First timer..for all of us. Help!!!

[The QueenVee]

My brothers family, my mom and my family will be visiting WDW for the very first time ever. We are going during the week of Christmas (Saturday / Saturday) and don't have a clue how to begin planning. We are staying at a non Disney resort in kissimee. The children's ages are - 13 boy, 10 girl, 10 boy, 8 girl, 6 boy and 4 boy. I dont want to spend everyday at a park, would like to do downtown disney, the boardwalk, fort wilderness...don't know if these things are recommended? Here's what I need help with

1. Good books for planning my trip

2. Scavenger hunts, keepsake books for the kids - reasonably priced. Should we do autograph books? Do you recommend a certain type.

3. Must see /do for the various age groups (don't mind splitting up for the day if needed)

4. Don't waste my time / money doing

5. Can you bring outside foods into the parks? Two of the kids have very severe food allergies

6. Good websites to assist with itineraries ...I have never been to Disney so would like a guide on what you should do first, last, how much time needed for each activity so a website with sample itineraries I can tweak would be awesome

7. What are some must do Christmas things since we will be there during the holidays?

8. We are renting a house and will do most cooking at home, however wanted some suggestions on restaurants for the times we do eat out.

9. Things to do after hours for the grown ups as well spa suggestions for the ladies day out and suggestions for the guys day out.

Oh, and this is a surprise trip for the kids so any ideas on pulling that off would be great. I am super super excited!!! Thanks in advance for all of your feedback.

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

 

[Disvillain63]

First...welcome to Magic!

Wow, first time and the week of Christmas...which weekend? The one before or the one after? It will be a bit less crowded the weekend before. Otherwise, first piece of advice, if it's the one after, Get to the parks EARLY!!! They have a tendency of meeting capacity and being closed to those not staying on property.

 

[The QueenVee]

Good advice, didn't

First...welcome to Magic!

Wow, first time and the week of Christmas...which weekend? The one before or the one after? It will be a bit less crowded the weekend before. Otherwise, first piece of advice, if it's the one after, Get to the parks EARLY!!! They have a tendency of meeting capacity and being closed to those not staying on property.

 

[The QueenVee]

Good advice, didn't

Good advice, didn't think about not being able to get in the parks. We will be there 12/21-12/28

 

[Disvillain63]

1. I haven't used a book in years, so I won't recommend one...someone else will be able to help you much better than I could.

2. I find my scavenger hunts, wordsearches, and ideas for keepsake/autograph books online. A good source is www.pinterest.com .

3. Must sees...the whole WORLD...you're main concern will be height restrictions for the 4-year old. Our favs:
MK - All, except Stitch's Great Escape
Epcot - World Showcase, Test Track, Soarin', Listen to the Land, The Living Seas w/Nemo & Friends, Spaceship
Earth
DHS - Toy Story Midway Mania, Rock-n-Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror, Beauty & the Beast show
AK - Expedition Everest, Killimanjaro Safari, Dinosaur, Tough to be a Bug, DiVine, Finding Nemo the Musical

4. MK - Stitch's Great Escape
Epcot - Universe of Energy & Captain EO
DHS - Backlot Tour
AK - Fossil Fun

5. You can bring outside food in, but no hard coolers or glass. Also, tell them at any of the restaurants about the food allergies and they will work with you.

6. Websites...I usually just put what I want in my search and it comes up; I have nothing I can give you right off the shelf...someone else will.

7. Travel to the resorts and see their Christmas displays...Grand Floridian & Wilderness Lodge!!!!

8. Our fav restaurants
MK - Cinderella's Royal Table, Beauty and the Beast, Crystal Palace
Epcot - Biergarten (Germany) & Garden Grill (The Land)
DHS - Mama Melrose & 50's Prime Time
AK - no opinion

9. Boardwalk and Downtown Disney are great at night.

 

[NYwdwfan]

The best thing is - if you miss something you will have no idea what you missed. Don't stress about seeing it all - it's a crowded week and managing that may get in the way of the best plaid plans. Have fun planning - and welcome to WDWMagic!

 

[OrderMuppet]

Wow, you practically have a blank slate! As a, well, order muppet type, I find that a bit daunting. Starting to read up and plan this early in the year is a very good idea.

