Disney World here we come!

[taranae04]

Hello all! I am so excited to be a new member! I am a single mother (27) taking my daughter (to turn 6 the day we leave) from August 24-30, 2013. We are flying from Richmond, VA and using Disney's magical express along with Disney transportation for the length of our stay. Our itinerary is as follows:

Sat, Aug 24th- arrive at resort about 2pm, Campfire sing-along with Chip & Dale at 8pm
Sun, Aug 25th- get to MK before opening to see rope drop, leave after lunch for a break, head back and finish night with Electrical parade and Wishes
Mon, Aug 26th- 8:35am breakfast at Akershus, tour Epcot leave park after lunch for break, finish day with Illuminations
Tues, Aug 27th- arrive at HS for opening, mid-day break, back for Pixar parade at 3pm, Chef Mickey dinner at 6:25, catch Fantasmic after dinner
Wed, Aug 28th- arrive at AK for opening, mid-day break, Jungle parade at 3:45pm, finish day at Downtown Disney
Thurs, Aug 29th- get all dressed up and fancy in the room and head to Grand Floridian for Princess Tea at 10:30am. Catch Dream Come True parade in MK at 3pm, her choice for rest of evening
Fri, Aug 30th- leave for airport by 9am

As you can see I have most everything planned out and will definitely be getting us first timer buttons (both of our firsts) and a birthday button for her. My main questions are about saving money on dining as we are not doing a plan because she does not eat much at all and is very picky so we will most likely share most meals or eat in resort. Need to have some groceries at resort and ideas on best QS meals at each park.

Also I have several gift/souvenirs I have already purchased which she will find each morning when she awakes, but would like something there for when she arrives. have checked out the florist and it is too expensive.

I would love any ideas you have for our times when nothing is scheduled, also must see/do/eat things in parks. Also, how do you handle your park bags on rides which might be wet? I will have my very expensive camera with me, is there storage while on the ride?

Sorry so g and thank you in advance!!! We cannot wait!

 

[englanddg]

With respect to "saving" money with the Dining Plan, that depends on where you care to eat. Since this is your first trip, I'd stick to QS most of the time (where it's not a value) and place a few very specific Full Dining options (first visit, you must eat at the castle, since you kid a girl)...

You won't get to do everything on this trip, don't try and don't attempt to try. Just lay back and have fun!

 

[taranae04]

With respect to "saving" money with the Dining Plan, that depends on where you care to eat. Since this is your first trip, I'd stick to QS most of the time (where it's not a value) and place a few very specific Full Dining options (first visit, you must eat at the castle, since you kid a girl)...

You won't get to do everything on this trip, don't try and don't attempt to try. Just lay back and have fun!

I did consider the castle in the beginning, but Cinderella is one of my daughter's least favorite princesses, so we went with the slightly cheaper Akershus.

 

[englanddg]

I did consider the castle in the beginning, but Cinderella is one of my daughter's least favorite princesses, so we went with the slightly cheaper Akershus.

You'll enjoy Akershus...but the food isn't as good as it is at Cindy's Castle. Cindy only appears once (for the initial picture/meet and greet)...once inside you see all the other princesses.

At Akershus, you are most likely to see Belle for the picture / meet and greet, and the princesses rush through it in my experience.

 

[taranae04]

You'll enjoy Akershus...but the food isn't as good as it is at Cindy's Castle. Cindy only appears once (for the initial picture/meet and greet)...once inside you see all the other princesses.

At Akershus, you are most likely to see Belle for the picture / meet and greet, and the princesses rush through it in my experience.

we are doing breakfast, so it is all the usual American fare which works for my extremely picky daughter and after Aurora, Belle is her second favorite so that works. We also have the Princess Tea with sleeping Beauty on Thursday Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[englanddg]

we are doing breakfast, so it is all the usual American fare which works for my extremely picky daughter and after Aurora, Belle is her second favorite so that works. We also have the Princess Tea with sleeping Beauty on Thursday Thanks for your suggestions!

