I am travelling to wdw from Ireland in March 2016 with my daughters (23 & 7) and my son (4) who will turn 5 when we are there. I really don't know where to start planning. I would like to do something nice for my son on his birthday but as he is a little shy I don't think character dining would suit any suggestions? Also wondering as my 23 yr old likes to shop is there any shopping outlets nearby with good transport links as we won't be hiring a car. Any tips on planning would be so much appreciated.
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First trip to wdw
- Thread starter Honipetal
- Start date
TXDisney
Well-Known Member
Start the planning by looking at what resorts you like that are in your price range. That's of course if you're looking to stay onsite. Staying onsite has the benefits of your luggage taking care of, free transportation via bus, monorail and boat. Able to get fast passes in advance along with dining reservations. Also figure out how many days you want to go to the parks for tickets, if you need the park hopper option (a must IMO) and if the dining plan works for you.
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NHMouse
Member
Disney World has so much to offer all members of our family. They are many meal options and character meet and greets that you can try. You can arrange a birthday cake at dinner or a fun Disney experience like Specialty Firework viewing or Pirate League make overs. Downtown disney offers many options for shopping and transportation from your resort is included if you stay on site. It is also easy to take taxi from your resort to other areas. If you would like help planning your trip just let me know and we can chat.
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Figgy1
Well-Known Member
Welcome!!! Get the unofficial guide to Disney and read it twice! I can't say it enough it really does help with the planning! The 2016 one comes out in August so wait and get that one. You should have it in time to do your ADRs which should be booked at your 180 day mark. Even if your ds is shy I'd still do a few character meals as they aren't pushy and I've seen more than one shy kid really open up at them. Get a birthday pin for your ds (at your resort or any guest assistance office. Shopping can be fun on MSUSA and MG in EPCOT not to mention at all the different country's pavilions. FP+ TSMM, 7DMT, Soarin, and E&A and remember you can't do everything in one trip so just ask lots of questions here and enjoy!
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math mathson
Active Member
I did my first Disney trip 3 years ago and have been every year since. My kids were 6 and 3. I read everything. Every blog, fan site, this forum. It all helped. For my kids the only park we stayed a full day in was Magic Kingdom. Epcot and Hollywood studios they lasted about a half the day. One thing I have gotten better at is planning in the park. The first time we would go from splash mountain to space mountain then back to big thunder mountain. I wish I had a better understanding of the layout of the park for the first trip. For birthdays, let the hotel know and your son will get a pin and everyone will wish him a happy birthday. Sit down restraunts will bring him a cup cake and sometimes and autographed birthday card.
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Thank you all for advice. We will be staying in wdw at one of the value resorts. We are planning a 14 day stay just wondering about the dining options breakfast is a must for my children after that they tend to graze, should I bring snacks with me? Is there tea/coffee making facilities in the rooms? Thanks again for all your help
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math mathson
Active Member
There's quick service breakfast at all the value resorts. Cheif mickeys is good for a character breakfast but I like to book breakfast in the park before the park opens at the Crystel Palace. You get into the park early and can get pictures in front of the castle with no one in the back ground. I usually bring snacks. I bought a backpack cooler at Target fill it with ice and water bottles. You can fill the water bottles at the quick service resturant at the hotel.
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Squigglove
Active Member
I agree with getting an Unofficial Guide to WDW!!! They are jam packed with useful tips.
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NonnaT
Well-Known Member
OMGoodness, how fun to be planning your first (and hopefully not last) Disney adventure! I echo everything that has been said, especially about the Unofficial Guide. Contact Disney and they will send you a beautiful map of all the lands. (free) You and your children can spend time looking it over and choosing the things that are most important to each of you. With the maps in front of you (they are large, beautiful and in color) you will have a clearer idea of just where everything is. You can kind of plan your days and figure out which parks, which days. Then at 180 days out you can make your dining reservations for your meals that you will be eating in the parks. (And no matter how shy, those children LOVE having everyone say HB to them!) And my best piece of advice is RELAX, you are going to have so much fun, and your children will remember this forever!
