Our first trip

[WDWrookie]

Hello all,
It appears I have been outvoted as to when to take our first trip as a family to WDW. I thought it wouId be best to plan for thanksgiving but it looks like we'll be trying for April.I havent been since I was much younger.My son is 8 years old, he will be nine in August.My wife would like to spend a day at Magic Kingdom and a day at Animal kingdom.She is considering staying at the Animation resort-Cars section.
I'd appreciate any insights you may have to help plan this , in what I consider short term planning.Do you see any pros/cons in going in April versus November as far as my sons age (8 vs. 9) as far as his enjoyment and appreciation?
again,
Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Thanks for any suggestions!

Its your sons height (not his age) that will affect your plans in terms of height restrictions on rides.
Going in April (less than 180 days away) may restrict which restaurants you eat in. Sort out your dining arrangements as soon as possible and get them booked.
Animal Kingdom isn't usually a full day park - although if you haven't been before there's enough going on to see you through from opening till closing
Magic Kingdom is probably best done over two days (as is EPCOT)
How long are you going for ? This will determine how many days you spend in the parks
Which bit of April are you visiting The World ? Don't forget that Easter will be very busy

 

[Kosmo1986]

Thanksgiving is a really really busy time so you may have better luck in April.
I would plan for 2 days a MK, 1 day at each of the other parks. If you plan to do any dining reservations, get your reservations soon, T-rex (in Disney springs), Sci-Fi Dinner at Hollywood studios and O'hana are great for a young boy. I am sure he will love the cars suites at Art of Animation. I am staying there in less than 2 weeks.

At Magic Kingdom, look into sorcerers card game and pirates treasure game. (those are not the technical terms! I can't remember the actual names). These are FREE and fun for the whole family. You can play together as you go around the park. Even though you are less than 6 months out you still have plenty of time to plan. First things are you hotel and dining reservations!

 

[WDWrookie]

Its your sons height (not his age) that will affect your plans in terms of height restrictions on rides.
Going in April (less than 180 days away) may restrict which restaurants you eat in. Sort out your dining arrangements as soon as possible and get them booked.
Animal Kingdom isn't usually a full day park - although if you haven't been before there's enough going on to see you through from opening till closing
Magic Kingdom is probably best done over two days (as is EPCOT)
How long are you going for ? This will determine how many days you spend in the parks
Which bit of April are you visiting The World ? Don't forget that Easter will be very busy

 

[WDWrookie]

Captain,
We were planning two days during the week of April 6-10, but not limited to two days.
Thanks!

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Captain,
We were planning two days during the week of April 6-10, but not limited to two days.
Thanks!

If you can afford a longer stay then go towards the end of your chosen week. Easter Sunday is April 5th and it will be busy. The week following will be busy but it gets quieter as the week progresses.
Ideally you need 6 days - 2 days in MK, 2 in EPCOT, 1 in DHS and up to 1 in AK
If you can't do 6 days then aim for 3 or 4 - but get yourself a good plan and decide well in advance what you want to see / experience. Look at 1 day in MK, 1 in EPCOT and visit AK and DHS on day 3 or if you do four days return to MK for a second day.

 

[Kosmo1986]

I think you can probably get a lot done in 3 days but 4 (with park hoppers) would be optimal. You are going during spring break which mean it is going to be very busy. I would also consider showing your son some of the attractions/shows that Disney has and ask him to pick his favorite. I don't believe that EPCOT has a lot to offer children, other than finding Nemo and test track. HS has great shows like Indiana jones, the Stunt Show and fantasmic which could easily make it a full day park.

 

[JillC LI]

I don't believe that EPCOT has a lot to offer children, other than finding Nemo and test track.

I would disagree with this myself. Our kids adored EPCOT on their first trip at ages 5 and 7 - Nemo, Turtle Talk with Crush, Test Track, Soarin', Mission Space (tame version), Spaceship Earth, the ride in Norway (which is closed for refurb now) and some of the kidcots in the World SHowcase, IllumiNations. We had to go back there a second day during that trip they loved it so much.

 

[Kosmo1986]

I would disagree with this myself. Our kids adored EPCOT on their first trip at ages 5 and 7 - Nemo, Turtle Talk with Crush, Test Track, Soarin', Mission Space (tame version), Spaceship Earth, the ride in Norway (which is closed for refurb now) and some of the kidcots in the World SHowcase, IllumiNations. We had to go back there a second day during that trip they loved it so much.

I think it depends on how much time you have. I believe that all the parks need at least 1 full day to enjoy, Even animal kingdom I find I don't leave until 3-4pm which is more than a half day park. I am a passholder and go often and I still love wandering around the countries in EPCOT and watching the shows at HS.

Above they only talked about going for 2-4 days. If you are crunched for time or trying to fit in a lot in 1 day, you can hit future world in 1/2 day (maybe even use night time EMH) to get the most out of epcot on limited time.