Sounds like a great plan!

 

[Pooh Lover]

Welcome to WDWMagic! Your plans sound great! If you haven't already, you might want to look at all of the attractions ahead of time to be sure you don't miss any of your must-do's. It's a little daunting for a first timer when you are standing at the front of a park holding a park map and not really knowing where to go.

Since Be Our Guest is a QS restuarant at the MK during the day, that would be a great place to have lunch. Many others like Columbia Harbour House. There is also Cosmic Rays and Pecos Bill. Sunshine Seasons is a great place for a QS at EPCOT. There are several QS options all throughout the World Showcase. The Studios has Backlot Express, Fairfax Fare and Toy Story Pizza Planet. At the Animal Kingdom, Flame Tree Barbeque is very popular but there is also Yak & Yeti and Pizzafari. Wolfgang Puck Express or Earl of Sandwich are both excellent QS DTD options.

Each ride will be able to hold at least a backpack size bag but for your good camera, I would probably bring a plastic bag with a good seal.

Have a great vacation!

 

[taranae04]

Welcome to WDWMagic! Your plans sound great! If you haven't already, you might want to look at all of the attractions ahead of time to be sure you don't miss any of your must-do's. It's a little daunting for a first timer when you are standing at the front of a park holding a park map and not really knowing where to go.

Since Be Our Guest is a QS restuarant at the MK during the day, that would be a great place to have lunch. Many others like Columbia Harbour House. There is also Cosmic Rays and Pecos Bill. Sunshine Seasons is a great place for a QS at EPCOT. There are several QS options all throughout the World Showcase. The Studios has Backlot Express, Fairfax Fare and Toy Story Pizza Planet. At the Animal Kingdom, Flame Tree Barbeque is very popular but there is also Yak & Yeti and Pizzafari. Wolfgang Puck Express or Earl of Sandwich are both excellent QS DTD options.

Each ride will be able to hold at least a backpack size bag but for your good camera, I would probably bring a plastic bag with a good seal.

Have a great vacation!

Thank you so much for your tips! I did not know that Be Our Guest is QS during the day! That is awesome, and we will definitely head there for lunch while at MK. I have heard suggested Sunshine seasons, and Yak & Yeti. However, I do not care for Asian flavors so I think we will be passing on the latter. As far as the others you mentioned, do they have selections for the ever so picky eater (as she says "normal food")?

The plastic bag idea is great! Thanks. I figured there was room but we do plan on hitting Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids and I was fearing for my camera!

 

[Pooh Lover]

Thank you so much for your tips! I did not know that Be Our Guest is QS during the day! That is awesome, and we will definitely head there for lunch while at MK. I have heard suggested Sunshine seasons, and Yak & Yeti. However, I do not care for Asian flavors so I think we will be passing on the latter. As far as the others you mentioned, do they have selections for the ever so picky eater (as she says "normal food")?

The plastic bag idea is great! Thanks. I figured there was room but we do plan on hitting Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids and I was fearing for my camera!

Here is a site that will give you menus for every restaurant on WDW property. http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm

Sunshine Seasons is great because they have such a good variety but not your typical burgers, nuggets and fries. Since Be Our Guest is so new and popular, be prepared to wait in line for awhile but I've heard the line moves quickly and is worth the wait.

 

[englanddg]

My advice, don't try to plan anything outside of what you already have.

Just show up, and have fun.

Forums are full of people who have done Disney many times, and are seeking out new experiences. But, the moment your kids realize they are going, and all their fun, is more important. The specifics really don't matter all that much.

You will have fun.

So, since you are a first time visitor, don't think you "missed out" on anything, and just focus on how much fun you will have while there, because I guarantee you will!

The only advice I'd give...get a spot for Wishes slap dad in front of the Castle on day one...and watch your kids freak out!



You are not like us, yet. You don't cry when you see it and wish you were there...

