Pleasing everyone?

[pimon]

Hello! I just found this site today! I am so excited about all of the information available here! I'm really looking forward to reading the information posted on the boards! I think this is really going to make the planning process so much more fun, and make our trip a soaring success!!

My family and I will be going to WDW for the first time this fall. I have six children ranging in age from 2-16. We will be there for 8 days... The thought of how we're going to squeeze in actvities within those 8 days that will please such a broad age range, is a little overwhelming to me. I am in the very beginning stages of planning this trip and could use any and all advice concerning how to make sure all members of the family are accomodated. For instance.... At Epcot.... are there attractions or activities there geared toward kids of all ages? I'm a little lost about where to start... any information will be so useful!!

Thanks so much!!!

 

[donna in Oz]

You have ABSOLUTELY come to the right place for help with planning your trip, but be warned: These boards can be addictive!!!

Welcome to the DIS!! I think the first thing most folks will suggest is that you get a good guide book. Lots of us like the Unofficial Guide (by Sehlinger); Birnbaum's Guide is good, too, especially for 1st-timers because it includes good photos. And the Passporter can be a godsend in helping get organized.

The guides can help you pick attractions suitable for your family, since most include ratings for each age group. But to make a broad sweeping statement . . . all four parks have something to offer any member of your family!

One of the first priorities is to pick "which park, which day". Whether or not you are staying on-site comes into play here. Can you share with us whether you will be staying in a Disney resort or off-site?? And what dates will you be there??

 

[pimon]

We will be in WDW the First week of October 2003.!!

 

[donna in Oz]

October is a great time to go . . . . our favorite!! Moderate crowd level, and still warm enough to swim, too.

If you are staying in a Disney resort, you can take advantage of Extra Magic Hour. Here is a link which lists the days for each park:

http://wdwig.com/emhour.htm

If you are NOT staying on-site, you'll want to avoid those parks on those days, since crowds are likely to be larger.

Once you have planned where you'll be on each day, then you can start thinking about whether or not you'd like to make Priority Seating arrangements for any of your meals.

Another plus for the month of October is Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Perhaps you'd like to work that in?? Here's a link to show you info & dates:

http://wdwig.com/mnssh.htm


Have fun planning . . . . the anticipation is nearly as much fun as being there!! (OK, well, maybe not ....... )

 

[DancingBear]

You've come to the right place. I agree with the above suggestions. As you get more familiar with the options, feel free to post lots of more specific questions here and you will get lots of good feedback.

One thought with the size and age range of your group is that you will probably want to give the older kids the chance to run around on their own---go together to a park, split up for a while, meet for a meal or to watch a parade, etc.

 

[pimon]

Oops! Forgot to say that we are staying onsite.... at the AllStars! Thank you Dancing Bear and Donna in Oz so much for all of the wonderful suggestions. Donna in Oz... I've saved the links and will look into the books that you mentioned, thank you... I really appreciate it! The planning is a lot of fun, but can also be a bit intimidating.

 

[tinkerbell211]

Once you spend a little time on these boards, you may change your mind re: the All Stars. I'm sure they're great, we were going to stay there. After learning some great tips here, I bought 1 annual pass for me and I was able to book a stay at the Caribbean Beach for $74.00 an night!! That's less than we planned to spend on the value resorts! Saved much more than the difference in buying the pass.
Check out the budget and Resort boards too. You'll learn soooo much!!!
Have a great trip!

 

[iwannabeminnie]

One of the best tips I have gotten is the order you do the parks. I was told to do Epcot first, then AK, then MGM and save MK for last. This is because if you do MK first, the kiddos are disappointed when Epcot doesn't live up to their expectations. Makes sense when you think about it.

 

[Gary M]

Pimon, make sure to check www.mousesavers.com for room discount codes. Another great site is www.wdwig.com.

You might also check into the cost of annual passes, if you are going to the parks for 8 days. If you want, you could slip in another trip within 12 months and not have to pay for admission on the second trip.

This is a great bunch of Disney experts on this site, so feel free to ask as many questions as you want.