Friends going last minute for a day in MK

[ELG13]

My friends, their two kids and 3 others decided to cash in their tickets they had from a day trip that never happened in November, this coming weekend. I hopped on and got them good fp for their group and I've told them to keep their expectations low as they tend to have high ones on trips. Any other advice I can give them? I gave them the run down about stroller sizes, bring a cooler, etc but what else? We go at least once a year for a week at a time and I need several months to plan and mess with reservations and whatnot. I can't imagine up and and going in a few days. They've never been and the kids are 2 and 4.

 

[nickys]

My friends, their two kids and 3 others decided to cash in their tickets they had from a day trip that never happened in November, this coming weekend. I hopped on and got them good fp for their group and I've told them to keep their expectations low as they tend to have high ones on trips. Any other advice I can give them? I gave them the run down about stroller sizes, bring a cooler, etc but what else? We go at least once a year for a week at a time and I need several months to plan and mess with reservations and whatnot. I can't imagine up and and going in a few days. They've never been and the kids are 2 and 4.

Eat early or late, ideally say 11 or 2:30 for lunch, if they can to avoid long queues. Use the mobile ordering if they can work it out (it should be fairly intuitive if they use it elsewhere). They can get cups of iced water from the collection line of all QS places, they do not need to wait in the ordering queue to get it.

Keep the kids hydrated and fed - they can bring snacks in. The last thing they need is a meltdown because they’re hungry or thirsty.

If there’s rides the older one wants to do which the younger one cannot, a couple of adults can wait with the younger one, and then ride with the older kid right after, using the FP line. They just need to ask the CM for a rider switch before the first group enter the line. Use it with FP or stand-by, it’s good for any ride where they offer an FP.

They can book additional FPs after they use up the first three. Show them how to do that.

Tell them there’s lots to see between rides. The wishing well, TSI for the kids to run about, the play area in the Dumbo tent, look for carved animals in Adventureland for a rest and snack or waiting for others. Use CoP and the People Mover as a rest for tired legs.

Tie something onto their stroller so they can find it again in the stroller parking. Streamers, a balloon, even a luggage tag, anything to make it stand out. And ake sure any favourite teddy is secured in a backpack, not left loose at the bottom of a stroller.

 

[ELG13]

Eat early or late, ideally say 11 or 2:30 for lunch, if they can to avoid long queues. Use the mobile ordering if they can work it out (it should be fairly intuitive if they use it elsewhere). They can get cups of iced water from the collection line of all QS places, they do not need to wait in the ordering queue to get it.

Keep the kids hydrated and fed - they can bring snacks in. The last thing they need is a meltdown because they’re hungry or thirsty.

If there’s rides the older one wants to do which the younger one cannot, a couple of adults can wait with the younger one, and then ride with the older kid right after, using the FP line. They just need to ask the CM for a rider switch before the first group enter the line. Use it with FP or stand-by, it’s good for any ride where they offer an FP.

They can book additional FPs after they use up the first three. Show them how to do that.

Tell them there’s lots to see between rides. The wishing well, TSI for the kids to run about, the play area in the Dumbo tent, look for carved animals in Adventureland for a rest and snack or waiting for others. Use CoP and the People Mover as a rest for tired legs.

Tie something onto their stroller so they can find it again in the stroller parking. Streamers, a balloon, even a luggage tag, anything to make it stand out. And ake sure any favourite teddy is secured in a backpack, not left loose at the bottom of a stroller.

Awesome yes...most of that was covered in our conversation later on. I need to mention the mobile ordering. I'm worried about the food for them. Her husband is a chef so.... Is it bad that I always want people to go with us for their first trip lol? I hate when people have a terrible time but then again, one less group that's unlikely to return means lower crowds lol. They are also doing universal and sea world while down there.

 

[JIMINYCR]

I think its great to have someone experienced in the ins and outs of WDW along for a first trip. It helps ensure a successful experience when you can be guided around properly and avoid the pitfalls most newbies are met with. Too many guests return from a failed trip because of their inexperience, lack of knowledge and poor planning. I remember how lost we were on our first trip and I went in thinking I was well prepared. Get some info as to whats the most important things they are looking forward to accomplishing so you can help those items come through for them. And be sure add in some time to also allow them to go off and explore on their own as well.

 

[ELG13]

I think its great to have someone experienced in the ins and outs of WDW along for a first trip. It helps ensure a successful experience when you can be guided around properly and avoid the pitfalls most newbies are met with. Too many guests return from a failed trip because of their inexperience, lack of knowledge and poor planning. I remember how lost we were on our first trip and I went in thinking I was well prepared. Get some info as to whats the most important things they are looking forward to accomplishing so you can help those items come through for them. And be sure add in some time to also allow them to go off and explore on their own as well.

People just don't realize how different Disney is and that, yes, it does take a fair amount of planning to ensure a decent trip. There are always unexpected things that pop up but the more you know about your options, the better off you are. We told them that if they (our friends) could get away for the evening that they should do Disney springs or the villans after hours if they wanted to splurge a little. I mentioned a few of our favorite stores and mentioned making a wish in Cinderella's well and some of our go to snacks. I'm just so nervous lol!!