What to do to get ready for first timers at Disney and the Fort?

[Kellbell3079]

Yes it will be my first time at the FW and Disney. Im 33 - isnt that pathetic. Well Im very organized and like to have everything in order before we go. Any last minute suggestions. We leave June 22 - I know a month away but it will come quickly. Any suggestions will be helpful. We are coming down in a travel trailer. It will be me, my hubby, our 2 girls (4 & 7) and our dachshund. I have had our ressies since January and Im more excited than all of them put together. I guess I want it to be so special and relaxing. I dont want top plan to much that we cant stray from that but want to know what is best for all of us. Also when do you know when the special hours are for the parks? I do want to make a chart of that so we know where to go what day. Thanks for all your help. I love the DIS!

Kelley:
confused3

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Ah - a planner. I like to see that. A successful Disney trip requires it, in my opinion. Be sure to include some down time during the day and maybe a down day during the middle of your vacation. Nothing puts the damper on an otherwise great vacation than cranky kids because they don't have time to rest. In June, it will get hot. That midday break to go back to the camper to give the pooch a walk and jump in the pool will make a big difference. Expect a daily thunder storm. Personally, I don't bother with ponchos - I find them too hot. I also don't let rain stop me from having a good time - I just get soaked and get it over with, then drive on. A mid vacation break to stay around the campsite, ride the boat launch to WL or Contemporary, ride the monorails or go to DTD shopping or a movie is a nice break. We have also done miniature golf, gone to the water parks, ridden bikes, gone to Mouse surplus, etc.

 

[Kellbell3079]

Thanks for the suggestions. We were really going to try to go to the parks in the early morning - back for nap and swimming - then parks or whatever we want after that. Of course we told my oldest that she wasnt going to be able to everything this time. Im sure we will be back soon after our trip. I will be reserving for next year!! I like planning. But with a 4 and 7 year old there is bound to be a breakdown! Again thanks.

 

[proudmomof4]

you can go here http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wd...darHome?id=MKCalendarParkHoursMonthlyViewPage
to view park hours and EMH.

Welcome to the DIS, I am sure you will love FW and have a great time.

We will be there 6/24-7/1, see you at the fort.

 

[CarolinaBlue]

Kelley:
I just wanted to say that I love your name. It's my daughter's name and we spell it the same way.

 

[Tricializ]

Thanks for the suggestions. We were really going to try to go to the parks in the early morning - back for nap and swimming - then parks or whatever we want after that. Of course we told my oldest that she wasnt going to be able to everything this time. Im sure we will be back soon after our trip. I will be reserving for next year!! I like planning. But with a 4 and 7 year old there is bound to be a breakdown! Again thanks.

My youngest 2 are also 4 and 7 and we haven't had a meltdown yet (we go at least once a year). The key is to go on the pace of the weakest in your group and/or split up. Your plan is a good one in terms of when you will hit the parks. We get up and get to the parks when they open so that the cut throat in my group can ride the normally-crowded rides with no line. Then, we are usually walking out of the parks by noon. It is hot and we are ready to eat, swim, rest and relax. We have an early dinner and head back to the parks in the early evening and stay till close. The kids are rested, not too hot or dehydrated and we all get along great. Seriously, it is a great way to do Disney. In terms of planning, get your TT ready as you normally do and then bring lots of money and you will be set. LOLL Seriously though, bring a tote bag for drinks for the parks and pack lots of water. The water fountains at Disney have water that tastes terrible and the price of water is high (especially when you are hot and have to consume a lot). Plan on arriving at least an hour or so before any parade, fantasmic etc. if you want seats. And my favorite advice is this..... (warning; alcohol mentioned). One evening, plan on seeing Illuminations at Epcot. Get a spot by the railing overlooking the lake by Mexico and stop by the margharita stand. The "Fiesta Margharita (kiwi, mango, regular, strawberry layered up the glass) is very good (although pricey). Makes the wait quite nice.

Have a great trip and remember this...

If you can take $500.00 and flush it down the toilet and be ok with it, you are ready for a trip to Disney.

