Getting Overwhelmed

[disneymomof3]

I am getting a little overwhelmed rigt now, i think its because i am reading way too much on the PC, lol and in my books...

But i was wondering if someone can give me the MOST IMPORTANT ATTRACTIONS I NEED TO take my kids to, an absolute NOT MISS...
they are ages 4, 2.5 and 14 months

Where are the best places to meet the characters....

My biggest fear is that we get there and we get no chance to meet the characters....

 

[kcnole]

You'll meet the characters. They are everywhere. Take the kids to fantasyland in MK, that's one of the better ride places for children. Then take them over to Poo's Playful spot and the area where Mickey and Minnie's house is. There's generally characters all over there.

They're also strategically placed throughout the park as you go by areas. Trust me, you'll see the characters. I've never had a problem finding them and I'm not normally looking for them.

 

[eroyee]

characters?

:wave: I can GUARANTEE if you sign up for the character breakfasts, lunches or dinners, you will meet lots and lots of characters. Take them to Mickeys Toontown Fair for sure. All of Magic Kingdom is wonderful for little ones. The might like some of Animal Kingdom. have a magical trip. they would love Pop Century,too. :sohappy:

 

[Nemo14]

First of all, relax - the kids are going to have fun, no matter what!
You'll see characters all over the parks. We love to watch them all right in the plaza where you first enter the MK. Are you doing a character meal at all?

Your kids will no doubt enjoy the attractions in Fantasyland - they're quite tame, and although mostly occupied by little ones, many adults spend a lot of time there too.

They'll also enjoy just spending time at the resorts in the pool, so plan on some down time there too.

AK is great for little ones too - they'll love seeing the animals.
Epcot can be fun for little ones too, depending on their interests. Don't miss Turtle Talk with Crush if they're into Nemo at all. It's located in the Living Seas building.
MGM is different, and little ones might not enjoy it as much. If they like the Little Mermaid, take them to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, and kids (and adults) of all ages love the Muppet Vision show.
There's a lot of good information for you here on this forum, so look through some of the comments people have made about various attractions and hotels. You know your kids better than anyone else, so make your plans according to their interests. When my son was little his favorite thing was riding the WDW busses - who knew he'd be such a cheap date?!
Above all, relax and enjoy!

 

[gbruenin]

I'd suggest the only 'absolute must' is to let the kids have fun. Its a big place, and overscheduling/trying to do everything only makes for tired, grumpy kids (and parents, too). Try working through Fantasyland and Adventureland in a relaxed way, and the kids will have plenty of 'meet-n-greet' opportunities. Dumbo, Aladdin Magic Carpet, Winnie-the-Pooh and Its a Small World will draw the kids in without too much effort. You'll know what the little ones want, because there will be lots of other parents in those lines with their little ones.
If you don't push too hard, pay attention to drinks/snacks/meals and use parades and shows as cleverly disguised rest periods you'll have a great time. No doubt nap times will be a challenge because there's so much stimulation, but be sure to take the time. Again, everyone (parents too) will benefit.
Just remember that vacation shouldn't be so much work.

Gary

 

[dazzer68]

the animal kingdom meet and greet was empty when we were there because its a little hard to find but do ask a cast member its worth meeting the pooh gang! they were great fun and spent a lot of time with us messing around! its on a boat down a dirt track
dont worry you WILL see characters all over the 'world'!

 

[coltow]

My son was NOT a fan of EPCOT. There is not as much for toddlers there than at the other parks.

Toddlers can do most attractions at MK. Besides the Fantasy Land attractions don't miss Pirates of the Carribean, Jungle Cruise, and Buzz Lightyear. If you need a break the Tiki Room is a nice show and good for a quick cool off.

Do not miss the Playhouse Disney show at MGM it's fabulous for little ones.

My husband and I were never fans of Animal Kingdom, that was until we took our son. He loved it. And it did bring a new appreciation of the park to us seeing it through his eyes. There were so many animals to see, elephants, rhinos, gorillas, and tigers to name a few. Do not miss Rafiki's Planet Watch, we met Stanley there and there's a petting zoo.

As for characters, what we did was plan 2 character meals 1 with Pooh and friends and another with Mickey and friends. That way we KNEW we'd see some. As we explored the parks we did meet plenty of others. Check the maps and time guides at each park if there are specific characters your kids want to meet.

 

[stopgo]

I'd suggest the only 'absolute must' is to let the kids have fun. Its a big place, and overscheduling/trying to do everything only makes for tired, grumpy kids (and parents, too).

This is the only advice anyone will ever need

The kids will never remember what they *didn't* get to see. And there's always the very real risk of turning a vacation into a disaster if you choose to adopt the commando tourist posture (especially with little ones). Just enjoy your time together and go wherever the Disney muse moves you. If you find yourself trying to adhere to a schedule and getting stressed as a result, just take a deep breath and remind yourself that if missing the X o'clock performance of "Whatever Stage Spectacular" is the worst thing that happens to you all day, you're still a very lucky person.

Here's to a great vacation!

 

[kcnole]

The kids will never remember what they *didn't* get to see. And there's always the very real risk of turning a vacation into a disaster if you choose to adopt the commando tourist posture (especially with little ones).

Haha, this is true even of adults. I made my wife so mad one day on our last vacation cause I was just pushing us from one section to another determined to see everything. I had our whole day scheduled. This show starts at this time, so if we do this ride, then this one, then run here we'll make it, then over here for this, and this, ...

She has a much different attitude towards Disney. She likes to waste time in the shops, just looking around and doing nothing whatsoever. What can I say, I learned my theme park behavior from my dad. lol

 

[hansel1]

Characters are literally everywhere! Toontown fair. Animal Kingdom by the lion king show. MGM during opening and set times around the park.

Lets put it this way, I don't really care for the characters because i know that college students are under all that foam and fur. Most can't talk (disney policy) and that creeps me out too. Its like talking to yourself. I know they have handlers, but still. These characters were everywhere. You turn a corner and there they are. You go to eat and there they are.

I really dread taking my children to Disney because of the time you could consume just meeting the characters. And don't forget you will meet the main characters wearing different costumes depending on what world you are in.

You children will love it.

As for the attractions themselves, animal kingdom has a great kids area as does mgm. Epcot has a couple of dark rides like mexico and norways maelstrom (the latter might scare them). Future world has a ton of things for them to do, alot of hands on stuff.

 

[TimonRulz]

I say Soarin' at Epcot. Awesome for all ages!