Touring with the kiddos

[alleghator]

We're making our first-with-kids Disney trip in March 2006. As an anal-retentive planning freak, I'm already reading guidebooks, perusing the boards, etc.

Any and all information you can provide me (particularly regarding touring with early elementary aged kids) is GREATLY appreciated!

First the facts:
My MIL is buying our tickets, and I need to have all my ducks in a row before we make the purchase.

The trip will run Saturday-Saturday, with each Saturday being partly dedicated to travel. We're staying offsite, but very close (near the AK entrance).

Our kids will be 7 and 4-3/4 at the time of travel. Neither of them nap now, so won't be by then, either.

How would you approach the parks? Hop or don't? Plusses or not? Should I buy extra days and go for the non-expiring option? Dilemmas, dilemmas, dilemmas?

Would you plan one PS per day or two?

I figured we'd get there good and early each day and return to the timeshare for pool/refreshing/lunch each day and return to a park some of those days, but not all. I know AK and MGM are not "full-day" parks. Would we be better off just vegging those evenings, or trying to refresh and then head back out for fireworks, etc? (I know this depends on the nature of my own kids ... but I'm looking for others' experiences.)

I want to see a lot (obviously), but I don't want to suffer burnout after the 3rd day. I want the kids (and parents) to remember this fondly.

Thanks in advance!
--Heidi

 

[KimWDW]

When are you going? I would check the hours for the week you'll be there. In the value season the parks close earlier and it might not be worth it to hop.

 

[LynnTH]

Heidi - we will be there in March 2006 also (although not our 1st family trip) my kids will be the exact same as yours 7 and 4-3/4. The last time we went was last year and the kids were 5 and almost 3. I have always bought the park hoppers but never used them (although I would still buy them just to have the option - especially if you might have PS at one park but going to be at the other). We are usually there from Saturday to Saturday also. I always try to get an early flight but don't do any parks the day we get there (Saturdays are always their busiest time anyway -so I would rather wait). We do usually either hang out at the hotel and go swimming or head down to Downtown Disney. Last time we had a 5 day pass and only used 4 days. We like to have a day or two that the kids can just relax and hang out and swim. It can all get a bit overwhelming and fast paced and they need their time downtime too and they love to just play in the pools. Not sure what tickets I will buy this time but am leaning towards the 10 day hopper with no exp. This ticket could last 2-3 trips. We have never done any of the water parks but am also looking at that option also as I know the kids would love it now that they are a bit older. I usually buy a few guidebooks just cause I love planning and going over things. Last time was the first time we had done any character dining and PS. We did do Cinderella's Castle Breakfast (we were lucky to get that) and it was great - my daughter loved it and my son had a great time also. We also made PS at Ohana's in Polynesion Resort. Loved it. The food was great - you could see the castle and the kids did coconut races and hula hoop contests - it was really fun. We will definitely go back there again. I also frequent these boards all the time and keep up with what is new and different peoples opinions. Have fun in planning and on your 1st family trip - you will have a blast. Lynn

 

[alleghator]

We'll be there March 11-18, 2006.

I don't know if we'll be able to get 10-day passes with no expiration. I'm not the one buying the tickets. My MIL will probably be getting us 5-day passes. I'll just have to decide on hopping and/or plusses, or not.

And, I have to see if I can convince my hubby to swing for some additional days and a no expiring option to hold for the next trip (but I don't think it's happening).

--Heidi

 

[LynnTH]

It's not value season - that ends mid February. We went last year the 1st week in March and it was great. The weather was perfect and the crowds were not bad at all - we hardly had waits anywhere and we are not commando style park goers. We kind of go by the kids schedules and let them sleep in and go when we are ready. This next year though we won't be going til the end of March as that is when my son has spring break. Not sure how the crowds will be - Easter is mid April.