Suggestions for the very FIRST ride to take my kids on in MK?

[DisneyJen0504]

Its a small word, peter pan or maybe just spend some time in Mickey and Minnie's houses!

 

[Brianne]

I'd get some books & pictures, and ask them! Their answers might surprise you.

But personally, my kids have never wanted to go on Dumbo---they all think it looks boring (and my kids' ages range from 4-10). Peter Pan, Pooh & Buzz are all huge favorites here, so those would be their picks. However, I don't think anything kicks off a vacation more than Small World myself.

 

[triplefigs]

Have you thought about sitting down with your kiddos and sharing the great ride selections already posted, and letting them decide which ride to go on first?

I believe talking about each ride will not only further their excitiement and anticipation, but they would truly get into the spirit and look forward to the first ride that they both chose together. What fun!

Egads! The thought of letting THEM have a say in what they want to do??????????? That really made me smile this am!!!

Actually, they are triplets, so getting them to agree on anything is a whole 'nother story...

 

[triplefigs]

Thanks to all for the EXCELLENT suggestions! They've watched the Disney sing-along tapes so much that they know all the rides (they are watching it NOW again). I think we'll aim for Dumbo (they love it) and then hit SW, Peter Pan, Pooh after that (not necessarily in that order). My personal favorite is SW, but I think it'll be better to avoid the lines.


Keep the tips coming. I'm loving this thread! Hurry up clock... I'm ready to GO~

 

[Lora]

I would also recommend the Unofficial Guide's plan for small children. We started following it several years ago and it's worked so well, we keep using it. You can find a great map here and sample here...

http://www.touringplans.com/

We do Dumbo, get FP for Pooh, go on Peter Pan, Small World, Carousel, Philharmagic, Tea Cups (back to Pooh when we can with FP). We usually move into ToonTown or Tommorrowland next.

Having the kid's input is great for talking about what you want to do, but letting them decide the order isn't the best plan if you want to make the most of your time. I always find out what my kids, dh, and guests want to do and the I make the plans.

Don't forget to take advantage of those fast passes. Try to have one in your had as often as possible.

Have fun!!!

 

[milmore104]

I would say DUMBO!! It's the ride most kids think of when they think of going to WDW. It might get them in the were actually in WDW mood. Have a Magical trip!

 

[ReggieB]

Any of the rides in Fantasyland are a good bet, well maybe not the Snow White one. The train ride that loops around the park is nice too (my DS4 is train mad) Also go see Mickey in toontown, we have to go say Hi as soon as we get there. Grab a fast pass for Pooh's ride, that's always a long line. Small world is actually a pretty fast moving line, so don't be put off!

 

[kirbsam]

winnie the pooh. get the book about the blustery day, and your kids will watch the book they know come to life. can you say wow, wow, wow

 

[debloco]

Definitely do DUMBO first. It is not a "continous loading" ride, it is a "cycle time" ride so the line builds quickly.
From the Unofficial Guide to WDW the first part of their "Dumbo or Die in a Day" Touring Plan (this is abbreviated) which I would highly recommend:
Dumbo, Dumbo again (if your kids want to), Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, Cinderella's Carousel.
They go on to other things, but after the Carousel, I would hit It's a Small World, Snow White (depending on the fright factor of your kids), and Mickey's Philharmagic.

In ANY case, if you are staying on property, make use of an AM EMH and hit all of the rides that are open and be sure to be at the turnstiles (admission in hand) at least 30 minutes before park opening.

I would recommend getting a copy of the Unofficial Guide from your local library or bookstore, there's a lot of great info. Or try tourguidemike. I think he has a website that lots of DISers like.

Are you planning on just one day in the MK? If so, then a good touring plan in hand will save a lot of time. If you are going to go more than one day it's easier to break things up and not do as much backtracking across the park. In either case, 5 years old is a wonderful age to take kids to WDW, have a great time!

 

[mill4023]

Make sure you are at the gate 30 minutes before opening time.
For 5 year olds, it's got to be Fantasyland first.
Dumbo isnt' the best ride, but it gets a long line faster than anything else, so ride it first.
Then do everything else in Fantasyland and save Small World for last. It's a long ride so if you do it earlier, the lines will be getting longer at the other rides by the time you are done.

After Fantasyland, I'd head to Toontown. Kids always enjoy Mickey and Minnie's houses. Goofy's Barnstormer is a perfect coaster for that age. It's exciting for them, but very short and not too scary. My 4 year old DD is very timid and was really freaked out by the drop on Splash Mountain, but she absolutely loved the Barnstormer and rode it at least 5 times when we were there on an uncrowded evening.

 

[erock]

It's a Small World is always a great start to any vacation!

 

[Jen D]

Dumbo, Dumbo Dumbo! I don't know what it is about that ride.

It's a great first ride of the day because you rush there after the rope drop and skip the lines. And then you soar up above and your kids start mentally making a list of all the Fantasyland rides they want to try next.

Peter Pan is often next for us, although dd usually can't resist hitting the carousel after Dumbo.

 

[erinz]

We took our DD for her first WDW trip when she was 5. Her first ride was Winnie the Pooh. It was perfect!

 

[JeanJoe]

This will be their first trip to WDW (or any theme park/amusement park). We're doing MK our first day. What would be the very best way to start off? They'll be 5 when we go and are still "young" for their age. I really want to make it a special memory and moment.

Thanks!

I'll vote for the carousel. Imaging being 5 again, seeing the Castle, walking through it, and then, there's the carousel. On it, you can see a bunch of the other Fantasyland rides as it all goes around.

Plus, just about zero chance of getting frightened (like on Snow White).

 

[mill4023]

We took our DD for her first WDW trip when she was 5. Her first ride was Winnie the Pooh. It was perfect!

Our kids loved Winnie the Pooh also, but if you do that first, by the time you are done, Dumbo will be getting a long line. Pooh loads pretty fast, so it takes a lot longer for the lines to build up.

 

[xox_Violet_xox]

Being so young and it being their first time and all i would probably take them on either

Small World (although i reallly do not like this ride!!)
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (cute and i love it they can sing along to the songs!)
Dumbo (a must!! but get in line early! big queues!)
Peter Pan's Flight (great ride!)

Some things i would NOT reccomend!!
Snow White's Scary Adventures (does exactly what it says on the tin: Scares the living daylights out of most kids it still scares me!)
Pirates of the Caribbean (for loud noises-although i loved this ride when i was younger!!)

 

[Tinkerbells mom]

My DD was only 15 months old for our first trip to Disney World! She went on every attraction that did not have a height requirement. She loved it so much. I taught her sign language as a baby and she would make the sign for more over and over again!!!! I think it all depends on your child and what they are comfortable with. I would probably start with Fantasy Land and go from there. This September will be my DD 3rd trip and she continues to love all the attractions. What you might want to try is the official Disney Web site. Once a week my DD (3) go to the Parks section on the site and you could look at each individual attraction. Most are like a mini video of each ride! Let me know if you need any more info.

 

[luv2nascar]

I vote for the carousel. Many can ride at one time not much wait time. Basically tame ride fun for all.

 

[MOMOFMNM]

am I the only freak who is going to miss 2000 leagues? I haven't been since 1995 but that was totally awsome and stupid for some reason!!!! Dang!!!
Have been to MK twice in my life and never been on Space Mt!!!! Closed both times@@@ I also remember and love Mr Toads Wild Ride I hear that is gone too dang nabbits!!! Can't wait to see Philharmonic, isn't that awsome????? I am really excited about the live shows to take my girls to too like Ariel at MGM...they love shows and music and so do I!!