What have we done? First trip with kids...

[dizneegirl]

DH and I are seasoned Disney-goers.

We've decided to take our niece (5) & nephew (8) to Disney World, without their parents, before school starts at the end of August.

The nephew was there once when he was 4 (with us and his parents), the niece was a baby at the time. So it will basically be all new for both of them.

So... although we're usually the people other people ask "what should we do while we're at Disney", I'm asking you. What, besides rides (think we've got those down pat!) and character meals (not in the budget, picky eaters, and we're not sure how the niece is going to do with suited characters) - what must we do with 5 & 8 year olds?

DH has decided Epcot will probably be an every evening sort of thing, so he/we can relax a little. We played the Phineas & Ferb game when it was Kim Possible - the kids would probably like that. But other than that, I know nothing about the Kidcot stuff. I've seen kids in Epcot with the Duffy and Agent P "puppets" they color - is that all there is to it?

What about the new wilderness badges at Animal Kingdom?

I want to make sure we take into account them waiting in hot, boring lines, too. We'll do what we can FP+ wise, and watch crowds and wait times, but there's not much we can do with the time of year we have to go. Any good suggestions on how to keep them quiet, happy and amused in line (other than electronics - which will be aunt d's last resort)?

We'll be sure to have snacks to keep that blood sugar level, we'll keep us all hydrated, and have some down time here and there (and make use of long, cool rides and shows as necessary!). Anything else we should keep in mind?

They're good kids (most of the time), and we all love spending time together, so DH and I are really looking forward to it. But when I think about what we're actually taking on... LOL.

 

[InTheWick]

My boys are 6 and 4 and they really, really liked Kidcot. At each country, you get a "passport" stamp and they write the boys' names in the native language of the country. Kidcot stations are usually in the back of the country too so we got to see a lot of the stuff that we would normally be apprehensive about bringing two young children to. It was a win-win for our family.

Another idea is pin trading... my six year old really likes trading pins with CM's. We're going back in August and he is already deciding on what pins he is keeping and which he is willing to trade this time around.

 

[dprincessmom]

You could do socerer's of the Magic Kingdom - Free, not a lot of time involved to play an "epiosode" and again a Free souvie for the kids - they can take the cards home. Each person gets a pack a day.

For waiting in line - pick up a hidden Mickey book. My DD and I also like to play a guess the movie game - 3 clues and you have to guess the name of the movie - you can make it as hard or easy as you need it - example Balloon, boy, adventure (the easy guess is Up but the harder version would be the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh). You could do movies, characters whatever is easiest for the kids.

Also, just talk to them about the day. What are you looking forward to later today, what was your favorite thing we did this morning.

 

[lroger01]

I think the biggest thing is to keep in mind the kids don't know how much it all costs. They just know they are tired, feet hurt, are hot and sweaty, must keep still, etc. At the pool they are not any of those things, and have fewer "rules" to follow. This I believe is the reason why kids always want to go back to the pool.

The 8 year-old is old enough to understand that this might be a one-time visit. Get some agreement with him that the seeing "Disney" and doing the things he can ONLY do there, is the priority. Things they can do at home, like swimming will be enjoyed but aren't the priority.

Work together with them to ensure everyone is comfortable. Fans (small, regular ones are fine), stroller or wheelchair (my parents used that when we were older [no DAS]) and snacks, are all things to consider. If possible go on practice trips to the zoo or a festival to get an idea of the kids touring style and ways to keep them happily going.

Since you've been multiple times, consider letting the kids lead the way. It can be a lot of fun for everyone.

And lastly, figure out how you'll handle "fair". If you buy one kid a snack, toy, or special, will the other get it too? I like treating each kid as an individual and getting them the extras that best fits them, even if it means the other goes without for the moment. I just did this with my nieces. You'll get a weird look the first time someone gets something the other doesn't, but once they understand, they'll like it.

 

[Aurora0427]

DH and I are seasoned Disney-goers.

