Preparing kids for their Disney trip

[HollieS]

General info:
Aug 22-29
3 bedroom grand villa- theme park view- Bay Tower
7 day non hopper passes
6 adults and 4 kids ages 9, 5 and twins 1 month shy of 2

Right now the plan is to do four days at MK and one day each at Epcot, Hollywood, and AK. Skipping the world showcase at Epcot. Coming back to the room every afternoon for nap time, except the days we do Hollywood and AK.

Questions:

Is the walking path from Contemporary to MK short/ easily traveled?

If I try to get reservations on our 180 day mark will I be able to get into Akershus, Mickey's BBQ, and at least one character breakfast? or does everyone under the sun rush to get ADRs? Do they open ADR at midnight on my 180 day marker?

My DD5 really really wants to do Bibbidi bobbidi boutique. Has anyone walked around a park with a child in a princess dress? My gut is that she would be too hot/ uncomfortable in August and we would be better off with the package that just does the hair.

What has anyone done to prepare their kids for the waiting in lines, hot days and long walks?

 

[Dads 2 Boys]

General info:
Aug 22-29
3 bedroom grand villa- theme park view- Bay Tower
7 day non hopper passes
6 adults and 4 kids ages 9, 5 and twins 1 month shy of 2

Right now the plan is to do four days at MK and one day each at Epcot, Hollywood, and AK. Skipping the world showcase at Epcot. Coming back to the room every afternoon for nap time, except the days we do Hollywood and AK.

Questions:

Is the walking path from Contemporary to MK short/ easily traveled?

If I try to get reservations on our 180 day mark will I be able to get into Akershus, Mickey's BBQ, and at least one character breakfast? or does everyone under the sun rush to get ADRs? Do they open ADR at midnight on my 180 day marker?

My DD5 really really wants to do Bibbidi bobbidi boutique. Has anyone walked around a park with a child in a princess dress? My gut is that she would be too hot/ uncomfortable in August and we would be better off with the package that just does the hair.

What has anyone done to prepare their kids for the waiting in lines, hot days and long walks?

I can offer advice with the first few....lol

Yes to the walking path. They might find it cool to take the monorail though. By cool, I mean in "neat-ness" and in regards to the weather.

Yes to your reservation questions......on all parts except the midnight thing. You can call @ 7:00 the morning of the 180 day mark and there should be no issues with getting into any restaurant on property on the 180 mark (and that includes BoG).

I don't have little girls, but I just came back from a trip in late September and it was hot. That being said, we heard multiple parents who later in the day were saying they wish they didn't spend the money because the girls were really hot and wanted their "other clothes" once the day wore on. I overheard a few 5-9 year old girls on the bus back to the resort on the day we went to AK who were whining about wanting to take the dress off.

I have two older kids (16 & 13) so I can't help with the last one really (with the exception of a smart phone). LOL

 

[sxeensweet]

About the dining reservations....They open up at 6AM EASTERN ONLINE, and 7AM EASTERN ON THE PHONES. Also the above poster is wrong in saying BOG would not be a problem if you do it right away on your 180 mark. Lots of people get online first thing in the morning and get in the phones first thing and have not been able to get BOG at all and had to keep trying closer to their trip.
I see you did not mention that is a must for you so you should be fine getting all the rest of your reservations you want if you do it bright and early that morning just to be on the safe side.

 

[Dads 2 Boys]

About the dining reservations....They open up at 6AM EASTERN ONLINE, and 7AM EASTERN ON THE PHONES. Also the above poster is wrong in saying BOG would not be a problem if you do it right away on your 180 mark. Lots of people get online first thing in the morning and get in the phones first thing and have not been able to get BOG at all and had to keep trying closer to their trip.
I see you did not mention that is a must for you so you should be fine getting all the rest of your reservations you want if you do it bright and early that morning just to be on the safe side.

I was only going by my experience for this year's trip. I called the morning of our 180 day mark and got BoG for the time we requested with no issue.

 

[sxeensweet]

I was only going by my experience for this year's trip. I called the morning of our 180 day mark and got BoG for the time we requested with no issue.

Yeah that's cool I figured that was why you mentioned that.
I just did not want to get their or other readers on the board hopes up for that restaurant and then possibly be disappointed if they cannot get that reservation right away at 180 days.

 

[Wildflower]

Is the walking path from Contemporary to MK short/ easily traveled?
Yes. we actually prefer it especially with a stroller (don't have to collapse it or crush in with everyone) and especially when it's busy it's faster than your wait will be for other transportation. They can still experience the cool factor Dads2boys mentioned when/if you go to Epcot.

If I try to get reservations on our 180 day mark will I be able to get into Akershus, Mickey's BBQ, and at least one character breakfast? or does everyone under the sun rush to get ADRs? Do they open ADR at midnight on my 180 day marker?
As mentioned above, do them early for the higher demand places...and if you don't get them, keep checking back.

