Tips for first visit for family with young kids

[Burgermom]

My DH and I are planning on taking our two young kids (currently 1 and almost 4) to WDW some time in the next 2 years. I have not been since I was a kid back in the 90s and my husband has never been.

Was hoping for some opinions on the following:

1-When should we go? I was thinking either November or January during one of the weeks that (according to crowd calendars) are less crowded. (week of Nov 12 2016, week of Nov 28 2016, week of Jan 21 2017, week of jan 28 2017 or week of feb 4 2017). Are these weeks good options for traveling with younger kids? I was hoping that lower heat and lower crowds would be a plus? Also should I go when my kids are 2 and 5 or when they are 3 and 6?? I worry that my now 3 year old will no longer enjoy "the magic" if we wait too long. Right now he is super excited about meeting Goofy.

2-Should we lodge on Disney property of off? Any particular recommendations would be great

3-If we stay off property we will rent a car. If we stay on property will the bus be a nightmare with kids this age (and their strollers)? I really hate driving places that I am not familiar with and I think my husband hates it even more....but DH also hates public transit...

4-Is "Touring Plans" a good tool? (the one associated with the Unofficial Guide) Has anyone used personalized touring plans with them (while traveling with little kids) and had success?

I hope that this is not too many questions...kind of new to the DISBOARDS (and disney planning) so I apologize if that is the case.

Thanks in advance

 

[njmousefest]

You sound like me last year...planning first trip and hadn't been there since early 90's...

Yes, use the crowd calendars and try and go during not so peak times. We went april/may 2015 and crowd levels were ok, not exactly low, but the weather was great. January/feb might be on the colder side of things.

I don't think a year would lose the magic.

I debated on/off as well. Look at what you want (accommodation layout) and what your budget is. I like having a bedroom for us and a bedroom for the kids, so that was between a villa and off-site. We went off-site at Bonnet creek and we are doing it again in 2016. If you're ok with a hotel room for the family, then on-site might be ok.

 

[Burgermom]

You sound like me last year...planning first trip and hadn't been there since early 90's...

Yes, use the crowd calendars and try and go during not so peak times. We went april/may 2015 and crowd levels were ok, not exactly low, but the weather was great. January/feb might be on the colder side of things.

I don't think a year would lose the magic.

I debated on/off as well. Look at what you want (accommodation layout) and what your budget is. I like having a bedroom for us and a bedroom for the kids, so that was between a villa and off-site. We went off-site at Bonnet creek and we are doing it again in 2016. If you're ok with a hotel room for the family, then on-site might be ok.

Thanks so much for the input. We are from Canada so I am not too worried about things being a bit cold; it will be warmer than here that time of year. But I can see how this might affect my son's opportunity to enjoy the pool. And yes, hopefully a year won't make that much difference.

 

[powellrj]

My kids are older, but I will second bonnet creek or Windsor hills as great places to stay.

 

[HoliPoli]

My first tip isn't associated with your list, but it's that you take a LOT of breaks and don't push the kids too hard (I'm sure you won't do that anyway.) As a former CP cast member frustration from exhaustion is the number one cause of child and parent meltdowns at Disney.

Question s#3 is a strong indicator that you should stay on site. If you chose off site, I second Windsor Hills. But first time driving can get confusing from there, although it's all very simple in actuality- you just have to learn it, which takes time. I suggest using Google Maps to learn you route and landmarks so you're more comfortable driving. But be aware that driving yourself also includes some pretty steep parking fees at the park gate.

4-Is "Touring Plans" a good tool? (the one associated with the Unofficial Guide) Has anyone used personalized touring plans with them (while traveling with little kids) and had success?

I bought access one year because it's what everyone else was doing. It looks pretty and is packaged nicely, but you really don't need it. There's a ton of free resources to help you plan your trip. Remember, you don't have to have every detail planned - just relax and let the magic happen. With children that young, I'd do a max of two parks per day.

Good luck and have fun!!!

 

[Muskrat191]

My kids are currently 2 and 4. Our last WDW trip was Nov 2013, and our next trip is Feb 2016.

We stayed onsite before we had kids, but now prefer to stay offsite. The last trip was with another family, so in total there were 4 girls under 4. We rented a 4 bedroom house in Windsor Palms. Having a living room with Netflix, a pool/hot tub and the kitchen available once the kids were in bed was wonderful. The kitchen made breakfast fairly quick in the mornings, and make it easier to pack lunches on most of our park days to save money.

