Good job on the BOG ressies!
And if your little one fusses, try children's Dramamine (bring some before you go). Knocks 'em right out, lol. Remember the time difference is something like 8 hours, and try to sync your schedules up as fast as possible so everyone will be cranky just a little less.
I've been to 1900 Park Fare for dinner, and if they want to meet Cinderella it's definitely a good pick! I personally love the stepsisters, so it was a real blast. If I remember, the food was also really good. If they like Beauty and the Beast, BOG is a fantastic place. It's definitely one of the most magical restaurants and feels the most like you're in a Disney film. As an adult, you'll probably enjoy their food the most, but there are wonderful kids options as well. The desserts are also very good IMO. If you're Beauty and the Beast fans, definitely at least try the Grey Stuff.
Since you won't have MBs, try giving your kids ID tags instead. Make sure they wear them all the time with your name, cell number, and where you're staying. Maybe include your friend's name as well, if they are going to be along frequently. And identifying janitorial staff is often easier, as they wear he same white and blue uniform in all parks. The other thing to identify for the older one will be the pins all CMs wear: white and blue, with their first name ONLY and hometown. These are also consistent park to park.
More tips! In the parks, you might end up more excited than your kids!
It happens to some parents. Try not to push too many things on your kids at once, and everyone will have more fun all around. If you guys are going to Animal Kingdom and want to see the animals, go EARLY to Kilimanjaro Safari. Maybe not park-open early, but definitely well before noon. The animals tend to be out more in the early hours, eager to catch some sun and the extra goodies keepers put out to encourage them to see guests.
Line busters: Make sure you have some! You'll want to pack as light as possible otherwise, but definitely bring at least 1 thing each child can do in line just in case things end up getting long. Make sure they can do their activity separately and simultaneously in case they both get bored at once, lol. They might enjoy a Hidden Mickey hunt. You can always get a book in one of the large stores in the parks.
If you have your heart set on a parade or show, make sure you're there early. For things where you set up on your own (eg: parade viewing), you might have to be ready to fend off other people trying to edge in on your space. Be polite but firm, and if you have to, only touch a shoulder or arm. One man poked me in the side (under my armpit) once to get my attention. I didn't mean to block his view, but please don't poke me close to my chest. It feels violating. I was way less apologetic than I would have been otherwise. DO make sure your kids know they might have to share some space with other kids, as people pack very tightly in prime viewing areas.
If you are renting a stroller (or a double), try putting some kind of decoration on it that will help you identify it faster when picking it back up. If you are bringing your own, mark the holy heck out of it with your name, etc, and make it as unique as possible to avoid someone else walking off with it (not sure how common this is, but Disney parks are huge your stroller can be alone for upwards of an hour).
Another thing is that if your DS8 wants to ride something the youngest cannot ride, you CAN send him in alone, or go through the line with him and wait off to the side. At 8, so long as he meets the height requirement he can ride MOST rides alone. You might want to save some of these rides for a Parent Swap, however-- choose a day when your friend will be with you and ask to do a parent swap with the youngest. One person will sit in a special area with the child while the other rides. Then you'll switch. You don't have to get back in the normal line, and your DS8 can ride with each of you both times.
And I know this might sound not so nice, but since you might have days when you're on your lonesome with two kiddos... You might consider a kid leash if either is prone to wandering. They make ones like backpacks and you'll feel a tug on your hand if one of them tries to wander off. I personally am a fan of these (speaking as someone on the outside) for kids I see who just DON'T pay attention to mom or dad. I even have some adult friends I wish I could use these on!
