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Posted on 8/7/23 at 7:29 am to LSUfan4444
By in large the success of your trip won't be in what you do and where you eat but rather how you do it. I understand that for many, Disney is not a multiple time ting so they want to get the most out of the one or two times they go so it forces undue pressure to make everything the best.
There is no age too young for WDW especially since they are free under the age of 3. You, your wife and your family should not just leave kids at home because they don't remember it or be able to do Space Mnt. Disney World is the greatest resort destination in the world and caters to young kids (of all ages) and it's an incredible place to take a vacation with young kids, expose them to traveling, different environments, plane or long car rides, etc.
So jut be realistic in your planning and if you're going to make a bunch of table service dining reservations, be okay with paying the no show fee if the kid isn't feeling it. Don't try to force a square peg in a round hole with a certain "must do", "must eat" or "must see".
Leave your schedule and plan with the most flexibility as possible. The biggest failures from people with small kids are the ones forcing one thing or another with a schedule that's too rigid or a family member unwilling to change plans at any moment. There is no meal or attraction worth a day ending melt-down.
The character interaction you'll get in the parks at the meet & greets is light years better ahead of what you'll get at character dining, it's already included with the price of your ticket, most of the waits are indoors in the ac, you get to pick when you want to do it based on when the kid is awake and feeling good and it can easily be done with one parent at a time should you need to.
Take your time and value your trip based on the quality of things you do and not just the quantity. Enjoy the dark rides, look at the detail in the queues, snack alot, when the kids eats eats then you guys eat, etc.
There is no age too young for WDW especially since they are free under the age of 3. You, your wife and your family should not just leave kids at home because they don't remember it or be able to do Space Mnt. Disney World is the greatest resort destination in the world and caters to young kids (of all ages) and it's an incredible place to take a vacation with young kids, expose them to traveling, different environments, plane or long car rides, etc.
So jut be realistic in your planning and if you're going to make a bunch of table service dining reservations, be okay with paying the no show fee if the kid isn't feeling it. Don't try to force a square peg in a round hole with a certain "must do", "must eat" or "must see".
Leave your schedule and plan with the most flexibility as possible. The biggest failures from people with small kids are the ones forcing one thing or another with a schedule that's too rigid or a family member unwilling to change plans at any moment. There is no meal or attraction worth a day ending melt-down.
The character interaction you'll get in the parks at the meet & greets is light years better ahead of what you'll get at character dining, it's already included with the price of your ticket, most of the waits are indoors in the ac, you get to pick when you want to do it based on when the kid is awake and feeling good and it can easily be done with one parent at a time should you need to.
Take your time and value your trip based on the quality of things you do and not just the quantity. Enjoy the dark rides, look at the detail in the queues, snack alot, when the kids eats eats then you guys eat, etc.
This post was edited on 8/7/23 at 7:51 am
Posted on 8/7/23 at 7:55 am to TheJunction
quote:
We’ll defiantly consider doing this - our little girl would absolutely love it for sure. Just worried about being out so late haha. I think though, if we did decide to go, we’d do the park in the AM then take a nice chunk of the afternoon off to to go nap and relax and then go back later.
We are going to Parks in late September. We are doing a 4 day pass but its a special where you can only go to each park once.
We normally do MK twice though. So we got halloween party tickets to get to go to MK for another day.
2 things on that:
1) With the Halloween ticket you get access into MK at 4PM. The Halloween party doesnt start till 7. So one of our break days is going to be our Halloween party day So maybe grab lunch at Disney Springs then you get 8 hours in MK. I personally wouldnt do a park in AM then do Halloween party.
2) The LOWEST crowd level days at MK are on halloween party days. So we planned our MK day on one of the other halloween party days. You are able to stay until 6PM. But also if you make a dinner reservation at 5:45 or even 6PM (we did Skipper Canteen and LOVED it) you can go to dinner then they will actually escort you out of the park afterwards. But you get to stay slightly later. Only negative is you miss the normal MK firework show. Still worth it though
Posted on 8/7/23 at 8:14 am to GatorReb
The biggest mistake we made the 1st time was reservations for every meal
The second time we had none and it was way better to be spontaneous and eat when we wanted. Never had an issue getting a table and didn’t have the pressure of being held to an eating schedule
The second time we had none and it was way better to be spontaneous and eat when we wanted. Never had an issue getting a table and didn’t have the pressure of being held to an eating schedule
Posted on 8/7/23 at 8:34 am to dallastiger55
I see that for some people. Just depends on your family style and such.