The first thing that jumped out at me from your post was the food allergies, and the best page I've found on that is at the AllEars site (dining section). (I would link it here but I'm fairly new myself and am not 100% sure of the linking rules.) It has WDW phone numbers and advice for dining on-site with food allergies and other special needs. You'll want to have all of that info before you leave home.

 

[The QueenVee]

1. I haven't used a book in years, so I won't recommend one...someone else will be able to help you much better than I could.

2. I find my scavenger hunts, wordsearches, and ideas for keepsake/autograph books online. A good source is www.pinterest.com .

3. Must sees...the whole WORLD...you're main concern will be height restrictions for the 4-year old. Our favs:
MK - All, except Stitch's Great Escape
Epcot - World Showcase, Test Track, Soarin', Listen to the Land, The Living Seas w/Nemo & Friends, Spaceship
Earth
DHS - Toy Story Midway Mania, Rock-n-Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror, Beauty & the Beast show
AK - Expedition Everest, Killimanjaro Safari, Dinosaur, Tough to be a Bug, DiVine, Finding Nemo the Musical

4. MK - Stitch's Great Escape
Epcot - Universe of Energy & Captain EO
DHS - Backlot Tour
AK - Fossil Fun

5. You can bring outside food in, but no hard coolers or glass. Also, tell them at any of the restaurants about the food allergies and they will work with you.

6. Websites...I usually just put what I want in my search and it comes up; I have nothing I can give you right off the shelf...someone else will.

7. Travel to the resorts and see their Christmas displays...Grand Floridian & Wilderness Lodge!!!!

8. Our fav restaurants
MK - Cinderella's Royal Table, Beauty and the Beast, Crystal Palace
Epcot - Biergarten (Germany) & Garden Grill (The Land)
DHS - Mama Melrose & 50's Prime Time
AK - no opinion

9. Boardwalk and Downtown Disney are great at night.

Thank you!

 

[The QueenVee]

Wow, you practically have a blank slate! As a, well, order muppet type, I find that a bit daunting. Starting to read up and plan this early in the year is a very good idea.

The first thing that jumped out at me from your post was the food allergies, and the best page I've found on that is at the AllEars site (dining section). (I would link it here but I'm fairly new myself and am not 100% sure of the linking rules.) It has WDW phone numbers and advice for dining on-site with food allergies and other special needs. You'll want to have all of that info before you leave home.

Thanks, checking out now!

 

[bubbles1812]

I would just suggest being ok with splitting up sometimes... Meaning maybe you and yours take a few hours by yourselves and your brothers family do the same. And of course your mom can go with either of your families. Reason I'm suggesting this is because of the varying ages in children and that's just a lot of people to try to be navigating all at once. Or at least maybe say the dads (or moms) can take some of the bigger children on the bigger rides while the others go off and ride Dumbo. All I'm saying is dont be afraid to split up sometimes. You are going during one of the absolute busiest times of the year and the smaller the group, the more you'll be able to do.

And to echo what another person says... Get there at park opening. Or rather half hour before so you can get in line. It sucks getting up early but the parks only get more crowded as the day goes on, and on/after Christmas, the later you get there the bigger the chance you won't even be able to get in period.

I'd gladly give you a game plan for "attacking" each park when you are there if you want it. Have a ton of tips for cutting down wait times. If you are interested let me know.

 

[deanaandrich]

Don't know what your religious preference is, but the candlelight processional is a must do during the holiday. There are 3 shows a night with a celebrity narrator. There is a dinner package available that will guarantee you a seat, but if that costs too much there is a standby line if they don't fill up or you can just watch and listen around the American pavilion.

 

[The QueenVee]

I would just suggest being ok with splitting up sometimes... Meaning maybe you and yours take a few hours by yourselves and your brothers family do the same. And of course your mom can go with either of your families. Reason I'm suggesting this is because of the varying ages in children and that's just a lot of people to try to be navigating all at once. Or at least maybe say the dads (or moms) can take some of the bigger children on the bigger rides while the others go off and ride Dumbo. All I'm saying is dont be afraid to split up sometimes. You are going during one of the absolute busiest times of the year and the smaller the group, the more you'll be able to do.

