Pre-Trip What Am I Getting Myself Into...

Hello everybody!! My name is Kelli, and I have been a long time "behind the scenes" follower of the WDWMagic boards. In all honesty, I didn't even know the "Trip Reports" thread existed until after my most recent trip (throwing it way back to November 2013) when I was going through serious Disney withdrawals!

So now, almost 4 years and 2 kids later, we are going back!! I can't even contain my excitement! My husband (Tim) was pretty much getting so sick of me talking about all my make believe plans that he told me to just book it! He's the best! (But seriously, he shouldn't have made me wait 4 years) ;)

Getting down to the details:
I literally got butterflies and couldn't stop smiling when this popped up on my computer
MM.PNG

I mean, seriously, who doesn't love seeing the main mouse himself!

The Who:
Me (Kelli) & my husband (Tim)
IMG_0498.jpg

Circa 2013 at Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (why, oh why did they have to get rid of this!? :bawling:)
And our sons SJ (will almost be 3)
IMG_2873.JPG

and H (will have just turned 1)
IMG_2866.JPG

Gotta sport the Mickey gear in our house!

The When/Where:
January 8-13, 2018 @ Disney's Pop Century Resort

The Why:
Let's get real, who really needs a "why" to go to Disney...I sure don't!! But, one of the main reasons we decided to take this trip is because kiddos are free until they are 3, and we had to take advantage of that!

So much has changed since the last time we were there (only part of the New Fantasyland was done), and I can't wait to see it completed. I also can't wait to try all the things my Disney friends (AKA - you guys!) have seen and tried that I missed all those years.

But, most importantly, it is all about the memories. I cannot wait to see the look on those sweet faces when they see the castle or Mickey Mouse for the first time. I'm not normally a sap, but those cast members on Main Street USA better have their mop and bucket ready, because I am pretty sure I may turn into an emotional wreck. :cry:

So, to all my WDWMagic friends out there, I am looking for any and all advice that you can give me when it comes to going with kids (hence the title of the PTR). I feel like my hubby and I (ok, maybe just me) are crazy for bringing them this young, but I know people do it, and I know it will be worth it. What do you suggest for dining/stroller rental/shows/rides/etc.?

Thank you again for the help! And thank you for allowing me to live vicariously through your trip reports over the years. I'm hoping that I can return the favor in the future! :)
 

MeeskaMooska0714

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
As far as dining goes, I have scored the following ADRs:
Lunch @ Beaches & Cream (a favorite of ours before you even needed an ADR)
Lunch @ Via Napoli (thanks to @Tuvalu & @Doc Disney for convincing me this is a "must-do")
Breakfast @ Crystal Palace (a new experience for us)

I still can't find a BOG lunch ADR, but I will continue to check. Any other suggestions? We aren't doing the dining plan, and I'm thinking quick service will be easiest with the little ones.

What are you favorite dishes/snacks??
 

fractal

Premium Member
As far as dining goes, I have scored the following ADRs:
Lunch @ Beaches & Cream (a favorite of ours before you even needed an ADR)
Lunch @ Via Napoli (thanks to @Tuvalu & @Doc Disney for convincing me this is a "must-do")
Breakfast @ Crystal Palace (a new experience for us)

I still can't find a BOG lunch ADR, but I will continue to check. Any other suggestions? We aren't doing the dining plan, and I'm thinking quick service will be easiest with the little ones.

What are you favorite dishes/snacks??


Lunch at Magic Kingdom - consider Columbia Harbour House if you like seafood, plenty of the standards for the kids.

If you are not into seafood - Peco Bill's or Cosmic's Rays (the kids will get a kick out of Sonny Eclipse).
 

Figment Forever

Premium Member
Hello everybody!! My name is Kelli, and I have been a long time "behind the scenes" follower of the WDWMagic boards. In all honesty, I didn't even know the "Trip Reports" thread existed until after my most recent trip (throwing it way back to November 2013) when I was going through serious Disney withdrawals!