I would suggest you go before your youngest turns 3, since admission and all-you-care-to-eat meals are free until a child's third birthday.

We found for our kids (who are early risers anyway), that it worked best last time to be at the park for rope drop (ie. when the park opens) and leave for the day in the mid afternoon. We would have dinner at the house (either we cooked or got takeout), and hang out in the pool, etc. The kids would get to bed fairly early, and they would be well rested the next day. We did go back to the park for two evenings (one was the Osborne Lights and the other was for the Main Street Electrical Parade).

 

[njmousefest]

My kids are currently 2 and 4. Our last WDW trip was Nov 2013, and our next trip is Feb 2016.

We stayed onsite before we had kids, but now prefer to stay offsite. The last trip was with another family, so in total there were 4 girls under 4. We rented a 4 bedroom house in Windsor Palms. Having a living room with Netflix, a pool/hot tub and the kitchen available once the kids were in bed was wonderful. The kitchen made breakfast fairly quick in the mornings, and make it easier to pack lunches on most of our park days to save money.

I would suggest you go before your youngest turns 3, since admission and all-you-care-to-eat meals are free until a child's third birthday.

We found for our kids (who are early risers anyway), that it worked best last time to be at the park for rope drop (ie. when the park opens) and leave for the day in the mid afternoon. We would have dinner at the house (either we cooked or got takeout), and hang out in the pool, etc. The kids would get to bed fairly early, and they would be well rested the next day. We did go back to the park for two evenings (one was the Osborne Lights and the other was for the Main Street Electrical Parade).

How did you get the kitchen to make breakfast?

 

[Muskrat191]

We rented a full house, so it had a complete kitchen, living room, and private pool/hot tub (and even laundry!)

 

[kohlby]

If it's going to be a while before you go back, I'd pick 3 and 6. At 6, my kids didn't need the stroller at all. At 5, two didn't but one did. (And one of the ones who didn't did slow us down a little when she was 5 but not when she was 6). Also, some kids are still napping at 2. One of my three sometimes napped at that age. By 3, naps were gone, making planning easier. I have heard of 3 year olds napping though, so that won't work for everyone but at least your child will likely need less sleep then. None of my kids would sleep in the stroller either. We found it worked best to stay in the parks as much as we could handle and then leave at the earliest signs of someone showing they might need to leave. Mid-day breaks never worked for us but they work for some. I couldn't get them to nap - even when we tried going back to the room - but I could get them enough sleep at night. We go in the off-season, so park hours are shorter too.

We've done both onsite and offsite. The biggest plus to onsite for us is the transportation, especially on the MK days. It makes it so much easier. Offsite means more room for less money. We usually do split stays so we get both.

The bus was super easy when we went with a 2 year old. Our kids were 2, 5, and 8 and our stroller was clunky and heavy. So my husband was in charge of folding up the stroller and getting that on the bus and I was in charge of the kids. It worked out well. We stayed at AKL that trip. (Since with 5 in a room, that was our last chance at a standard room before the youngest turned 3).

As for comparing the trip at 2, 5, and 8 and 3, 6, and 9, the slightly older ages were much easier. Both were good trips but we were able to do more when they were a little older. (We also had trips with kids at ages 11months, 3, and 6. And newborn and 3. And baby and 3.5. So, lots of experience at Disney with different 3 year olds!)

 

[kohlby]

As for week, I'd pick November 28th out of the ones you have listed. January can surprise you with super cold temps and that can be miserable touring in with young kids. (We did the end of Jan/start of Feb in 2010 and it was way too cold - like near freezing and record low temps for several days in a row). We've done the week after t-giving before as well as the first week of December and those have always been great weeks. I haven't looked at the calendar, but with the other Nov week, it's possible there are some things that may increase it to moderate crowds).

 

[SweetMissy]

These are all tough questions and depend on your kids, budget, etc. We have always stayed on property. We've priced out staying off property and it's either about the same or a little more to rent a house....plus you have to rent a car and buy food to stock your kitchen. We like the value resorts because they're cheaper and the theming keeps us in the Disney spirit. We've stayed at AKL and missed the values while there (weird, huh). Your kids are at a good age to also enjoy the theming.