If we dont prebook things im one who will put off eating then my wife loses her shite and gets Hangry and then she wont pick a place so we waste 2 hours mad and angry and not knowing where to eat.
We preplan, book our meals and build our day around them. Makes for a much smoother trip for us. But again that all comes down to the type of people you are.
If we dont prebook things im one who will put off eating then my wife loses her shite and gets Hangry and then she wont pick a place so we waste 2 hours mad and angry and not knowing where to eat.
We preplan, book our meals and build our day around them. Makes for a much smoother trip for us. But again that all comes down to the type of people you are.
Posted on 8/7/23 at 8:37 am to GatorReb
quote:
1) With the Halloween ticket you get access into MK at 4PM. The Halloween party doesnt start till 7. So one of our break days is going to be our Halloween party day So maybe grab lunch at Disney Springs then you get 8 hours in MK. I personally wouldnt do a park in AM then do Halloween party
The other important piece to this is if you don't have tickets to the party, this is a good day to go to Magic Kingdom. Because it closes early for party goers those without party tickets and park hoppers usually avoid MK and go to another park
Posted on 8/7/23 at 10:28 am to LSUfan4444
Agree with other posters on getting Halloween party tickets if you can afford it. Did it once and very much enjoyed it. Do advise you temper your expectations some when going.
Sometimes they sell more tickets than your lead to believe. What sucks is you and your kids wanting to meet the villain characters or Jack skellington. The wait times for meeting them was INSANE. Like over an hour per character. Have somewhat of a game plan going in because you have limited time that night. Ride lines will definitely be shorter the longer the night goes. Limited snacks & merchandise only available during party you can pre plan out. Just have a list of characters you absolutely have to meet. If not, your entire time is just standing in line. Fireworks and the nighttime Halloween parade were very good.
Sometimes they sell more tickets than your lead to believe. What sucks is you and your kids wanting to meet the villain characters or Jack skellington. The wait times for meeting them was INSANE. Like over an hour per character. Have somewhat of a game plan going in because you have limited time that night. Ride lines will definitely be shorter the longer the night goes. Limited snacks & merchandise only available during party you can pre plan out. Just have a list of characters you absolutely have to meet. If not, your entire time is just standing in line. Fireworks and the nighttime Halloween parade were very good.
Posted on 8/7/23 at 10:36 am to TheJunction
bookmarking this because I will also be at Disney in October with a 4 year old
We chose to not do the Halloween Party after watching a few reviews on YT, just didn't seem like it was worth the costs, especially with a 4 year old and not staying the entire time
We chose to not do the Halloween Party after watching a few reviews on YT, just didn't seem like it was worth the costs, especially with a 4 year old and not staying the entire time
Posted on 8/7/23 at 10:42 am to Salmon
quote:
We chose to not do the Halloween Party after watching a few reviews on YT, just didn't seem like it was worth the costs, especially with a 4 year old and not staying the entire time
I would agree with that
The only way I might feel different is maybe say I only had a two day ticket and was between adding a third day or keeping the two day ticket but adding a party ticket on the day we arrived (say we had a flight landing at noon).
I don't think it's worth the cost but then again, we've done it already so don't feel like we're missing out.
Instead, we get a dining reservation at Cali grill for dinner then watch the party fireworks from their observation deck and thats our fill.
The parade is AWESOME but no real interest in the meet & greets, dance parties, desserts they sell or trick or treating.
Posted on 8/7/23 at 11:07 am to GatorReb
quote:
1) With the Halloween ticket you get access into MK at 4PM. The Halloween party doesnt start till 7. So one of our break days is going to be our Halloween party day So maybe grab lunch at Disney Springs then you get 8 hours in MK. I personally wouldnt do a park in AM then do Halloween party.
