The "non-touring-plan-planning" thread... looking for the little things

[DaisyMom09]

I am 37 days out from my next trip to Disney World. It is a trip of firsts: my DD's (21 months) first trip, first time at AKL, first time using Free Dining, and first time using FP+. Other members of my traveling party include my 4yo DS, hubster, and my parents (because who doesn't love traveling with free baby-sitters??).

I am an ultra-planner when it comes to DW. But as I was planning this trip, I started to feel completely overwhelmed. I have no idea which rides my kids are going to like, which makes it very difficult to know what FP+ reservations to make. I have no idea how long they will last in the park each day and when we will need to leave to take a break. I don't know if they'll enjoy parades/fireworks or not (both kids are sensitive to loud noises). I could go on and on...

Long story short, I made some simple plans and threw the rest out the window. I have my ADR's for each day and basically just picked a variety of FP+ reservations for each day, the same for everyone in the party, even though I could have made it much more complicated.

My plan this time is to enjoy the parks... notice the little things... watch my kids' reactions and let them decide what they want to re-ride or re-watch. I have nothing against those that plan every detail. I think that's commendable and takes an amazing amount of hard work. It just doesn't suit my trip this time. With the age ranges I'm traveling, I know this trip is going to need a lot of flexibility and reasonable expectations of what we can accomplish each day.

So, question for all you Disney enthusiasts, what are the little things you enjoy the most? Character interactions? Places to sit and people watch? Smells, sounds, sights?

Here are some things I'm looking forward to: exploring the AKL (my kids LOVE animals), looking for some great Disney snacks that I haven't tried before, letting my kids pick out a few (hopefully non-bank-breaking) souvenirs, seeing the ducks in the pond and the rabbits in the grass near International Gateway at EPCOT, exploring the World Showcase (which I have never fully done), interacting with Cast Members, and so on.

I'm also looking forward to some lesser-thrill rides and shows that I have never done before, even though this is my 8ish time to DW: WDW Railroad at MK, Liberty Square Riverboat, Finding Nemo show at AK, afternoon parades, Dumbo, Carousel, Disney Jr Live show, Affection Section at AK, and a character meal at Chef Mickey's.

So what are the little things you love at DW? What are the lesser-rated/not-as-popular attractions that you've come to enjoy (our family's favorite ride is "It's a Small World")? And how do you just stop and smell the roses while at DW?

 

[Oneanne]

During my last trip I had two occassions where I was in a park early, with barely anyone else around. One morning it was for breakfast at CRT: I was there early enough to have time to wander back in to Fantasyland and ended up sitting on a wall and watching a couple ducks sleep. So peaceful and quiet... it was a wonderful way to start the day. Another morning I took the Undiscovered Future World tour, and was also there early so I had a chance to walk around behind Spaceship Earth with no one else in the area. It seemed very small and intimate and so different than when full of people. Other than that, I love to just meander thru World Showcase and see what's what.

 

[Kathryn777]

I think your plan sounds like an excellent amount of planning. We find more "small stuff" in AK. The jr adventurers thing with free book that they can collect stamps is fun for a 4 yr old. Also the gorilla trail has a series of clues that you try and guess the answer to, that's fun. There is sorcerers of Mk (at magic kingdom) it's free but I'm not sure what age they really want to do it. Phineas and ferb at Epcot.

 

[DaisyMom09]

I think your plan sounds like an excellent amount of planning. We find more "small stuff" in AK. The jr adventurers thing with free book that they can collect stamps is fun for a 4 yr old. Also the gorilla trail has a series of clues that you try and guess the answer to, that's fun. There is sorcerers of Mk (at magic kingdom) it's free but I'm not sure what age they really want to do it. Phineas and ferb at Epcot.

Do you know where you pick up that Jr. Adventurer's thing? Sounds fun!

 

[LOL!]

So, question for all you Disney enthusiasts, what are the little things you enjoy the most? Character interactions? Places to sit and people watch? Smells, sounds, sights?

The pressure to plan what we are going to do in what particular order at what particular time promotes tunnel vision and robs us of even seeing, noticing, and appreciating the details around us. I would love to spend one day in each park just looking around, because then I think I'd really be able to answer your question!

 

[sharonabe]

If your DS is anything like mine, he will LOVE the miniature train in Germany at EP. Also the jumping water outside Imagination. Take the Friendship Boats across the lagoon. And the maze in England.

 

[DaisyMom09]

If your DS is anything like mine, he will LOVE the miniature train in Germany at EP. Also the jumping water outside Imagination. Take the Friendship Boats across the lagoon. And the maze in England.

My son LOVES trains. Great tip! Thanks!

 

[Wood Nymph]

So, question for all you Disney enthusiasts, what are the little things you enjoy the most? Character interactions? Places to sit and people watch? Smells, sounds, sights?

You are right to slow the trip down and go at your own pace. I love when kids are allowed to play in the fountains, for example. As a grandmother who has gone to WDW with young grandchildren, some of my favorite moments from those trips were watching them interact with the characters. It was so cute. My heart still melts thinking about it.

If you get a chance, leave MK and take the boat to Fort Wilderness. There is a great children's playground right by the boat dock. It is completely shaded and there are places for the adults to sit while the children play. Then walk around the back of the buildings and check out the horses and ponies. Kids like all that stuff and the ponies are adorable. And kids love boat rides.

