First trip with a child

[Minnie1986]

Hey All,

While I, myself, am a Disney veteran, this fall will be my first time going with a child since I was one. Any suggestions as to how to go about this would be greatly appreciated. Some necessary details:

- We'll be there for 4.5 days
-The child I'm taking is a young male
-He's not to big on thrill rides (meaning roller coasters); Mine Train he should be okay. Space Mountain, maybe not so much.

Can all parks still be done? Is Hollywood Studios worth it (other than the show on the water, of course)?

If I'm leaving out any needed details, please let me know!

 

[Disneyfan_76]

Hollywood Studios might still be worth it if the child is into Star Wars. Jedi Academy, Bay, Star Tours would probably be good for him. It depends on when you are planning on going. I'd imagine that the summer season are going to make HS pretty crowded. HS is really a half day park at best, but if the lines are long and you are not doing ToT, or RnRC then it might not be worth it.

 

[BraveGirl]

We split HS and Animal Kingdom into half days because my kids don't like thrill rides (or remotely thrill rides) and they don't like Star Wars, so that eliminated a bunch from both parks. If you like SW, you'll want to spend more time at HS (but a lot of the shows are geared toward the princess and Disney Jr crowd so if you don't fit into those, it can still be half day). 4.5 days is definitely enough time to do all the parks if you are leaving out the big "scary" rides!

 

[Minnie1986]

Hollywood Studios might still be worth it if the child is into Star Wars. Jedi Academy, Bay, Star Tours would probably be good for him. It depends on when you are planning on going. I'd imagine that the summer season are going to make HS pretty crowded. HS is really a half day park at best, but if the lines are long and you are not doing ToT, or RnRC then it might not be worth it.

I didn't even think of the new Star Wars area! That will be a must do for him! Thankfully, summer will be over by the time we go.

 

[Minnie1986]

We split HS and Animal Kingdom into half days because my kids don't like thrill rides (or remotely thrill rides) and they don't like Star Wars, so that eliminated a bunch from both parks. If you like SW, you'll want to spend more time at HS (but a lot of the shows are geared toward the princess and Disney Jr crowd so if you don't fit into those, it can still be half day). 4.5 days is definitely enough time to do all the parks if you are leaving out the big "scary" rides!

He will love Animal Kingdom and Star Wars will likely be a must do. The shows not so much, but there may still be a few Disney Jr. shows he still watches; I'll check with his mom.

 

[carriebeth]

A lot of kids like Frozen..boys and girls and the show is fun and funny. You might want to check to see how he feels about Frozen and possibly schedule that show in. Also the action in the Indiana Jones show might be something he would be into. Meeting Buzz and Woody should be a must do. They are wonderful there and we have done it a couple time and each time I would rate it as one of our top character meets EVER and we do lots of them. Of course Toy Story Mania is fun. Meeting the Green Army men can be fun. Not sure how old he is but there are Disney Jr characters and the show. The Characters tend to be pretty fun and interactive in those meets too. Allow a bit of time in the Launch bay to meet Chewy, Kylo and BB8. Plus there are Jawas to interact with and often Storm Troopers doing things inside. There are the Star Wars shows outside too. And if he is 4 or older, he may really want to fight Darth Vader! The Star Wars fireworks are pretty neat too.

Remember everything will be slower with a child in tow. Its hard to predict what might catch their eye too! So watch his reaction as you make your way around the parks and be ready to stop and watch things you might not have counted on him liking. Again, not sure on the age, but even if he doesn't usually use a stroller at home, Disney is long day after long day and often quite hot too. A lot of kids these days are used to being indoors most of the time in a/c. Spending full days in heat may be shocking to him. You may consider taking/renting a stroller. Be prepared to spend a lot of bathroom time as well. If not potty trained, you will be changing lots of diapers, if potty trained kids need to go a lot. Don't forget to constantly ask if he has to go, also. And sometimes its best to just insist they go even if he says he doesnt' have to. If he is recently potty trained I love the security and peace of mind just sticking them in a pull up brings. Even if they don't wear them at home, it could be a real life saver if it avoids any accidents.

