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@Anagram: lol. i would like to reassure you.... i think your kids will have fun no matter what you choose. however, you and your DH will not have fun in the moment - it's exhausting and loud etc. but, you will look back on the memories fondly.
we left and were like - never again. but now, 3 months later, we are much more positive and thinking of when we should go again (prob not for like 2 years) -
Glad I found this- we are heading out to Disney in 3 weeks (AHHHHH!!!!) and I am in the middle of panicking because I apparently did not leave enough time to plan out FastPass and a travel path? We are staying off-property and have 1 park a day tickets (my parents made both of these decisions as they are gifting us the trip and traveling with us- seems like both might be a PITA but who passes up a free trip to Disney?).
Anyone have tips on how to maximize fun times with a 3 year old if we cannot leave the park for naps? Is there anywhere quiet-ish and AC that she can at least chill out for 30 minutes? Am I insane for agreeing to go on this trip with a child that naps without ParkHopper tickets?
Also, has anyone done Disney with a baby. DD2 will be 4 months old and is EBF, so extended babysitting is not a great option. Can she get on ANY rides- I'm thinking like It's a Small World, etc. Otherwise we will probably trade off who rides and who sits with the stroller or babywears.
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@kpc324: I would plan a good amount of time to actually get to disney if you're staying off property. Yes all parks are similar but MK takes the longest.
1. Get to disney property and drive to the park of choice. This can take maybe 5-10 minutes but its a few minutes.
2. Pay for parking. Snake your way through the lot (they have great attendants pointing to your spot). Again, maybe 5-10 min. Unload your car.
3. Walk or take a parking lot tram. This can be about 15 minutes either way.
4. Wait in line for monorail or boat to take you to the park. Depends on when you get there, at worst Ive seen lines be 15-20 min plus the actual 5 min ride. It can be long though.
5. Get through bag check and ticket check Lines are usually not too long unless first thing in the morning. But again 10 min or so to get through.Ideal I would say it takes about 30-45 min for all that with essentially no lines. But if you hit it right at park open on a busy day, yes, it could be almost 2 hours.
Another note, just be prepared! I feel like yes there are often short lines for each step, but people that aren't expecting to fold strollers or search bags take the longest. Keep moving!
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@kpc324: Further up in the thread, PPs have told me that getting there are rope drop (early) is best for parking and getting into magic kingdom. some of that probably depends on the overall crowds when you go. I'm going in summer, so it's high season I guess.
Also, another PP above recommended checking Orbitz because sometimes they have special deals.
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@ChitownRo: ohhh...I want to have fun too! And I want DH to have fun, because he is not into Disney but I convinced him this trip was going to be totally worth it.
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@caterw: From what I've seen so far, there are a lot of "slow rides" that babies can go on. I think you can even keep them in a front baby carrier on those rides.
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@caterw: Maybe plan a mid-day show, so it will be dark and have AC (not quiet), and she can rest or sleep then?
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@Anagram: A show is an awesome idea- she will often watch a movie in the middle of the day if she isn't going to nap. Thankfully the baby can nap absolutely anywhere as long as she is in her carrier (she even fell asleep in not-quite-courtside seats at a basketball game this weekend!!!).
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@caterw: Yea for free disney!
So we never leave the park for naps so its possible! And we have never had park hopper.
Definitely take a reclining stroller. The ones from the park are hard plastic and do not recline.
There are shows that are more indoors. But still a lot of stimuli. You can always look into the baby care centers if you really need a nap. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/baby-care-centers/
We found that either putting the toddler in the ergo or the stroller with a blanket over it helped for naps.Yes! Tons of rides for the baby! And there are certain rides that offer the "Rider Swap". So you only have to stand in line once and can then swap to take turns staying out with the baby. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/rider-switch/
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@T.H.O.U.: Thanks for the info! I just got a guidebook from Amazon and I am totally overwhelmed by how much everything has changed since the last time I went eight years ago, plus I have never taken kids.
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@Anagram: Question: will you use free dining to its full advantage? Will you get park hopper tickets regardless (required to get free dining) direct from Disney no matter which room option you choose, and are you willing to pay full price for your room and tickets to get the free dining promo? Here's something I just found on a website:
"Typically, there are the room exclusions for the Free Dining promo; most commonly, the following are exempt: All-Star Movies, Bay Lake Tower, Port Orleans Resort Riverside (except the first set of dates), Port Orleans Resort French Quarter, Fort Wilderness campsites, Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms, all 3-bedroom Villas, Villas at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (except Studios), and the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, are all not eligible for Free Dining."