If he keeps his MK day, can always enter a little early and bypass the Party Line and line to get bracelets.
We did this for the Xmas Party a few years ago. Walked into MK around 2/3 with our regular tickets. Walked to Pirates to get our party bracelets and was able to walk on a few rides back there between them escorting people out and getting ready for the party.
Posted on 8/7/23 at 12:39 pm to TheJunction
LINK /
ive used this site and it has been more than helpful for planning our disney vacations. you can find any answer you are looking for related to your trip. we just got home from a week at the end of july.
ive used this site and it has been more than helpful for planning our disney vacations. you can find any answer you are looking for related to your trip. we just got home from a week at the end of july.
Posted on 8/7/23 at 1:22 pm to TheJunction
Hollywood Studios -
The Disney Jr dance party is a lot of fun for the kiddos, and they can meet Fancy Nancy and Vamparina.
Frozen Sing Along is neat and has A/C
Andy's Lunchbox is a good place to eat lunch, make your reservation when you enter the park.
Hollywood and Vine - Ok food, but you meet the disney jr cast
Lighting’s driving school is also AC and a nice escape
Animal Kingdom
Tusker House is our favorite place to eat, great food, and mickey cast
Magic Kingdom –
Eggrolls near Jungle Cruise and dole whip are good
Casey’s corner is not bad for a quick snack
To your other points-
Be Our Guest - The food is ok, and it is overpriced. The venue is neat, but you only meet the beast. I would recommend doing lunch there.
Crystal Palace - It is a fair breakfast, but note it is Winnie the pooh characters.
Akershus - Food is ok, but you meet quite a lot of princesses there
Liberty Tree Tavern - Don’t know much about this one
EPCOT Nights - It is not bad, but I think it is at 9pm and kids are pretty tired at this point after a long day. There are two shoes of Fantasmic in Hollywood and you get a seat in an amphitheater. If you end up doing two nights in Magic Kingdom, enjoy the fireworks one night, and enjoy no lines the other.
Is the petting zoo in Animal Kingdom worth going too? No, but the safari ride is nice.
Should we purchase a magic band? It makes things so much easier than having to whip out your phone for everything. Plus, the magic+ for kids does a bunch of neat stuff after rides.
Pop Century – Resort is what it is, but you are connected to the SkyLiner with access to Hollywood and EPCOT. Very nice.
Chef Mickey in the Cotemporary is worth checking out
Ohana in the Polynesian is good for dinner and has a view of the fireworks
Toppolinos in the Rivera is great too
The Disney Jr dance party is a lot of fun for the kiddos, and they can meet Fancy Nancy and Vamparina.
Frozen Sing Along is neat and has A/C
Andy's Lunchbox is a good place to eat lunch, make your reservation when you enter the park.
Hollywood and Vine - Ok food, but you meet the disney jr cast
Lighting’s driving school is also AC and a nice escape
Animal Kingdom
Tusker House is our favorite place to eat, great food, and mickey cast
Magic Kingdom –
Eggrolls near Jungle Cruise and dole whip are good
Casey’s corner is not bad for a quick snack
To your other points-
Be Our Guest - The food is ok, and it is overpriced. The venue is neat, but you only meet the beast. I would recommend doing lunch there.
Crystal Palace - It is a fair breakfast, but note it is Winnie the pooh characters.
Akershus - Food is ok, but you meet quite a lot of princesses there
Liberty Tree Tavern - Don’t know much about this one
EPCOT Nights - It is not bad, but I think it is at 9pm and kids are pretty tired at this point after a long day. There are two shoes of Fantasmic in Hollywood and you get a seat in an amphitheater. If you end up doing two nights in Magic Kingdom, enjoy the fireworks one night, and enjoy no lines the other.
Is the petting zoo in Animal Kingdom worth going too? No, but the safari ride is nice.
Should we purchase a magic band? It makes things so much easier than having to whip out your phone for everything. Plus, the magic+ for kids does a bunch of neat stuff after rides.
Pop Century – Resort is what it is, but you are connected to the SkyLiner with access to Hollywood and EPCOT. Very nice.
