first timer

[tcam]

i'm taking my 4yr old on our first trip to disney world and the disney cruise. i've read books and been on the web searching. which would be the best spots to take a 4yr old boy? how is the cruise line? and also how much money should i expect to spend for food and souveniors.
thanks

 

[Son_of_Sam]

It depends, what does your child like. Does he get scared easily. For example, Snow White is loved by some kids but dreaded by others. As for the money you can spend as much as you like. If you eat at Cosmic Rays you pay a little (which is only for disney, in real life it is alot) of Tony's Town Square which is more, or Victoria & Alberts which defines expensive.

 

[StevenT]

Never taken the cruise. Now that that's out of the way let's talk about the parks.

Where to take a 4 yr old. By far the most family friendly park is the Magic Kingdom because that's where all the classic rides are. Walt's dream for Disneyland was to have a place where parents and their kids could enjoy themselves. Since the Magic Kingdom is based on Disneyland, you both are sure to enjoy yourselves. There is plenty to see and do, I personally always spend at lease half of my Disney vacation there.

I personally would avoid Epcot, because there isn't much that a child would enjoy. Epcot is 2 spectacular thrill rides and slower ride-through or walk through exhibits. It's great for someone who could appreciate it, but not really for a child who just wants to have fun.

MGM Studios is another good visit, there should be plenty for everybody to do. The massive "Honey I Shrunk The Audiance" children's playhouse is spectacular. The only thing I'd say is avoid Sunset Blvd. There's nothing for young children there, but if you can sneak away it contains two of the best thrill rides on the property, Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.

Animal Kingdom, the fourth newest park might be a wise choice if your boy likes animals (What kid doesn't?) There are a few rides for the kids, but it is essentially a Disney-fied zoo. At Animal Kingdom I would deffinately do "It's tough to be a bug" your little one should love that.

Blizzard Beach is the newer of the two water parks. It also has more to do, and a rather large children's area. It should be enjoyable weather permitting. I saw a Travel Channel special on the top 10 water parks in the US and Blizzard Beach was ranked #2 in the nation.

As for accomidations, I reccomend the moderately priced resort Port Orleans: French Quarter, or Port Orleans: Riverside. One is themed like the New Orleans French Quarter, the other like rural Louisiana. They are spectacular visually, and have great ammenities, and wonderful pools. They are about $180 a night. If you are travelling on a budget, the $77 a night All Star Resorts are very nice. I would encourage you to stay at a Disney Resort. They add to the splendor of the vacation and you get free transportatoin, meaning you can leave the car parked at the hotel the whole time. If you are going all out and want to spend some money on a deluxe resort, I'd suggest the Northwest Lodge themed Wilderness Lodge. It is truly a sight to behold.

Expect to spend alot on souvineres. Disney is pricey, and for the first timer, you'll want to buy everything. Just think where you're going to put it when you get home, and that should help you restrain yourself.

Places to eat: Stay with the walk up counters if you are travelling on a budget. At the Magic Kingdom I reccomend Cosmic Ray's (general fare) if you are around Tommorowland and Pirate y Perico (Tacos and other Mexican food) if you are around Adventureland. Epcot, check out somewhere in the World Showcase for some cuisine from different countries. MGM check out the ABC Commisary for some great Asian food. If you really want to spend some money, the five star Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian resort and spa features world class cuisine, but beware, it is the most expensive restaurant on the property, and I mean EXPENSIVE.

Like golf? Disney has 3 world class 18 hole courses.

I really hope this helps you and I hope you and especially your boy enjoy your vacation. Any more questions feel free to ask, I'd love to help.

 

[TURKEY]

Originally posted by StevenT



Blizzard Beach is the newer of the two water parks. It also has more to do, and a rather large children's area. It should be enjoyable weather permitting. I saw a Travel Channel special on the top 10 water parks in the US and Blizzard Beach was ranked #2 in the nation.

