NotSoEvilStepmother
*Not a real stepmother*
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2008
- Messages
- 445
Hello there! I've been lurking on this PTR for a few days and I decided to finally stick my nose in.
I'm a Disneyland native as well (although we don't own AP's--we've been enough times that we should have gotten them). My family had our first trip to the World last July and let me just say, it's nothing like you expect it to be. It's so much better. So, so much more than you expect. It's crazy. Your plans look really good, I must say. You seem to have plenty of relaxing time in there which is pretty good because Disney World can be really overstimulating to any age. I would suggest (and this is only my opinion) spending some time in EPCOT. If your boys are into thrills, most of Future World is definately for them. And I could spend days exploring World Showcase. It's just beautiful. And, the number of days at Magic Kingdom... It just really depends on how you're planning to tour. If you don't want to see any of the same things that are at Disneyland, there's still quite a few things to explore. And remember that, in Disney, no two attractions are alike. Many of the "same" rides between Magic Kingdom on either coast, have some remarkable differences that make them all the more enjoyable. DTD is a theme park sized area on its own and should be taken in a relaxed manner, most definately. If you want to go for a while on your first day, I'd suggest going back in the middle or last day of the trip.
Unfortunately, I can't answer your questions about DME because I've never stayed onsite, but if you want to know whether or not you can leave earlier than 3 hours before your flight, I would suggest e-mailing Disney via the WDW website or asking the kind ladies (and gentleman) on the Disney Mom's Panel. I wouldn't be too worried about not making it to your gate on time if leaving 3 hours early (lines are on again off again and vary each day) but occasionally, some things do happen.
And as for books, I would most definately suggest The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. You can either buy or simply take it out of your local library. It's bulky, but worth it's weight in gold, giving all sorts of tips and tricks. It also has great touring plans which you can use to your advantage but if you're going for relaxed, the plans don't allow much room for that. There are all sorts of different books out there--Birnbaum's and any of the Unofficial WDW guides (there's about 5). Anything helps really. As does reading trip reports here on the DIS.
But, of course, the most important thing of a Disney vacation--have fun, take pictures, laugh, and breathe.
I'm a Disneyland native as well (although we don't own AP's--we've been enough times that we should have gotten them). My family had our first trip to the World last July and let me just say, it's nothing like you expect it to be. It's so much better. So, so much more than you expect. It's crazy. Your plans look really good, I must say. You seem to have plenty of relaxing time in there which is pretty good because Disney World can be really overstimulating to any age. I would suggest (and this is only my opinion) spending some time in EPCOT. If your boys are into thrills, most of Future World is definately for them. And I could spend days exploring World Showcase. It's just beautiful. And, the number of days at Magic Kingdom... It just really depends on how you're planning to tour. If you don't want to see any of the same things that are at Disneyland, there's still quite a few things to explore. And remember that, in Disney, no two attractions are alike. Many of the "same" rides between Magic Kingdom on either coast, have some remarkable differences that make them all the more enjoyable. DTD is a theme park sized area on its own and should be taken in a relaxed manner, most definately. If you want to go for a while on your first day, I'd suggest going back in the middle or last day of the trip.
Unfortunately, I can't answer your questions about DME because I've never stayed onsite, but if you want to know whether or not you can leave earlier than 3 hours before your flight, I would suggest e-mailing Disney via the WDW website or asking the kind ladies (and gentleman) on the Disney Mom's Panel. I wouldn't be too worried about not making it to your gate on time if leaving 3 hours early (lines are on again off again and vary each day) but occasionally, some things do happen.
And as for books, I would most definately suggest The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. You can either buy or simply take it out of your local library. It's bulky, but worth it's weight in gold, giving all sorts of tips and tricks. It also has great touring plans which you can use to your advantage but if you're going for relaxed, the plans don't allow much room for that. There are all sorts of different books out there--Birnbaum's and any of the Unofficial WDW guides (there's about 5). Anything helps really. As does reading trip reports here on the DIS.
But, of course, the most important thing of a Disney vacation--have fun, take pictures, laugh, and breathe.
Welcome back!
Your packing list looks good...I think by april the weather will be nicer than it is now but I'm hoping it will get better by the 21st when we leave!
so sad!! 
