WDW Virgins here.. we need a plan of attacK !!! ;o)

[MinnieMe2DW]

Hi everyone.. I hoping I could use some of your Disney expertise here as I really want to have a nice trip and was told it works out much better with a schedule. None of us have ever been and we can't wait to live the magic !

We get there May 3rd, so basically our first day out is the 4th - where do you suggest we start?? MK? AK? I'm so clueless, and would like to hear your thoughts and opinions. There will be 4 adults (staying off site) with 3 kids, (2 -35 month old boys and a 16 month old girl) so all pretty young yet.

Any tips???

 

[Golden Rose]

Let me start by asking you three questions that will help me make some specific suggestions...

How many days will you be there?

How far off site are you staying? (Pretty close or a fairly substantial drive?)

Do you want to do any sit down meals, and, if so, have you made any dining reservations yet?

My husband and I have been several times, once with our then two and a half year old, and we'll actually be there about the same time you will this year. (Our son will be 37 months when we make our upcoming trip.)

 

[mousescrapper]

Those are great questions from Golden Rose!

Keep in mind w/ kiddios that young, sometimes that kind of trip is for you to live out your Disney Memories/Magic throught them not neccessarily how much can you pack in and what will they remember.

I hope you'll be coming agian, but if not then you may want to have a list of Must Do's: rides, attractions, dinning, entertianment and work all the other fun stuff around it.

I'm solid on having a plan, not just Day 1 is MK and we eat at Pecos Bill but have an idea of what you want to see and how long you want to stay in the park for: arrival, mid-day break, etc.

Going in May you must go to Epcot and see all the great plantings and topieries (sorry msp) with the Flower & Garden show.

I recommend (you have to pay, but worth it IMHO) Tour Guide Mike, he can give some great tour plan ideas.

Our first trip w/ kids, our youngest was then 2 1/2. She was a little nervous around most of the characters except those with "faces" and Minnie and Mickey. We didn't take many mid-day breaks, she slept in her stroller (we brought a towel from home and pinned it on the sides of the canopy to help keep more sun out). She went on every appropriate ride/attraction we did. And was not nervous or scared.

I'd be happy to share more of what we did and wouldn't do once I know more specifics of your trip, if you'd like. Planning is 1/2 the fun!

 

[MinnieMe2DW]

Oh YAY - thanks ladies.. Here we go.

Let me start by asking you three questions that will help me make some specific suggestions...

How many days will you be there? We will be in Orlando a total of 9 days, but 2 days being travel days. We are thinking a day at Universal and Sea World too though - I would say a minimum of 4 days at Disney and we are SOOO coming back someday !!!

How far off site are you staying? We will be staying about 10 min. from Disney - so not too far at all (Pretty close or a fairly substantial drive?)

Do you want to do any sit down meals, and, if so, have you made any dining reservations yet? A persons got to eat, right?? LOL We have made no reservations yet, should we already?? I'd like to do a charachter meal though -

My husband and I have been several times, once with our then two and a half year old, and we'll actually be there about the same time you will this year. (Our son will be 37 months when we make our upcoming trip.) - awww, that's cute, our boys are about the same age. I'm so jealous, I've NEVER been at all, I can't wait for myself and to see my kids faces. we will be there the 3-12th !!

 

[MinnieMe2DW]

Those are great questions from Golden Rose!

Keep in mind w/ kiddios that young, sometimes that kind of trip is for you to live out your Disney Memories/Magic throught them not neccessarily how much can you pack in and what will they remember. Sooo true!!

I'm solid on having a plan, not just Day 1 is MK and we eat at Pecos Bill but have an idea of what you want to see and how long you want to stay in the park for: arrival, mid-day break, etc.

Going in May you must go to Epcot and see all the great plantings and topieries (sorry msp) with the Flower & Garden show. Great idea, thank you

I recommend (you have to pay, but worth it IMHO) Tour Guide Mike, he can give some great tour plan ideas. GOt it !