Chef Mickey in the Cotemporary is worth checking out
Ohana in the Polynesian is good for dinner and has a view of the fireworks
Toppolinos in the Rivera is great too
Posted on 8/7/23 at 2:54 pm to Pirate0714
I 2nd the break somewhere in the middle (also wouldn't try to do MK on day 1). GO to the Boon Enchanting Extras section on the website, and there are a ton of cool things to do outside of the parks. We'll be doing the carriage rides, something in Fort Wilderness, fireworks on the ferry, and wife wants to spend some time just jumping around to some of the other resorts (more nostalgia for her as that's what they would do). We also want to do a pool & movie day at Art of Animation on our first day. Flight lands around 2pm, but realistically don't expect to be able to get into our rooms until after 4pm, between getting off the plane, if we check a bag (trying not do, but wife likes to pack the house), meeting the car service, stopping at Publix...
Speaking of, if you are flying, look into a car service. They meet you at the airport, give you a free 20 minutes to pick-up groceries, drop you off at your hotel (where you should have mobile check-in to go straight to your room), schedule your pick-up when you leave, and bring you to your gate.
Also agree with bringing your own, and make sure it reclines enough for your 4 y/o to take a power nap or 2 while also having sufficient storage.
When planning your days at the park, make sure you know your kid's height with shoes on and plan accordingly. I'm sure you've seen your share of meltdowns of parents having to explain to their kids why they can't go on a ride; especially if they had to wait for a while before actually getting measured. Sounds like a no brainer, but also one of those things that can be easily forgotten.
Speaking of, if you are flying, look into a car service. They meet you at the airport, give you a free 20 minutes to pick-up groceries, drop you off at your hotel (where you should have mobile check-in to go straight to your room), schedule your pick-up when you leave, and bring you to your gate.
Also agree with bringing your own, and make sure it reclines enough for your 4 y/o to take a power nap or 2 while also having sufficient storage.
When planning your days at the park, make sure you know your kid's height with shoes on and plan accordingly. I'm sure you've seen your share of meltdowns of parents having to explain to their kids why they can't go on a ride; especially if they had to wait for a while before actually getting measured. Sounds like a no brainer, but also one of those things that can be easily forgotten.
This post was edited on 8/7/23 at 2:56 pm
Posted on 8/7/23 at 4:47 pm to TheJunction
First off, imagine being a 4 year old going to Disney for the first time. Take pride in being able to deliver that excitement and make memories for your kid. I’ve taken my kids several times before age 5 for each of them and that’s the magic age where they can do stuff, enjoy it, and make memories. People who dread this vacation act like it’s not going to be any fun. It’s amazing and you get this trip once in a lifetime because you’ll never see her have her face light up again.
Epcot- Garden Grill breakfast. The food is solid family style, the restaurant rotates, Mickey, Pluto, chip n Dale all walk around and do a great job. It’s my favorite breakfast inside the parks.
The kidcot scavenger hunt is cool but she might be too young to do it all on her own. As you go through a few countries let her try it. Germany, UK, Canada, and Mexico are my favorites.
Magic Kingdom - Be Our Guest is insanely expensive and overrated. But I get it. If they open back up for breakfast i recommend that for sure. For dinner, it’s worth it once I guess. If your daughter would like Cinderella Castle better I’d do that. Both similar food quality and price I guess. Just depends on which character you wanna meet. Atmosphere is cool in both.
Since your daughter is too small for the long wait rides, enjoy doing everything g else with little wait.
Hollywood - SciFi Dine is a cool restaurant with good food. Kids like to eat in the cars and it’s a nice little atmosphere for adults too.
Overall I’d figure out which characters you have to meet and figure out times they are available. Make dining reservations but be flexible. Let her enjoy just having popcorn and watching a parade.
Epcot- Garden Grill breakfast. The food is solid family style, the restaurant rotates, Mickey, Pluto, chip n Dale all walk around and do a great job. It’s my favorite breakfast inside the parks.
The kidcot scavenger hunt is cool but she might be too young to do it all on her own. As you go through a few countries let her try it. Germany, UK, Canada, and Mexico are my favorites.