 

[HouCuseChickie]

We've found portions to be quite large ... so if you're doing quick service in the parks and resorts, you'll likely be able to share a number of things. Some things have been large enough for my husband and I to share, so that would surely be enough food for an adult and 6 yr old to share.

Akershus should work well for you guys for breakfast as well. They'll bring fairly standard breakfast food to the table, but you'll also have access to the cold buffet.

You might want to go under info to dining and check out the various menus of the quick service locations. This way you can start picking out places that offer things that your daughter might like. I've never done groceries at WDW, but we sometimes bring some little fruit snacks and crackers into the park just to get us by in rough patches.

As for treats to wake up to...if you think she might enjoy pin trading...you can find some fairly inexpensive pins on ebay. She could wake up each morning to a new pin on her lanyard. Even if she trades it away...it's a fun start to the day.

Free time and what to do is really tough to say ... it might be good to go onto YouTube...watch some vids of attractions and start making a wish list. I say this since my must do's may end up being different from yours. It will also help you plan out your days.

Cameras are tricky. I know people with smaller cameras will use things like ziplock bags, but for things like my DSLR...I've had to use other techniques (and hope for the best). I've done everything from wrap it in my poncho to wrap it in a WDW shopping bag. There are waterproof cases that you can buy for cameras like this...I just haven't.

 

[taranae04]

We've found portions to be quite large ... so if you're doing quick service in the parks and resorts, you'll likely be able to share a number of things. Some things have been large enough for my husband and I to share, so that would surely be enough food for an adult and 6 yr old to share.

Akershus should work well for you guys for breakfast as well. They'll bring fairly standard breakfast food to the table, but you'll also have access to the cold buffet.

You might want to go under info to dining and check out the various menus of the quick service locations. This way you can start picking out places that offer things that your daughter might like. I've never done groceries at WDW, but we sometimes bring some little fruit snacks and crackers into the park just to get us by in rough patches.

As for treats to wake up to...if you think she might enjoy pin trading...you can find some fairly inexpensive pins on ebay. She could wake up each morning to a new pin on her lanyard. Even if she trades it away...it's a fun start to the day.

Free time and what to do is really tough to say ... it might be good to go onto YouTube...watch some vids of attractions and start making a wish list. I say this since my must do's may end up being different from yours. It will also help you plan out your days.

Cameras are tricky. I know people with smaller cameras will use things like ziplock bags, but for things like my DSLR...I've had to use other techniques (and hope for the best). I've done everything from wrap it in my poncho to wrap it in a WDW shopping bag. There are waterproof cases that you can buy for cameras like this...I just haven't.

Thank you! I also have a DSLR, which is why I am worried. And I do not feel like I should buy a waterproof case because one, it would be something extra to keep track of, and two, I will not use it any other times!

I have got some pins and a lanyard, also all types of other things. Me and her keep hearing of new things to do, but I think that being our first trip, her birthday, and that she is only 6 I will just let her choose the pace. Some things of course must be planned (shows, ADR meals, etc.) but otherwise, I will leave it up to her what we ride and when. I want it to be easy going and as stress free as possible.

Plus of course it will be 80+ degrees and crowded lol

 

[taranae04]

My advice, don't try to plan anything outside of what you already have.

Just show up, and have fun.

Forums are full of people who have done Disney many times, and are seeking out new experiences. But, the moment your kids realize they are going, and all their fun, is more important. The specifics really don't matter all that much.

You will have fun.

So, since you are a first time visitor, don't think you "missed out" on anything, and just focus on how much fun you will have while there, because I guarantee you will!

The only advice I'd give...get a spot for Wishes slap dad in front of the Castle on day one...and watch your kids freak out!



You are not like us, yet. You don't cry when you see it and wish you were there...

I think I will...I'm very emotional! ha ha...and thank you for the video, but I don't think I want towatch it. This is one thing I have always dreamed of seeing so I want it all to ba a surprise and part of the experience. (i'm odd) sorry

 

[englanddg]

Oh, no, I completely get that. The first time, planted under the Castle, seeing the fireworks, completely worth it.