Our first trip w/ kids, our youngest was then 2 1/2. She was a little nervous around most of the characters except those with "faces" and Minnie and Mickey. We didn't take many mid-day breaks, she slept in her stroller (we brought a towel from home and pinned it on the sides of the canopy to help keep more sun out). She went on every appropriate ride/attraction we did. And was not nervous or scared. Oh I hope my kids sleep in their stroller, my now 13 month old is NOT good about sleeping in the stroller and still does morning naps too, this should be interesting!! My son is a Mickey freak, so I think he'll be ecstatic! I'm glad your daughter wasn't scared, I can understand the hesitation, a 7 foot mouse coming to give her a hug, a little intimidating

I'd be happy to share more of what we did and wouldn't do once I know more specifics of your trip, if you'd like. Planning is 1/2 the fun!

I would LOVE to hear your experiences !! I'd like to try to plan this, but we're going in kind of blind. I need to get a guide book or something, figure out what rides are age appropriate. I'd like to be as prepared as I can -


Thank you both so much !!

 

[crisi]

Yes, you want to make reservations now, particularly for a character meal. They will be booked up by the time you arrive. In fact, its likely most meals will be pretty full when you arrive. I take it you are staying offsite.

Top hints:

1) Plan on arriving at opening.

2) With kids the ages yours are, and a car, bring your own strollers

3) We do Magic Kingdom first, and often several times, with little kids. Its got the most for them to do. Animal Kingdom is their second favorite park. Head straight back to Dumbo - do not pass go, do not collect $200. Do Dumbo (more than once if you can) and Peter Pan, Pooh - and then you have breathing room for the day. At the Animal Kingdom, the Safari is first - everything else will fall in place later.

4) We never had luck with going back to the room for a nap - though a lot of people swear by it. We'd ride the train around the Magic Kingdom, or get on a bus and let the kids take small naps.

5) Understand and use the fastpass system.

6) Buy a guidebook. Know what attractions sound good to you, which ones you think you'll skip, and have an idea of how the parks are laid out. Too many "virgins" spend their time going from one end of a park to another (and the parks are relatively spread out) with a "what do you want to do next." Have a plan of attack. Don't cross the park and arrive only to discover what sounded good has a height restriction your little ones can't ride anyway.

7)Snow Whites Scary Adventure is SCARY, at least for a lot of little kids. That's why the word scary is in there.

8 ) I think hoppers are worth considering. For us with little kids, we'd do a little kid park in the morning, then get in our "transportation nap" and then go to Epcot for the evening. We'd put tired kids in strollers and enjoy Epcot in a relatively grown up fashion.

9) Know your kids - if they get tired, cranky, hungry - take care of those issues for a much more pleasant trip.

10) Our own preference is to do one sit down meal a day with kids. We just find ourselves wiped from a day of pushing a stroller, lifting kids, pickiing them up - that we need to sit down and have someone bring us food. The kids are usually tired enough to behave very well though dinner. YMMV.

Finally, be flexible enough to just have fun.

 

[mousescrapper]

I would LOVE to hear your experiences !! I'd like to try to plan this, but we're going in kind of blind. I need to get a guide book or something, figure out what rides are age appropriate. I'd like to be as prepared as I can -


Thank you both so much !!

well based on the 4 days in the WDW parks: Do you want to see some of each park? Or just concentrate on a couple, since you'll be coming back? I'm not versed in US or SW (was there when I was 8 or 9, then US agian in Ca when I was like 12 or so. I know they "compete" w/ Disney and have there own special kid areas. Do some research NOW on those parks and decide is this something you want to do w/ your young kids now or later. (We're on the later time frame and my kids are going on 9,9, a 5, and the 15 mo old.) Not that I'm trying to steer you from those parks, but I feel like my family is crunching it w/ twice the time as yours this June.

The unoffical Dis site you go to to get on the forums I think has alot of good info on the rides and considerations for traveling w/ little ones.