If not, I would go with the DVC points in the one bedroom at the Contemporary. Close to MK and gives you the space and kitchen flexibility you want :). You just have to be ok with the non refundable aspect.
Could you save even more money on the room if you booked through cheaptickets using their promo code? I'm guessing maybe their dates don't go out as far as you want them to right now?
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@Anagram: They have mickey check meals for kids that are supposed to be healthier. You can find all the menus online; just look through them and see what's being offered. Different places will serve different things. You'll find pizza and chicken fingers, but also grilled shrimp, turkey meatloaf, whole grain macaroni with marinara sauce, etc.
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We have had the kids salmon and meatloaf at be our guest and it was really good! Ive been very happy with the park food. Yes, nuggets and fries are on the menu but its definitely above like carnival/fair food.
https://touringplans.com/magic-kingdom/dining/be-our-guest/menus/kids-lunch-menu>>
Kids' Lunch Menu
Last updated on October 1, 2016
Checked for accuracy on October 1, 2016
Menus provided by TouringPlans.com are unofficial and subject to change.
ENTRÉES (6)
Mickey Meatloaf Mickey Check Meal - Lunch
Turkey Meatloaf with Broccoli Florets and Zucchini served with Orange "Stuff" for Dipping with Fruit Cup for Dessert and your choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Dasani Water. Meets Disney Nutrition Guidelines for Complete Meals without substitutions.
$8.49
Mrs. Pots' Platter Mickey Check Meal
Carved Turkey on Multigrain Bread with Sweet Potato Wedges and Peach Applesauce served with choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Dasani Water. Meets Disney Nutrition Guidelines for Complete Meals without substitution.
$8.49
Lumiere's De-Light Mickey Check Meal
Grilled Shrimp and Broccoli Florets and Peach Applesauce served with choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Dasani Water . Meets Disney Nutrition Guidelines for Complete Meals without substitution.
$7.49
Les Macaronis Maurice Mickey Check Meal
Whole-grain Macaroni with Marinara Sauce and Mozzarella served with Seasonal Vegetables served with choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Dasani Water. Meets Disney Nutrition Guidelines for Complete Meals without substitution.
$6.99
Feast A La Beast Kids' Meal
Slow-cooked Pork with Green Beans and Mashed Sweet Potatoes served with choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Dasani Water
$8.49
Chip's Delight Kids' Meal
Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Green Beans and Tomato Soup served with choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Dasani Water
$8.49 -
Disney Menus
https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/dining/menus
Pinocchio Village Haus is good because its in FantasyLand right by the carousel. It does get busy but it has upstairs seating as well (overlooking the boats of Its a Small World).
>>
Kids' Menu-Lunch/Dinner
For Guests Ages 9 and Under
Last updated on October 1, 2016
Checked for accuracy on October 1, 2016
Menus provided by TouringPlans.com are unofficial and subject to change.
ENTRÉES (4)
Smucker's Uncrustables Sandwich - Mickey Check Meal
Served with Apple Slices, Dannon Danimals Smoothie, and Choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Dasani Water
$5.99
Kids' Chicken Breast Nuggets (4 Pieces)
Served with Apple Slices, Dannon Danimals Smoothie, and Choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Dasani Water
$6.99
Kids' Macaroni & Cheese
Served with Apple Slices, Dannon Danimals Smoothie, and Choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Dasani Water
$6.49
Kids' Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza
Served with Apple Slices, Dannon Danimals Smoothie, and Choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Dasani Water
$6.49 -
I'm enjoying reading this for future reference! I am toying with the idea of going to Disney World for either LO #1's 4th birthday or LO #2's 1st birthday...
I don't think there will be much difference between 4 & 4.5 but do you feel like Disney World is easier:
1) In October with a 6 month old, or
2) In March with a 1 year old?I lean toward waiting until LO #2 turns one, not because he will remember it, but because he will at least be able to enjoy it more and it will also get us off the hook for a first birthday party
But I also feel like many 6 month olds are more "portable" / flexible if that makes sense? I know it depends on the baby!March is also spring break so it will be busier...
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@Anagram: I think you should do the Bay Lake Tower. You will be close the monorail and MK, you will have a separate space so you won't bother the kids after they go to sleep, and you'll be able to eat some meals in your room.
