Tips/Hints/Suggestions

[merlin307]

Hi

I am visiting Orlando in April (16th to 30th) with a friend and her 7yo son. Have been a few times over the last couple of years but we have never been with a child - its our friends first time too.
Any suggestions which will help us through the fortnight?
Also any child friendly park strategies?.....being a bit selfish I dont want the holiday to be stressful for us...............

 

[natalielongstaff]

buy a good guide book and plan what rides/attractions you want to do, then plan your day accordingly

don't forget the character interactions as well

 

[merlin307]

It's not something I have set out to find before but with a 7yo think we will need to get the autographs........where are the best spots?

 

[lochy691]

Hi there,

The best place to get autographs in the MK is in Toontown . Either get there as Toontown opens (at 10am) and go straight to the Toontown Hall of Fame or go there in the last hour the parks open. There are loads of characters there all the time.

On a different note, you may find that the time zone change means your 7 year old will wake really early - if he does and sitting in the hotel until the rest of Orlando wakes up doesn't appeal, a visit to Downtown Disney always works well for me. I've been there at 5.30am with my little ones and although nothing is open, there is loads to look at, the fountains are working and the music is playing. A great intro to Disney and we had a ball!!!!

You might want to look at tourguidemike.com for some great suggestions of itinery's with kids. It does cost but well worth it I thought.

 

[DisneyJo]

My DD was 7 last trip and her favourite park was actually Epcot followed by MK. Make sure you get to the parks early then leave for a pool/nap/rest break then come back for the fireworks. Also a big hit was BB where we spent 2 days and 1 at TL. Research some of the rides she loved Buzz, would not go on space mountain and bugs life scared her to death.

Maybe sometimes split up so you can do different stuff, also use FP (but as you've been before you know all about that!) Also carry a few little snacks with you or the boys mum can! Also remember you won't get so much done with a kid in tow so relax a bit more and enjoy the world through little eyes.

 

[Chilly]

Don't forget you might not be able to do as long a days as you are used to with a child, or you may need to leave the park in the peak hours when it is really hot and then come back later.

 

[CHEK]

Make sure you visit Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, both fantastic!, my daughters love going every year we visit.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Hi
We have just been at Xmas with DD aged 7.
We were surprised this trip that she wanted to go on the big rides (she is quite tall) & wasn't bothered as much about Fantasyland or queing for the characters.
She loved TL & going in the swimming pool. We watched fireworks, but only when we had had a lazy day at the pool so she wasn't as tired.
We did book a couple of character meals, breakfast at CP & tea at CM. Both were brilliant & would recommend as a good way to see characters without the queues. Others we just caught if there wasn't a big line.
What do you like doing? We mananged to keep everyone happy (took MIL) & had a great holiday.

 

[Disney owl]

We normally leave the parks for a break & for kids to hit the pool & mine are teenagers.

If planning to spend all day & night in the parks don't rule out hiring a buggy. When she was 9 my DD used to look longingly at them.

Take in bottled water & ensure that he drinks regularly.

Book at least 1 character meal.

Enjoy

 

[merlin307]

thanks guys. I appreciate the help...I think it will be fun with a kid...as long as he doesnt try to skip in front of me in line...then I may have to get nasty lol

 

[stephensmum]

I agree with Disneyowl re buggy. My DS was just 8 when we went & we got him one for the main parks. dh was embarrassed at first but older/larger children had them. We used to put a towel over the hood to screen him from the sun. We go in May when ds will be 9.5 & he's already asking for one.

 

[kitcat1]

Hi Merlin,

Where and on which airline are you flying with as we go the same day. We are from Manchester with Virgin.

Not long now, 10 weeks today we will be there!! Yee haa

Cath