My DD5 really really wants to do Bibbidi bobbidi boutique. Has anyone walked around a park with a child in a princess dress? My gut is that she would be too hot/ uncomfortable in August and we would be better off with the package that just does the hair.
We have boys, but they have walked around in 90-degree temps in full pirate regalia....it's hot but they loved it enough to not want to change. Every kid's going to be different on this one - just depends on how much she wants to "be" a princess for a day....She can still wear sandals which will help a little and most of the dresses don't seem to be made of heavy material.

What has anyone done to prepare their kids for the waiting in lines, hot days and long walks?
Cold drinks, take breaks, don't push them when they seem worn out, plan time of day, FP+, figure out what will entertain then in lines ("I spy", string games, small handheld connect four, baggie of small action figures, etc etc)...and mentally figure out their limits (i.e.our 4yr old is about 45min MAX)...you probably have a good idea what your children can handle as far as "boring" situations = go with your gut. Mister fans are great, and I'd make sure you have backup shoes for each in the room

 

[Weather_Lady]

We did a few things to "prepare" our kids for their first WDW trip at ages 4 and 6. We had several months to do it, but here was what we did:

- Prepare the kids for the physical component of the trip: taking a long family walk after dinner each evening, and going to warm-weather festivals, outdoor museums and other venues that require extensive walking.
- Buy (and break in) good-quality sneakers and moisture-wicking socks, as well as a well-made pair of hiking sandals, for each person in our party, and stick to those kinds of footwear exclusively on our vacation. (No flip-flops!) Switching footwear mid-day (we typically do sneakers in the morning when we're really on the move, and hiking sandals for our more relaxed evening itineraries) helps prevent blisters and soreness, as well.
- Prepare the kids for what they'll see and do: Have the kids watch the vacation planning DVD, as well as some online videos about attractions they're unsure of (because they think they might be "too scary") or want to know more about. Be familiar with the height restrictions so little ones don't get their hearts set on an attraction they won't be able to ride. If flying for the first time, read books or watch videos about flying so they know what to expect.
- Help the kids understand the stories behind the attractions, so they won't get confused or bored by unfamiliar characters or bits of history: watch Disney films (including classics like Dumbo, Pinnochio, the Jungle Book and Snow White) and/or read books based on those films. Read an age-appropriate version of Tom Sawyer, explain Bre'r Rabbit (or find some of the Youtube clips of "Song of the South"), school them on Star Wars and the Muppets, etc.


- As for the princess dress, I'd suggest perhaps a Disney-themed sundress instead, with the BBB hair, as you suggest. The princess dresses are made of polyester and don't "breathe" well. If she opts to try it, just keep a spare outfit in a bag in case she gets uncomfortably hot and wants to change, and make sure she has appropriate footwear. We saw lots of girls wearing princess gowns with those fake plastic heels -- slipping, tripping on their dress hems, and complaining of blisters.

 

[PhilharMagician]

Mickey's Back Yard BBQ would not be my recommendation. Have you been there?

It is outside under a large picnic pavilion with no AC. In August it will be quite hot and in my book unbearable. When they let you enter they put everyone in the food lines and after you have food you find an open seat. There is no prearranged seating and it is first com first serve as to who gets the best picnic table. I would recommend that you send one person in your party through to get seats and they can get food later.

Also the charter interaction can be quite chaotic with some parents being quite pushy and shoving other little ones out of the way to get there own kids near the characters while they are dancing.

Mickey's BBQ was one of the worst experiences we have had @ WDW. This was 9 years ago, so things may have changed but we said we would never go again. Both the Hoop de Doo and Poly Luau have reserved seating and are good shows.

We would take my daughter walking and would practice the "Disney Walk" where we would fast walk and walk a few miles each day. She used to love the "Disney Walk" and practiced all the time which helped her prepare for those long days on her feet. Also making sure they have good quality sneaker that are well broke in and make sure they wear socks. In lines we would talk and make plans for the next day, what's for dinner, play Disney trivia games on smart phone. We would also make sure we did not entertain lines longer than 30 minutes and that was pushing the limit for me.

Just remember that August can be insanely hot. Bring a dry change of clothes for the kids and adults alike. The change of a shirt before a dinner reservation will make you feel a lot better.

For the BBB, I would agree and say do the hair only.

 

[Dads 2 Boys]

Yeah that's cool I figured that was why you mentioned that.
I just did not want to get their or other readers on the board hopes up for that restaurant and then possibly be disappointed if they cannot get that reservation right away at 180 days.

Fair enough. I should have clarified.

 

[HRHPrincessAriel]

My kiddo walked around in a princess dress that my mom made. Get one that's made from cotton or at least a washable material. Just glance around on etsy or I've had friends with great luck here http://momapprovedcostumes.com/ She had zero issues.

We didn't do much...broken in shoes and bought a kids WDW book that she looked at pre trip...she had zero clue that we were going.

 

[HollieS]

Mickey's Back Yard BBQ would not be my recommendation. Have you been there?