Here are some rides/attractions that I would recommend for your with your kids age ranges: KIM this is just MHO
MK: Dumbo Must do 1st as another post said, fills up QUICK!(I read a liitle bumpy for the under 2 seat them on inside)
Carousel
IASW
Peter Pan (DH recalls this one is a bit tricky to board w/ kid and backpack in toe, it doesn't stop but slows)
Toontown: Mickey and Minnie's houses (opens at 10 am)
the boys should love Buzz Lightyear's ride (even if they don't shoot at Zurg, they'll love the colors and such
The transit Arthority (ok msp) in Tomorrowland it rides just around that land and gives you a peek inside a few rides. My then 2 1/2 year old loved it.
WTP ride This is another fast filler, do right away or get a FP
The Railroad a nice break for your feet, you need to take kids out of strollers but if not doing rt you can fold up and bring on as long as you don't have a megga stroller. Aslo if anyone wants to do Splash or Thunder, I read th rt ride takes about how long you'd wait and ride on those based on 20 wait...
AK: the Boneyard climbing playing areas the boys may like
FotLK show is just GREAT!
Flights of Wonder an open air bird show, we enjoyed it
Parade though it's late in the day it is very lively and fun
Conversation Station a train ride and then walk around education area and petting zoo ( nothing against it but we'll skipping this time)
Nemo Musical we haven't seen it yet, but I hear it's wonderful
The Safari (not that it is specifically geared toward the little ones, but) don't miss it, if this is your one part to SEE the animals verses the walking trails DO IT! our then 2 1/2 yr old sat in DH's lap and enjoyed it. Now I can't lie I'm a bit uneasy w/ the bumps ans such for the 15 mo old, but we'll hold on tight (she won't fall out or anything) and hope for best
Epcot FW: Living Seas w/ Nemo, fish, nemo, need I say more?
Imagination Pav. I'm not crazy about the re-do of the Journey into...ride, but worth for 1st timers like your selves. Be aware it's a bit loud and if it's still the same at one point it get all dark then a blast of air shoots at you and figment comes back out (tyring doing a UTube search) but the Kodak Labs part is fun!
the Fountian you can't miss it and it's wonderful to watch!
Epcot WS: in Mexico there is a nice boat ride, just updated w/ the 3 Caballeros
There are kid cot stations in every country to collect di-cuts to add to paper masks on a stick to decorate. we did with our then 6 yr olds, but not the 2 1/2 yr old.
Studios: Playhouse Disney show, it's just been updated w/ Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and Little Enstiens
Honey I Shrunk the kids Playset a great break to get out of the stollers and have some fun!

Well that's just a bit on the that. to start your thinking caps

But I'd really decide which park which day especially if your going to do any sit down TS or character meals. You need to call down and get your ADR's very soon. I think off site you can book 90 days out. For on site going the month after you I booked mine before Christmas....

I'll check back agian soon. Hope I'm helping and not confusing.

 

[PhantomBlot]

HIGHLY recommend Unofficial Guidebook and the companion website: *****************

We went for the first time with 6, 4, an1 year old this Jan and the info they provided was invaluable. Worth every penny.

 

[MinnieMe2DW]

Wow.. thanks for all the great info !! I'm printing this out and making a folder and start planning this trip! YAY !

PhantomBlot -was there supposed to be a website link?? Or just type in Unofficial guidebook?? I'm going to try that anyway.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU !!

 

[crisi]

HIGHLY recommend Unofficial Guidebook and the companion website: *****************

We went for the first time with 6, 4, an1 year old this Jan and the info they provided was invaluable. Worth every penny.

Before buying any guidebook, leave your kids with your husband and go to Barnes and Noble and look at guidebooks. Some people LOVE the Passporter (I do, but think its "advanced Disney"), some the Unofficial Guide (this one I don't like, myself, but seem to be in a minority among DISers), some like the Birnbaums (which is too basic for anyone doing a repeat trip, but isn't bad for a first timer). Some like Kim Wright Wiley's Disney with Kids - which is being recommended on another thread. There are TONS of Disney books out there (a B&N should have at least a few on hand) - and you want to find one that is going to give you want you want. A Disney guidebook is like a pair of jeans - someone else's favorite brand just rides in your crotch, but somewhere out there, there is the pair for you.