Personally, the extra space would be the deal clincher for me. I need time to decompress and chill out on my phone or reading my kindle, and I hate when I'm in the room with one of my kids and I have to tip toe around and worry that every sound will wake them up.
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@daniellemybelle: Oooh tough choice. Yes, the appeal of keeping a 6 month old in a stroller or carrier is nice. Super portable. But it would be a lot of fun with a 1 year old! Either March or October should be great seasons.
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@Anagram: I would stay at Contemporary or Beach Club. I've heard great things about Port Orleans and AofA but a deluxe resort is just on another level.
My dd loves Disney Springs - there's some great restaurants, unique shops and fun entertainment. Fun to do if you have some spare time.
Honestly you can't go wrong with any of your choices. You and your kids will have a blast.
@kpc324: my best tip when driving to MK: at the end of the night (especially after fireworks). everyone will line up for the Express Monorail that will take them back to the TTC (parking lot). Instead, get in line for the Resort Monorail. You will make a couple of stops at hotels but eventually will end up at the TTC too. It's maybe a few minutes longer but you will save 30+ minutes in line on a busy night.
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@daniellemybelle: I would prefer to take a 6 month old. A non mobile baby who naps frequently on the go sounds a lot easier than a 12 month old who might not be as content to sit in a stroller for extended period.
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@Anagram: It is going to be fun no matter where you stay! I think the most interesting thing about WDW is actually the people watching. You're going to see some pretty bad kid behavior (not from your kids, necessarily) and some equally bad parenting behavior all at the Happiest Place on Earth!
I think the best thing is to keep your expectations low in terms of your reward for time invested. I can't tell you how many times I would see kids with a sourpuss face and the parents would be telling them how expensive the vacation was that they better enjoy it. That's why I choose to go the way I do, to give myself some breathing room. We don't try to see everything and I don't have any intentions on staying all day.
Now having said that, based on your choices, I would do the option with the suite.
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@Charm54: @T.H.O.U.: I think you are probably right!
If we go in October of this year... how early do we need to start planning? I know that a lot of stuff books up!
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My father in law recently came home from a business trip to Orlando/WDW and he is gung-ho for taking our kids to Disney this year. He stayed at a hotel in Disney Springs and thought we might be able to stay there for our trip. Has anyone done this? What I'm having a hard time finding out online is what the transportation options (and timing) is like for getting from Disney Springs to the parks. He had a shuttle bus for his recent trip, but I'm not sure if that was specific to the conference he was attending, or if it's always available to people staying in Disney Springs. Ideally we'd be making it back to our room for nap/rest time in the afternoon (my kids don't really nap on the go), so I want to make sure it's somewhat convenient for going back and forth. The other place my MIL is interested in is the Animal Kingdom Lodge, which I think my animal loving kids would be crazy for. However, it seems completely on the other end of the price spectrum (looking at a suite), and I'm not sure it's really worth it. Has anyone stayed there?
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@daniellemybelle: you can make your dining reservations 6 months in advance, but only the hard to get ones (Cinderella's Castle, Be Our Guest etc) will fill up that early. If you want to do the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom (versus the Disney Springs location) that should be booked 6 months in advance too. Other than that you can make Fastpass reservations 60 days in advance if stating onsite, or 30 days if staying off.
@twodoghouse: I've never stayed at a Disney Springs hotel but I believe they all have their own shuttles to the park. I doubt it would be quite as convenient as the Disney bus system, but would probably be fine. You can take the bus from actual Disney Springs to the parks in the evenings, but not the other way around. So definitely check what your actual hotel offers for transportation, using Disney Springs as your transportation hub wouldn't be viable for the most part.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is my dream resort - it looks amazing! Renting Disney Vacation Club points is one way to stay there and save money. I'm looking at staying there next year and it will be around $200 a night by renting points - about the same cost as when we stay at a moderate Disney resort. There are pros and cons to renting points but it might be something to look into. AKL is gorgeous!!
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@Charm54: Oh, that's really interesting about renting the points. Have you ever done it? It seems a little scary, but looking it up, there seem to be reputable sites to go through. My in-laws are paying and don't have budget constraints, but I'm sure they'd appreciate if we could knock down the cost some.