And to echo what another person says... Get there at park opening. Or rather half hour before so you can get in line. It sucks getting up early but the parks only get more crowded as the day goes on, and on/after Christmas, the later you get there the bigger the chance you won't even be able to get in period.

I'd gladly give you a game plan for "attacking" each park when you are there if you want it. Have a ton of tips for cutting down wait times. If you are interested let me know.

We are definitely okay with splitting up. And I would love any tips you have, thank you!

 

[The QueenVee]

Don't know what your religious preference is, but the candlelight processional is a must do during the holiday. There are 3 shows a night with a celebrity narrator. There is a dinner package available that will guarantee you a seat, but if that costs too much there is a standby line if they don't fill up or you can just watch and listen around the American pavilion.

Thanks, will have to look into this too.

 

[luv]

1. Good books for planning my trip - the best one is the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. Don't be intimidated by its size. Birnbaum's Official Guide (Disney's book) has very little planning info and what it has is sometimes wrong, but it's cute, peppy and the most fun...there is a kids' version for the kiddos, too.

2. Scavenger hunts, keepsake books for the kids - reasonably priced. Should we do autograph books? Do you recommend a certain type - You can find really cute autograph books on etsy or buy them from Disney. Me, I wouldn't try to get the kids into this. It's a huge time-sucker in the parks. In fact, I do everything possible to discourage it. There is a Hidden Mickey book many older kids enjoy (and seem adults!)

3. Must see /do for the various age groups (don't mind splitting up for the day if needed) - have everyone go through the cute Birnbaum book and come up with three to five things they want to do, then get them worked into a plan. Everything is fun if you like it and it is difficult to predict what you'll like.

4. Don't waste my time / money doing - Tony's restaurant and autographs, if that's possible!

5. Can you bring outside foods into the parks? Two of the kids have very severe food allergies - yes, you can. But no alcohol. And you aren't allowed to bring rolling coolers. Disney is fantastic about catering to allergies. Don't worry about that. If you have a special diet, they can accommodate it with 24 hour notice...but allergies are a common thing they deal with all the time.

6. Good websites to assist with itineraries ...I have never been to Disney so would like a guide on what you should do first, last, how much time needed for each activity so a website with sample itineraries I can tweak would be awesome - touringplans.com is the best site. For $12, you can just check off the rides you want included and get a customized plan. There simply isn't a better or easier way to do it...especially Christmas week.

7. What are some must do Christmas things since we will be there during the holidays? - parade at the MK, see the castle at night. Visit storytellers in Epcot's World Showcase, the Candlelight processional is wonderful, but akin to spending an hour in church for most young kids - if you go, do the dinner package!! See the Osbourne Lights at DHS.

8. We are renting a house and will do most cooking at home, however wanted some suggestions on restaurants for the times we do eat out. - the World Showcase has some really good restaurants. I like Les Chefs and Restaurant Marrakesh best, but Le Cellier is the most popular. San Angel is good, too. I love the Crystal Palace for breakfast...and it is a character meal, so easy autograph collecting there, with the Pooh characters by your table. Chef Mickey's is another good character breakfast.

9. Things to do after hours for the grown ups as well spa suggestions for the ladies day out and suggestions for the guys day out. - lots of good golf courses in Orlando. The only spa I did was Mandara and it was heavenly to me, but it's the only spa I ever visited in my life. I like Jelly Rolls at night. CityWalk at Uni is extremely popular, but has more of a hopping club vibe than I like, being an over-40 person. I think Blue Man Group at Uni is the best show in Orlando.

Oh, and this is a surprise trip for the kids so any ideas on pulling that off would be great. I am super super excited!!! Thanks in advance for all of your feedback - tell them they're going so they can help with the planning, but tell them they're going like two months later than they are, then spring it on them when it's time to leave. That was my favorite.

Now, I realize you've selected Christmas, but being as you're kind of a newbie, I have to say it, just in case you didn't know. You have picked the single busiest week of the year. You will have extremely long lines for everything - rides, bathrooms, water, paying for anything you want to buy. You will be packed into that park like sardines. You will mostly see other bodies and not be able to take in all the sights around you. And you'll get a LOT less done than you would even during a busy summer week. The traffic will be a nightmare. It is possible that you'll be able to do so little that you'll end up extremely disappointed that you spent all that money for it.