So now, almost 4 years and 2 kids later, we are going back!! I can't even contain my excitement! My husband (Tim) was pretty much getting so sick of me talking about all my make believe plans that he told me to just book it! He's the best! (But seriously, he shouldn't have made me wait 4 years) ;)

Getting down to the details:
I literally got butterflies and couldn't stop smiling when this popped up on my computer
View attachment 235475
I mean, seriously, who doesn't love seeing the main mouse himself!

The Who:
Me (Kelli) & my husband (Tim)
View attachment 235478
Circa 2013 at Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (why, oh why did they have to get rid of this!? :bawling:)
And our sons SJ (will almost be 3)
View attachment 235479
and H (will have just turned 1)
View attachment 235480
Gotta sport the Mickey gear in our house!

The When/Where:
January 8-13, 2018 @ Disney's Pop Century Resort

The Why:
Let's get real, who really needs a "why" to go to Disney...I sure don't!! But, one of the main reasons we decided to take this trip is because kiddos are free until they are 3, and we had to take advantage of that!

So much has changed since the last time we were there (only part of the New Fantasyland was done), and I can't wait to see it completed. I also can't wait to try all the things my Disney friends (AKA - you guys!) have seen and tried that I missed all those years.

But, most importantly, it is all about the memories. I cannot wait to see the look on those sweet faces when they see the castle or Mickey Mouse for the first time. I'm not normally a sap, but those cast members on Main Street USA better have their mop and bucket ready, because I am pretty sure I may turn into an emotional wreck. :cry:

So, to all my WDWMagic friends out there, I am looking for any and all advice that you can give me when it comes to going with kids (hence the title of the PTR). I feel like my hubby and I (ok, maybe just me) are crazy for bringing them this young, but I know people do it, and I know it will be worth it. What do you suggest for dining/stroller rental/shows/rides/etc.?

Thank you again for the help! And thank you for allowing me to live vicariously through your trip reports over the years. I'm hoping that I can return the favor in the future! :)


While I haven't used them in several years, I would recommend taking advantage of the baby changing locations in the parks. They are awesome! Instead of the standard public restroom changing station, they have several "real" changing tables with soft tops. They also have nursing stations, a family bathroom and a room with chairs and tables where kids can color and watch Disney movies. They are very spacious and have AC. I never felt rushed and it was a great place to take a break from the craziness of the parks. The one in MK is next to the first aid station on Main Street. Epcot's is next to The Oddesy. HS is right at the beginning of the park. I forget where the one at AK is located. :rolleyes: MK & AK were my favorite ones!

Have magical trip!
 

MeeskaMooska0714

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Lunch at Magic Kingdom - consider Columbia Harbour House if you like seafood, plenty of the standards for the kids.

If you are not into seafood - Peco Bill's or Cosmic's Rays (the kids will get a kick out of Sonny Eclipse).
I did peek at the Columbia Harbour House menu...I want that lobster roll!

Thanks for the suggestions!
 

MeeskaMooska0714

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
While I haven't used them in several years, I would recommend taking advantage of the baby changing locations in the parks. They are awesome! Instead of the standard public restroom changing station, they have several "real" changing tables with soft tops. They also have nursing stations, a family bathroom and a room with chairs and tables where kids can color and watch Disney movies. They are very spacious and have AC. I never felt rushed and it was a great place to take a break from the craziness of the parks. The one in MK is next to the first aid station on Main Street. Epcot's is next to The Oddesy. HS is right at the beginning of the park. I forget where the one at AK is located. :rolleyes: MK & AK were my favorite ones!

Have magical trip!
Thank you so much!!! I never thought about the baby changing locations.
 

ScarletBegonias

Well-Known Member
I'm in!!!

I have two trip reports linked in my signature for when we took my daughter. once at 15 months and again at 22 months. Maybe you'll find something helpful in there?

My biggest piece of advice, don't plan things super early in the morning ( like ADR's!) You will be so exhausted from the vacation that trying to wrangle toddlers around will be hard! Our first trip we had an ADR almost every morning and every one of them my DD had a complete meltdown. She wanted to be free and run around and she'd already been on a bus, standing in line, in a stroller, ect. I'd aim for lunch or dinner when they are more mellow and tired !

Can't wait to read more!
 

MeeskaMooska0714

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I'm in!!!

