Back to WDW...

[dkosdros]

Hello All,

I just booked our WDW vacation. I am super excited this time around because I am bringing my GF and her 5 yr old daughter. Neither have ever been to WDW before. I have gone every 2 years since I was very little (I am now 30) LOL.

I have a few questions since this is my first time every bringing a little one to the park.

First ? is: I see the New Fantasy Land expansion is underway and it looks awesome. I cannot seem to find if the Little Mermaid Journey will be open in time for our Aug 23rd-26th trip (I heard its value season and not very busy). Anyone have any idea if it will be? This is her favorite character and her getting to experience this ride will make my and probably her day.

Second ? is: I am so use to flying through the parks. I usually do two parks per day over two days. This time I planned it to do one park per day. I am pretty good with Fastpass and navigating my way around the parks. Is it reasonable to think we will be able to do the whole park in one day from open to close with a 5 yr old? She is a ball of energy and We plan on stopping for lunch and dinner meals and i'm sure an occasional snack here and there. My thinking was we plan our day around all the big attractions, plan a character meet with her favorite characters, skip the rest, see the parade, and then squeeze in the smaller kiddie rides if we have time or while waiting for our fast pass time. Is this a good plan or doable?

I'm not worried about Epcot because we will just buzz over to the pavilions with the rides in the World Showcase and skip the rest. I've never been a fan and i'm sure a 5yr old won't be either. We will hit all the big attractions and then kill time walking around letting her play in all the interactive areas until illuminations. We are getting here about noon so my first plan is to get FP for Soarin, and then next Test Track. While we do the other rides.

3rd ?: I thought about doing reservations at The Coral Restaraunt. Is this something a 5 yr old would enjoy or should we just skip it and save the $$$. We are planning on doing Cinderellas Royal Table and possibly Chef Mickeys (been to Chef Mickeys and love it, But I think she will love Royal Table so depending on budget hopefully we can do both).

4th ?: I heard that at the end of August to plan for afternoon showers. Are these just passing through? We can plan to do the outdoor ones first and then do the indoor ones (and plan to have FPs for those during the afternoons). Is it going to be a complete washout for the afternoon/evening. I'm hoping just a quick shower for an hour and then clears back up. We plan on bringing $1 store ponchos so we can toss them when done and just use new ones the next day to save on lugging stuff around. They just never seem to be able to fold back into that tiny package. LOL.

Ok that is enough for now. As you can tell I am super excited. Heres our quick itinerary incase you want to suggest anything.


Thur Aug 23rd. Flight lands at 10:50am, using Magic Express to Resort All Start Movies. Checking in and heading straight to Epcot.
Spending entire day at Epcot and staying for Illuminations.

Fri Aug 24th. Heading to Magic Kingdom. . Staying all day through Fireworks and the Night Parade. Its EMH that night. So if the little one still has energy and we missed any attractions we will hit them at this time.

Sat Aug 25th. Heading to Disney Studios. This is an EMH for the morning. So we plan on getting here early and crossing off a few attractions before the crowd gets here. First ride will be Toy Story Mania, Seeing Little Mermaid Show, Muppets 3D, and all the others. Passing on Tower of Terorr unless she wants to do it, and Areosmith (My Favorite Ride) unless she wants to do it. Seeing Beauty and the Beast Show, and Staying for Fantasmic.

Sun Aug 26th. Heading to Animal Kingdom. Hopefully talking little one into doing Everest. Going to see how see does on Thunder Mountain Railroad and see if she can handle Everest. If so will head here first for a FP. Probably going to pass on Dinosaur with her. Anyone else have experience with kids on this ride? I'm worried it will be to intense for her. Once again going to gauge her fear level on Pirates and Haunted Mansion to see how she will do. Can't miss the Finding Nemo Show and visiting all the attractions. She will love Bugs Life. Then heading out about 5pm. head back to hotel, take shuttle to Orlando airport and pick up rental car to head off to West Palm to finally relax. LOL.

Oh and we wern't able to do the Dining plan since we used my GF's discount for working at the Disney Store and also used her complimentary park tickets she has saved. So any meal advise, tips, or tricks. Was planning on packing the little ceral boxes with us, and small bowls and spoons, and buying milk in the food court and having ceral each morning with maybe bagels or something. Save us time and $$$. Maybe bringing water bottles. Thought about doing the refillable mugs from the resort, but I think they can only be filled at the resort. Do they refill them at the quick serve meal places throughout the parks or no?