We've gone during hotter months (April and May) and it's insane. Too hot for us! It does get a little chilly at night but the cooler months are better for us. Hubby and I just went this passed February and it was great....no sweat!

We use a free crowd calendar and base our park days on this. (www.easywdw.com)

We've brought our kids at all different ages. The 1st visit was with our now almost 12 year old. He was 2. He wasn't the best toddler, so perhaps we should've waited another year or 2 with him but we still had a good time. We went when our #3 was only 4 months old. So we have experience bringing all sorts of ages. it really depends on the kid, if he/she is able to nap in a carrier/stroller vs needing a dark room, etc.

 

[Burgermom]

For those who stayed in Bonnet Creek and Windsor Hills are there any places that you would recommend (or not recommend) based on your experiences?

 

[Paigesmom2013]

For ages to go, you will save a good bit of money if you go before your child turns 3. I'd also pick the November date.
Folding up a stroller was a pain, but you'll have to fold it up anyway to get on the parking lot tram if you rent a car. (Unless you walk to the front gates.)

 

[GWhitten98]

If this is going to be a one and only trip I would wait until 3 and 6. I would not be at all worried about missing the magic window (this last trip mine were 2, 4 and 6 and all three had a magical time). Another thing to keep in mind is that depending on your kids height, there will be things that the 2 YO can't go on and possible some things the 5 YO can't go on. By age 3 and 6, they should be able to go on almost everything. On the other hand your 2 YO won't require park admission vs when they turn 3 so that can definitely save on cost.

As far as where to stay, we are completely sold on staying on site. For us the advantages of staying on site are worth the extra cost. Budget will most definitely dictate where you stay on site. If money is not a huge factor I would defiantly recommend staying deluxe (beach/yatch club near epcot or Polynesian/Contemporary near MK). If the budget does not support that splurge, we have found all three moderate resorts to be kid friendly. I can no speak for the value resorts as we have not stayed at any of them.

We have both driven and used flown/used ME. We found the buses to be very easy even with a stroller and found navigating DW by car to be a PITA at times. This next trip we are driving but will still use DW transportation most of the time.

I have used tour plans for all our trips, I have never strictly stuck to a specific plan on their site, but do normally start with one and then customize it to fit our needs. Being flexible with kids that age in important, but I found have the plan as an outline so we could knew what we wanted to do next was helpful.

 

[aretha30]

I can't really help on those weeks (we go in August each year); I'd say look at crowd calendars and choose a week that works for your family. As far as "missing the magic" I don't think that will happen. Our 7 yr old still loves meeting and interacting with the characters and we go each year. I will always recommend staying on property, we love the ability to use the extra magic hours (EMH) and the transportation. We usually stay at a value resort since we spend so little time in our room and it fits our family of 4 just fine. We're only there to shower and sleep.
As far as the buses go they are very easy to use and if you fold strollers before you get on you'll be fine. My husband isn't fond of using public transportation either (he drives a city bus so he feels as if he's at work while on vacation) but even he will use them. When the kids were smaller it was easier to use them then take the car (which we always have since we drive down). You'll be fine on the buses or monorail.
I've never used a touring plan of any kind, I grew up in Orlando and my husband in south Florida so we've been to Disney World enough we've never felt we needed one. I would see what there is out there for free before you pay for anything though. I would have a plan, I would make sure to take breaks and know that you won't see everything. Make sure you have a list of must do's and things that you want to do if there is time. This will help when it comes to planning your days. Most of all have fun!

 

[Burgermom]

Thanks so much everyone! This makes me feel better about my concerns re: missing the magic and re: the buses. Sounds like we will have a nice time no matter when/how we go

 

[Princess Minnie321]

I also have not gone since the 90's. I decided to wait until next November when my daughter will be almost 3 1/2 and my son 5 1/2. I did not want to deal with diapers or worry about a nap schedule. I am renting a double stroller from one of the places in Orlando that delivers to the resort. We went to a local theme park last summer and the stroller was great. My oldest tires easily and Disney is so much walking. I figure it will be nice at night if we do a fireworks show and they are tired.