 

[englishrose47]

I reccommen Unofficial Guide or Passporter to give you a real feel for the rides and a whole lot more. Make your dining ressies ASAP they fill up fast!! Decide if you want buffet, family syle or sit down table service!! I love Winnie the Pooh and friends at Crystal palace at MK( Buffet) At MGM oops Hollywood Studios Hollywood and Vine has the little Einsteins( buffet) As you will be paying oop Breakfast is cheaper and still same characters. At Epcot Innoventions is really neat it's imide and has comfy seats fortired parents. The little ones can build their own robot for free, nearby is Club Cool with free samples of Pops from around the World and not to be missed is tye Candy Lady in Japan!! Have fun planning!!

 

[Golden Rose]

You'll be there long enough that you'll have time to go to all the parks if you want, obviously. This is our second trip in less than a year with our son, and we knew when we did the first trip that we'd be back, so we actually didn't do much of the MK in September. (I know, sounds like blasphemy, only half a day in the MK for our son's first trip.)

Our (then 2.5) year old's favorites:

MK -

The Jungle Cruise
It's A Small World
Peter Pan
character lunch in Cinderella Castle

Epcot -
Living Seas with Nemo
Living Seas with Nemo
lunch at the Coral Reef (overlooking the Living Seas with Nemo)
and, might I add, Living Seas with Nemo


(Seriously, it was his favorite thing of the trip, I think. We must have spent 6 or 7 hours there over. He loves fish to begin with, and Nemo is his favorite movie.)

Disney Studios

The Playhouse Disney Show
The Little Mermaid Show (he doesn't care about Ariel. he just likes fish)
Running back and forth in front of Dinosaur Gertie's
(He hated the Playhouse Disney breakfast. He was terrified of the characters, although he loves them on tv. He might have liked the playground, but it was closed by the time we got there. He also didn't much like the stunt show with the cars - we were seated in the sun and he overheated.)

Animal Kingdom

Kilimanjaro Safaris
The various animal walks
Pocahontas and her forest friends (geared for little kids)
Festival of the Lion King
Flights of Wonder
lunch at Pizzafari
(Ok, so by now, you're all expecting me to say the Nemo show. But he hated it. I wish I were kidding. He loved the first 20 minutes, then the room got dark and the "bombs" went off. He cried off and on through the rest of the show, whenever it got dark.)
The boneyard dig site (Where we went for an hour+ to recover from the scary Nemo show.)
Actually, he loved all of the dino area. We were really surprised - he hadn't been into dinos before the trip, but he has been since.

We were there for a week, but I really ended up feeling like we split our time between AK and Epcot. (Ok, between AK and the Seas with Nemo) We didn't spend as much time at MK because we knew we'd be staying at a Magic Kingdom hotel this coming May, so it would be close and convenient.

Our son never naps in his stroller at home, but he did fall asleep a couple of times on the trip. He never fell asleep when we went back to the hotel for a nap, of course. But he did enjoy playing in the pool.

 

[Golden Rose]

A couple more things...

Lots of people are going to suggest having a detailed Plan. You're going with small kids. So I'm going to give you a completely different bit of advice; don't have a Plan you have your heart set on. Pick two things per park you really want to do that day, and make that your plan. Consider anything else you manage to do a bonus. Let your kids' interests guide what you do. We spent time looking at ducks, we spent time playing in unmarked water fountains, we spent time pointing out every "Nemo" in the living seas. (Ok, "we" actually refers to our DS, but DH and I were with him every step of the way.) I'd say we had a definite tentative plan for what we hoped to do... but we moved things around when lines were too long, or we saw a surprising short line on our way to our destination. I'm also going to second the suggestion that you get familiar with fast pass. Seriously, Fast Pass is your best friend.

Go ahead and call the Disney dining number and see if you can get some reservations for sit down meals. That is really the only way to be sure you'll get a nice sit down meal at a time you'll want. It is too late to get some reservations, but there will be something available. We really liked having a planned lunch about half the time (and most of our dinners), but we like the signature dining restaurants, and many of those fill up. Don't schedule too many character meals. We did two with DS on his first trip. He liked Cinderella Castle well enough, and the princesses weren't too scary. But the Playhouse Disney meal we expected him to love terrified him. (We went ahead and book the castle again for our May trip, but that's the only one we're going to do then. And that's mostly for us - he doesn't care about princesses, but I loved the photo ops.)