We've decided to take our niece (5) & nephew (8) to Disney World, without their parents, before school starts at the end of August.

The nephew was there once when he was 4 (with us and his parents), the niece was a baby at the time. So it will basically be all new for both of them.

So... although we're usually the people other people ask "what should we do while we're at Disney", I'm asking you. What, besides rides (think we've got those down pat!) and character meals (not in the budget, picky eaters, and we're not sure how the niece is going to do with suited characters) - what must we do with 5 & 8 year olds?

DH has decided Epcot will probably be an every evening sort of thing, so he/we can relax a little. We played the Phineas & Ferb game when it was Kim Possible - the kids would probably like that. But other than that, I know nothing about the Kidcot stuff. I've seen kids in Epcot with the Duffy and Agent P "puppets" they color - is that all there is to it?

What about the new wilderness badges at Animal Kingdom?

I want to make sure we take into account them waiting in hot, boring lines, too. We'll do what we can FP+ wise, and watch crowds and wait times, but there's not much we can do with the time of year we have to go. Any good suggestions on how to keep them quiet, happy and amused in line (other than electronics - which will be aunt d's last resort)?

We'll be sure to have snacks to keep that blood sugar level, we'll keep us all hydrated, and have some down time here and there (and make use of long, cool rides and shows as necessary!). Anything else we should keep in mind?

They're good kids (most of the time), and we all love spending time together, so DH and I are really looking forward to it. But when I think about what we're actually taking on... LOL.

My only advice is to be flexible. Your husbands plans of Epcot every night may not be what works best for the kids, or it may be! We love doing a table service meal once per day with our little one, because it provides a respite from the heat and massive stimulation.

 

[revdon64]

If you're going in August I cannot stress these two words enough - FROG TOGGS! We bought them for our last trip in August of 2013 (actually they were called "the perfect towel" from Costco), and we wouldn't have survived the week without them. I'm diabetic and easily dehydrated/exhausted, and wearing one of these things around my neck kept my energy up all day. Completely worth the investment.

 

[dizneegirl]

DH thought maybe while we were in line we'd look at maps, and decide what they thought they'd like to see (or see again). Great idea on the hidden Mickey book... I think I actually have one! And games are perfect.

DH has also decided each kid will get x amount of Disney money to spend for the week. They can use it for special snacks or souvenirs, and will be involved with keeping track of how much they've spent, and how much is left. He figures that (a) it's a great way to give a lesson in money, budgeting, etc., and (b) it takes care of the "I wants" and "no fair" - if one or the other doesn't want to spend money on something, they can't complain about not getting it. Of course, it may just be a great theory. We're also going to take pics of them with the stuff they buy. Will be a good reminder for them of what they've bought, and I plan on making photo books to chronicle the trip for them. Did that when they were little, since I figured the 4-year-old wouldn't remember, and knew the baby wouldn't. Our niece still *loves* the book.

I'm hoping since we're pretty relaxed about touring, we can lead them through the first few days, and then let them take the lead. It's not like we feel we have to get everything in, or make them do everything. I'm also hoping that we can avoid the pool as much as possible. Their parents take them to Great Wolf and those sorts of places, so the just-Disney stuff is definitely a priority for me to have them experience. I have a feeling once they get there and start riding, we'll probably be OK there, though.

Hopefully the older one will enjoy the bigger rides... he's a little more timid than his little sister. Pretty sure they're both big enough for anything/everything, though!

 

[soniam]

Our son loves World Showcase, even at 6. He really likes the model train in Germany and the shops in Japan. The Agent P game is a blast, but watch what time it ends since you will be at Epcot in the evening. The pressed pennies, especially for the countries, are fun and cheap. Pennycollector.com has a good list.

Most important is to take breaks, probably in the afternoon. Young kids get hot and tired easily. DS really loves to go for a swim, even if it's just for an hour. Know that you won't get to do everything, and that's ok.

