Advice to those with children
I feel like I am somewhat of an expert on this, seeing as how I have four children and have been to WDW three times with them (and once with my in-laws when my sister in-law was only 3).
First, start with tame rides. I know that my brother took his 4 year old boy on a questionable dark ride (don't remember which one off the top of my head) and after that scared the daylights out of him, he wouldn't even go on the Pooh ride.
Second, prepare them for how big the characters are. Some kids expect them to be the same size as they are, and are frightened to death when they see that they are almost seven feet tall (my sister-in-law fell into this category).
Third, what others have already said: follow the kids cues. If you fight them, the trip is misserable. If you go with the flow, everyone is more likely to have a good time.
Fourth, do use a stroller. Not only does it help with the kids when they get tired, it gives you a place to store all of the stuff you will collect during the day. We have brought our own, rented from Disney, and even rented from a local business and each has it's own advantage. Bring your own if you are at a large resort and your room isn't close to transportation, there's nothing worse than that long walk back to the room with tired legs and arms full of stuff (if taking a stroller on a plane is a problem, look into renting one from a local business). If you rent from the park, tie something onto the stroller that will make it easy to spot amongst the sea of other Disney strollers (a bandana, flag, something colorful).
Fifth, get a water purifier bottle. They are usually sold with camping equipment, but they are invaluable in the parks. Not only is it convinient to fill in any bathroom, making liquid available to everyone at anytime, but it saves money and time in the long run (no more waiting in line to buy overpriced soda or water).
Sixth, if you know you want to have snacks for the kids in between meals, but don't have extra room in you suitcases, consider shipping a box full of supplies to your hotel a few days before you leave. We've done this on the last few trips and it has been a lifesaver for us. Cereal bars, juice boxes, diapers, film, whatever you don't want to haul through the airport.
Seventh, consider getting leashes for your children. I know a lot of people frown on them, but even during the slower seasons, WDW is packed, and leaving after something like Fantasmic can be crazy. Don't worry about what other people think, worry about you kids. My youngest daughter (three at the time) unbuckled herself from the stroller while I was waiting in line at an outdoor vendor and wandered off. We were mortified. Thankfully a cast member noticed her standing by herself and helped her back to us. She never knew anything was wrong and to this day she refers to that as the time that Mom and Dad got lost.
Eighth, speaking of children getting lost, it does happen a lot so have a plan. The best thing to do is actually split up. Have one parent wait where you last saw your child (like us, a cast member will problably try to find a child's parents somewhere nearby). Have the other parent go to the child services area (where they have diaper changing stations and nursing areas) that is where lost children are brought. They will take a report, issue an alert if neccesary, and hear from cast members who report that they have found a lost child.
I know I was really long winded, I even have more to say, but every child is different. Each of our children enjoyed a different part of the experience, and not always what we expected, but that's what makes WDW so great for families- there is something for everyone. Hope you enjoy your trip! We'll be going back in May of next year!
shakes20
