3 days at WDW! First trip planning it ourselves.

[cosmonautsix]

Ok, we are going down in MAY. Usually we stay with a friend about 40 minutes from WDW, to save a boatload of cash. But this time, we are going to spend 3 days AT WDW and 3 days with friends. Mainly because I want to surprise my wife and 4 year old with bracelets. And we would be on site, we usualy go 1-2 days max, then go to universal, then to breweries, dinner/whatever.

Ok, I'm a total newb. I was thinking 1 day at WDW, 1 day at AK, and 1 day ?? - What activities are MUSTS (4 year old boy)? I'm reading as much as I can, but this site is OVERFLOWING with so much info its making my brain hurt a little.

We were planning on staying at either Port orleans riverside or maybe wilderness lodge or AK lodge.

 

[CheshireCat12]

If you have 3 days with a four year old boy, I would do two days at Magic Kingdom and 1 day at Animal Kingdom. Unless YOU are interested in other things? For me, I couldn't go all that way and not do things that were MY choice too. Perhaps you would like Epcot World Showcase? Or DHS? In any case, there is more at MK and AK to appeal to the little ones.

 

[Susan Savia]

And one day at Epcot.

 

[cosmonautsix]

If you have 3 days with a four year old boy, I would do two days at Magic Kingdom and 1 day at Animal Kingdom. Unless YOU are interested in other things? For me, I couldn't go all that way and not do things that were MY choice too. Perhaps you would like Epcot World Showcase? Or DHS? In any case, there is more at MK and AK to appeal to the little ones.

True, we usually would go 1 day MK and 1 day epcot, last time we went with the small guy he was 8 months old, so things have changed a bit. 2 days MK and 1 day AK actually sounds pretty good. I dont really mind going just to do kid stuff.

 

[Arty Cordova]

I would stay at Wilderness. 1 MK 1 Day AK and 1 Day Epcot. You can read as much as you want, but until you experience it yourself, you will be the only person to decide the must sees. I highly recommend you stay and see the nightly firework displays. And with your four year old, I would take as many character pictures and Professional pics as possible because that is where you collect some of the best memories. I also highly recommend character meals like Chef Mickey, Ohana and 1900 Park Fare.

 

[jlsHouston]

Our first trip to WDW was in 2011 when DGD was 6 and DGS was 4. We did 3 days of MK and character dining. It was truly so magical for us that we have returned 6 times since then for more of that magic.

If your son love animals, AKL is a great resort. Even if you don't book a room with a view of the savannahs, there are viewing areas at the lodge and night googles for the kids to use to see the animals.
We recently stayed at WL and are returning in a couple of weeks we all loved that resort so much. Riding the boat to MK from your resort is practically an attraction itself. We also rode the boat to the Contemporary and then caught the monorail into MK a couple of times.
Never stayed at POR but I hear it is a wonderful resort too.

Welcome to the boards!!

 

[Wikkler]

Ok, we are going down in MAY. Usually we stay with a friend about 40 minutes from WDW, to save a boatload of cash. But this time, we are going to spend 3 days AT WDW and 3 days with friends. Mainly because I want to surprise my wife and 4 year old with bracelets. And we would be on site, we usualy go 1-2 days max, then go to universal, then to breweries, dinner/whatever.

Ok, I'm a total newb. I was thinking 1 day at WDW, 1 day at AK, and 1 day ?? - What activities are MUSTS (4 year old boy)? I'm reading as much as I can, but this site is OVERFLOWING with so much info its making my brain hurt a little.

We were planning on staying at either Port orleans riverside or maybe wilderness lodge or AK lodge.

AK is part of WDW but whatever...
I recommend 1 day MK, 1 day EP, and 1 day AK or HS depending on interests.

 

[LostPrincessKarleigh]

I would definitely do MK, EPCOT, and AK.

