Tips for a family going down to WDW...

[merfsko]

What tips would you give a family going down to Disney for the first time in a long time? The family are not not DISers, at least not yet, so I'm planning on forwarding any information to them.

Heres the lowdown
Who: *13 year old daughter- Went to Disney once before when she was 3
*9 year old son= has never been before
*Two parents- Have been before, and know what its like

They're going for a week in the middle of August.

They'll be driving (from Ontario) which is a LONG drive (approx. 4 days). They may or may not have a motor home- still undecided.

The brother and sister have a knack to argue and stuff.

ANY tips would be appreaciated- about the car ride, tips about going in the summer, what not to miss.

Thank-You very much!

Love,
merfsko

 

[Bob P]

Wow, that's a tall order! I think maybe that's why there have been no replies so far. Maybe you could be a little more specific about the info they need. I'd also suggest you tell them about this site and have them poke around!

Bob

 

[merfsko]

Wow, that's a tall order! Maybe you could be a little more specific about the info they need.

You got a point there. Ok, what I'm really looking for is (a)ANY ideas on how to keep brother/sister from arguing and (b) what attractions/shows would an 8 year old boy and a 13year old girl BOTH be interested in.

Hope I was more specific.

 

[all4fun]

Some things I would recommend bringing (if they have them or can afford to buy): portable dvd player, portable cd or mp3 player, gameboy (or similar), books, plain notebook to write/draw on, any kind of small portable toy that requires some type of concentration. Anything they can do individually that will keep them distracted from each other is what will be most effective at keeping the sibling rivalry to a mimimum. As far as shows go, I think Disney does a good job of appealing to both genders so it's hard to say what either of them would like more or less. Hopefully the whole family will enjoy their time together and the fighting will be at a minimum.

You might want to get the parents to come browse the Dis and/or get them to get a good planning book, like the Unofficial Guide to WDW, Burnbaums (sp?) official guide, or The Passporter. Burnbaums also has a guide "for kids by kids" that might appeal to the children as well.

hth,
Cheryl

 

[Bob P]

I agree with Cheryl...the problem might be more in the car ride than at WDW. There is plenty to do and see at WDW that will keep them distracted from their main task (fighting).

And I also agree that Birmbaum's "WDW For Kids BY Kids" book will keep their interest, especially the 8YO.

Bob

 

[LittleBoPeep]

On long rides of two days or more, we always take one of the boxes of cards from our Trivial Pursuit games (Disney version has Q's for kids and adults), and go through the questions. It makes the time pass by quickly, and in this case may build anticipation for the trip. We also play I spy, Punch Bug, and the license plate game. If they're looking out the window, it makes it harder to fight with each other!!!
My DS who is 10 says do not miss Space Mountain, Mission: Space or Rock & Rollercoaster.
HTH.

 

[Angie_Ohio]

The kid's ages are perfect for a family trip to Disney. One of our best was when my oldest DSs were 8 and 12. We could enjoy everything with no need for naps. My sons favorite thing was the Typhoon Lagoon then. This year my next set of DSs 6, 8, 10 (other two are 22 and 18 now) had a blast at all the parks. They didn't fight at all and loved the water park also!! We really loved MGM this year. We saw almost all the major attractions in a day in November. We loved Tower of Terror, Rockin' Roller Coaster, Millionaire, and Fantasmic.

Portable DVD players and CD players for the car are great. Books on tape. I like the Trivial Pursuit idea as well.

Have a great trip!
Angie_OH

 

[DisneyMomOfThree]

To keep kids from fighting mention money is involved. Have a set amount of money that each child gets at the beginning of the trip and whoever starts a fight loses a portion of it. This way at the first fight and you take money they know you mean business; also this gives them spending money while WDW.
Hope this helps.

 

[Zoesmama03]

I don't have much but I went I was 10 or so with my brothers and step siblings and boy did we fight and we were crammed in a station wagong somehow. LOL It was a much shorter tip but bring lots for them to do together mini games and some things they can do alone.

One thing we did was watch for silly license plates. We'd all call out the silliest ones we saw. Or at every rest stop they stop at parents can right up a list of things to look for and see who can spot the most of them by the next stop. These are things they can do if they can't afford those other games. We made it 6 kids and not one movie or video game.

 

[Zoesmama03]

P.S. I think the money thing is good too. Its a bribe but if it keeps them from fighting it will be good. They will want lots of money to spend so they will likely stay extra good. You'd think the excitement was enough but at that age I'm certain they will be inclinded to fight a little bit. I know we did at those ages. All in total we were 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 17 or so on that trip I was talking about. But when we were older and going(we flew those trips) NO fighting at all we just too excited and sharing all the things we would do.

One thing that would be good for the kids to do before hand is read books about WDW to get an idea of things they want to try. Helps build the anticipation and they may get so excited and not be into fighting so much.

 

[DizChick05]

Hi, In the magic kingdom these are the rides i would suggest

Buzz Lightyear
Teacups
Mickeys Phillhar magic
Goofys Barnstormer(perfect first
rollercoaster)
Magic Carpets Of Aladin
Jungle Cruise
Winnie the pooh


In the middle some where have a break where dad stays with the 3 year old at the hotel and mom goes back and does Splash Mountain Big thunder mountain and Space Mountain with the other two.


for Epcot I'd say have dad take the dd13 and the dd9 and do future world. World Showcase you could skip. They have a new INTENSE thrill ride called Mission Space there that your kids 9 and 13 will love!!!!! :thewave:

In MGM the only new thing is Playhouse Disney Live On Stage.