Any suggestions on what to carry. We are bringing ponchos and will watch weathr to see if we need them for that day or not. I usually wear a lanyard to carry FP tickets and park tickets. Can you bring a napsack onto most rides? I thought about carrying water bottles and filling them up throughout park. Just dont want to get stuck getting a locker to get on a ride here and there. and if I can carry a nap sack was going to pack some small snacks for the little one. Pretzels, crackers, etc...

Ok my book is done. Sorry so long. lol. Just excited. :animwink:

 

[nepalostparks]

First ? is: I see the New Fantasy Land expansion is underway and it looks awesome. I cannot seem to find if the Little Mermaid Journey will be open in time for our Aug 23rd-26th trip (I heard its value season and not very busy). Anyone have any idea if it will be? This is her favorite character and her getting to experience this ride will make my and probably her day.

Little Mermaid is listed as opening in Late 2012, which is certainly open for interpretation. I would keep an eye on the boards here as we get closer to the dates to see if they narrow it down any.

3rd ?: I thought about doing reservations at The Coral Restaraunt. Is this something a 5 yr old would enjoy or should we just skip it and save the $$$. We are planning on doing Cinderellas Royal Table and possibly Chef Mickeys (been to Chef Mickeys and love it, But I think she will love Royal Table so depending on budget hopefully we can do both).

Coral Reef restaurant gets mixed reviews by most. We had a nice meal there, though it is pricey for what you get, in my opinion. I think a five year old will enjoy the atmosphere, with the big windows into the aquarium, especially if you are able to get a seat right up against the windows.

4th ?: I heard that at the end of August to plan for afternoon showers. Are these just passing through? We can plan to do the outdoor ones first and then do the indoor ones (and plan to have FPs for those during the afternoons). Is it going to be a complete washout for the afternoon/evening. I'm hoping just a quick shower for an hour and then clears back up. We plan on bringing $1 store ponchos so we can toss them when done and just use new ones the next day to save on lugging stuff around. They just never seem to be able to fold back into that tiny package. LOL.

Afternoon thundershowers are definitely something to plan on happening on a regular basis in central Florida, especially in the summer months. Usually they pass in about 30 minutes to an hour. They tend to drive plenty of people out of the parks, so if you can hang out indoors somewhere to wait it out, the crowds will be lighter afterwards. I definitely agree that dollar store ponchos are they way to go. Buy a bunch and carry what you need with you each day, and just toss after it rains if it looks all clear.

Probably going to pass on Dinosaur with her. Anyone else have experience with kids on this ride? I'm worried it will be to intense for her. Once again going to gauge her fear level on Pirates and Haunted Mansion to see how she will do.

I'm not sure how many 5 year-olds would enjoy Dinosaur, being so intense, scary, and in the dark. That might be one to wait on for another trip, in my opinion. Of course, if you adults want to ride it, be sure to use the Parent Swap available at most of the bigger attractions.

Thought about doing the refillable mugs from the resort, but I think they can only be filled at the resort. Do they refill them at the quick serve meal places throughout the parks or no?

That is correct, you can only refill the mugs at your resort's food court for the duration of your stay.

Any suggestions on what to carry. We are bringing ponchos and will watch weathr to see if we need them for that day or not. I usually wear a lanyard to carry FP tickets and park tickets. Can you bring a napsack onto most rides? I thought about carrying water bottles and filling them up throughout park. Just dont want to get stuck getting a locker to get on a ride here and there. and if I can carry a nap sack was going to pack some small snacks for the little one. Pretzels, crackers, etc...

You can bring your bookbag/napsack with you just about everywhere. You can bring in bottles of water and snacks, I do every trip up.

Have a great trip! :wave:

 

[coltow]

Last time we went my oldest son was 5, when we go this summer (8/25) my youngest son will be 5.

I'm a little worried for you. It is HOT and HUMID and I worry that even tho she may be a ball of energy 3 straight days of parks from open to close could be a bit much. We almost always take an afternoon pool break. It helps to avoid the parks at the hottest time of day. If you must be at parks open to close make sure after lunch you plan to take in some shows that are inside.

Afternoon showers are almost a given, they don't last long. We are usually at the pool when they come so that's when we get going back to the park because that's when a good amount of people leave the park. We found they can come any time during the afternoon so just be prepared with ponchos.

When my 5yo did Dinosaur it legit scared him to tears and he will never do it again. He also won't have anything to do with ToT just because it looks scary. This coming from a kid who LOVES roller coasters.

 

[dkosdros]

Thanks for the advice. I kept trying to relive Dinosaur today to remember how scary it was. I think she would probably be to scared. So we will probably pass on that. I know about the Parent Swap but it just doesnt seem the same going on a ride a lone while your family is waiting for you and vice versa. I want to enjoy it with them.

