Questions about 1st WDW trip (long)...

[Isabella&Noah'sMom]

Me, my husband and two children (almost 3 and 18 months) are leaving August 21st for our first trip to Disney. We will be there for 3 full days and one half day. I have some questions for you veterans please. I know I want to spend one full day at MK because there is so much to do there for our kids. I don't know how to divide the other two days up though. I was planning on going to MGM for one full day and going to AK and Epcot in one day. I hear that there is not much for kids to do in Epcot. Is this a good plan? Also, I have made several PS reservations. I don't kow if I may have overdone it. I have reserved the Crystal Palace for breakfast on Sunday and 1900 Park Fare for Sunday night. On Monday I have breakfast at Boma's and 50's Prime Time Cafe reserved for dinner. On Tuesday I have reserved the Storybook Princess breakfast. Since my kids are under 3 they are free to eat at the buffet style restaurants so I "think" it would be cheaper for us to eat at buffets then at fast food restaurants where I would have to buy them food. I had someone tell me though to not waste my money on character meals because the characters are all over the parks. Anyone with kids the same ages as mine please let me know about which parks the kids will enjoy and how much time to spend in each. Also, which character meals and restaurants my kids will enjoy.

Thanks bunches for all your help!!

Shannon, Ray, Isabella and Noah

 

[Stimpy]

My DS-4 1/2 loves EPCOT....not as much as MK or AK, but he does love it. He's been there 4 times already, his first trip was when we was 13 months. You can probably do AK in the AM and MGM in the PM. We usually are able to finish AK in a few hours and there isn't that much at MGM that we personally like. If you're kids like shows, they will probable like MGM more than mine. DS would rather go on rides than sit still through a long show, but he did like the PLayhouse Disney one.

The buffets are good if you eat alot. Otherwise, they are kind of on the expensive side for adults. Fast food could run around $5-$7 per person, while the buffets are about $20+ per adult. Since sit down meals take more time, we tend to NOT make many PS. This way we have more time to see the parks. It depends on your children, they may appreciate the "downtime" in the full service restaurants to rest.

Have a great trip!

 

[MelMeg]

The MK is the best place for kids your age especially Fantasty Land. AK is also good for them they have alot of kid areas. MGM and Epcot are OK for older kids not much for smaller kids, except for Fantasmic at MGM. The character meals are OK we have enjoyed them in the past when kids were younger. Yes the character are all over the parks just check times for their appearances. I think they are able to spend a little more time at the character meals because the people are limited as opposed in the parks with the crowds. I hope I was of some help. Enjoy yourselves!!!!!

 

[kandmwedding]

I agree with the previous poster about doing AK and MGM in the same day. While MGM does have several kid-themed attractions, it likely won't take an entire day to complete. Epcot however, should be tons of fun for your kids. They'll enjoy Innoventions and you and your hubby will enjoy the World Showcase. I suggest doing the WS midday so that your kids are worn out yet. Otherwise they may get a bit annoyed with the lack of "kiddie" stuff, although they will be able to collect their masks and learn how to say hello in different languages.

As for eating, go with your plan, although you may find that two buffets in one day is too much for you. If necessary be willing to skip the dinner plans and just grab snacks along the way. Also, make sure to pack bottled water and plan some rests during the day (even if it's in the park). August is hot and crowded and you may be surprised at how grouchy the kids will get. But, regardless of weather, you'll have a great time, because after all, it is Walt Disney World!!

 

[bigbabyblues]

Another vote for splitting AK and MGM!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[NotUrsula]

For really little kids, MGM really doesn't have many rides. Be sure to hit it first thing in the morning, as most of the kiddie shows are done by 3 pm. We did it morning-only many times when DS was little.

Epcot, on the other hand, has lots of cool little places where small kids just find stuff they like; toddlers will spend ages playing in fountains and chasing the sparkles on the sidewalk, or watching the model trains at the Germany pavillion.

 

[N&B'smom]

Be sure to tell us how it went when you get back!!!! Have fun!!!

Shelby (also a Noah's Mom)

 

[karemore]

It sounds like a lot of character meals for such a short visit.

I would cut out one of Sunday's PSs and allow more time in the parks.

I wouldn't try to do Animal Kingdom and EPCOT in the same day. If you aren't sure about EPCOT, why not just skip it this trip and plan to go when the kids are older?

Animal Kingdom is great if they like animals and you really can spend most of the day there if you take in the shows and enjoy the walkways with the birds and animals.

Also remember you kids are going to been breaks, and you may find they enjoy the hotel pool as much as the parks!

Karen

 

[LovesHauntedMansion]

Actually you may need to add another 1/2 day to MK. Although the time that you are going will not be too crowded because most kids are back in school, it will be HOT! Your children & you might need to take a break to get out of the heat either by leaving the parks for a little while or just finding a cool place to sit. It takes me 1 and 1/2 days to do all of MK without taking many breaks at all. The other parks will be hit or miss. Some kids like them & others don't. However I think MK will be a sure thing. There's plenty to keep them occupied there. I think the choice is up to you. Do you want to enjoy 1 or 2 parks thoroughly or do you want to see the highlights of all of the parks? I'm sure people on these boards can make good arguments on both sides. Whatever you choose, have a great time. Your children won't be young forever. Enjoy your time with them while you can.

 

[DeniseD]

I am going as well for 3 nights and 4 days. This is what we are planning:

Day one arrive MCO at 9:15
Off to POP ETA 11am
Quick bite to eat then off to MK
DTD that night

Day two early open at MGM then to CR for PS at Chef Ms at 11 then back to MGM.

Day three MK all day!!!

Day four AK 1/2 day

I would definetly cut back on your meals. If your stay was longer that would be great but, try to see more of the parks instead of the resturants. You would be suprised how much time meals take.

Have a geat time!!!!

 

[DisneyMSF]

I would definitely keep at least one character meal. The character meal's are a lot of fun, and the kids (and adults) get great character interaction!

 

[Micca]

Don't short change the grown-ups on your trip Much of Epcot and MGM are more adult oriented, but you deserve to have some fun too. The kids will enjoy the time with their parents having fun(to a degree)