WDW--1st time w/ family for DS's 4th bday

[burzynsk]

Hello all! This is our first family trip to WDW (6/7-13/08) and going for my DS's 4th bday (also have DD2). ILs are going too. SIL is bringing her kids (6 & 3, whose bdays are around then as well). We are debating about staying off site to save $ but aren't sure yet.

I've researched things to do for the bdays, but would appreciate any ideas or tips from you all. Also, if there is anything we "shouldn't miss", please let me know.

TIA for your help!
Melanie

 

[Andrea from PA]

What to do depends on you child's interests

We just celebrated DS8 & DS 12 in December! We took an Illuminations cruise & since we stayed on site we opted for the meal plan & each got a "special" dinner (Narcosse for the 12 year old & Japan Teppan. on an "Adult" meal for the 8 year old).

WDW itself is special enough!

A character meal or "fun" meal at Ohana (Hula dancing & Coconut races) may be fun!

My boys got the Birthday pins & all the cast memebers made a big deal & wished them Happy Birthday -- This made the 8 year old take off his pin as he is very shy.

We flew to WDW -- staying on-site with meal plan was cheaper for us then off-site due to car rental & meal prices.

AAA has great on-site discounts -- If you are flying, I recommend you compare a AAA package with Meal Plan vs. off site.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Hello all! This is our first family trip to WDW (6/7-13/08) and going for my DS's 4th bday (also have DD2). ILs are going too. SIL is bringing her kids (6 & 3, whose bdays are around then as well). We are debating about staying off site to save $ but aren't sure yet.

I've researched things to do for the bdays, but would appreciate any ideas or tips from you all. Also, if there is anything we "shouldn't miss", please let me know.

TIA for your help!
Melanie

We always stay on-site. You can't beat it. We also love, love, love the Dining Plan. We had a character meal almost everyday during our last trip. Our DD celebrated her 6th birthday at WDW two year ago and it was awesome. Our hotel, All-star Movies, had a balloon bouquet left in our room and a birthday card for her signed by the princesses with their pictures. We ate in Cinderella's Castle on her birthday and they gave her a special birthday cake (no charge). She was also given an "It's my birthday" button to wear at the Magic Kingdom and all day the CM's and other familes told her happy birthday. It was a great day!

 

[Rylee]

I recommend staying at a Disney resort.

I seriously, can not stress enough, how convenient it is to stay on-site. In terms of actual dollars, be sure to figure in car rental, if needed, and the cost of parking at the parks each day, if you are not a guest of a Disney Resort.

Staying on-site makes it very easy to take breaks in the afternoon... for a swim, to nap the little ones, or to just escape the heat and crowds. (It will be hot.) It also gives you the freedom to split up for a couple of hours, if you choose to... Mom and SIL want to take the little ones and hang by the pool for awhile or IL's want to go back earlier in the evening, etc.

Also, no direction worries, traffic issues and you can take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours (EMH). Plus, if you decide it's a good deal for you, you can book a package that includes dining (DP).

No matter where you stay, and even if you don't choose the Dining Plan but want to eat at one of the Table Service (TS) meals, be sure you make Advance Dining Reservations (ADR) as soon as you possibly can.

Who are your son's favorite characters? I would definitely schedule a character meal.