Any Walt Disney World advice?

J

janeybz

Cathlete
We are going to Walt Disney World the week after Christmas. Does anyone have any advice for us? I feel overwhelmed with Christmas and then this trip right after... We are staying at a Disney resort. I have three boys ages 9, 7 and 4. There seems to be so much to see and do. What should we make sure we don't miss? What are some favorites of people?

Thanks,

Jane
 
Wow, that's a loaded question. I would say not to miss as much as possible. How long are you staying? What resort? Check out Expedition everest, it is a great ride. You can do child swap for anything the 4 year old is to small for. Don't miss wishes, Iluminations, or Fantasmic. It is a wonderful show. Try for the second showing of Fantasmic, it is usually less crowded. Everything in the Magic Kingdom is worth doing. Mickey's Philarmagic is great. Epcot requires a lot of walking, but well worth it. MGM, don't miss the stunt show since you have boys, Tower of Terror is they are not to scared, and Rock n Roller coaster is awesome!!!! The week after Christmas is extremely crowded, so take advantage of early entry and late nights.

I go to Disney twice a year and own DVC. So much to tell you, so little time. Don't expect to get into a sit-down restaurant if you haven't made advance reservations, they will more than likely turn you away at the door. If you have any other questions, let me know!

Some favorite:

Test Track, Missin Space, Spaceship Earth, Turtle Talk with Crush,Illuminations (Epcot)

Tower of Terror, Rock n Roller Coaster, the Osborne Lights, Indiana Jones, Stunt Show, Beauty and the Beast stage show, Fantasmic (MGM)

Expedition Everest, The Lion King show, the new Finding Nemo show (get there early, Safari, Dinosaur (don't go if 4 year old doesn't like dark places) Kali River Rapids, It's tough to be a bug(Animal Kingdom)

I can't say there is to much not good in MK, so try and do as much as you can. DOn't miss Big Thunder, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Mickey's Philarmagic, Pirates, Wishes, all the parades especially Spectomagic, Haunted Mansion
 
My best advice would be to have a plan. Even if it's not the greatest plan, it will keep you moving. You can waste so much time standing there wondering where to go next. My kids always loved the Hoop Di Do Revue. It's a dinner show in Fort Wilderness that you'll need reservations for. My brother, who goes every year, swears by the Bob Sehlinger Unofficial Guide http://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Gu...ef=sr_1_1/002-4435679-3025654?ie=UTF8&s=books. We borrowed his when we went, and it really does help a ton. We followed his touring plan, used the restaurant reviews, checked to see what attractions were appropriate for the kids, etc. It will tell you which parks are open early to Disney resort guests, when they get crowded, which day it's best to go where. It's a great book. Make sure it's this guide, as some of the others are not so great.

Have fun and don't stress--It's Disney!!
 
Go to a national park instead. Sorry, don't mean to offend anyone. But I went two times, so our DDs could at least have one experience there, and it was just too sensory overload for me. Too many people (way too many), too much noise, too much glitz. My only piece of real advice is to get that fast pass thing, which lets you go into the "fast" line, if they still have it.
 
I live in Orlando and I can tell you, it's absolutely packed this time of year. Best advice is to get to the park at least, at least a half hour before it opens. Push your patience button!!!

If you get a chance to a sit down eat dinner, the Rainforest Cafe is spectacular!
 
That IS a loaded question! LOL. ENJOY yourself and take TONS of pictures.

I agree with somebody above about Fantasmic! It was incredible. Pretty much anything you do and see is going to be awesome, and you just can't possibly do and see everything! The tree in Animal Kingdom was a sight to behold as well. All those carvings! WOW.

And, yes, the Fast Pass on the popular rides is a GOOD thing!

ETA: My boys (ages 9 and 6) and I just went this past January. The one thing that is actually CHEAP to collect as memorabilia (sp?)of your trip are the PRESS PENNIES! It's the machine wher eyou insert 2 quarters and 1 penny. Then machine presses the penny and imprints a picture of something...Goofy, Mickey, a roller coater, Tower, any Disney icon or shot. I bought them each Disney pressed penny book (for about $8.00 I think) and I took TONS of pennies and quarters on the trip with us. They filled theire books and it was an inexpensive way for them to remember our trip. I HIGHLY recommend this. It's such an AWESOME collection that you can start with them at Disney and then continue on other family vacations and trips, as TONS of places have these penny machines!

ENJOY YOURSELF.

Gayle
 
My husband LOVES the passporter's guide. Got it on amazon. There is one for the parks and one for the cruise. Lots of great tips in here. Fun to read before going.
 
Hi,

We just went in October, had a great time ( number 3 visit ), and for us the most important lessons to note are:

1) Make dinner reservations now!!!!! With the popularity of the meal plan this is crucial!

2) Take a backpack into the parks with water, fruit, snacks, etc to minimize "nickel and diming" your expenses.

3) Don't expect or try to see everything. You won't. Accept that and try to prioritize what you feel are the most important things to do on this trip.

4) Get a guidebook and study it. This trip requires homework. The more you do, the less stressful things will be.

5) Plan your trip out ahead of time, and include breaks during the day to head back to the resort for downtime. As I stated earlier, you will not see everything, so don't try and cram too much into a day. You and your kids will crash and burn!
We made itineraries for each day, and it paid off in spades!!!

6) Things we think are really cool to do -

MK - Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents, Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan, Splash Mountain.

Epcot - Test Track, Mission Space, Spaceship Earth, The new show at the Living Seas with the turtle from Finding Nemo, can't remember the name., Innovations.

Animal Kingdom - Safari, Dinosaur, The Tree of Life, the parade..

We didn't get to MGM this time, but have it on the agenda for our next trip to DW!
 
Epcot is great fun - lots to see! The hang-glider ride is fun (forget the name). I would avoid Mission Space! DH and I were sick for hours after that ride and I've heard that people have died after riding that! I would never go back on that thing!!

MGM is great and Tower of Terror was frightening but fun!!

I agree with others about having a plan way before you get there, and sticking to it! Try not to be too rushed; you may not get to see everything this time.
 
Check the temperatures and pack accordingly. I was there last January and we experienced a couple of days that dropped down into the 30's.
 
Mission Space has been extensively revised since the issues of last summer. It is now a two part experience, one for the more sensitive ( me ) ,and the normal experience that can be best described as unsettling. I believe they code the two versions as Orange, and Green. They are both explained thoroughly.

My FIL ( 75 ), my 9 yr old son and myself did the easier version and it was really cool! You actually experience the weightless sensation that astronauts feel when they are in a launch. It was also a great learning experience. My son definitely wants to do that one again.

A note: the sad tragedies of last summer were horrible, but they were not due to the ride, but the undetected health issues of the children.

I am not a proponent of placing my children in dangerous situations, and I feel fully confident in promoting this within the limits that Disney now expresses.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top