Suggestions for First time with kids

[Mbg98]

My DW and I are going back to Disney in two weeks we have been a few times and are now DVC members so will be going back at least once a year. This will be our first time taking our 2 DS's (6&3). I was just wondering if there are any suggestions for what not to miss your first time with your kids or stuff that you wish you would have done different the first time you went with your kids. We are staying at the WLV and going to MNSSHP on 10/31 which I know will be crowded. Thanks in advance for your help. DH

 

[MickeyNicki]

Dh and I go all the time but next week we are bring our 2 nieces for their first trip ever. We made reservations at 3 character meals because I though they would get a big kick out of eating with the characters (CP, Chef Mickeys and Princess Breakfast), we have tickets to MNSSHP too. The day we arrive (around 11am) we will go to DTD and shop, dinner at CM and then MNSSHP. The next day we will go to AK for the day, going early so we can see all the animals. Go back to the resort to rest and then to Epcot for EMH. One full day dedicated to MK with time for breaks and departure day we hop over to MGM until 3.

Since DH and I go alot we decided to let the girls do and see whatever they want. If they would rather hunt down characters and pressed penny machines instead of going on alot of rides so be it. I say let the kids set the pace and you just follow along.

Have a great time!

 

[tripplanner]

When my kids were that age they really enjoyed getting autographs. I would pack two autograph books and a couple of pens. They loved the characters and I got some great pictures. I would also schedule at least one character meal. My kids really enjoyed Chef Mickeys. Some of the not to miss attractions for my kids were - Goofy's Barnstormer, Buzz Lightyear, the Raceway, of course all of Fantasyland. The surpise for me was how much they enjoyed pressed pennies (take lots of quarters and a few pennies). The other thing they really enjoyed were those water play areas in Epcot and Toontown and DTD. I always made sure I packed a change of clothes and some shoes that could get wet.

 

[Ardenne]

I definitely second the change of clothes and shoes that can get wet! My kids both loved playing in the water play areas. I saw several kids there in swimsuits -- I wish I had thought to bring those along, as well as the spare clothes I had *thought* were in case of spilled-food emergencies and things like that.

Also bring a water bottle for each child (different so that they can easily identify their own drinks), bandaids and wet wipes (they take up SO little space, and if you need one, you'll be so glad you have them!), a dry washcloth in a sandwich-size ziplock (for drying off damp seats if it rains, using in a clean-up emergency, etc -- you never know!) and -- if you'll be there at night -- light-up toys or those glowing necklaces/bracelets. Even if you plan to splurge on some of the light-up toys at the parks, the glowing bracelets/necklaces make a great addition. I like to take along extras and hand them out to the kids near us

We had excellent success with planning to arrive at park opening and hitting a few things that get long lines quickly, then letting the kids set the pace after visiting just those few things. DH got fastpasses for the things he wanted to ride using the whole family's tickets, and then he and DD would go do those while DS and I did repeats of his favorite small-kid-friendly stuff -- so that's an option if you have people who will want to ride coasters and such.

Making it onto things like Soarin' multiple times was definitely worth the planning it took, but in general, we were *all* much happier once I was able to let go of my planning instincts and let the kids spend half an hour or more splashing in the fountains if that's what they felt like doing. Especially since you'll be back often, there's no need to see it all, all at once

 

[Samsma]

Make time for the Characters, fireworks, Illuminations, Fantasmic and parades. These are the things my kids remember more than the rides. I have to agree with Soarin' though. Gotta do that one over and over. Also Buzz lightyear!

 

[kahluacream]

I had to chime in here because we seem to have a lot in common! DH and I have two boys (3 and 5), recently bought into DVC, and made our first family trip to VWL this past May.

I read somewhere on these boards that rubbing the bear's nose on the totem pole in the WL lobby was good luck. Well, our boys loved this little tradition and made a ritual of it every morning before we headed out to the parks. I took a picture of the boys in front of the totem pole, and plan to take one there on every trip to see how much they grow.

Taking the boat to the Contemporary for dinner at Chef Mickey's on our first night of vacation was great. It gave the kids a chance to become familiar with the characters in a fun setting. After dinner, we asked to sit up front on the monorail and the driver let us ride it all the way around the loop. The boys got a special monorail pilots' license, and we all enjoyed the view from the front. This was a fun way to start our vacation.

I'd definitely recommend a character meal if you can swing it... We had a fun time at Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, and Donald's Breakfast. Autograph books were great for the kids. I also gave them each an inexpensive disposable camera to use at the Animal Kingdom which they LOVED!!! It really got them into the safari and the animal trails, and they were so serious about trying to take pictures of everything.

One thing I would do differently is go to the MK right away. Our five year old was begging us for rides after spending the first two days at MGM and Animal Kingdom where we focused more on characters and shows. He kept asking, "Where are the rides????"

At the Magic Kingdom, we had a couple of special things happen on our first trip. We got to the rope at Toontown Fair 10-15 minutes before it opened at 10 a.m. Several characters came right up to the rope, and took the hands of the children who were up front to help them open TTF. It was so sweet to watch our DS skipping along holding Pooh's hand!

From TTF, we took the train to Frontierland and sat in the very back. The conductor asked our boys to help her. They got to announce, "All Aboard!" and "All Clear!" over the loudspeaker, wore conductor's hats, and received special licenses. They loved this.

We wanted to make it over to Fort Wilderness for the campfire singalong with Chip and Dale and the outdoor movie, but it just never happened. That's the great thing about DVC... We can just save it for next time!

Hope you and your boys have a magical trip. We're already planning our next one.

 

[DisneyDad in PA]

We were there for the first time this past Sept. We got there late Sat afternoon and my plan was to take our time and check-in and head over to MK. We rode WDW RR to Frontierland and rode Splash and BTMRR. Then we ate at Columbia House. Then we watched Spectro outside of Sleepy Hollow and then watched Wishes on Main Street. We took our time and had a nice relaxing evening. Wonderful start to our trip.

 

[fws]

Definitely, first thing - photo with the castle in the background and MK on the first day. As everyone has said, get the character meals booked. The children love autographs and photos and you waste a lot of time in the parks queueing or waiting to get a snatched picture and parental behaviour around the characters in the parks isn't always at its best. It's much easier and less fraught in the restaurants. Also be aware that the 3 year old may find some of the characters scary - we walked miles to avoid the area where Captain Hook was one year! Be prepared to spend a fortune on pirate hats and swords too! Mine loved the 3d movies and It's a Bug's Life. You could also try riding at the front of the monorail if you get the chance. Apparently AK Lodge has a viewing area where you can borrow night vision goggles to view the animals (may be worth a trip to Boma!)

 

[sweetinmaine]

Take your time! Match your walking pace to your childrens not vise versa. Take plenty of breaks.

I think the Character meals are the best! Our 2 grandsons loved them! Don't miss the parades. It's another chance to slow down and let Disney entertain you.