I would seriously consider re-scheduling this. But if only Christmas will do, so be it. Pony up the $12 for touringplans.com (they're the best, especially for holidays!), follow the advice and plan, pack some extra patience and...

Have a great trip!

Never hesitate to start a thread on something. No question is too dumb!! We were all newbies once!

 

[lunchbox1175]

Congrats on your first trip, I hope you have a great one, the only thing that jumped out to me in your questions was not wanting to spend everyday at a park. I wouldn't get too set on this, as with a group your size and the range in ages of the kids, they will probably want to hit up almost every attraction, and that will be quite time consuming. Downtown Disney is one of my favorite places, but we do a lot of souvenir shopping and dining there, there aren't that many attractions, as well as the Boardwalk, not your typical "Boardwalk" with rides and such. Hopefully you are going for a good amount of time and are able to see as much as possible, my only advice would be to not try to rush, just try to take in everything you see, you won't get it all in, so just try to make it as relaxing as possible.

Have a magical trip.

 

[bubbles1812]

We are definitely okay with splitting up. And I would love any tips you have, thank you!

Alrighty! I will gladly send you a PM after I finish work today. (Sorry it would be quite an involved post so figure PM is better)

 

[The QueenVee]

1. Good books for planning my trip - the best one is the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. Don't be intimidated by its size. Birnbaum's Official Guide (Disney's book) has very little planning info and what it has is sometimes wrong, but it's cute, peppy and the most fun...there is a kids' version for the kiddos, too.

2. Scavenger hunts, keepsake books for the kids - reasonably priced. Should we do autograph books? Do you recommend a certain type - You can find really cute autograph books on etsy or buy them from Disney. Me, I wouldn't try to get the kids into this. It's a huge time-sucker in the parks. In fact, I do everything possible to discourage it. There is a Hidden Mickey book many older kids enjoy (and seem adults!)

3. Must see /do for the various age groups (don't mind splitting up for the day if needed) - have everyone go through the cute Birnbaum book and come up with three to five things they want to do, then get them worked into a plan. Everything is fun if you like it and it is difficult to predict what you'll like.

4. Don't waste my time / money doing - Tony's restaurant and autographs, if that's possible!

5. Can you bring outside foods into the parks? Two of the kids have very severe food allergies - yes, you can. But no alcohol. And you aren't allowed to bring rolling coolers. Disney is fantastic about catering to allergies. Don't worry about that. If you have a special diet, they can accommodate it with 24 hour notice...but allergies are a common thing they deal with all the time.

6. Good websites to assist with itineraries ...I have never been to Disney so would like a guide on what you should do first, last, how much time needed for each activity so a website with sample itineraries I can tweak would be awesome - touringplans.com is the best site. For $12, you can just check off the rides you want included and get a customized plan. There simply isn't a better or easier way to do it...especially Christmas week.

7. What are some must do Christmas things since we will be there during the holidays? - parade at the MK, see the castle at night. Visit storytellers in Epcot's World Showcase, the Candlelight processional is wonderful, but akin to spending an hour in church for most young kids - if you go, do the dinner package!! See the Osbourne Lights at DHS.

8. We are renting a house and will do most cooking at home, however wanted some suggestions on restaurants for the times we do eat out. - the World Showcase has some really good restaurants. I like Les Chefs and Restaurant Marrakesh best, but Le Cellier is the most popular. San Angel is good, too. I love the Crystal Palace for breakfast...and it is a character meal, so easy autograph collecting there, with the Pooh characters by your table. Chef Mickey's is another good character breakfast.

9. Things to do after hours for the grown ups as well spa suggestions for the ladies day out and suggestions for the guys day out. - lots of good golf courses in Orlando. The only spa I did was Mandara and it was heavenly to me, but it's the only spa I ever visited in my life. I like Jelly Rolls at night. CityWalk at Uni is extremely popular, but has more of a hopping club vibe than I like, being an over-40 person. I think Blue Man Group at Uni is the best show in Orlando.

Oh, and this is a surprise trip for the kids so any ideas on pulling that off would be great. I am super super excited!!! Thanks in advance for all of your feedback - tell them they're going so they can help with the planning, but tell them they're going like two months later than they are, then spring it on them when it's time to leave. That was my favorite.