 

[Minnie1986]

A lot of kids like Frozen..boys and girls and the show is fun and funny. You might want to check to see how he feels about Frozen and possibly schedule that show in. Also the action in the Indiana Jones show might be something he would be into. Meeting Buzz and Woody should be a must do. They are wonderful there and we have done it a couple time and each time I would rate it as one of our top character meets EVER and we do lots of them. Of course Toy Story Mania is fun. Meeting the Green Army men can be fun. Not sure how old he is but there are Disney Jr characters and the show. The Characters tend to be pretty fun and interactive in those meets too. Allow a bit of time in the Launch bay to meet Chewy, Kylo and BB8. Plus there are Jawas to interact with and often Storm Troopers doing things inside. There are the Star Wars shows outside too. And if he is 4 or older, he may really want to fight Darth Vader! The Star Wars fireworks are pretty neat too.

Remember everything will be slower with a child in tow. Its hard to predict what might catch their eye too! So watch his reaction as you make your way around the parks and be ready to stop and watch things you might not have counted on him liking. Again, not sure on the age, but even if he doesn't usually use a stroller at home, Disney is long day after long day and often quite hot too. A lot of kids these days are used to being indoors most of the time in a/c. Spending full days in heat may be shocking to him. You may consider taking/renting a stroller. Be prepared to spend a lot of bathroom time as well. If not potty trained, you will be changing lots of diapers, if potty trained kids need to go a lot. Don't forget to constantly ask if he has to go, also. And sometimes its best to just insist they go even if he says he doesnt' have to. If he is recently potty trained I love the security and peace of mind just sticking them in a pull up brings. Even if they don't wear them at home, it could be a real life saver if it avoids any accidents.

This is gold!! He's 8, so no stroller will be needed, but absolutely will need frequent bathroom trips; he is that kid who will wait until the last minute to say so.

He does like Frozen, so I'll have to work in time for the ride and show; completely forgot that was a thing now!

Star Wars is new to him but he loves BB8, R2D2, Chewy, etc so that's a must do as well. Thanks for the tip about Toy Story.

I love this website! I never would've thought about 1/2 of this stuff, because it is of no interest to me as an adult. Thank you thank you!!

 

[Minnie1986]

Which would be the best park to do half of a day; meaning from 12pm till closing. I'm thinking Epcot?

 

[Minnie1986]

A lot of kids like Frozen..boys and girls and the show is fun and funny. You might want to check to see how he feels about Frozen and possibly schedule that show in. Also the action in the Indiana Jones show might be something he would be into. Meeting Buzz and Woody should be a must do. They are wonderful there and we have done it a couple time and each time I would rate it as one of our top character meets EVER and we do lots of them. Of course Toy Story Mania is fun. Meeting the Green Army men can be fun. Not sure how old he is but there are Disney Jr characters and the show. The Characters tend to be pretty fun and interactive in those meets too. Allow a bit of time in the Launch bay to meet Chewy, Kylo and BB8. Plus there are Jawas to interact with and often Storm Troopers doing things inside. There are the Star Wars shows outside too. And if he is 4 or older, he may really want to fight Darth Vader! The Star Wars fireworks are pretty neat too.

Remember everything will be slower with a child in tow. Its hard to predict what might catch their eye too! So watch his reaction as you make your way around the parks and be ready to stop and watch things you might not have counted on him liking. Again, not sure on the age, but even if he doesn't usually use a stroller at home, Disney is long day after long day and often quite hot too. A lot of kids these days are used to being indoors most of the time in a/c. Spending full days in heat may be shocking to him. You may consider taking/renting a stroller. Be prepared to spend a lot of bathroom time as well. If not potty trained, you will be changing lots of diapers, if potty trained kids need to go a lot. Don't forget to constantly ask if he has to go, also. And sometimes its best to just insist they go even if he says he doesnt' have to. If he is recently potty trained I love the security and peace of mind just sticking them in a pull up brings. Even if they don't wear them at home, it could be a real life saver if it avoids any accidents.

Have you seen the Frozen show in Hollywood Studios? Is it "worth it?"

 

[nickys]

This is gold!! He's 8, so no stroller will be needed, but absolutely will need frequent bathroom trips; he is that kid who will wait until the last minute to say so.

He does like Frozen, so I'll have to work in time for the ride and show; completely forgot that was a thing now!

