What should we do while there?

[SweetPeasMom2]

What are some of the things we should plan on? We will have 4 adults and 3 kids - ages 1,3, and 5. The 3 yo is my dd and the 5 is my ds. I definently want to do a character meal, preferrably w/Cinderella, but don't we all . So what are some other musts that we should try to schedule in, especially those that require advanced reservations? We will be there the 2nd week of Oct, staying of site. Thanks.

 

[reginaastralis]

Dinner with Cinderella, while not in the castle, is also held at 1900 Park Fare. It's a buffet, with Cinderella and Prince Charming. The mice come around, and you can meet the Fairy Godmother. We're going in May, so I can't say how it is ... but we're pretty stoked about it. I know they are remodeling 1900, but I don't know the dates. That's something to look into.

Also, while you are there, you should take your dd to see the Little Einsteins, and the other characters from Playhouse Disney at MGM. It's adorable. My daughter was so THRILLED to meet Annie and JOJO, that's all she would talk about.

If your little girl is really into princesses, you have to meet them. It's a must. You can find the Princesses either in Epcot, mostly at the different countries ... but also in the tent in toontown. We waited 45 minutes one day during the summer, but my little girl nearly had a heart attack. Jasmine is usually in Adverntureland at MK or Morrocco in WS.

My friend asked me what in the world we do, since we go all the time. We see the characters a LOT, since it's my daughter's new favorite thing. Buzz would be a huge hit for the five year old, I'm sure. We ride a lot of rides, but Snow White and Haunted Mansion might be a little scary if your 3 year old isn't prepared that they are pretend. It's hard for me to ride Pooh, b/c I really miss Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, but Juliette always wants to go on it. Peter Pan is awesome, and the teacups will be a hit for everyone. Its A Small World, Pooh, and the train around the park are GREAT to get a little one to nap ....

There's really so much to do, I don't think I've even scratched the surface.

 

[mcco5543]

try to see a parade or two! My cousin (3 years old) saw tigger in a parade and got ran out...Tigger started bouncing with him right then and there! priceless! It'll also give the adults a chance to sit for a minute or two!

 

[Tat2ddisneymom]

My kids and I recommend Fantasmic and Disney Quest. Fantasmic is awesome and the kids found a lot to do in Disney Quest.

 

[disney_fan_fam]

Definately see Turtle Talk with Crush! My kids LOVED it!

 

[Perditamarie]

What a fun trip to plan and Oct shouldn't be too hot or busy !!

* definately iron out your dining plans and make ADRs so you can get in early enough for the kids. We did CRT last year and it was magical and although expensive, the photo package was very nice and the princesses were fantastic and the Fairy Godmother was a hoot.

* are you going to MNSSHP? get tickets in advance and maybe plan a clever group costume.

* collecting autographs -- super fun to meet and take pics w/ the characters..this takes time, so plan accordingly. Let the kids warm up if you think they will be intimidated by the characters: A character meal at the beginning of the trip may do the trick. We made our own autograph books, which was a great project as we whiled away the time until Disney.

* collect pressed pennies -- all over the World! For .51 cents you can get a penny with a Disney image smooshed into it. My kids loved it and I think they thought they were making their own money! Disboard tip is to fill the mini m&m tubes with stacks of 2 quarters and 1 penny so you are prepared the penny press hunt.

* be aware of photopass -- since you are a largish group it may make sense to take advantage of this and plan on purchasing the photopass picture CD, and get a bunch of pics done w/the photopass staff. If your group splits up, everyones photo cards can be linked, and even rides like Test Track (not sure about others) can be linked to photopass.

* At Epcot, the kidcot fun stops are a lot of fun and give the kids a project to do at each country in World showcase, as well as a few stops in Future world. They end up with a nifty souvenir ( a mask that they color and then they collect a hang tag from each country, representing something from that country).

* At AK don't miss the Festival of the Lion King show -- it may seem long on paper, but is totally entertaining from beginning to end. The Nemo show is pretty nice too, but if you can only do one, do FOTLK. Also, the Boneyard playground is a super place to run around.

* At MGM the kids will love Playhouse Disney, the Honey I shrunk the kids playground, Beauty and the Beast. The stunt car show is also great (long,though, so bring drinks/snacks).

* At MK, just about everything is spectacular.

* If you go to Downtown Disney, check out the building stations at the Lego Store. The kids will enjoy lego therapy and you can relax with a coffee!

* bring earplugs for all -- many shows are very, very loud.

Have a great trip!

 

[DisneyMimi]

Chef Mickey's @ the CR is a MUST in our books! WE love it! We've gone to several character meals but ALWAYS go to Chef Mikey's ...we also like the breakfast better than dinner. We usually book it the first morning we arrive so the kids (and now grandkids) get to see and have the pictures with Mikey, Minnie, Pluto,...and usually Chip and Dale and of course Donald. This year we are trying something different...we are going to save Chef Mickey until our departure day!

Have a WDW day!