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SAV
Well-Known Member
Definitely get the Unofficial guide and read up. Then if you have further questions after that, which are more specific, I'd post them here to get answers/opinions.
Of those 14 days, how many days are you planning on being in the parks?
There are outlets nearby and you can always get a taxi for your daughter for them.
Of those 14 days, how many days are you planning on being in the parks?
There are outlets nearby and you can always get a taxi for your daughter for them.
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wdwfan4ver
Well-Known Member
E&A may not being at Magic Kingdom when the op is going in March of 2016. I am going by the building being built for E & A next year in the Norway Pavilion along with the Frozen Ride. The problem is Disney didn't give an Exact date.
Shopping shouldn't be a problem for you 23 year old daughter. Downtown Disney should be almost all done by then with more shops open.
Shopping shouldn't be a problem for you 23 year old daughter. Downtown Disney should be almost all done by then with more shops open.
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JIMINYCR
Well-Known Member
Theres never been a better time for a first timer to learn their way to do Disney. Besides the guide books, these forums, and allears there are many other planning sites. Also you should check out the many Disney guest videos on Youtube. There are some excellent walk throughs featured at all the resorts to give you a look at places that might suit your tastes. Excellent videos of the parks, complete ride throughs, attractions, tours and every possible facet Disney has to offer a guest. Have questions or are confused just post here and youll get all the advice you need and more. Wish when I was a new visitor I had all these options at my fingertips. But I learned the hard way by doing and making mistakes and learning from my mistakes.
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Squigglove
Active Member
I had to come back in and reply with something I think is VERY IMPORTANT.
FOOD!
Our first trip was back in 1992 and we went broke before the vacation was over. We had to call family and have them wire us some borrowed cash so we could get through the remainder of our trip. Food is expensive inside the World, you can get less expensive options outside at chain restaurants and fast food places but as you won't have a car that would be a difficult option.
This trip we opted to get a Disney Resort Room and so we were also able to add a Disney Dining Plan, it seems expensive but it will be a lifesaver and it's really less expensive than if we were to buy the same food using cash. If you will be staying at a Disney Resort Room then I'd urge you to add a Dining Plan. It won't cover every single meal, but it will be a life saver. You can reserve table service meals as far as 180 days in advance. Their quick/counter service meals are convenient as they are just about everywhere. Every Disney Hotel has a quick service food area and you can use your Dining Plan quick service for any meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner).
If it was one piece of advice I could give - it's make sure you have meals accounted for!
And for your daughter, Downtown Disney!!!!! It holds the largest Disney merchandise store - The World Of Disney, and if she's after souvenirs it's a must. They have everything from stuffed toys to t-shirts to cutlery.
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NonnaT
Well-Known Member
It is our pleasure!!! I'm pretty sure that most everyone on this forum is not only on here to "sustain the magic" for ourselves, but to share our many combined years of experience and Disney love! I certainly realize reel (purposeful misspelling) life is at WDW, where everything is magically clean and fresh and beautiful, and there are thousands of CMs who adore you. It's celebrity life without the paparazzi! Any questions or concerns just post and you will receive a plethora of good advice!
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KoalaKoala
New Member
The Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage could be a great birthday activity for your son. 'Ohana could be a festive spot for a dinner beforehand. Or maybe you could do lunch at T. Rex in Disney Springs if he likes dinosaurs.
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harryk
Well-Known Member
I realize that you have indicated that you have selected a 'value resort' - you may also consider looking into the DVC villas. The villas offer full kitchens which I have seen guests select since they have young children to older family members and find them an aid in cutting food costs. Disney also offers merchandise shipping to guests who make purchases in the parks and at DTD. This may aid in limiting the size of return luggage on the aircraft when you are returning home. No - Disney does not cover the freight charge (UPS is the carrier).
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