I have two trip reports linked in my signature for when we took my daughter. once at 15 months and again at 22 months. Maybe you'll find something helpful in there?

My biggest piece of advice, don't plan things super early in the morning ( like ADR's!) You will be so exhausted from the vacation that trying to wrangle toddlers around will be hard! Our first trip we had an ADR almost every morning and every one of them my DD had a complete meltdown. She wanted to be free and run around and she'd already been on a bus, standing in line, in a stroller, ect. I'd aim for lunch or dinner when they are more mellow and tired !

Can't wait to read more!
Thanks for following! I have read your reports in the past, but will need to check them out again for tips!
 

MeeskaMooska0714

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
So, no new plans to report (still waiting to snag that BOG reservation)!

Since my FP date is quickly approaching, I do have a question for you all regarding FP/rider swap. The kids technically don't have tickets, so I don't need to make FP for them, right? Do my hubby and I need to get a FP for the same ride in order to do rider swap, or just one of us? If only one of us needs to get the FP, doesn't that essentially mean we have double the FPs?

Thank you everyone!! T-minus 89 days!!! :D
 

krause

Well-Known Member
So, no new plans to report (still waiting to snag that BOG reservation)!

Since my FP date is quickly approaching, I do have a question for you all regarding FP/rider swap. The kids technically don't have tickets, so I don't need to make FP for them, right? Do my hubby and I need to get a FP for the same ride in order to do rider swap, or just one of us? If only one of us needs to get the FP, doesn't that essentially mean we have double the FPs?

Thank you everyone!! T-minus 89 days!!! :D

Yes for the kids under 3 you don't book FP for them (and the system won't let you). And yes, if you want to do the coordinating of it you could book 6 separate fastpasses (3 for you and 3 for your husband) and use child swap to both ride on both of them. Me and my husband never wanted to spend that much time on non-child friendly rides because even though you go through the FP line it still is time consuming to go twice on 6 rides but it depends what you like!
 

Courtney6682

Well-Known Member
As for the MK...Def check out the indoor playground at Dumbo, it's really cute and they will love to get the chance to run wild! The playground at Splash Mtn is lame, but it's there lol.

There is also a play area at Mission Space in Epcot, altho it may only be good for your older son. T.and probably better for your little guy.

The Boneyard at AK will be fun for both as well, especially your older boy.
 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Omg your boys have melted my heart!!!! The DISNEY clothes!! Omg!

I have a slight obsession of looking at Disney costumes on Pinterest for babies.. I need help. Can’t wait for your trip!!!! Your pictures will be soooo cute because you have the cutest little family!!!

Seeing DISNEY through their eyes is going to be soooooo MAGICAL!!!!!!

I am sooook excited for you!!!!
 

MeeskaMooska0714

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Omg your boys have melted my heart!!!! The DISNEY clothes!! Omg!

I have a slight obsession of looking at Disney costumes on Pinterest for babies.. I need help. Can’t wait for your trip!!!! Your pictures will be soooo cute because you have the cutest little family!!!

Seeing DISNEY through their eyes is going to be soooooo MAGICAL!!!!!!

I am sooook excited for you!!!!
Thank you!! We are going to be The Incredibles for Halloween (or at least they are)...and we call the youngest Jack Jack, because, they kind of look alike.

So excited for your report too!! We will just miss each other! Love your trip reports!
 

MeeskaMooska0714

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
How cute are your boys?! Does your oldest know about the trip or is it going to be a surprise? We'll be at POP the same week, might see you there!
Thank you! I don't think my oldest quite understands yet...I keep telling him that he will get to meet Mickey soon, but he isn't talking yet, so not sure how much he gets it.

I saw that you were going to be there the same time...I will keep an eye out for you guys! :)
 

MeeskaMooska0714

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
So, there has been a small change in plans. We've switched our dates and pushed our trip back a week later. We will now be arriving in the World on January 15 and boarding the Tragical Express on January 20! Flight prices were the major reasoning behind this switch. I lost my BOG ADR, but hoping I will snag a new one soon!!
Nothing else to report, but I do have to share a Halloween pic!! :)
Dash and Jack Jack are here to save the world!!!
IMG_3357.JPG
 

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