We decided to stay on sight and do the magic express and DW transportation. We know we will spend most of the time at the parks. The deluxes either at Epcot or the monerail line would have been great, but they are a lot more per night. We booked POFQ for $200/night and the deluxes all started at $450 per night. The extra money we are saving will pay our airfare. This hotel gets great reviews, has a nice pool, and I read they are putting in a sprinkler area for the kids that is opening in January.

I know from past vacations, that my kids are happiest in the morning and tired at night. I am not making any dinner ADR's since I know they will not be able to sit in a resturant. I am going to do character breakfast ADR's instead.

 

[Mousemommy1]

We always stay on-property. We prefer to be immersed in Disney 24/7 while on our Disney vacation. Staying off property would feel like "vacationing in FL and visiting Disney". No thanks, not for us.

Our favorite month to go is April, and specifically end of April. Crowds are good, weather is PERFECT. Rates are OK.
When we can't do April, we prefer August. Yes, it is HOT, but the rates are super low at the end of the month and the crowds are awesome because most southern schools have gone back already.

As far as "losing the magic". The magic is what you make of it. We have 3 children and started taking our first two when they were 3 and 5. We have gone annually since then and they are 11 and 9 now. They still have no problems feeling the magic.

We WERE in the camp of "why bring a baby to Disney?", but then we had our surprise son this year and weren't about to stop our annual trips. Result, we are a little over 3 months away from his 3rd trip to Disney and he will turn 1 in 2 weeks, lol. Seeing Disney through a baby's eyes is magical, and our older girls LOVE to show him all of their favorite things.

So, totally rambling. Good luck planning! I think you'll find many things to consider here on the DIS.

 

[kwdw]

I'd pick 3 and 6 for ages - even though you have to buy a ticket for the 3 yo. At 6 - you SHOULD have one who can walk the day so no need for a double stroller. And for "parts" of the trip - you won't need one for the 3 yo - though at 3 you will probably want a stroller on long park days. There's just SO much more you can do with kids that age. They will remember it more. There's more they can do together. The magic will still be there. It's still awe inspiring for me and I'm lots older!!!

I love staying on property - but that's me. I want the easy freedom and short distance to get back to my room. I love being part of the magic the WHOLE time, not in a park one minute, and in the real world leave I leave the park - the whole part is magical. I stayed off property once - and unless I'm traveling really for work and it's just a day trip to a park - I'll probably never stay off-property again. Staying on property definitely makes the trip more magical. It also makes days shorter (less time to get back to your resort) and makes it easier to return to your room mid-day if needed.

I LIKE having a car, even on property. It's great for going to the grocery store/drug store/urgent care/emergency room (all trips I've done!) and I drive to all parks except MK. And we tend to eat at a fair number of resort restaurants, so that makes that a lot easier. BUT - Disney bus transportation will get you there. I don't like driving in strange places, either, but the drive from the airport and driving around Disney are easy in comparison to strange big cities. To have a car or not is often a complete thread of its own - with some folks firmly in one camp or the other. And a few of us in the middle.

Time of year - depends on the weather you want. I prefer Disney "warm enough I shouldn't need to haul a coat around" and warm enough to go to the pool by my standards. So - I'd probably pick the first November date you listed given my preferences. It's the date you will "most likely" have warmer weather. January is "more likely" to be colder. Crowds are probably slightly lower in January, though. But really, the whole place is so crowded so much of the time now, I'm not sure how much that matters anymore. Go when it is MOST convenient to your lives - work schedules, family gatherings, birthdays, etc. When does it fit best? I have to pick based on my work cycle, others pick based on school, others pick based on crowds, some pick based on weather, others pick by special events at WDW.....

Paying for someone else to make you a touring plan? No, IMO. Make your own. You know your family best. GO to a real, physical bookstore and browse the Disney travel guides. Buy the one that seems to fit you best. Read it - cover to cover. Read lots on disboards, allears, wdwmagic, mousesavers, and make you own plans. Talk to families you know that have gone. A true Disney expert can discuss the pluses and minuses of different options for YOU - and help you reach your own conclusions. If you get a firm "you must do this" from someone and you aren't sure why it makes sense - ask here on disboards - we'll chime in.

 

[kohlby]

That's a good point made about height. All three of my kids did a trip at 3. And every single one of them made 40" with shoes. (Though one barely made it - only making it in the morning! She was more like 3.5 too). At 2, only one of my kids would have made 40" and he was the toughest 2 year old of the three by far. There are several 40" rides.