In MK there are lots of character opportunities, a great new parade coming out soon, and your 4 year-old will love things like Peter Pan, small world, and mad t party.​

EPCOT has great stuff for smaller kids! The kidcot activities in world showcase make great (free!) souvenirs he can make himself. Also the Agent P adventure is a great activity your family can do together. In future world there is the seas with Nemo and friends, plus turtle talk with crush. I am 22 years old and I love turtle talk! There is also the great piggy bank adventure and where's the fire in innoventions.

AK is a lot of walking for smaller kids but the animals alone make it worth it. Your 4 year old will love the safari and Nemo the musical. Plus, triceratop spin and primeval whirl are fun, small-kid-friendly rides.​

Be sure to use the my Disney experience app to find character meet and greets throughout each park. Some of the best pictures I have are with characters.

 

[3Caballeros]

Ok, we are going down in MAY. Usually we stay with a friend about 40 minutes from WDW, to save a boatload of cash. But this time, we are going to spend 3 days AT WDW and 3 days with friends. Mainly because I want to surprise my wife and 4 year old with bracelets. And we would be on site, we usualy go 1-2 days max, then go to universal, then to breweries, dinner/whatever.

Ok, I'm a total newb. I was thinking 1 day at WDW, 1 day at AK, and 1 day ?? - What activities are MUSTS (4 year old boy)? I'm reading as much as I can, but this site is OVERFLOWING with so much info its making my brain hurt a little.

We were planning on staying at either Port orleans riverside or maybe wilderness lodge or AK lodge.

It depends on your child. My daughter is 5 and enjoys Hollywood Studio more than animal kingdom or Epcot. She really did not realize the safari at Animal Kingdom was anything more than the local zoo. At Hollywood, she likes all the shows, especially the Muppet 3D, and Toy Story ride, and the characters..some of her favorites are there (phineas & ferb, the cars, Jake & Sophia, to name a few)
So for us, it would be 2 days at Magic Kingdom & one day at Hollywood Studio.

 

[Tinkerbell397]

Welcome! If you plan to go for 3 days with a 4 year old, I would do 2 days at the MK and one at the AK. As for your hotel, I think that the WL is your best choice. I agree with @jlsHouston .....you can take a boat to the MK for breakfast one morning with Winnie the Pooh and friends and at The Crystal Palace. On your second day, you could take the boat to the Contemporary for breakfast with Mickey and Friends at Chef Mickeys.......reservations at both are a must. The WL property s lovely and your son will feel like he is literally in the wilderness.....very kid friendly. On the third day, I would go to the Animal Kingdom. You can make reservations at The Rainforest Cafe right outside the gate of the park. Very fun for a 4 year old. The Animal Kingdom usually closes early so be sure to get there early.
The reason I recommend 2 days at the MK is that your son will get tired and you might want to go back to the hotel for a nap or swim break...another reason to stay at the WL.....a short, relaxing boat ride back from the MK...and the boat ramp is right outside the MK gate...no long walk to the bus stop.
When we went to Disney with my kids for the first time, they were 3 and 5. We stayed at The Contemporary and loved the convenience of the monorail. The WL is less expensive and just as convenient. They also have rooms with a queen and bunks....also fun! Just request a bunk room when you make reservations.
Enjoy and I hope this board helps as you plan your trip.

 

[LisaBelle]

I would have to say to go with 2 days at MK and 1 day at AK. There are a ton of things at MK that your 4 year old will love and that will give you time to see more of the attractions and experience his favorites more than once if he wants. We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge our first trip to WDW. Our kids (then ages 4 and 8) loved waking up to see the animals. We've stayed at Wilderness Lodge 3 times and will probably stay there again on our next trip. The boat from Wilderness Lodge to MK is super convenient and we always spend more time at MK than we do anywhere else. No matter what you decide, your son will have a blast! Enjoy the planning and have a great trip!

 

[englanddg]

3 days with a 4 year old?

I'd do 1 full day at MK, one full day at EP, and one full day at HS/AK, your choice.

 

[ShookieJones]

Based solely on the age of your son 2 days at MK an the third day at another park UNTIL he says he wants to go back to the MK.