Have a wonderful time.
Tricia

 

[stacktester]

Even though you're organized and all that, just relax and let the magic happen. I rushed my 1st trip at the fort and I regret it. We go 4 times a year and every time we go I just go with the flow. The only day we really hustle is when we go to Animal Kingdom because we like to do Everest 3 times lol. We go straight to it and get a fastpass and then ride once, get off back in line go again, then usually grab a bite to eat and come back later to ride 3rd time. Other than that there is no need to rush.

 

[dblr]

I am sure you will have a a stroller but if not rent a double one as I am sure even a 7 year old will use it when tired and it is alot easier then having to carry them. Plus it will hold your gear, just be careful what you leave in it when you park it,not every one is honest.

 

[fldisneymommyto2]

gone to Mouse surplus, etc.

Where is this??

 

[Kellbell3079]

Kelley:
I just wanted to say that I love your name. It's my daughter's name and we spell it the same way.

Thanks my mom did that and I really like it now but when I was a kid no one ever spelled it right and I would get so mad. Anyway, thank you to all of you about the suggestion that you are giving. We are planning on spending the money not a big deal. Its expected. All in all I want to have a memorable time. Thanks for the fiesta margherita tip. Always up for a drink to ease the wait! Im glad to hear that someone else has a 4 and 7 year old with out a melt down. My girls are pretty good so if we keep it light and have rest here and there I think they will be fine. We already have a catergory 1 seating at the hoop de do revue. Im excited about that. I was talking with a lady yesterday and said that they loved hddr. Does anyone know if they have like arts and crafts or special programs for the kids at the fort? Just asking because everytime we camped at KOAs they have special activities. But being that they are at Disney I didnt know if they did it. Also I heard about BINGO. My daughter loves it and I would love to do that with her. Thanks

Kelley

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Where is this??

http://mousesurplus.com/

 

[ldubberly]

Have a great trip and remember this...

If you can take $500.00 and flush it down the toilet and be ok with it, you are ready for a trip to Disney.


I don't agree with this analogy. Maybe its appropriate when deciding to invest in the stock market or gambling in a casino, but I find that the money spent while in Disney always gives me a valuable return with the memories, bonding with my children and instilling family togetherness that you just can't get anywhere else.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

They do have daily activities over by the Meadows pool, you will find a listing of them along with the movie schedual in the info packet you get at check in.
Take time to read this packet, esp. the bus info, then take time to just ride the bus around to get a feel for things/time to get from A to B ect. Many people think the internal bus system is confusing but if you take a few minutes to figure it out it really is very efficient.

 

[kmccain]

Yes it will be my first time at the FW and Disney. Im 33 - isn't that pathetic. Well Im very organized and like to have everything in order before we go. Any last minute suggestions. We leave June 22 - I know a month away but it will come quickly. Any suggestions will be helpful. We are coming down in a travel trailer. It will be me, my hubby, our 2 girls (4 & 7) and our dachshund. I have had our ressies since January and Im more excited than all of them put together. I guess I want it to be so special and relaxing. I dint want top plan to much that we cant stray from that but want to know what is best for all of us. Also when do you know when the special hours are for the parks? I do want to make a chart of that so we know where to go what day. Thanks for all your help. I love the DIS!

Kelley:
confused :ya:

Don't feel bad, I was your age my first trip to Disney! I stood and balled most of the time to think I finally made it there! It truly is magic!

My kids were about the same age as yours too! We ate a good breakfast and took a snack with us. In the afternoon we came back to the Fort and had a late lunch and relaxed. I alway tried to get my kids to take a nap but they never did, then we went back for a while

Back then strollers weren't as popular as they are now and I did not use one. I see people with strollers now and they are exhausted and their kids are ready to rip! When your kids get tired, you sit down and rest with them! It worked great for us!

I went through a guide book and decided what to see and what to skip for their ages. There just wasn't enought time to do everything. It was easier with a plan.

Hope this helps!

Have a great time!

 

[mommyoeo]

Might I suggest Tour Guide Mike? He has great info on WDW and a money back guarantee is you are not completely pleased. Plus, the folks over there seem to know EVERYTHING!