Places to eat: Stay with the walk up counters if you are travelling on a budget. At the Magic Kingdom I reccomend Cosmic Ray's (general fare) if you are around Tommorowland and Pirate y Perico (Tacos and other Mexican food) if you are around Adventureland. Epcot, check out somewhere in the World Showcase for some cuisine from different countries. MGM check out the ABC Commisary for some great Asian food. If you really want to spend some money, the five star Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian resort and spa features world class cuisine, but beware, it is the most expensive restaurant on the property, and I mean EXPENSIVE.

I think that BB is more thrill/adult oriented with more intense rides than Typhoon Lagoon. TL seems more kid friendly.

Pirate y Perico is seasonal and shouldn't be open. I think that Victoria and Albert's is adults only with no kids.

 

[StevenT]

Perico is seasonal really? Well, then if it's open go for it I think it's open during the summer months then, because it was open last July.

I suggested Victoria and Alberts as an aside if you wanted to do something really special, but yes Turkey Leg Boy it is not for children. Sometimes you 'gotta do something just for yourself though

I think either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach would be a fine choice. Thinking on it more though, I think the Typhoon kiddy area is a bit larger, and it has one of the largest wave pools anywhere, which is good for the children during the time of gentle waves in between the set of massive ones (I love those!)

 

[tcam]

thanks for the help.i'm going the first week in may. my hotel packages is included. i purchased the 7 day land and sea package so i'll be staying at the carbbiean beach resort inside of disney. so three days on land and four days at sea i thought about taken 2 grand just want to know if i will be spending more

 

[raven]

Get to Fantasyland early in the morning otherwise you will be in lines all day. You will spend most of your day there.

4-years old is still a little young for him to remember too much later on so don't worry too much about if he won't like certain things or not.

Other than that, parades and shows are always a great bet.

 

[StevenT]

Caribbean Beach is pretty nice, it is nicely themed and it is the largest resort on the property.

$2000 sounds like a good amount. That should be plenty. If the Disney Cruise Line is like others, food and things should be incuded in the ticket price, but I'm not sure so you might want to check that.

 

[StevenT]

Originally posted by raven
Get to Fantasyland early in the morning otherwise you will be in lines all day. You will spend most of your day there.

That's a great tip. I know when I walk through there around 10:00-11:00 the line for Peter Pan's Flight is always around 55 minutes.

 

[tcam]

yes the food on the ship is included. what about the fast pass is that any good to have. it is also included. i really don't know whos more excited me or my son.

 

[TURKEY]

Originally posted by tcam
yes the food on the ship is included. what about the fast pass is that any good to have. it is also included. i really don't know whos more excited me or my son.

FP works well if you know how to use it, especially with a 4 yr. old that may not want to wait in long lines.

Also, take advantage of Early Entry for the MK. You can get Fantasyland done (maybe all but 1 or 2) and then get Buzz and other things done early before lines and crowds get too big. It should be easier to just go back to CB if he wants a nap.

 

[mrtoad]

Originally posted by turkey leg boy
FP works well if you know how to use it, especially with a 4 yr. old that may not want to wait in long lines.

Also, take advantage of Early Entry for the MK. You can get Fantasyland done (maybe all but 1 or 2) and then get Buzz and other things done early before lines and crowds get too big. It should be easier to just go back to CB if he wants a nap.

Sorry to attach on to ask a question here. We are going on Jan 30 through Feb 7. Do any of you know wait times for Fantasyland at that time. I have a 3 year old that is, well a 3 year old. Meaning she will get fidgity waiting for long periods, so I figured will you were talking about Fantasyland lines I would ask.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[TURKEY]

Originally posted by mrtoad
Sorry to attach on to ask a question here. We are going on Jan 30 through Feb 7. Do any of you know wait times for Fantasyland at that time. I have a 3 year old that is, well a 3 year old. Meaning she will get fidgity waiting for long periods, so I figured will you were talking about Fantasyland lines I would ask.