 

[MYD714]

I've taken my niece when she was 5 and when she was 8. My fingers are crossed for another trip next year when she is 10. We've had so much fun.

DH and I spend the majority of our time in Epcot, but I don't think I would plan on it every night with my niece. She loved everything about Epcot, but I wouldn't have wanted her to miss Wishes, MSEP, or the Frozen fireworks at HS. She loved them.

We took her to one TS a day. It was nice to get out of the heat, and we chose places that had fun atmosphere (50s PT, Scifi, Ohana, BOG, etc).

Last year we stayed at CBR and she loved the pool slide. She wanted to swim a lot that week because August is so hot, so we went back to the pool during the day twice and we did the pool two nights after the park. It was a good compromise and it was a nice cool down. We don't typically spend time at the pool because we have one at home, but we love resting in the resort pool at the end of the night.

I had her watch the planning videos and I talked about the trip a lot prior to going. I asked her a lot of questions to help me decide the best use of FP+ for her. I plan like crazy, but I always go with the flow once we are there.

Have fun planning! I'm sure it'll be a great trip no matter what.

 

[LoveThatMouse!]

In response to title of your thread... 'What have we done?'
You have done something magical and very generous!
You and your DH are amazing.
Have a wonderful time!

 

[Cndrsgrl]

Sounds like you should have a good time and makes some very special memories. I know kids that age think they've outgrown naps but a trip back to the resort to "relax" will help them last longer in the evenings. Hopefully it will also reduce the chances of a child having a breakdown. When we would stay at the campground, my sister and I always took our kids back for the afternoon. We told them they didn't have to sleep but to just rest. It helped so much..

 

[glss1/2fll]

When our boys were little (before electronics!) for waits in line we had a little etch-a-sketch thingy and tiny bottles of bubbles. Our kids loved the bubbles and so did the other kids in line. Don't know if they still have the transportation cards, but one of our guys loved collecting them from the drivers.

 

[Crystal824]

I can't advise you too much with the 8 year old, but have an almost 5 year old girl (she will turn 5 this week). I can tell you what she loved at Disney last May. I don't mention too many rides here because you seem to have that covered, but there are the things my almost 5 year old loved.

MK: Meeting Anna and Elsa (not sure if you got a FP+ for that, if not it might be too late but it was a highlight for her), the 7DMT, Enchanted Tales with Belle (we did this 3 times on this trip-until she was finally picked to be Beast- she wanted to dance with Belle-); the 3 pm parade ; and ELP.

Epcot: She loved the Nemo ride, Figment and the kidcot stops. Surprisingly, she did not care for the Phineas and Ferb Adventure. We did the Mexico one. While she finished it, she said she didn't really like it that much and didn't want to do another. I thought it was cute. She also liked playing in the fountains at Epcot.

DHS: She loved interacting with the Streetsmosphere /Citizens of Hollywood people. My daughter didn't do it, but they might like to do Jedi Training. My daughter said she wanted to do Jedi Training, but when she saw the line to sign up (it was so hot that day)...she decided she didn't. You have to get there at rope drop to do this. We had an pre rope drop seating at Hollywood and Vine. We got to the signup area around 9:15. The people getting in line then were to be in the last show so while we would have made it for the last show at 9:15 signup but barely. She also loved meeting the Disney Jr. characters especially Sofia and Doc. McStuffins.

AK- My daughter loved Wilderness Explorers adventure. She loved going around collecting the badges. She also liked the Dinothemed playground. She also liked Nemo and Festival of the Lion King (try to get there early- the kids might get to be in the show).

 

[Micca]

I love the suggestions here so far, well done. Dizneegirl please let us know your progress and how the trip turns out.

 

[wdwpracticalprincess]

You are the best aunt and uncle ever!!!