Have fun!

 

[englanddg]

I took the kid for the first time in 2010...she flipped out when she saw the Castle.

That night we saw this, and she grabbed my cheeks and said "Daddy, I love this place, I don't ever want to leave"...



I grew up with Disney, and thanks to me, so has she. Your kids will love it, as will you!

 

[Soarin2u]

I took the kid for the first time in 2010...she flipped out when she saw the Castle.

That night we saw this, and she grabbed my cheeks and said "Daddy, I love this place, I don't ever want to leave"...




I grew up with Disney, and thanks to me, so has she. Your kids will love it, as will you!

:O That is so sweet! A child makes the experience just a bit more special.

 

[Soarin2u]

I would love any ideas you have for our times when nothing is scheduled, also must see/do/eat things in parks. Also, how do you handle your park bags on rides which might be wet? I will have my very expensive camera with me, is there storage while on the ride

My father had an expensive camera once.......

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Big mistake in your plan: Don't plan so many breaks! See how the day goes; if you're tired, head back, if not, stay. Keep in mind that you should allot for about an hour travel time in between the resort and the hotel. Here's why: Buses are about 20 minutes in between one another. Many times, it's more than that. So you could be standing there for at least a half an hour. I've been known to wait an hour for a bus. Depending on where you are staying, the ride can be anywhere from 5-20 minutes. Then once you get there, you'll stand in your first line for bag check. Then you'll stand in another ticketing line. It all adds up. When I was going to MK from Epcot Superbowl night, it took an hour. And we didn't wait long for the monorails. With going back, you should still allot for an hour as buses can be slow. So if you head back, you'll be back for at least 3 hours. The exception is if you're heading back from Magic Kingdom to an MK area resort (namely Fort Wilderness, and even then allot for some time to get to your area, Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian) and Hollywood Studios and Epcot and the Epcot area resorts (Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin) because there are alternative methods of transportation other than the buses, plus they're close to one another. Your plan for heading back and being back in time for the parade just is not going to work if you plan on getting anything done. If you feel like you need a break, my advice is to find a quiet spot on a bench and chill or go see a show. At MK, you can ride the train a few times around. There's no need to head back to the resort unless you need a nap. Just go with the flow, see how the day goes.

Also, you're cutting it tight with going to Chef Mickey's for dinner and being back for Fantasmic. As they say on Splash Mountain, "Stop jumping around, you'll run out of breath!" You need to be in line for Fantasmic at least 45 minutes before the show starts, and in August, generally they have two shows, and you'll want to check the weather if at all possible to make sure you make the one that has better weather. Yes this has happened to us (we go in August every year, I'll be ending my 43rd trip the day you get there, lol). You should allot for 60-90 minutes for dinner plus that hour of travel time I told you about, and once you get in the parks, plan on moving VERY slowly to Fantasmic. A better idea would be to move that reservation to your last day when you're planning on being in MK since Contemporary is within walking distance to MK (you can also take the monorail; we usually just find walking is quicker). For DHS, I would do a sit down. There's an inexpensive one called 50's Prime Time Cafe. It's got really good food and it's a fun kids environment. And yes, there is stuff on the menu kids will eat. My younger brother is picky too. The quick service food at DHS just isn't that good. Can't figure out why.

Also, I know you're a first-timer to Disney. How familiar are you with Florida in the summertime? Because my biggest tip: BRING UMBRELLAS/PONCHOS!!!! It rains just about every day in the afternoon. Sometimes you'll luck out and it won't rain. But around 3-5pm, sometimes earlier, it will rain. The weathermen down there can't even tell. And you do not want to stop your day just because of rain. There's enough to do inside. If it rains, go find something to do inside. Tomorrowland or Fantasyland in MK is a pretty good spot because so many attractions in those areas are inside.

