What type of stategy for first timer

[CAJUNBLAZE]

We are going on Sept9-15th, I have planned all of our adrs and plan to hit all 4 parks on the first four days. I have a small girl age 4. Should we plan the rides ahead of time or should we just take our time and enjoy the sites and ride the rides we can. My 10 year old son will want to ride every ride! We are also going to MNSSHP on sept 14th. I have heard all kind of strategies for getting to ride the best rides first, but with a four year old, I dont want to be running around to different sides of the park. Boy I thought I was confused with adrs!

 

[donna in Oz]

I'd highly recommend that you plan out your park touring in at least some regard. Decide what your "must-see" attractions are, and sketch out a good plan to accomplish those attractions with the least amount of wait time.

Playing it by ear, although more casual and leisurely, can cost you a great portion of your time by standing in line too long. Understand FastPass, and use it to your advantage. Keep in mind that as you wait in line, the lines are building at other attractions all over the park. Saving footsteps can cost you hours!

With smaller children, long lines can quickly lead to loss of patience and a melt-down!

 

[CAJUNBLAZE]

Is this a busy time of year with the free dining? I have seen the sites stating it usually is not a busy time of the year, but with free dining?

 

[Gary M]

I have found that if you get to the parks at opening and go to the most popular rides first, you can do several attractions before the crowds start coming in. As mentioned use FP's also. Fantasyland at the MK gets real busy late morning, so I would start there when you are at MK.

 

[Carrie772]

If you want to just take in the sights, definately arrive 30 minutes before the park opens. There will be plenty to see before the gate opens, don't worry about that.

That way you can be one of the first to arrive and encounter shorter lines at least for the first hour. We have completely toured fantasy land in the first hour many times.

Once that is done, fast passes are your friend. Always have a set in your hand.

That is my best advice. Oh, and have a great time!!!

 

[TxRabbit]

Questions :

1. Do you have hopper passes?
2. Are you planning to hit the parks at rope drop?
3. What nighttime entertainment do you want to see?
4. Which resort are you staying at?
5. What are your must see attractions in the parks?

 

[44disney]

If your party includes 2 adults, you may want to consider splitting up for awhile, perhaps allowing your son to go on the thrill rides (which get long lines as the day goes on) right away while someone else takes your daughter on some of the kiddie rides.

I totally agree with arriving at the park prior to opening, and always having a fast pass. You will spend a lot less time in line this way.

Have fun!

 

[iluveeyore]

My Dsis is taking her youngest son with her in-laws in mid-june this year, and a few good tips I found for her with a young one (he is 5) for the parks to pack is:
1) disney stickers (dollar store) to entertain him and any young ones around for parade/long lines/melt-downs
2) small bottles of bubbles (dollar store) same reason as #1
3) mister fan - for hot days and also entertainment value
4) band-aids - get Disney themed ones (found at Walmart) - you never know when a sudden run for a character ends up with scraped knees!
5) glow sticks/bracelet/necklaces (dollar store) - at night for fireworks/shows, always a godsend to whip out your dollar store surprises when the vendors go by with their flashing carts full of expensive toys!
6) mid-day rests/pool breaks are great for young kids' moods and re-energizing, especially for EMH or fireworks that are must-sees
Have a great trip!

 

[CLEO Z]

Get there early is the best reccomendation I can make. Plan a mid day break/swim if you are on site.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned but I stongly suggest: Take a couple of Pull Ups with you. My DD went when she was newly four. She had been potty trained for about 2 years so we did not anticipate any problems. Unfortunately, she had "accidents" during the night for the first time in a long time. I think it was because she was so tired out at the end of the day that she didn't wake up when the "urge" hit her. After her wetting the bed two nights in a row, we got a couple of pull ups from my DSIL.

Also, don't be surprised if she is frightened by the loudness of some attractions. You may want to bring some soft foam ear plugs (for you too!). Introduce her to them ahead of time. It is shocking to me how ear-splittingly loud everything is.

Don't forget to bring a princess dress to wear for a character diner with The Princesses. Best is CRT, but there are many other places to see them. This was the highlight of my daughter's trip.

Have a blast!

 

[CAJUNBLAZE]

1. Do you have hopper passes?
2. Are you planning to hit the parks at rope drop?
3. What nighttime entertainment do you want to see?
4. Which resort are you staying at?
5. What are your must see attractions in the parks?
Answers:
1. yes
2. yes
3. fireworks, parades, and rides.(basically everything)
4. POFQ
5. Dont know9once again basically everything)

ps we will have the last day to hit a park again, Friday we will be at MK for second time due to MNSSHP.

 

[jcpuppy.com]

With the dates you are going I wouldn't worry too much. You should be able to do all the rides many times..the worst wait will be peter pan

 

[RllngRckBrw]

I know much of what I am about to say is repeat, but I can tell you what it is that we always do. We plan what attractions we absolutely must see and group each area of the park to accomplish those rides. When we do this though, we always leave space for us to be able to relax or to catch something on an impulse. (If you plan this well enough you can even be at the same area of the park as your ADR's are at around mealtime.) I dont know if this is anything groundbreaking but I hope it helps.

 

[Tam1067]

Everyone has given great advice. Here's some more. The smartest thing I've done is buy the Unofficial Guide. It includes touring plans to help you move through the parks and avoid lines. It also gives tons of background information and helpful advice if you want to have a good vacation. We always go in the crowded summer, so we're used to crowds, but we haven't had to wait in lines because we really do follow the advice in the book.

 

[The Mick]

I'd highly recommend that you plan out your park touring in at least some regard. Decide what your "must-see" attractions are, and sketch out a good plan to accomplish those attractions with the least amount of wait time.

Playing it by ear, although more casual and leisurely, can cost you a great portion of your time by standing in line too long. Understand FastPass, and use it to your advantage. Keep in mind that as you wait in line, the lines are building at other attractions all over the park. Saving footsteps can cost you hours!

With smaller children, long lines can quickly lead to loss of patience and a melt-down!

This is a great post. Great suggestions. If you only have 1 day for each park, and especially if you have small children, you MUST plan out the rides that are the MUST rides, then plan around those. Get a fastpass for the ride you want to ride most, then move onto your #2 ride, etc.

And if there are any parks with morning Extra Magic Hours going during that time, definitely take advantage and use it.