What to do with DS-3 and DD-10mo?

[megan&joeysmommy]

Our trip to WDW in Sept. may be a once in a lifetime trip for us and we want to do all that we can in the 6 park days that we have. What would you recommend for these ages as far as HAVE to see/do and DO NOT do at all? I'm most concerned with parades, night shows, fireworks, etc. We pretty much know about which rides we want to do, but are there any that we'll all be able to go on? Are there any trip reports around for families with these ages?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[Boo Mc]

I'd plan on 2 days at MK if I were you. I think it's the best park for those ages and the kids will be able to go on many of the rides. Beware of Goofy's Barnstormer - it's fast and doesn't have great restraints (but our kids love it) so hold on to the kids on that one. Many rides at MK (Dumbo, Snow white, Pooh, SW, TTA, Jungle Cruise, Pirates, Train, Carousel, Tom Sawyer, Steamboat, Buzz, etc.) you'll be able to all go on. Our kids love the parades. The show in front of the castle and Belle's Storytime are also big hits. Second choice for young kids would be AK. Again, hold on during the safari! Lion King and Tarzan shows are great and younger ones like the Pocahontas show. Also, the playground in Dinoland is fun. At that age, I think MGM could be a half day since many things they'll be too small or too young for. See Playhouse Disny, Mermaid, maybe Muppets if they're in to that. Fantasmic is great but I might not sit too close to the water as the fire scares some little ones. If you go to Epcot, see the chinese acrobats (kids), the living statues and each country has characters - just ask the CM's where they are - the lines are usually very short. See Food Rocks and the Living Seas (can't think of what else right now). Hope that helps - Have fun!!

 

[HeatherC]

Hi - As far as the parades go, my kids (4, 6, and 2) loved the one at AK (Jammin Jungle Parade) and the one at MGM. They were actually bored at the one at MK. With this in mind....we hit the rides we wanted during parade time at MK. Just an idea.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but if this is really the only time you will ever go to WDW, and there is not a special reason you are going now, I think I would wait a few years. Now if you will go back, I do belive that a trip at your toddlers ages can be magical. For a one time trip however, I would wait.

For a trip with little ones, I would not try to do too much and enjoy everything that you do. Naps or rest times will be needed most days. There are many, many rides that all of you can do together. Anything without a height restriction is fine for even the little one. Their are many show that they will enjoy too. A caution about the 3-D movies being scary. The MK parade and the AK parade in my opinion are the best for little ones.The fireworks are wonderful but are also very loud for little ears. A distance viewing area such as the polly beach might be an idea. Character meals are a toss up for toddlers. If you think yours will not be afaid of them, they are a great way to meet the characters with out lines.

Just go slow, take things as they come and have a blast...


Jordans'mom

 

[megan&joeysmommy]

Jordan's Mom--We debated and debated over whether to go now or in a few years, but decided that with the FTP we could afford to go. In a few years, we'd have to buy tickets for the baby too and it would be too much for us to be able to do. Coming from SD, our plane tickets alone cost more than what we usually do for vacation. Anyways... What I was wondering is can just anyone go to the Poly beach to watch the fireworks? We're staying at ASMo, but we'd love to see some of the other resorts if time permits.

 

[BevS97]

yes, you can visit any of the resorts, and watch the fireworks from the beach at the poly.

and I bet this once in a lifetime trip turns into the first of many! We went 2 years ago for a once in a lifetime trip, and are currently planning our third....

Bev

 

[megan&joeysmommy]

Will it be harder to return to ASMo from the Poly beach?

Bev-Do you think the other night shows are worth trying to see with DS-3 and DD-10mo? I really wanted to see Spectromagic, but I don't think it's going when we're there. Fantasmic and Illuminations are happening most nights, but I'm not sure I want everyone up late that many nights. And I don't know if it's worth the extra time it would probably take to get out afterward. What do you think?

 

[Jordan's MOM]

megan&joey's mom,

You will enjoy the ASMo resort. There is a really cute kiddy pool that is perfect for little ones. We have stayed at the allstars in the past and been happy. We have it book for this year but were hopping for a code for a deluxe this year but have just about decided to stay there and have more money for something else.
The best way to get to and from the Polly, or any monorail resort is to take the bus to the MK and then to catch the monorail to the resort.
We have found the ASMo bus service very good and even though we drive. We never move our car the whole trip. We were a little afraid about taking the bus places like Fort Wildernes or down town Disney, we always kept in the back if our head that if worse came to worse, we would just get a taxie. We have never had to do that so far.
The night show are such a toss up for little ones. At 3, my DS went to bed at like 7:30 or 8:00 and even with a nap, was not a happy child by that time. If yours are used to staying up latter, or if naptime gets pushed way back at WDW, I would give it a shot.

When we go in Dec. or Jan. , Spetro is only on one or twice a week so we have missed it. Sept. may have more times and be easier to see. We love Fantasmic and you 3 year should like it but we were with a family that's one year old cried over the noise.

Even if you miss some things, there are so many great things for little ones that you will have a blast.

Jordan's mom