1. If you plan on driving to Disney, remember it is expensive to park at the theme parks. You can expect to pay about $15/day. If you stay on site at a Disney hotel, you can park for free with your parking pass. You also park for free if you are an annual passholder.
2. The parks allow coolers. Save money and bring your own drinks and snacks.
3. There is an overabundance of germs in Disney World. Take time and think for a minute about how many hands have touched those turnstiles. Or safety rails. I have been to Disney World over forty times and just about every trip I witness a poor child vomiting all over his parents.
Bring hand sanitzer. Use it often.
4. Walking the countries in Epcot is possible with children. There is a Kidcot Fun Stop in every country. Make finding these stops an adventure. Your children will be given a "passport" to take around the countries at their first stop. In every country, a cast member will stamp their passport.
5. If you have small children, USE THE PARENT SWAP! What is Parent Swap? You, your husband and ten year old son want to ride Thunder Mountain, but you have a two year old that can't ride. Go to a castmember working the entrance of the ride, ask for a parent swap. They will give you a pass that allows you to ride twice, one time without waiting. The first riders must wait in line. When they are finished with the ride, the parent who had to wait with the baby (your son can ride again with you) goes through the fast pass line.
Remember that castmembers see hundreds of people in an hour. If you have Fast Passes for Thunder Mountain, I didn't tell you to use those and get in the Fast Pass line again with your Parent Swap.
Bonus tip: ALWAYS. ALWAYS. ALWAYS get to the parks when they open. You will ride at least three to four rides with minimal wait times. Make the most of your trip and get up early!
Happy Planning!
Loved all your tips for Disney! I live here, and go often by myself (I'm a photographer and also a blog writer on Disney too - disneyinaweek.wordpress.com)and with family and friends who visit.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget the SPF50 for kids and also sunglasses. Sometimes we forget how long we have been outside in the strong sun and then get bad sunburn or sunstroke. Stay cool!
I agree with all of the above. We just went in Sept 2012. Staying on grounds was wonderful and having the meal plan was also great. The food was really good and the meal plan worked everywhere. The fast passes were life savers! Also, get a rain poncho or buy one when you get there. It rains everyday in FL. We had a great time and didn't want to leave and/or wanted to go back within like 2 weeks. My daughter bought a book in advance and knew which rides she thought the kids would like. So, we got to the best rides early and got right in.
ReplyDeleteWhat book did your daughter buy?
DeleteIf you take a cooler to the parks, where are you supposed to put it when you're on the rides? Take a backpack instead.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't rain every day in Florida, only during hurricane season / summer (June - August). Don't buy a rain poncho, it's pointless. The rain will feel good.
Getting to the parks when they open is over rated. At that time, you have to deal with waiting in line to get in as well as getting through the baggage check. Also, you have to deal with people that have breakfast reservations.
I've never seen a child throw up at Disney world. I lived in Florida. I worked there. I've been there every year for the past 17 years, some years more than once. If your child throws up on you at Disney world, pretty sure that's your fault. Don't feed them that giant Mickey shaped rice krispies treat and then ride Tower of Terror.
If you worry about every germ in Disney world, you will never have a good vacation. You'll have a heart attack instead. Wash your hands after you use the restroom and before you eat. And if your child touches a trash can. You'll live, promise.
If you have a child under the age of 2 (for the ParentSwap) just skip Disney for the next 4 years. Been there, done that, not doing it ever again. And strollers? Try manuevering through the Magic Kingdom after Wishes at 11:00pm.
Don't wanna pay to park? Go to Downtown Disney (it's free to park!) and get on a bus to where you want to go. (It's free transportation).
There's your real tips. Enjoy!
Thanks for your input - I've only ever gone to Disney with young kids (I have four and there was always a baby) so in regard to a cooler, it was always a help and we tossed it in the stroller (which we needed for little legs). My kids love Disney, even at age 3 because we pace ourselves. My kids have been sick at Disney, my nephews at well. It was a virus they caught there not from Mickey treats. As far as parking in Downtown Disney, I have told people that as well, but it takes extra time to go there and wait for buses, so its all about preference.
DeleteWe have been rained on plenty, and the kids never enjoyed getting soaked. It was always worth it to have $1 ponchos from Walmart in our stroller.
Thanks for the rebuttal. I'm sure people will find your comment extremely helpful as well if they don't have to worry about little ones.
My children were sick when we were at Disney, and it had nothing to do with what they ate. It was a stomach virus that they picked up there, near the end of our 2 week trip. And it went through the kids one by one, during the day, middle of the night, etc.
DeleteMany families I know who have gone to Disney have said the same thing.
Jodie
DeleteThanks for doing this blog its been extremely helpful!!!! My questions are about the coolers. On the disney website they list restrictions of coolers. How firm are they about applying this rule?
