding the boat across the lake, eating churros
AK: The Boneyard, (the Wildlife Express train was closed, but I'm guessing he would have loved this)
HS: This park was a HUGE hit. Stunt Show, Star Tours, Toy Story Mania, Playhouse Disney, eating at Sci-Fi Drive in

My 6 year old's favorites:
MK: Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain (we had to talk him into it!), Tomorrowland Speedway, the island, Magic carpets, Dumbo, eating ice cream
Epcot: Innoventions (spent hours there), Test Track, Mission Space (tame version), Soarin', riding the boat across the lake, eating churros
AK: The Boneyard, (the Wildlife Express train was closed, but I'm guessing he would have loved this)
HS: This was his fav. park, also. Stunt Show, Star Tours, Toy Story Mania, Indiana Jones show, eating at Sci-Fi Drive in

I would recommend that you watch some of the youtube videos of the rides with the kids to show them what they are like. We loved watching the videos on the WDW site, too.

This is such a magical age for both of them. Even little things (like eating Mickey ears ice cream, riding the ferry and monorail) will be a huge part of the experience for them. Take it slower than normal. Don't rush from one thing to another. Let them soak it in. I think my 3 yo was in shock the first day at MK. It's sensory overload. The second day there he said "Mommy, this has been the best day ever!" That's what the trip is all about.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[TeaForTulips]

Thanks for everyones help! I am printing this all out!

 

[Perditamarie]

Here is what worked great for us:

* bring own strollers

* bring in cooler bag stocked w/juice/sippy cups and familiar snacks - you don't want to wait in line for snacks, and I have noticed they don't sell juice at the snack carts

* use the play areas in the parks and resort - kids love the chance to explore and stretch their legs after being confined in strollers, lines, rides, etc.

* shows and fireworks are really loud for kids - have a plan to help them cope (cover ears, use ear plugs, watch fireworks from afar, etc)

* plan plenty of time at your resort pool too - kids love to swim and Disney resorts have free lifevests you can use

* thoroughly apply sunscreen before they get dressed and add another coat at lunch time.

* we have the best luck if we stick to a regular bedtime -- otherwise kids get up at the same time and are crabby!! check w/the 'rents to find out if they need naps, are
nightowls, etc.

Happy planning and have a great trip!

 

[VirataMama4]

One to watch out for is Its Tough to be a Bug in AK! I thought my DS would love this one because he loves Bugs Life, but oh no he hated it.