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@Charm54: @twodoghouse: we are staying at AKL for our trip in November and I can't wait!! I rented dvc points - hard to beat the deal (plus you get all the perks of staying on site). It's furthest from the parks, but couldn't pass it up for my animal-loving DD1. We plan on taking uber as needed, but hear the buses are pretty good between AKL and the theme parks. Guess we will find out!
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@twodoghouse: I haven't personally but I have friends who have through dvcrequest.com with great results. We are staying at Caribbean Beach Resort in March but will probably rent points for our trip in 2018.
Pros are obviously price, ability to add dining plan and magical express and stay in bigger rooms/suites
Cons are you have to book well in advance and it is non refundable . You also wouldn't be eligible for any package deals that Disney comes out with.
@yerpie110: please let me know how it works out for you! Did you rent through a website or a dvc member?
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@Charm54: I'm renting directly through a member. I disliked the other sites inability to guarantee rooms (since you have to wait to be matched with an owner), and in the end, they're really just vetting owners, and can't ensure that these owners won't screw you over if they wanted to. You can vet owners the same way they do (making sure they are actual dvc owners, references, googling name, etc), skip the middle man, save money, and be guaranteed a room! I was lucky to find a great owner who checked out in every way, has been incredibly helpful, and offered me a tremendous deal! I don't think I'd visit Disney any other way
Side note - we're traveling with my parents and booked two studios instead of a suite because that way, everyone in one room can get the meal plan and everyone in the other room doesn't have to, so we'll split the meal plan (way too much food for our family to do it per person). The studios come with a kitchenette which is all we really need, and it was cheaper.
Value studios and value 2 br at AKL are hardest to book - if you want those, will definitely need to book at the 11 month mark.
HTH! Will def keep you posted!
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@yerpie110: I read your wall post and haven't had time to respond yet, but how did you find your DVC member--a FB page?
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@twodoghouse: You can pay extra on the DVC website Charm linked above to be able to book a refundable trip. You pay something like $1.40/point, so it depends on how many points your room costs. I looked into it and it would cost us about $300 to get the refundable option, so not sure we will do it.
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@Anagram: no worries! The rent/trade boards at Disboard and mouseowners are generally the only two favorable sites. All posters are vetted before their posts can go live. Again, may not mean much, but better than eBay/Craigslist/etc. I found the owner on disboard.
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Last tickets remain on Undercover Tourist with old prices and old rules. I convinced DH that we would save around 20% off gate prices on 5 day tickets if we bought them now rather than wait in the future when we go back again. Beats the stock market as an investment. Heheh. Also, DW just started 'must use by' dates on the new tickets so these UT tickets are good for anytime in the future (with a 14 day window once you start using them.) For example, 'new' tickets bought in February 2017 must have their first use by December 31, 2018 UNLESS you get the remaining 'old 2016 rules- any activation' tickets from Undercover Tourist. They are always changing the rules .....
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@808love: ugh. Remember when all tickets never expired, no matter if you used a day on the ticket? #fondmemories
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@StrawberryBee: Yah, I wish I got in on that the first year I went in 2015. I would have saved a ton buying a 10 day ticket. We ended up going the following year with 5 more days. 2 separate tix bc I didn't think I'd be back...little did I know. I didn't have the guts to look at the amount of money I could have saved if I only knew.....
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@caterw: We are going to Disney next month and don't have park hopper passes. I was told that we could always leave the park and come back, as long as it was to the same park. Is that not true?
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And any Canadians interested in going any time in the future should look into buying tickets with the Canadian ticket offer (has been extended to May 20). they never expire and are currently about 35% off the new ticket prices. A great deal
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@Chuckles: yes you can ... park hoppers allow you to go between different parks, but you can enter and leave the same park as many times as you want throughout the course of the day
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@Charm54: Wow!! I'm visiting Canada in another two months. Can I buy there as a non-citizen of Canada? Oh! never mind...just Googled it. Apparently not.Those Canadian prices are CHEAP!!! ...now, about that citizenship....
@Chuckles: Yes, you can go in and out with non-park hoppers. -
@808love: unfortunately you have to show your passport as proof of citizenship. Our dollar sucks so bad right now, the deal pretty much just covers the cost of conversion
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@Charm54: yea I'm guessing the deal is to try to help cover the exchange rate.
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@Chuckles: yes I believe that's true. One park per day but you can leave that park and come back.
But I also feel like many 6 month olds are more "portable" / flexible if that makes sense? I know it depends on the baby!
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