update from 'planning first family trip'

[disneydreaming101]

I want to say thanks to everyone for the replies...the advice was really helpful! We have booked our first trip to Disney and we chose August to do it. We don't have to take our kids out of school, we got a great deal on a room/airfares and we get to go a lot sooner...we will be there in less than 25 days! We also talked with our kids about what they wanted to be able to do at Disney, and one of the top things to do was swim. I'm sure it will be hot hot hot at the parks, but we will prepare the best we can for it. I have taken the great advice I have gotten here to prepare! I have already purchased my raingear, will have water bottles ready, purchased water spritzers with fans and a great bag to carry all of our stuff. I am still unsure what to do about the dining. I will call to look into any Adr's that I can...if it doesn't work out, counter service it is! (Our kids aren't interested in the character meals, so that part works out!) I would love to do the DDP but if I can't do many TS's it seems to be a waste, but still working on that part! I assume there is not a dining plan with just CS's and snacks on it?? I also just purchased the Unofficial Guide to Disney and reading it voraciously! I guess I will skip to the part about dining...Thanks again for the advice and I will post when we return!

 

[MEK]

I am glad you got things worked out for your trip.

Re: the dining plan. The first few times we went we did not do the dining plan. We ate mainly counter service and used our rental car to goo off site to eat. My kids weren't crazy about the character meals either.

Since doing the dining plan 3X (4th time soon), we have started to really enjoy all the character meals and the dining experience. Try the dining discussion boards for info about restaurants. But if you are considering adding the dining plan then try for a resaurant ifor each day in one of the parks. (For example - Crystal Palace on your MK day, Prime Time Cafe on your MK day, Teppanyaki on your Epcot day (I would say Le Cellier, but it's probably booked). On your AK day you might want to try for Ohana's or a restaurant at DTD.)

I guess my point is, if you are able to make ADR's you think you would enjoy at times you would enjoy, then definately add the dining plan. Table service does take up a little park time and requires you to hold to a schedule, but it definately adds a dimension to your trip. We are spoiled from doing the dining plan and may not be able to go back without it!

Have a great trip. Hopefully it will be the first of many more!

 

[Kimmy]

Enjoy your trip! The past three years we went in August and really enjoyed ourselves. There are allot of AC spots in WDW. AK is the hottest. We took mid-day swimming breaks. We get the dining plan everytime we go. Eating at the TS restaurants is a whole part of the stay in WDW. Even if you don't get the dining plan, try out one of the restaurants. You won't be disappointed. Check out the dining board for suggestions.

 

[hoosll]

Since your kids are 10 and 7, take what they say about swimming seriously ...

One of the biggest problems with WDW is that it can be overwhelming - you can get into the mode of "we're paying a fortune, so you better enjoy yourself! or I'll kill you!"

After 2 trips with my kids I realized that the first trip really needs to be laid back - you cannot do EVERYTHING and eat EVERYWHERE, so relax. You are investing in the experience so that your next trip will be great.

Schedule time for transportation. Read the guidebook and make some lists of things you would like to do. Most people are surprised when they arrive and the rides are somewhat hidden inside the buildings. You really have to know what you are looking for.

Plan at least 3 TS meals, they really are part of the experience.

Many folks will tell you to do Epcot first, then AK, then either MK or MGM where the rides are more exciting.

Have a great time and give the kids lots of swimming time -

 

[#1Disfann]

Most people are surprised when they arrive and the rides are somewhat hidden inside the buildings. You really have to know what you are looking for.

Since I've been many times now and actually researched alot back during my early visits I knew what to look for but my cousin (who made her first mistake by not consulting me...I didn't even know she was going! )and her family went about 4 years ago and when she mentioned she had gone at a family get together, I, of course, started grilling her for details and the conversation when a little like this....

Me - "How did the kids like Fantasy Land"?
Her - "Fantasy Land"?
Me - "Yes, the area with the Peter Pan ride, the Snow White ride, Mr. Toads ride, etc."
Her - (once she figured out where I was talking about)..."You mean there were rides in those buildings?"!!!



Me, as a Disney nutcase, can not see how those can be overlooked but based on my poor cousins trip, I guess it is possible!!

I think she was just overwelmed! She IS going to consult with me for her next trip!

 

[disneydreaming101]

originally posted by Hoosll
-Since your kids are 10 and 7, take what they say about swimming seriously ...One of the biggest problems with WDW is that it can be overwhelming - you can get into the mode of "we're paying a fortune, so you better enjoy yourself! or I'll kill you!"-

Great advice! I agree so much about remembering to relax and listening to your kids! Their comments were a very big part of our planning and choosing the August date. Also, I realize that we will all need a little break each day to recoup; I know I will need it and I'm ready to swim a little! When we first started to research our vacation, I realized just how much there is to do and see, and we talked as a family about understanding that we can't do it all. So it seems we are all on board in that we see what we can see in our 5 days, working to get out top choices in, and that's the best we can do. It's possible we may have a disappointment or two, if we miss out on something, but that is life. We all have to deal with disappointments, sometimes even on vacation! And that is when we talk about how we are lucky to be here, and how long and hard we worked to be here and then count our blessings, and (hopefully!) they usually out number the disappointments. And anytime my kids are happy and smiling, whether it's on Space Mountain or in the swimming pool, we have gotten our money's worth!

 

[Praying Colonel]

Sounds like you've done some good planning and you're ready for a great time! IMHO August is an underrated time of year to go (as you can see from my sig, we've gone twice in August and will be there again next month). It is hot, but the crowds are smaller than one might expect (tour groups are usually gone by then, too) and it's value season at the resorts so you can get soe deals. Just get to the parks early, take a nice afternoon break and have fun!

 

[disneydreaming101]

Thank you Praying Colonel...and thanks for sharing your reviews (loved the humor)..loved the pictures (adorable family and I appreciated the food pics- I haven't seen many) I can't wait to get down to WDW and take some pics of my own!!!