I would have to agree with the Anonymous comments just above as being more accurate. We were just there in November. Never got to the park earlier than 10:30 and lines were fine. I 100% agree that kids under 6 or 7 really shouldn't even be going to Disney World. It's a waste of time, money and you will ALL be miserable!!!! We did the meal plan and it was fantastic!! We did all quick service and were able to eat in the Beast's Castle and other sit down restaurants as long as we were there before 2:00 and we had zero reservations. It rained one day that we were there, a light mist for the majority of the day/night, but that was the only day it rained. No poncho needed at all, glad we didn't buy one and have to drag it along. I would not recommend a cooler at all. Take some bottled water and stick it in the outside pouches of the back pack!!! Pace yourselves, don't be in a hurry to get from one place to another. You'll be waiting anyway so why not just take it slow and not bust your but and then be grumpy. Enjoy!!!
ReplyDeleteNovember is a great time to go to Disney, crowds are minimal and the weather is perfect for the parks!
DeleteWe live 30 min from Disney and go monthly with a newborn and 3 year old. Our 3 year old loves Disney and she is the perfect age for it.We always bring a hand cooler for snacks and water that we hang from our own sit and stand stoller and this works out perfect. We bring a back pack so we have it quick at hand for hoping on and off rides and leave cooler with the stroller. Bring your own water is important so you aren't spending a lot of money on it and snacks are important for little ones. We have never had a bad time at Disney but we also know we have to little children and it's Disney so it should be more about them then us. We have been before we had kids and loved it and now is the time to see our childrens faces glow.
DeleteReally, kids under 6-7 shouldn't go to Disney? Come on down off the pedestal, DISNEY IS FOR KIDS. I don't believe that anything that creates positive family memories is a waste. MOST rides can even be rode by toddlers and there are baby stations in each park. The only people Disney isn't for is impatient pessimist.
DeleteI am the mother of three huge Disney fans ages 13, 11, & 5. All of my children have been to Disney at least 4 times. We took them on their first birthdays and the entire family had a blast (even the babies). I have been during Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and even scorching July. The kids just add to my excitement!
DeleteWe have experienced the germs (pink eye, viruses, colds) but using common sense and being prepared is key. We have also experienced major trauma like busted mouths and broken teeth, only my daughter would fall twice on two separate trips and break a tooth and later have it "wiggled out" by the dentist the next month due to damage. Yes, accidents happen and I can direct you to every first aid station in every Disney park! Disney staff members know how to handle frantic parents and make sure everyone gets the best care possible.
During the most recent trip our youngest was 4 and she was a little afraid of some of the characters. That did not spoil our fun. The cast members are awesome and know when to leave the children alone if they seem afraid. Yes, we still had a character breakfast every morning without having our daughter scream the entire time!
It was during this last trip that Tropical Storm Debbi decided to parade through Orlando as if she were Queen! It was awful and we got drenched even with my prepacked, $1 ponchos. I am thankful we had them because as my family knows, you will go to the parks unless they run you off due to severe weather!
We live 9 1/2 hours away from Disney World and never once have I regretted taking my children. I always start looking forward to the next trip on the ride home.
Just have to say that i disagree with those who say to wait to take kids when they are a little older. the expressions on my 3 year old were incredible....everything she saw she believed. my 5 year old questioned everything. maybe it is just a difference in children but the experience was quite magical for my 3 year old!
DeleteThanks everyone - I also agree that Disney is for kids. Well, kids and PATIENT adults who pace the trip according to what keeps the family rested and happy. Happy trails!
DeleteHi, I wondered if you have stayed at the new Arts in Animation Resort? If so, how is traveling from there to the arks? It seems so far from them. Also wondered if you rented strollers? We have 3 kids, I'd like to take our double stroller but not sure if it's to big and too much of a hassle. Would you recommend a resort?
ReplyDeleteI've never stayed at Art of Animation, but my friend loved it! The ride may be a tad longer on the bus, but it will be fine. All the resorts are wonderful, and it really depends on your budget. We don't rent strollers, it's very expensive. We bring umbrella strollers. If we had two in strollers, we brought 2 umbrella strollers and each pushed one. It's easier to maneuver through the crowds. :)
DeleteIn regards to getting to the park when it opens: go as far as possible from the front gate and work your way back. Most people get all excited when they see main street and go gaga. Little ones can enjoy the parks, especially with the new Fantasyland. But there is nothing worse than a crying toddler at 9 PM after a whole day of being drug from pillar to post at Disney.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree about getting past main street usa...start in the back of the park and work your way back! If we go back to the park we are leaving by 8pm...toddlers can't handle being up too late on such a busy vaca!