Wet bags: There are only two rides on which your bag could get that wet: Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids (if you do this, wear ponchos or bring a change or clothes unless you like walking around completely soaked, which I don't). For Kali, they offer free lockers located right outside the ride. Ask a Cast Member for directions and leave your camera there. There is also a center compartment that is covered to keep stuff dry. For Splash, go to a gift shop, ask the cast member for a bag (they'll give you one, I promise), and stick your bag in there. I do that regardless of what's in my bag, though I carry around expensive electronics. I've never had a problem with water getting in there even when I've gotten soaked. A plastic baggie to stick your camera in would also serve you well. If you're on a boat ride, just put your camera away and it will be fine. I would bring a bag that zips shut as stuff can fall out on rougher rides.

If you own an iPhone, iPod touch, or Android, there are three apps I recommend (there is in-park Wifi if you don't have much data). First, the weather channel app for reasons explained above (having a radar is great!). Second, the WDWmagic app. Check it every day and periodically because the site often announces extended hours or other news you wouldn't normally care about but that affects you while down there. Third, My Disney Experience. This app allows you to check wait times, show times, as well as to make and change dining reservations.

Best quick service locations within parks:
MK: Columbia Harbour House, Cosmic Ray's, Be Our Guest for lunch if it's not terribly crowded. Normally I say Tortuga Tavern, but since you've got a picky eater...idk if she eats Mexican.
Epcot: Basically anywhere you and your daughter like the food. I would say not Electric Umbrella or American Adventure (unless your daughter wants something there; you certainly have better options for yourself). The food at Epcot is the best. They have chicken strips at La Catina de San Angel in Mexico. I also like the food court at the Land. It's a great break from fried food. Nice fresh ingredients, some of which are from their greenhouse which is located right there!
Hollywood Studios: Pizza Planet is best. The others, meh. Hit and miss usually.
Animal Kingdom: Pizzafari or Flame Tree BBQ. I like Pizzafari slightly better, but pick the menu that appeals to you.

You can get certain items (bread, lunch meat, chips, peanut butter and jelly, fruit, cereal, milk) at the gift shop, but nothing like fresh produce or what you would find at a grocery store. Keep in mind it's more expensive than at home. There's always kid options at the quick service locations within the park

Have a great trip, and if you need any more advice, you know where to find me!

 

[StarWarsGirl]

That night we saw this, and she grabbed my cheeks and said "Daddy, I love this place, I don't ever want to leave"...

Oh her and me both. Doesn't matter how many times you go, you never want to leave.

 

[taranae04]

Big mistake in your plan: Don't plan so many breaks! See how the day goes; if you're tired, head back, if not, stay. Keep in mind that you should allot for about an hour travel time in between the resort and the hotel. Here's why: Buses are about 20 minutes in between one another. Many times, it's more than that. So you could be standing there for at least a half an hour. I've been known to wait an hour for a bus. Depending on where you are staying, the ride can be anywhere from 5-20 minutes. Then once you get there, you'll stand in your first line for bag check. Then you'll stand in another ticketing line. It all adds up. When I was going to MK from Epcot Superbowl night, it took an hour. And we didn't wait long for the monorails. With going back, you should still allot for an hour as buses can be slow. So if you head back, you'll be back for at least 3 hours. The exception is if you're heading back from Magic Kingdom to an MK area resort (namely Fort Wilderness, and even then allot for some time to get to your area, Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian) and Hollywood Studios and Epcot and the Epcot area resorts (Yacht and Beach Club, Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin) because there are alternative methods of transportation other than the buses, plus they're close to one another. Your plan for heading back and being back in time for the parade just is not going to work if you plan on getting anything done. If you feel like you need a break, my advice is to find a quiet spot on a bench and chill or go see a show. At MK, you can ride the train a few times around. There's no need to head back to the resort unless you need a nap. Just go with the flow, see how the day goes.

