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!

 

[SAV]

While you're at Epcot, make sure to go into Club Cool and sample all of the Coke products from around the world. It's something that is actually free at WDW. Make sure to try the Beverly and the Mezzo Mix.

Another Free thing to do at Epcot is to do all of the Kidcot stops. They will give you a Duffy the Bear to color in and then at each country you get a trinket and a stamp. In some they will write your childs name in the native language. Look for the K in a red box on the map for the exact locations.

I also agree with a poster above about too many breaks. You're going for your first time, so stay in the parks and enjoy them fully. Rest when you get home.

 

[taranae04]

While you're at Epcot, make sure to go into Club Cool and sample all of the Coke products from around the world. It's something that is actually free at WDW. Make sure to try the Beverly and the Mezzo Mix.

Another Free thing to do at Epcot is to do all of the Kidcot stops. They will give you a Duffy the Bear to color in and then at each country you get a trinket and a stamp. In some they will write your childs name in the native language. Look for the K in a red box on the map for the exact locations.

I also agree with a poster above about too many breaks. You're going for your first time, so stay in the parks and enjoy them fully. Rest when you get home.

I created a passport per say for my daughter and I am hoping that she can get "Happy Birthday" written on it in different languages.

As far as breaks go, I know the heat is going to kill me and I only scheduled them to plan on it if needed. We won't take them if we really don't need to but I would hate to just keep pushing on and then my daughter have a breakdown at 3pm and be done for the day. Just preparation. I hope we do not have to break!

 

[momof1princess]

We are staying at the Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms. Because of money restrictions it had to be value and I let my daughter choose. since it is new I thought it was a good choice for our trip

My 5-year old loved the Mermaid rooms and the AOA overall theming. Rooms are a good fit for two or even three people, unless your third is a mess like my husband, so you should be happy there space-wise. Take the time to walk the resort and spend a few minutes in the lobby areas, it really is neat to see!

 

[bethymouse]

While you're at Epcot, make sure to go into Club Cool and sample all of the Coke products from around the world. It's something that is actually free at WDW. Make sure to try the Beverly and the Mezzo Mix.

Another Free thing to do at Epcot is to do all of the Kidcot stops. They will give you a Duffy the Bear to color in and then at each country you get a trinket and a stamp. In some they will write your childs name in the native language. Look for the K in a red box on the map for the exact locations.

I also agree with a poster above about too many breaks. You're going for your first time, so stay in the parks and enjoy them fully. Rest when you get home.

The KidCot Stops are so fun for the kids. Really. I never thought my boys would like it ( age 8-3rd grade), but they actually do!

 

[bethymouse]

When the kiddos like to go into the "playgrounds" like Honey I Shrunk The Kids, just relax, take a few pictures, and let them have a ball! It's a moment for the adults to take a bit of a rest.

 

[mousefreak]

There's one problem with your plan.......

Fri, Aug 30th- leave for airport by 9am

That will stink, otherwise you have a great trip planned. Great idea taking afternoon breaks as it will be hotter than Hatties down there.

Have a great time!

 

[jenluvswdw]

Welcome Taranae! My son is a very picky eater too. You can look up any QS or TS menu on line. You can get info on this website, the Disney World one, or the Disney Food Blog is very helpful! The Blog has lots of pictures. FYI my son would not eat anything on Be Our Guest QS kids meal. Also, you will find sharing meals is very easy. Disney has large portions in my opinion. Have a Magical time!

 

[taranae04]

There's one problem with your plan.......

Fri, Aug 30th- leave for airport by 9am

That will stink, otherwise you have a great trip planned. Great idea taking afternoon breaks as it will be hotter than Hatties down there.

Have a great time!

Yes I know. I am not happy about it either and it really didn't save me much money by cutting a day out but I needed non-stop flights since I am alone with my kid and have not been in an airport since I was a kid! I'm wishing I would have not done that but oh well, will still be a great trip! Also gives us the weekend to get back to reality before school and work

 

[mousefreak]

Our first trip as a family was in Oct '09. We did a 6 day, 7 night trip. We did one park per day and did not take any breaks...just stayed in the parks all day and tore the heck out of them. It wasn't such a good idea, but we were having the time of our lives and didn't want to miss anything. Last year, we took afternoon breaks to the pool and it was refreshing and really recharged our batteries...and we ended up having an even better time.

BTW...Welcome to the forum! There's a lot of great people here to help.