We will be pacing ourselves. And I am already planning on carrying her towards the end of the day as she gets tired. Might even spike her water with a little Monster Energy drink from time to time. Just kidding.. kinda. lol

I am super excited to hear that Little Mermaid Journey could be open by the time we get there. I will keep my fingers crossed. If not it gives me the biggest excuse to get them to go back with me, which I have a feeling after we go they won't want to leave and will probably be planning the next trip on the car ride out. LOL. Keep any tips and/or suggestions rolling in. I'd love to hear them all.

 

[nc_disneyfreak]

a couple things

some of the suggestions for rides sound great, just to be sure though, check her height. I know Rock n Roller coaster is 48 inches. As for some others, to gague the scary factor, watch a decent you tube video of the ride. Although not the same, you can use it as a measuring stick. Have a great trip!

 

[disneygirl76]

Hey there,

I have read "Late 2012" for LM. Fingers crossed that it will be open but I wouldn't expect it.

Traveling with a kiddo is very different. Even the most active full of energy kids get wiped out at WDW. So plan on taking a break during the day so you can refresh and nap - or at least rest.

Just a note, FP is changing - you actually have to arrive during the allotted time now, rather then any time after the time stamp on the ticket.

Also, you can get a FP for Mickey and Minnie and 3 of the princesses (we had cinderella, aurora, and belle) at the theater on main street. This is another way to knock out those big characters.

IMO, I would not to Coral Reef. Its not for everyone and gets pretty mixed reviews. From a 5 year old perspective, she would rather see the characters. If you plan on Epcot, you can do Akerhaus that evening with the Princesses or 1900 Park Fare with Cinderella and the Prince (step sisters and fairy godmother too) that evening. As for Akerhaus, the menu is not for everyone so just check it out before booking. This takes the pressure off of meeting and seeing the characters if she was able to see her favorites during the meal.

Its FL in the summer, so yes, plan for showers. They are the passing kind, but you can never be sure. Hopefully you won't get an all day storm but it usually is the passing kind. A helpful tip, in a gallon size zip lock, get a sham-wow (or product of the like) and cut it into 3 strips. Fold and put in the zip lock, with the ponchos. The reason? If you are soaked, they get the water off of you and can ring out so when wet, are not heavy to lug around like a towel. Then all the wet ponchos and sham wow can go in the zip lock and not get eveything all wet.

You really have to know your kid. Dinosaur I love but the first time, scared the you know what out of me! You don't want her to be scared the rest of the trip.

Meal advice, bring snacks that don't melt in the heat. Bring a filter water bottle so you don't have to taste the awful water but you can just refill in the fountain. If it is hot, as it tends to be, you will be splurging for the cold water though. The mugs can only be refilled at the resort.

Yes, you can bring a backpack on most rides. I bring the ziplock with ponchos and shamwow. I also bring a pouch in my back pack filled with the travel size items: bandaids, sunscreen, advil, hand saniziter, to just name a few (there around 15 to 20 in the little pouch) . My camera also goes in there (or I bring the separate camera case b/c I have different lens now). Your snacks can go in here too. You will want to bring some things for the little one (extra socks in case hers get soaks and undies if she has an accident).

I have a list of the items that I bring in my little pouch. I keep everything in there and just toss it in the back pack. It adds almost no weight at all. I'm going to try and get my hubby to carry the back pack this year! I always get stuck with it! hee hee :lol:

 

[minnielaw]

Congrats on your upcoming trip with your little one!

My first trip to WDW as an "adult with children" was in 2007 and my boys were 6 and 8. My advice on traveling with children is as follows:

1) RENT A STROLLER!!! (or bring your own) My boys are very high energy too and they were absolutely wiped with all the walking. Our trip was in October, but the temps were still in the high 80's and low 90's. We did the first day without a stroller and the boys were exhausted. For children it is hard to navigate through crowds. The stroller allowed them to nap, rest on the walk to the rides and gave us a place to put the "stuff".

2) RISE EARLY, REST AT MID-DAY and RETURN LATER. This is the "Three R" method (ha, clever name huh?) The earlier you get to the parks, the slower they are. Most people arrive around 10-11 and you should be getting ready to head out around 12 or 1. Go back to your resort and rest or swim (or both) and head back to the parks around 5 or 6 when many guests are leaving for dinner. This will make it more likely that your daughter will make it until the fireworks.

3) JUST RELAX. If your daughter has never been to WDW, you have no idea what her reaction may be. My advice is, don't have huge expectations....just enjoy whatever it is that SHE enjoys. If she wants to spend an hour playing in a fountain at Epcot.....let her. Realize that you don't have to see and do everything on this trip and let her explore.

Well, that's my 2 cents for what it's worth. Hope you have a wonderful trip.