Magic Kingdom - Be Our Guest is insanely expensive and overrated. But I get it. If they open back up for breakfast i recommend that for sure. For dinner, it’s worth it once I guess. If your daughter would like Cinderella Castle better I’d do that. Both similar food quality and price I guess. Just depends on which character you wanna meet. Atmosphere is cool in both.
Since your daughter is too small for the long wait rides, enjoy doing everything g else with little wait.
Hollywood - SciFi Dine is a cool restaurant with good food. Kids like to eat in the cars and it’s a nice little atmosphere for adults too.
Overall I’d figure out which characters you have to meet and figure out times they are available. Make dining reservations but be flexible. Let her enjoy just having popcorn and watching a parade.
Posted on 8/7/23 at 9:57 pm to TheJunction
I took my family not long ago, 4 and 6 year old girls. That was our first time and everyone loved it. I'm not a seasoned Disney goer but here are my recs.
Hollywood Studios: Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Don't expect the greatest BBQ ever but it is not bad and tons of food. Kids loved the atmosphere of the Toy Story Theme. This is not character dining though.
Be Our Guest was my favorite meal. I had the steak.
Disney Springs: lots of restaurants there use OpenTable. Nice not having to wait for a table. The Bus at your resort can take you there and back.
We did Topolinos Character breakfast and was great (Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, and Donald). We saved this for the last day before going home. Most park days we just had breakfast stuff we brought. They serve Italian for dinner, I have heard it is good.
Hollywood Studios: Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Don't expect the greatest BBQ ever but it is not bad and tons of food. Kids loved the atmosphere of the Toy Story Theme. This is not character dining though.
Be Our Guest was my favorite meal. I had the steak.
Disney Springs: lots of restaurants there use OpenTable. Nice not having to wait for a table. The Bus at your resort can take you there and back.
We did Topolinos Character breakfast and was great (Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, and Donald). We saved this for the last day before going home. Most park days we just had breakfast stuff we brought. They serve Italian for dinner, I have heard it is good.
Posted on 8/8/23 at 7:52 am to mckibaj
Was not expecting this many replies - thank you everyone! This has only made us (my wife and I) more excited for the trip!
Posted on 8/8/23 at 9:38 am to Weekend Warrior79
quote:
20 minutes to pick-up groceries
quote:
20 minutes to pick-up groceries
Just to a tidbit here - If you use Amazon, you can have whole foods delivery directly to your resort. They have a concierge out front that holds it for you.
Posted on 8/8/23 at 9:50 am to TheJunction
Forgot to post you those restaurants
HS
Mama Melrose - Pretty good. No complaints on food or service. It's not the best Italian your ever gonna eat, but for inside a theme park not bad.
Disney Springs
Homecomin - Food, service, & drinks were fantastic. Pretty hard to get a reservation. Would do again.
Earl of sandwich - Thanksgiving turkey sandwich. All you need to order.
Terralina Crafted Italian - Avoid. Terrible food and service.
Dluxe Burger - Same as Burgersmith here.
Rainforest Cafe or Trex - You already know what your getting into with these. Food meh / Scenery very cool.
Resort
Ohana - Dinner if you can get a reservation. Very good family style meal.
HS
Mama Melrose - Pretty good. No complaints on food or service. It's not the best Italian your ever gonna eat, but for inside a theme park not bad.
Disney Springs
Homecomin - Food, service, & drinks were fantastic. Pretty hard to get a reservation. Would do again.
Earl of sandwich - Thanksgiving turkey sandwich. All you need to order.
Terralina Crafted Italian - Avoid. Terrible food and service.
Dluxe Burger - Same as Burgersmith here.
Rainforest Cafe or Trex - You already know what your getting into with these. Food meh / Scenery very cool.
Resort
Ohana - Dinner if you can get a reservation. Very good family style meal.
Posted on 8/8/23 at 10:09 am to TheDeathValley
quote:
They have a concierge out front that holds it for you.
Remember that if you do order alcohol you need to be there for the delivery to accept it or they won't deliver it. Also, while bell services (not concierge) will accept and store the groceries for free (including doing their best to keep cold items refrigerated), they do charge to deliver the groceries to the room.
Posted on 8/8/23 at 11:02 am to TheJunction
Rent a scooter like an old person.
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