If it matters, we are staying at the Polynesian.
This is important info because it does indeed matter. Staying at the Poly gives you a really good advantage. It is close enough to the Magic Kingdom and also EPCOT (via monorail) that you have a lot more flexibility in running back to your room and then hitting the parks again. It's not as much as an advantage for Studios or Animal Kingdom, so a bit more hard and fast planning can be used on the days you go there (if you plan to).
Background info - This is our first trip to a theme park trip of any kind as a family. My DH is NOT a fan of crowds or waiting. He will be on his best behavior because he will want our son to have a great experience but I am trying to trouble shoot a few things ahead of time to smooth our way.
This is the main bit that can get tricky IMO... you kind of have to go into this assuming there are indeed going to be crowds. Also, as someone who can handle crowds as long as I can "get away" from them for just a bit, try to plan at least some time to decompress either at your hotel, or in some of the "quieter" spots in the parks. There are some threads on DIS about where those are, or feel free to ask directly.
- do many people take bags into the parks?
My thought is a change of clothing might be needed (see next question) and the bag would be good to carry fleeces, poncho, etc. if those items are necessary.
I thought maybe it would be a good idea to take some bottles of water along daily as well, is that allowed?
Can I take my backpack on rides? Or are there lockers available for rent at the rides? (I am not kidding about having ZERO clues about how WDW works.)
Some days I go completely without any bag and some days I go with a hiking backpack. It does make a difference and I plan differently depending on if I'll have a bag or not. It does wear you out a LOT more to carry a bag on your back unless you train with it beforehand. My main reasons for carry a bag is weather, weather, weather. lol Mainly this is so because I hate the rain. I like to have a rain jacket and an umbrella with me, and then I use the pack for water too. On the other hand I prefer going without a bag, I put what I need in my pockets and go.
I've never had a problem with my backpack on rides.
Something not mentioned; my family always saw a drop in temp as the time to pick out a warm sweatshirt, jacket, etc... as a souvenir. In short, we bought warmth as needed. For some that isn't possible, for us it may have been the one souvenir from the trip. Just depends. I will also say that layers are key if you are a cold natured person.
I've also gone with my DSLR camera and without; I prefer without. If you or anyone in your fam has an up-to-date smartphone, use its camera instead unless you are a hobby photographer.
- I was shocked to read that we might get splashed (at best) to soaked (at worst) on Pirates of the Caribbean. For me, a change of clothing is an absolute must as I hate to be wet in clothing. Are there any other not-obvious rides where we will get wet that I should be aware of?
Any ride with water involved, just make sure you check the seat before you sit down. I've only ever gotten wet on the rides where you are supposed to get wet, except for sitting in wet patches. In the mornings also check benches or chairs outside before you sit.
What are the chances of walking up to a sit down restaurant at say 1-20pm and get seated within a 30-45 window without an ADR? (I'm not talking about the super popular places like Cinderella or BOG.) In the meantime, I will keep checking on ADRs.
Even a few years ago I'd say you'd be fine... now, not so much. However, I will say that one mistake many people make is overeating. I can't do more than one sit down ADR about every other day while I'm there... it's just too much food. But, one a day works too. There are usually ADR's open up 24-48 hours before you want them. Also, if there is a specific park you want info about calmer places to get counter service and sit, just ask, as you don't always need an TS restaurant to relax. (For example, the upstairs sitting area at Harbor House in MK, or the Japanese CS at EPCOT esp. if you go at slightly "off" times.)