We also like the PeopleMover for some great relaxing time.

 

[bc7ate9]

Do you know where you pick up that Jr. Adventurer's thing? Sounds fun!

Wilderness Explorers (from UP - maybe watch that movie first, if you haven't seen it, just because it is one of the best Disney movies ever) - there's a kiosk on the right side as you walk in...I think over the bridge. It's heard to miss. The book comes with activities to do while in line and interactive activities to on rides like the safari (circle the animals you see), for example. My husband and I are in our 30's and no kids - and we got a big kick out of doing it - and we actually learned stuff too - so it can definitely be fun for the whole family.

 

[Kathryn777]

It is very close to the entrance . It is called "wilderness explorers"
I think you sign up and get the book on the right side just after you cross the bridge. And then the activities are all over the place. I liked it better than sorcerors of Mk just because you didn't have to do stuff in order.

 

[bc7ate9]

The Agent P activity in the World Showcase at Epcot is also a really fun, simple game. It probably makes a lot more sense if you've seen Phineas and Ferb, but I'm sure it doesn't matter much. We've explored some of the pavillions in depth thanks to that game! There are fun little interactive elements and hidden surprises. It's neat.

 

[PantherPete]

My kids have always loved the boat ride from the Epcot resort area to DHS. They also love taking the boat from Port Orleans to DTD. We don't stay at POR, but AK day is also DTD day (since AK closes very early in November when we go), so we take the POR bus and get off and walk down the hill to the boat dock and wait for the next boat to DTD. I'm sure it isn't even close to being the quickest way to get there (I'm guessing AK to AKL to DTD is the quickest, outside of a cab), but the ride is so relaxing. And it is usually starting to get dark by the time we are getting to DTD so we love seeing the lights appear as the boat comes out of the river into the lake.

 

[momof2cuties]

What about lion king show at ak? A must see!
In the affection area at ak, there is a little stage area when you walk in and they bring out some animals and tell the kids about them. Then they ask for a volunteer. My almost four year old volunteered and came home with a laminated painting by the pig . Nice little memory and free souvenir.
He also enjoyed the phineas and ferb thing at Epcot.
We love the character meals. Especially since we had a lot of rain. We did dinner at tusker house in ak and it was a lot of fun. Place was just about empty and the characters kept coming around. Have a pic with all of them at once which is great!
Goofy and tigger are good characters that will engage the little ones. My little guy loved bouncing with tigger. The character meet in England at Epcot was fun.
Only other thing I can think, is to do memory maker and take every opportunity to get pics done. Nice poses, silly poses, magic shots. Make sure to get lots with the grandparents!

 

[Accident]

I think you've done an amazing job so far. The only thing I would suggest is aim for a few things your DD would recognize as well as a nice mix of discovery items. I made the mistake when my daughter was that young of trying to do everything for her, now that she's grown she can count what she remembers on 1 hand.

 

[DaisyMom09]

What about lion king show at ak? A must see!
In the affection area at ak, there is a little stage area when you walk in and they bring out some animals and tell the kids about them. Then they ask for a volunteer. My almost four year old volunteered and came home with a laminated painting by the pig . Nice little memory and free souvenir.
He also enjoyed the phineas and ferb thing at Epcot.
We love the character meals. Especially since we had a lot of rain. We did dinner at tusker house in ak and it was a lot of fun. Place was just about empty and the characters kept coming around. Have a pic with all of them at once which is great!
Goofy and tigger are good characters that will engage the little ones. My little guy loved bouncing with tigger. The character meet in England at Epcot was fun.
Only other thing I can think, is to do memory maker and take every opportunity to get pics done. Nice poses, silly poses, magic shots. Make sure to get lots with the grandparents!

We did get the Memory Maker this time. Another first for me!

 

[DaisyMom09]

Great tips everyone, thank you! What are your favorite places in the parks to sit and relax, do a little people watching, maybe eat a snack, and take in the sights, sounds, and perhaps smells of DW?

 

[PantherPete]

Also, Journey with Figment in Epcot is a much maligned ride and it does pretty much stink. But my kids loved the interactive stuff after the ride.
My kids also loved the drum market in the Africa area of AK. Great photo op and fun to watch them bang on the African drums.
And last, but not least, Tom Sawyer Island. It is quiet, not very crowded and your son will love finding and exploring the fort.

 

[bc7ate9]

There are rocking chairs on Tom Sawyer Island - wonderful place to relax! I love Gaston's Tavern in the morning. It's usually quiet and Gaston is so much fun to watch!

 

[DaisyMom09]

There are rocking chairs on Tom Sawyer Island - wonderful place to relax! I love Gaston's Tavern in the morning. It's usually quiet and Gaston is so much fun to watch!

Can't wait to see the new Fantasyland! I've seen all sorts of clips on the internet of Gaston interacting with people. He's becoming quite popular!

 

[Cuchman]

I'm another vote for Wilderness Explorers. My kids were quite a bit older last trip (10,12,14) but they LOVED it. We had some fantastic CM interactions and even put in a comment card for one of them because he was so great. The whole thing kinda pleasantly forces you to experience AK in the way it is meant to be...enjoying the details and exploring.
It's a great add by Disney. Have fun with it!