Deletehi planning a trip for the second week of june. I know what are we thinking it's gonna be super hot but this is the only time the schedule works. We are going with four kids. Ages 2, 4, 8, and 9. Driving so we get to bring our double stroller. My question is should we bring our umbrella strollers for our two oldest? I read that under ten would need them. If we need them should we take just one for them to take turns in or two. I saw that you had been when your kids were around the same ages. We'll have three adults so we'll have some one to push each if needed. thanks for the help
ReplyDeleteHI! We don't usually have the kids use stroller after 8-9 yrs, but its completely up to you!!! Definitely bring the double, and bring one umbrella to be safe. The kids are a great age for Disney! Have a great trip! Yes, June is warm but we never minded the heat! Have fun!
DeleteHi we went with our son and daughter-in-law and their 2 kids age 5-8 and they didn't need a stroller. They made sure the kids had really decent shoes to wear and kept well hydrated during the day. The quick service plan was great also! They worked their schedule out a month before they went and walked the kids to school rather than drop them off on the way to work so they got used to walking lots and hiked on the weekends as well. We were up every day by 730 and swam before bed which was close to 11 and the kids were amazing...never complained of being tired of walking.
ReplyDeleteHi! Both of my children have been to Disney from a young age and both have had a wonderful time. It's a matter of knowing what is available for younger kids. If you have a baby, use the baby stations in each of the parks. They are wonderful. And remember not everything is about the rides. It's the shows, the parades, seeing characters you have only seen on TV come to life and just overall spending time with your family. Another thing, don't try to do everything in one trip. You and your family will be miserable. If you plan right, you can go to Disney for an affordable amount of money, so plan to go more than once. If you think of it as a once in a lifetime trip, be sure to prioritize. (Trust me! I have been more than 10 times and still haven't "done it all".) As far as storage for food, I find its easier to just pack things that don't need to be refrigerated and plan to either buy bottled water or use the fountains in the park. They do have lockers at the front of the parks for storage if you need it and there are always at least one store in each park that carries essentials (diapers, batteries, wipes, not to mention the baby care centers). Also, remember to tailor your trip to the age of your kids. If you have really small children, plan to spend most of your time at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, for older kids, Epcot and Disney Studios. But most of all, do some research. There are climbing areas, splash pads, glowing sidewalks, dancing fountains, random acts of excitement and fun around every corner, if you know where to look (and sometimes where you wouldn't think to look). Some of the best moments happen when you just take a moment to sit on a bench and look around. With regard to germs, well let's just say if you are a germaphobe, you probably will need to bring Hand Sanitizer. If your kids aren't regularly exposed to germs then yeah, they might get sick. But think on this, if you don't wear them out trying to do everything and go at THEIR pace, they are less likely to get sick anyway. As of our trip schedule soon, I will have been to Disney more than 10 times with my kids (1 is 11 and the other 4). I have been with little kids, teenagers, kids who won't ride any rides and kids of all types (shy, overzealous, and in-between). I have never had a CHILD say they never want to go back, ONLY ADULTS. Finally, and this is a big one - DO NOT BUY NEW SHOES BEFORE A TRIP TO DISNEY. Make sure that you only wear those shoes that you and your children have worn before. Blisters will make everyone miserable.
ReplyDeleteHere are a few tips at the parks: For all the parks, think about going around the park starting to your left. Most people start going around to their right. The same is true when standing in line as well. At Magic Kingdom, check out the barbershop, you can get very affordable haircuts with pixie dust. It's a great place to go for baby's first haircut and they get a certificate and ears too. At Epcot, for older children (tweens), there is a Phineas and Ferb activity to do in the World Showcase (used to be Kim Possible). Be prepared to walk but its lots of fun. Also, for food go to "The Land", they have lots of fruit and veggies and less junky foods. It's on the bottom floor of the location. At Disney Studios, plan to go at least one time during Star Wars Weekends. So fun and you see characters all through the park. Also, don't miss eating at the Sci-Fi Drive in or the 50's prime time café. At Animal Kingdom, plan to eat breakfast at The Rainforest Café. There is an entrance at the restaurant and you can bypass the lines at entry by eating there. Also, to ride Everest and avoid the line. Find the single rider line. It is always fast, so long as you don't care about riding with others in your party.
ReplyDeleteCan you explain the Fast Pass and Parent Swap thing a little more in detail? I didn't really understand what you were saying about using the Parent Swap in the Fast Pass Lane. We're going to Disney on Monday and for sure will need to use this. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteFast pass - fast pssses are for rides were there are usually long lines. There are fast pass stations and you get a ticket for a specific time. You do have to take your tickets and put it in the machine and then it spits out a fast pass ticket. We always sent our fastest person to go get fast passes and the rest of us would head to another ride to wait in line. The person would then get there in time to ride the next ride and then we would go to our fast pass ride.
DeleteBaby swap- you go to the ride area where you enter the ride. You tell them you need to do a baby swap, since you have a child who can't ride. They give you a ticket for the fast pass line. One parent goes on the ride (they have to wait in line).Then when that person comes back the other person goes through the fast pass line and doesn't have to wait.