It is outside under a large picnic pavilion with no AC. In August it will be quite hot and in my book unbearable. When they let you enter they put everyone in the food lines and after you have food you find an open seat. There is no prearranged seating and it is first com first serve as to who gets the best picnic table. I would recommend that you send one person in your party through to get seats and they can get food later.

Also the charter interaction can be quite chaotic with some parents being quite pushy and shoving other little ones out of the way to get there own kids near the characters while they are dancing.

Mickey's BBQ was one of the worst experiences we have had @ WDW. This was 9 years ago, so things may have changed but we said we would never go again. Both the Hoop de Doo and Poly Luau have reserved seating and are good shows.
.

AHHHHH! lol Just when I thought I had finalized my choice.

I had the understanding that the Poly was under construction and the Hoe Down not as kid friendly as the BBQ. It's my mother who is really set on doing a dinner show tbh I wasn't sold on any of them. We don't use air conditioning at home so 80+ degree temps as long as they're in the shade shouldn't phase the kids. Might bother my parents though.

 

[sxeensweet]

AHHHHH! lol Just when I thought I had finalized my choice.

I had the understanding that the Poly was under construction and the Hoe Down not as kid friendly as the BBQ. It's my mother who is really set on doing a dinner show tbh I wasn't sold on any of them. We don't use air conditioning at home so 80+ degree temps as long as they're in the shade shouldn't phase the kids. Might bother my parents though.

I highly recommend Hoop De Do!! It is very kid friendly. I don't know why some think it is not. My family members with young children do Hoop De Do every trip and all really enjoy it. They did not care for the Luau at Poly and prefer HDD.
Me and DH go every trip too to HDD and love the show and the food. Always have lots of families with children. In fact most there have children with them.

 

[Tom 55]

I highly recommend Hoop De Do!! It is very kid friendly. I don't know why some think it is not. My family members with young children do Hoop De Do every trip and all really enjoy it. Me and DH go every trip too and love the show and the food. Always have lots of families with children. In fact most there have children with them.

Looking for dinner and a show look into Hoop De Do Review. It is indoors and has assigned seating. It is at Fort Wilderness right next to were the Mickeys Backyard BBQ is. I liked Hoop De Do better.

When making your reservation at 180 days you can make them for 180 plus 10. So the days closer to your 180 day already been taken but closer to the end you should be able to get all of them.

I go to Disney World most every September and I see kids make up at BBB all day long. I do not have kids so I have never done it myself but what I have seen the kids love it.

Pictures are BBQ and Hoop De DO from 2009.

 

[Weather_Lady]

I agree with the Hoop-de-Doo recommendation! Wonderful show that should hold the kids' attention, air-conditioned comfort, etc.

 

[CheshireCat12]

80+ degree temps? Try 90+ degrees every day in August, and extremely high humidity. I would not put a child in one of those polyester princess gowns in that kind of heat. I always wondered how they stand it. I would just have their hair done and do "Disneybounding" type outfits, where your outfit is in the style/colors of the character (i.e., ice blue for Elsa, purple/pink for Rapunzel).
Also I would vote for the Hoop Dee Doo just for an AC break alone!

 

[JillC LI]

I would guess that the 9 and 5 year olds will be able to handle a lot more in terms of heat and waits than the 2 year old twins. You may either need to divide and conquer by taking the twins back to the resort for a nap, or else everyone will have to follow the twins' schedule. Try to build in sitting time to your touring plan - things like a meal or, for example, Carousel of Progress or Mickey's Philharmagic at MK enable everyone to get time off their feet in a cool environment.

Our kids were 7 and 5 for their first trip, and the timing was perfect for them. Not one complaint about walking or waiting because they were so captivated by all the Disney magic.

 

[Dads 2 Boys]

I would guess that the 9 and 5 year olds will be able to handle a lot more in terms of heat and waits than the 2 year old twins. You may either need to divide and conquer by taking the twins back to the resort for a nap, or else everyone will have to follow the twins' schedule. Try to build in sitting time to your touring plan - things like a meal or, for example, Carousel of Progress or Mickey's Philharmagic at MK enable everyone to get time off their feet in a cool environment.

Our kids were 7 and 5 for their first trip, and the timing was perfect for them. Not one complaint about walking or waiting because they were so captivated by all the Disney magic.

Mine were 9 & 6 and that's exactly what happened!!

 

[6laurac]

My kiddo walked around in a princess dress that my mom made. Get one that's made from cotton or at least a washable material. Just glance around on etsy or I've had friends with great luck here http://momapprovedcostumes.com/ She had zero issues.

We didn't do much...broken in shoes and bought a kids WDW book that she looked at pre trip...she had zero clue that we were going.

Thanks for the moms approved site. Santa used it for an Elsa dress, I didn't't want polyester or to pay Disney $50

 

[HRHPrincessAriel]

Thanks for the moms approved site. Santa used it for an Elsa dress, I didn't't want polyester or to pay Disney $50

I love that they are machine washable!

 

[bsmartin2000]

I don't recommend the luau at all. Did it two years ago with my mother and the food was not good.