Now, I realize you've selected Christmas, but being as you're kind of a newbie, I have to say it, just in case you didn't know. You have picked the single busiest week of the year. You will have extremely long lines for everything - rides, bathrooms, water, paying for anything you want to buy. You will be packed into that park like sardines. You will mostly see other bodies and not be able to take in all the sights around you. And you'll get a LOT less done than you would even during a busy summer week. The traffic will be a nightmare. It is possible that you'll be able to do so little that you'll end up extremely disappointed that you spent all that money for it.

I would seriously consider re-scheduling this. But if only Christmas will do, so be it. Pony up the $12 for touringplans.com (they're the best, especially for holidays!), follow the advice and plan, pack some extra patience and...

Have a great trip!

Never hesitate to start a thread on something. No question is too dumb!! We were all newbies once!

Great info. Thank you!! People have warned me about the crowds but I have always wanted to spend Christmas at Disney. Hopefully we won't be too overwhelmed.

 

[The QueenVee]

Congrats on your first trip, I hope you have a great one, the only thing that jumped out to me in your questions was not wanting to spend everyday at a park. I wouldn't get too set on this, as with a group your size and the range in ages of the kids, they will probably want to hit up almost every attraction, and that will be quite time consuming. Downtown Disney is one of my favorite places, but we do a lot of souvenir shopping and dining there, there aren't that many attractions, as well as the Boardwalk, not your typical "Boardwalk" with rides and such. Hopefully you are going for a good amount of time and are able to see as much as possible, my only advice would be to not try to rush, just try to take in everything you see, you won't get it all in, so just try to make it as relaxing as possible.

Have a magical trip.

LOL...I think you're right...I have a feeling the only one relaxing will be my mom who has already advised us that she's only doing one day at a park. Thanks for the advice.

 

[JillC LI]

A few thoughts. As others have said, the parks are going to be PACKED! Please plan on getting to them BEFORE rope drop. You will be able to get much more done before the heavy duty crowds arrive. Otherwise you will spend your days waiting on huge lines for only a handful of attractions - if you get in at all!

My favorite book for planning is The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World - it will give you descriptions of the attractions and you can decide which ones you don't want to miss and which are not on your priority list. Autograph books are fun for the kids - you can find them pretty cheap on eBay. Bring a large marker too. But again, plan on long lines for character autographs. Try TouringPlans.com for itineraries and crowd calendars.

Yes you can bring in food but Disney is very sensitive to food allergies and may be able to accommodate your needs if you let them know.

We just went at Xmas time for the first time this past December. Some things not to miss are the Osborne Lights Spectacular at Disney Hollywood Studies; the life size gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian; the chocolate carousel at the Beach Club; and if you want to pay for an extra hard ticket, MVMCP (we skipped that but saw the Holiday Wishes fireworks from the Observation Deck of the California Grill while eating dinner there). Some of our favorite restaurants include Kona Cafe for breakfast; 'Ohana for dinner; and Rose & Crown Pub with a late reservation so you can watch the IllumiNations fireworks while eating.

We do everything as a family so I can't really suggest grown-up gal or guy outings, but someday I want to try Jellyrolls on the Boardwalk (21+ only) for their dueling pianos.

We surprised our kids this past December too. Here's a link to my post and pics about it.
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/the-surprise-were-going-to-disney-pre-trip-report.856861/

Enjoy but be prepared for intense crowds!

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Wow. Thats a busy week! Definitely wouldn't have recommended that for a first timer.
I cant stress enough how important getting to the parks early is. Parks tend to reach capacity quickly during those weeks. And as a non-disney resort guest... you will be turned away.

Wait time apps will be your friend! and Touringplans.com is a great website! I like Disneyfoodblog.com when it comes to finding places to eat; they show pictures, reviews, and menus!

If you plan on eating in the parks at all, make sure to narrow it down to places that you like and reserve them asap if they are table service restaurants. I do always recommend taking a day to relax away from parks. I would make a full day of DTD, the Boardwalk, and Fort Wilderness.

I do believe Fort Wilderness offers sleigh rides, and you can see the xmas decorations of the guest.

Honestly, since your staying off property, I wouldn't recommend doing extra things like Spa visits or Visiting the bars or club in WDW because it is extremely overpriced. Id look locally for nice spas or bars.