Star Wars is new to him but he loves BB8, R2D2, Chewy, etc so that's a must do as well. Thanks for the tip about Toy Story.

I love this website! I never would've thought about 1/2 of this stuff, because it is of no interest to me as an adult. Thank you thank you!!

As well as the Lauch Bay and Star Tours, he will likely enjoy March of the First Order. Storm troopers marching along Hollywood Blvd to the stage where they then have a show. It's about 30 minutes before most, but not all, of the stage shows. My advice is to try and watch it from near the junction with Sunset Blvd, as that seems to be where they pick out a likely rebel from the crowd!

The meet and greet for Olaf is usually a short line, tho I'm sure it can be long at times. Over New Year we walked straight in at around 5pm, and that's crazy busy time.

I would think he might like Indy too, and it's a nice sit down break. I got a fastpass for it, as we weren't doing the big rides. Meant we could arrive 20 minutes before and know we would get in. If you fp Toy Story (tier 1), then you could also fp Star Tours and either Indy or Frozen show.

Outside Toy Story, on Pixar Place, the green army come out and do a wee street performance. Quite fun but difficult to plan for, not sure how often it's on.

I would definitely include DHS if he likes Star Wars.

Epcot - difficult one. Maybe Soarin, if he's not scared of heights, but check with mom maybe? The seas, spaceship earth.
World Showcase - Mexico could be fun, and the Vikings mingle in Norway. But possibly let him try an Agent P game in one of the countries. I would be wary of trying to cram too much of WS in, let him enjoy a little and then he likely will want to do more next time!

If it were me, I'd make Epcot a half day this time.

And plan some down time at the pool, rather than all day from morning to evening in the parks. Maybe alternate with rd to afternoon with pool time after, and maybe one day (Epcot?) with pool first and then to a park.

 

[Swissmiss]

Which would be the best park to do half of a day; meaning from 12pm till closing. I'm thinking Epcot?

Every child is different so your experience may differ from mine but even at 10 (our last visit) my DD wasn't capable of staying awake until park closing. When her steam runs out it isn't gradual but more like turning off the lights (as in falling asleep at the table as she was raising food to her mouth!) so I always have to bear in mind that she needs to stick fairly close to her usual sleeping habits.

 

[GigglesMcSnort]

Hey All,

While I, myself, am a Disney veteran, this fall will be my first time going with a child since I was one. Any suggestions as to how to go about this would be greatly appreciated. Some necessary details:

- We'll be there for 4.5 days
-The child I'm taking is a young male
-He's not to big on thrill rides (meaning roller coasters); Mine Train he should be okay. Space Mountain, maybe not so much.

Can all parks still be done? Is Hollywood Studios worth it (other than the show on the water, of course)?

If I'm leaving out any needed details, please let me know!

From personal experience:

Take meaningful early afternoon breaks and remember that your kid will still need the the right amount of sleep for his age, theme park or not. Last time we didn't follow either of these with our then 4 year old and by the end of it, she was like a zombie as she was so overstimulated. Other than that, just accept that your kid may have a different idea of how to best spend the time than you do and try to roll with it, and not rush him too much (or at least do it as subtly as you can, just because you know what an ADR is, your kid may not appreciate being raced from one end of the park to the other for it, so make sure you know the layout of the parks!).

Seeing a child enjoy Disney for the first time is more magical than any experience you can remember at the parks, but there's nothing like a temper tantrum in the middle of a character meet and greet line due to burn out to really make the trip memorable (I've been there!!! )

 

[LIMA TIME]

All the advise and tips here are spot on. (these are a smart bunch of people) My son is the same age, and while he has been several times, his favorite time is still to play at the pool and do all the crazy stuff at the hotels. The only worth while advise I could give is, while planning is important, don't forget to listen to what the little fella wants to do. I mean this trip is as much his as it is yours. It took the Mrs. and I a few trips to learn this lesson. Kids still the love pools, mini golf, etc.

have fun!!!!

 

[DiSnEyF@n]

Awww you and your son are going to have such a wonderful trip! Eight years old is such a great age! There are so many fun things to do in each park! I would look at some of the ride descriptions with him at home and see what his "must dos" are... That way he has some say in the whole trip. We always ask our kids what they're top 2 must dos are in each park and plan our/they're days around their choices too!