 

[grecorj]

We took our kids at 6.5 and 8.5 years old, so very close to the ages of your niece/nephew. The 6.5yo did get tired once in a while from the heat/from walking so much, but nothing a cold drink or treat couldn't solve. The best part is they will be zonked at the end of the day -- no worries about getting them to sleep at night! And kids are usually morning people at that age -- they'll be getting you out of bed to the parks early!

I was surprised at how much my kids liked Epcot at that age. But they did the Kidcot thing as well as Kim Possible and loved both things. While they are doing the Kidcot stop the grown ups can take turns shopping (or sitting!).

I don't know where you're staying, but take a boat from MK to one of the resorts -- to us the different modes of transportation are such a part of the whole Dis experience! Even the railroad at MK is fun!

 

[ammag]

What a cool thing you are doing! I'd definitely ask them to pick a few things in each park that they HAVE to do and try to make sure to do those things, the they will feel satisfied and had a little control over their day. Make sure they drink a lot of water, my daughter got heat sickness on our first trip at 5 and threw up, needed a cold bathwe forgot to keep her hydrated and maybe did too much on a very hot day.

Find out their usual bed time and see if you're able to stay somewhat close to it? Might not work for you, but it helps my kids, whether we rest in the afternoon or not. If you have a late ngiht see if you can have a little sleep in the next morning. Then again most kids get up very early regardless!

Make sure they know what the snack and dessert situation is...if they can have anything,if their parents are picky about what they eat etc. Some kids see the hundreds of sweets and have fite when they can't have them! I guess what I am saying is try to keep within their normal life a bit, going completely crazy with bedtime, sweets,etc. Is fun for a day or two but then their behavior ght be not so fun. Depends on the kids!

 

[juliekzp]

Coolest aunt and uncle ever! My kids are close to those ages, and I recommend:

(1) stroller for the 5-year-old (and I bet the 8-year-old will hop on occasionlly too, I know mine does). She probably doesn't use a stroller anymore otherwise, but Disneu is a different story, and a little rest for her legs and shade for her head will make a huge difference, especially in the heat. Rental prices are very reasonable at Orlando Stroller Rentals and other places.

(2) rest time back at the hotel mid-afternoon, when it's hottest

(3) be willing to split up. My girls (3 and 8) and boy (6) have very different Disney preferences, so we split up for at least a couple hours every day, and it keeps everyone happy.

 

[merina888]

If you're going in August I cannot stress these two words enough - FROG TOGGS! We bought them for our last trip in August of 2013 (actually they were called "the perfect towel" from Costco), and we wouldn't have survived the week without them. I'm diabetic and easily dehydrated/exhausted, and wearing one of these things around my neck kept my energy up all day. Completely worth the investment.

Thank you for the reminder about Frog Toggs. We are going the end of August and I wanted to buy some for my daughter with a heart issue to help her stay cool (she doesn't do well with extremes of temperature).

 

[Heidi K]

Good for you! When I was about that age, my aunt & uncle took me trick-or-treating (we didn't usually go with our parents) and I still remember it as a highlight of my childhood. I can only imagine if they had taken me to Disney World . . .

Definitely plan some pool time at your hotel! This was a highlight for our kids last summer (ages 2, 5, 8) And their favorite rides were the water ones--Kali and Splash. Rode each one four times.

They LOVED Jedi Training and the 8-year-old really enjoyed the Agent P adventures.

It sounds silly but our kids love "school" type games while waiting in line. Math problems--addition for 5 year old, times table for 8 year old; spelling/rhyming words; each person add a line to a story. No electronics needed

Go to the bathroom about twice as often as you think they need to. And when one person goes, everyone goes.

Since you're not their parents, you might want to set up some discipline guidelines as well. Tell them in advance--these are our expectations for you, this is how we'll handle it when you don't meet those expectations. (One of ours was, if you're miserable to be around, you sit out the next ride. We only had to do it once with our 5 year old, and he missed Pirates of the Caribbean. He doesn't remember, but my husband and I still feel a little guilty that he missed it!)