Also, you're cutting it tight with going to Chef Mickey's for dinner and being back for Fantasmic. As they say on Splash Mountain, "Stop jumping around, you'll run out of breath!" You need to be in line for Fantasmic at least 45 minutes before the show starts, and in August, generally they have two shows, and you'll want to check the weather if at all possible to make sure you make the one that has better weather. Yes this has happened to us (we go in August every year, I'll be ending my 43rd trip the day you get there, lol). You should allot for 60-90 minutes for dinner plus that hour of travel time I told you about, and once you get in the parks, plan on moving VERY slowly to Fantasmic. A better idea would be to move that reservation to your last day when you're planning on being in MK since Contemporary is within walking distance to MK (you can also take the monorail; we usually just find walking is quicker). For DHS, I would do a sit down. There's an inexpensive one called 50's Prime Time Cafe. It's got really good food and it's a fun kids environment. And yes, there is stuff on the menu kids will eat. My younger brother is picky too. The quick service food at DHS just isn't that good. Can't figure out why.

Also, I know you're a first-timer to Disney. How familiar are you with Florida in the summertime? Because my biggest tip: BRING UMBRELLAS/PONCHOS!!!! It rains just about every day in the afternoon. Sometimes you'll luck out and it won't rain. But around 3-5pm, sometimes earlier, it will rain. The weathermen down there can't even tell. And you do not want to stop your day just because of rain. There's enough to do inside. If it rains, go find something to do inside. Tomorrowland or Fantasyland in MK is a pretty good spot because so many attractions in those areas are inside.

Wet bags: There are only two rides on which your bag could get that wet: Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids (if you do this, wear ponchos or bring a change or clothes unless you like walking around completely soaked, which I don't). For Kali, they offer free lockers located right outside the ride. Ask a Cast Member for directions and leave your camera there. There is also a center compartment that is covered to keep stuff dry. For Splash, go to a gift shop, ask the cast member for a bag (they'll give you one, I promise), and stick your bag in there. I do that regardless of what's in my bag, though I carry around expensive electronics. I've never had a problem with water getting in there even when I've gotten soaked. A plastic baggie to stick your camera in would also serve you well. If you're on a boat ride, just put your camera away and it will be fine. I would bring a bag that zips shut as stuff can fall out on rougher rides.

If you own an iPhone, iPod touch, or Android, there are three apps I recommend (there is in-park Wifi if you don't have much data). First, the weather channel app for reasons explained above (having a radar is great!). Second, the WDWmagic app. Check it every day and periodically because the site often announces extended hours or other news you wouldn't normally care about but that affects you while down there. Third, My Disney Experience. This app allows you to check wait times, show times, as well as to make and change dining reservations.

Best quick service locations within parks:
MK: Columbia Harbour House, Cosmic Ray's, Be Our Guest for lunch if it's not terribly crowded. Normally I say Tortuga Tavern, but since you've got a picky eater...idk if she eats Mexican.
Epcot: Basically anywhere you and your daughter like the food. I would say not Electric Umbrella or American Adventure (unless your daughter wants something there; you certainly have better options for yourself). The food at Epcot is the best. They have chicken strips at La Catina de San Angel in Mexico. I also like the food court at the Land. It's a great break from fried food. Nice fresh ingredients, some of which are from their greenhouse which is located right there!
Hollywood Studios: Pizza Planet is best. The others, meh. Hit and miss usually.
Animal Kingdom: Pizzafari or Flame Tree BBQ. I like Pizzafari slightly better, but pick the menu that appeals to you.

You can get certain items (bread, lunch meat, chips, peanut butter and jelly, fruit, cereal, milk) at the gift shop, but nothing like fresh produce or what you would find at a grocery store. Keep in mind it's more expensive than at home. There's always kid options at the quick service locations within the park

Have a great trip, and if you need any more advice, you know where to find me!

Thank you for all your tips! I planned on the breaks mainly to be prepared...as you said though, we won't take them if she does not absolutely need a nap.

p.s. also a very huge Ravens fan