Thanks,
Mike

Most lines shouldn't be bad during the week. I would say 15 minute waits for most things. During weekends, waits might jump to around 30 minutes.

I really don't spend much time in Fantasyland anymore. Usually right when opening is when I go. I recommend using the early entry hour if on property or getting there right when the park opens. Lines shouldn't be too bad then, especially when you are going.

 

[mrtoad]

Originally posted by turkey leg boy
Most lines shouldn't be bad during the week. I would say 15 minute waits for most things. During weekends, waits might jump to around 30 minutes.

I really don't spend much time in Fantasyland anymore. Usually right when opening is when I go. I recommend using the early entry hour if on property or getting there right when the park opens. Lines shouldn't be too bad then, especially when you are going.

Thanks, those lines sound much better. We will be on property so, we will use the early entry.

Thanks again,
Mike

 

[SnowWhite5669]

See if you can request Trindad at CB, it's close to the food court. Never been on the cruise can't get my husband off land, especially in Disney!! Have a blast, we went with friends of ours in June and they have a 3 yrs old and it was awesome seeing everything from a child's eyes! Take a stoller, it was great for Ben to take naps on the go in and we caught rain and he was the only one who stayed dry!! MK was definately his favorite park and he loved the TTA or as he called it the walk-a-lator!! Have a great trip!

 

[wannabeBelle]

Havent done the cruise either so I cant help much there!!
I have to give it to Steven he kinda really covered it all in terms of the parks!! Great job!!! As far as the eating I tend to disagree with him. I am much more of a sit down at a moderate priced place person. The kids meals in those type of places tend to be around $5.00 including a kid's drink and Mom and Dad get to have something besides hamburrgers & hotdogs!!! One of my absolute favorties is the 50's Prime Time Cafe in MGM> Moderately priced, great food, good portions and awesome theming. For alisting of menus from most of the restaurants in WDW go to WWW.WDWIG.com and click on the dining area. At the very top of that section you will see a section called the Menus. That is what you are looking for. This should give you some kind of an idea regarding food types, and prices.
Now about Fastpass, it is free for anyone with a theme park ticket. You put your ticket into a kiosk, out comes a small piece of paper with the ride name and a 1 hour window for you to come back and ride that ride with little or no wait. You must wait unti the one fastpass expires time wise before the system will give you a second one for another ride. In addition not all rides have fastpass, and in some cases the standby line is actually faster than waiting for the fastpass time to come around!! For example go to Peter Pan's flight ( always a long line) and get a fast pass. Go do Its a Small World, Philharmagic, Snow white, Carousel, but keep an eye out for the time on your FP. When it comes go back to the fast pass entrance at Peter Pan. Understand?
Please dont hesitate to keep asking questions and Ill try to help on anything I can!! Belle

 

[polyman 65]

Im just amazed everytime I see a thread that its someones first trip to WDW.I realize how lucky Ive been growing up there,as a child .I always think when I talk to people that they have been there as often as me.Anyway I always tell those first timers to take your time and realize you cant do everything on one trip.

 

[LivefortheMouse]

I think u should do atleast one character dinning. though they arent the cheapest places to eat ur child will appriciate all the time with the character with out having to make a line to take a picture. Visit mickeys toon towns fair. mostly just go to mgm and magic.

 

[wannabeBelle]

I disagree there also. I dont think you should limit your options. Go to EPCOT. With a few exceptions all of the rides are pretty child friendly, plus you can hit the Kidcot Fun stops in each country so your child can do an arts & craft project. I was pretty amazed that my niece and nephews had an awesome time in Innoventions and didnt really want to leave!!! I say go and decide for yourself!!! If you really arent having a good time at a particular park you can always hop over to another one, but give it a shot. You are the best judge of what your child will and will not like! Good luck Belle

 

[StevenT]

SnowWhite5669

See if you can request Trindad at CB

Trinidad 1 you mean. Trinidad 2 is terriable! I got stuck in the last building and it was probably the longest walk to the Food Court.