Questions from a newbie!

[jacobs88]

We're heading to WDW a couple of days after X-mas. We're staying in Ft. Lauderdale (at our time share) and driving up to Orlando and WDW. We will only have 2 days at WDW. Here are my questions:

1) Is there a place to get discounted tickets to the theme parks BEFORE we get there?

2) What parks would you recommend? The kids (all boys) will be 6, almost 3, and 18 months. We will do one park each day (2 days total).

3) I've been doing some reseach and it looks like only kids age 3-9 have to pay to get in the parks. Is that right? So, we wouldn't have to pay for the 2 year-old and 18 month-old??

Any other tips??

 

[brymolmom]

You're right about the 2 year old and 18 month old being free. Tip - that is also true at the all you can eat Buffet restaurants - they will be free. You might want to consider scheduling a character meal at a restaurant that has their most favorite characters. This will save time at the parks (waiting in line to 'meet' that character) and also if it's a buffet- 2 of your family is free!

You definitely should do the Magic Kingdom for one of your parks. After that- you'll likely get differing opinions. Our second favorite (with 2 and 3 year olds) was Epcot, but that's not always the case. MGM (Playhouse Disney Live) was a huge hit for my 3 year old and your 6 year old might like Star Tours and a few others.

Just keep reading this board and you will get a ton of tips.

Have a great time.

 

[brymolmom]

Given the ages of your kids- make sure to use Rider Switch/Baby Swap if you're going with another adult too. Your 6 year old will likely want to/be able to go on many more rides than the little ones. You bring the 6 year old on Splash Mountain (for example) - you need to notify the CM at the entrance that you want to do Baby Swap - they will give you a pass for the other adult to go into the FASTPASS line so you only have to wait in line once. The first ride the other adult stays with the little ones, THEN, the other adult gets to ride and your 6 year old gets to ride AGAIN with no line! Huge bonus for him and both adults get to enjoy it.

I think you will find this tool a huge benefit given their age differences.