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

first things first... go here...

https://secure.disney.go.com/wdw/myVacation/customizedMaps/index?id=CustomizedMapsFlashPage

well after you figure out exactly what rides you THINK you want to do.
I agree about SWSA (snow white) it was scarey, not good for little ones. We love small world, it is a relaxing boat ride with alot of colors and music.

IF you rent a stroller from the parks bring a blanket to put under their butts as the seats are not really padded. Maybe even a travel pillow in case they do want to nap.
I suggest you get booking on your ADR as they do book up quickly. We liked the crystal palace with WTP characters and liberty tree tavern at the MK

garden grill was our fave at Epcot, didn't care so much for the electric umbrella, there are many better places to choose from than that.

chef mickeys BUT OF COURSE!!!!!!!!!!

hollywood and vine is great, it has Jojo and Little Einsteins. Way fun

If you go to the Whispering canyon cafe in the wilderness lodge be prepared for loads of fun and be sure to ask for ketchup


What resort are you staying at off site? get directions to the parks ahead of time so you can map it out on mapquest before you go. Or better yet you can post the name of it here and the many peeople here can probably help you out with back streets and directions.


Sea world is a great park for the ENTIRE group, alot of hands on activities and Shamus happy harbor is a great place to let the kids run, they have a water fountain area and a rope climb thingy. We love it, every time we go we feed the dolphins, I tried to feed the sting rays once but they freek me out the way they eat

they say that the 2nd parade in the MK is less crowded then the first.
If you stay for the spectromagic parade (which is really pretty) be prepared to sit early and sadly be prepared for people to push and crowd




most of all HAVE fun, do not stress over the small stuff, our one trip I was trying to buckle dd into the stroller and dh said "hun those people want to take a picture" I got all grumpy cause instead of me stepping back for 2 seconds I HAD to get dd buckled in. That almost cost a full day of fun. We learned ALOT from the day. Now it is all eazy as pie.

 

[MinnieMe2DW]

You're all the BEST!! I LOVE THIS BOARD - thank yoU !

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Hey Amy,

I actually responded to one of your other posts about CM or LT earlier. I'm in a similar situation - though bit more crazed in that I'm taking ds - turning 4- for some mommy time. Just the two of us (leaving DH & DD1 behind). Neither have ever been to Disney. I'm a type A planner all the way. Researched everything probably to the point of being silly, but it is in my nature.

On books. I have bought the WDW with Kids, the UnOfficial Guide, Passporters, Birnbaums guide, as well is Birnbaums WDW for Kids - wow, didn't realize I bought that many. Let me say I LOVE UG. He gives honest opinions and includes a lot of reviews. I like the way his book breaks down the rides listing opinions on them as well as table service meals. We are staying on property, so I can say that some things you will be able to skip, but overall, that is a must recommend to me.

The Passporter helps you keep things organized and gives you smaller detail on the same topics. I like this, but if I had to pick only 1, I'd go with UG. I didn't care that much for WDW with Kids. Nothing memorable there. The WDW for Kids, I bought for DS. For us to "prepare" for the trip. There are some rides (which UG tells you specifically what is "scary") so I show him those ride pictures and talk about what we can expect. That way he knows some rides he really won't enjoy ahead of time and we aren't melting down in line because I know that he has a fear of red eyed things, the Tiki room would be a bad idea, but he isn't going to see that outside the attraction sort of thing.

This board is a wonderful thing. People are so helpful - which can only help in your planning!

 

[abcboys]

You'll be there the same time as us. We arrive May 3. Staying at Pop. Will probably do downtown disney that day or just swim.
May 4 is Animal Kingdom day
May 5 Is Magic Kingdom
May 6 no park bfast at chef mickey's at 10:40am
May 7 MGM (Yeah yeah DHS)
May 8 Epcot
May 9 back to Magic Kingdom

I avoided all EMH days. This is our first time going and its a little bit overwhelming. I find myself worrying about stupid stuff (oooh I think Monday is a busy day at MK) My DH says "we are not going to follow any kind of schedule we will just do what we want (which means sleep in till 9)
I told him I want to do the monday magic kingdom opening and be there early. The rest of the park days we don't have to get there right away because the kids will be grumpy. We will have a 9,6, and 2 year old so we will mix in the big rides with the little kid rides. I have a list of the rides in each park that we want to do. See you there!!

