We are finally doing it. We are going to Disney World! Woot! We’ve talked about it for a while but we never really get to the point where we actually decide to go. Until now. I don’t want to wait to go for much longer because I want Kaitlyn to still be young enough to freak out over the excitement of seeing Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Cinderella and Goofy. But, we didn’t want to go too soon because Chloe is still little. So, we decided that spring 2010 is our target. May 2010 is the month that we are narrowing in on. From my “research”, May seems to be a good time to go. Not too hot or crowded—2 of my least favorite scenarios in my vacation daydreams. And, it’s just about 1 year away—plenty' o’time for me to get my arse in Disney-fied shape! Ha!
I have fond memories of going to Disney World with my sister and parents when we were young. My grandpa used to live in Cocoa Beach, which was about an hour away from Disney. We would drive down for spring break when we were still in school and go to Disney. I loved it. My mom says I about collapsed in excitement at meeting Minnie Mouse and there is a cute picture of the 2 of us too that my parents have. I want those memories with my girls.
So, Disney planning is now in full swing. I would LOVE any of your tips, suggestions, anecdotal trip stories, websites, horror stories to avoid, whatever you got! I am all about planning and if left to my own devices, I’d plan our Disney days down to the hour, ride, and character meet and greet!
So, lemme have them!
9 comments:
The first time I went was in May when I was 8 and while I don't remember much of it, I still had fond warm and fuzzies which extended until my second, third, and even my fourth visits beginning again when I was 17.
I have been to Disney in April, May, and November. The best time weather-wise was November. It didn't rain daily at 4 PM like it did in April and May and even though it was crowded in November (we went over Thanksgiving) the newly created (at the time) Fast Passes along with some creative ride scheduling allowed us to skip the lines.
Suggestions:
1. Visit Animal Kingdom (see pictures from our visit when I was still fat here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bill_roehl/sets/72157602997483580/)
2. Plan your day and utilize Fast Passes to the maximum.
3. Eat before you go to the park and after you leave. Even though they have plans where you can get "free" food in the Disney parks, the food kinda sucks and I don't recommend it at all. Obviously kids need to eat throughout the day but at least you're not eating all of your meals inside the gates.
4. While I don't recommend eating, I'm going to go against that with the following statement... Right across from the Swiss Family Robinson tree (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/swiss-family-treehouse/) there is a Dole Whip stand. Get a pineapple whip half and half with vanilla ice cream. They have these at the State Fair but it's just not the same.
5. If you really feel the need to go to Epcot (Homer Simpson says, "awww, it's even boring to fly over!") make sure you don't spend the whole day there. Your kids will thank you.
6. Pay the extra money and get a hotel in the park. Your kids will thank you and you will thank you. You'll save time and it's likely that you'll be able to get in the gates before and after the rest of the general public has to leave. I am still kicking myself that we have never stayed inside the park. We will next time for sure.
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Hope that helps :)
For great vacation planning tips, advice, etc. check out the weekly WDW Radio Show, videos and web site at http://wdwradio.com
We just got back a few weeks ago we went there when my dauhgter was 2 and she turned 3 while we were there. She stills talks about her trip and how much fun she had!
Ps. If you want to meet the Princesses be sure to get in line early the wait is long but well worth it. You get to meet Belle, Sleeping Beauty & Cinderella inside the toontown tent at Magic Kingdom!
I want to go!!! So my boss just went and his suggestions were to go at least a 5 days, stay at a hotel in the park, great walking shoes and plan naps for you and the kiddos. He had a blast just so much to do.
When we went at Spring Break when I was 6, we went with John and Cindi. I lost my tooth in my apple before going on the flying Dumbo ride, and couldn't figure out how the Tooth Fairy AND the Easter Bunny found me in Florida. It was amazing! That's the same trip where I also thought I was going to kill everyone on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (which, sadly, no longer exists).
Kudos to your bravery for making this trip. I know you will all have a great time!
We made the mistake of going during spring break one year - never again!
It took forever to drive everywhere, so hopefully in May most kids will still be in school and it won't be so crowded.
Wow this is funny. The blog I read before you was about their future trip to Disney.
I am an annual pass holder and I go there at least once a month. It is the happiest place on earth. I would love to answer questions you may have. I have gone to most of the restaurant and been to all the attractions. I love giving Disney tips.
Email me.... I'll tell you the inside scoop..
I love Disney talk! :)
Jill
Hi Suzi! It's Robyn Adam's sister-in-law. We met at Adam and Stacey's wedding. We just went to Disneyland and I just wrote up a blog post of a few tips we used that would apply to Disney World too. Maybe they'd be helpful to you too...
http://buttercups-grotto.blogspot.com/2009/05/happiest-place-on-earth.html
Also, even though the food is expensive in the parks, it's the drinks that really add up on your food bill--try going with water instead of sodas--I wished we had!
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