 

[MinnieMe2DW]

Hey Amy,

I actually responded to one of your other posts about CM or LT earlier. I'm in a similar situation - though bit more crazed in that I'm taking ds - turning 4- for some mommy time. Just the two of us (leaving DH & DD1 behind). Neither have ever been to Disney. I'm a type A planner all the way. Researched everything probably to the point of being silly, but it is in my nature. Awwwwwwwww that warms my heart that you're going for special mommy time, so sweet.

On books. I have bought the WDW with Kids, the UnOfficial Guide, Passporters, Birnbaums guide, as well is Birnbaums WDW for Kids - wow, didn't realize I bought that many. Let me say I LOVE UG. He gives honest opinions and includes a lot of reviews. I like the way his book breaks down the rides listing opinions on them as well as table service meals. We are staying on property, so I can say that some things you will be able to skip, but overall, that is a must recommend to me.

The Passporter helps you keep things organized and gives you smaller detail on the same topics. I like this, but if I had to pick only 1, I'd go with UG. I didn't care that much for WDW with Kids. Nothing memorable there. The WDW for Kids, I bought for DS. For us to "prepare" for the trip. There are some rides (which UG tells you specifically what is "scary") so I show him those ride pictures and talk about what we can expect. That way he knows some rides he really won't enjoy ahead of time and we aren't melting down in line because I know that he has a fear of red eyed things, the Tiki room would be a bad idea, but he isn't going to see that outside the attraction sort of thing. Great book advice thank you !

This board is a wonderful thing. People are so helpful - which can only help in your planning!

"abcboys wrote:
You'll be there the same time as us. We arrive May 3. Staying at Pop. Will probably do downtown disney that day or just swim.
May 4 is Animal Kingdom day
May 5 Is Magic Kingdom
May 6 no park bfast at chef mickey's at 10:40am
May 7 MGM (Yeah yeah DHS)
May 8 Epcot
May 9 back to Magic Kingdom

I avoided all EMH days B] This is our first time going and its a little bit overwhelming. I find myself worrying about stupid stuff (oooh I think Monday is a busy day at MK) My DH says "we are not going to follow any kind of schedule we will just do what we want (which means sleep in till 9)
I told him I want to do the monday magic kingdom opening and be there early. The rest of the park days we don't have to get there right away because the kids will be grumpy.~ My thoughts exactly, and I worry about all the silly stuff too !!! This is our first time, it has to be perfect, right?!?! We have a 2.5 year old and a 14 month old - oh boy !! We will have a 9,6, and 2 year old so we will mix in the big rides with the little kid rides. I have a list of the rides in each park that we want to do. See you there!!" You betcha - CAN'T WAIT ! Have a great time. You're way more organized than I am. I have no idea what park we're doing on what day yet. I just booked 2 ADR's, so I guess we'll go around that. thanks again !

 

[ashef]

Because of the price structure of WDW tickets, it will be much less expensive for you to spend all your park time at WDW, and not go to Universal and/or Seaworld. Kids under three are admitted to the WDW parks for free. WDW adult non-park hopper tickets for 4 days cost $225.78 and for 7 days cost $233.11. So for $8.00 you get three more WDW park days. (That is without discount; be sure to check out www.mousesavers.com and sign up for the monthly bulletin to get tiny discounts.) Universal Studio tickets are currently $79.99 for unlimited use and SeaWorld advance tickets are $57.95.

If you have 7 day tickets, you can go to Magic Kingdom (or any of the other WDW parks) the day you arrive in Orlando. Even if you don't actually do much in the park that first day, it will be wonderful to walk around and absorb the magic! I can't imagine going to WDW and not going to a park the day we arrive, my family totally looks forward to it.