If you've done Disney: what would you do differently?

Sunflower777

We've never taken the kids before (they'll be 2 & 5 at the time of our trip in June), so I'm trying to learn from those who've gone before me. lol

If you've been to Disney with young kids, what would do you differently in retrospect? Or - what did you do that worked particularly well?  

Jodi&Joe

Just don't be one of those miserable parents that is trying to jam everything in to 7 days.  You aren't going to do it.  There is just too much to see.

Spend a day at the park.  Then spend a day at the pool.  Then spend a morning at the pool, take naps, then go to the park for dinner/parade/fireworks.  Then spend the next day at the pool.  Then go to the park in the morning and then head back to the hotel again.  Basically, make it CHILL!

We've been many times...Joey was 1 the first time we went.  Cam was 8 weeks for her first visit.  And we have been about 6 or 7 times since Joey's first trip.  And I can't tell you how many parents I see all stressed out and how many of their kids look sad.  It's a magical place....it really is.  But you have to really focus on not overdoing it.  If the kids are tired/cranky, don't push 'em.  If YOU are tired/cranky, don't push it.  Hanging by the pool and just relaxing are some of our best memories there.  And sure, we are fortunate that we have been able to go more than once but it's one of those places that even if you can only go once, you want to make it HAPPY!

belle204

I agree I wouldn't try to jam everything in. I wanted to do this and that and had it all mapped out. Then dd found certain rides & attractions she loved and that's what we did. I can't tell you how much time we spent in the MK. Be prepared for anything. It rained two days we were there but the short lines were a perk. The lines were ridiculous and will be even more so in June. Take advantage of Fastpass or start early and take advantage of the smaller crowds and then take a break in the afternoon. Still be prepared to wait and don't push the kids to keep going. It just makes everyone miserable. Wear sensible shoes! My feet hurt like a mofo by the time it was all done. Snacks & drinks! Take your own in and save time and money. You'll be thankful. I can't tell you how many times dd would get thirsty in line and I wasn't getting out (kept juice boxes in my bag). Oooh, and text your parking location or take a pic so you don't forget where you are (if you're staying off property). I made that mistake one day & forgot ... thank God the parking cast members know the area they load by time of day. Those were the biggest things that I had issue or success with. The most important thing? Have fun!

mlm1128

Exactly what Jodi said.  We have been 9 or 10 times with dd.  The best thing to do is follow your kids lead.  Ask them what they want to do, it makes for a very pleasant experience. There have been many times that I've wanted to say to other parents "why are you torturing your family?". If you are in line to see a character, and your kid gets impatient,,,leave.  Come back later. Don't stand their screaming "We are doing this for you, now shut up and stand still". Clearly they are not interested in doing whatever it is.

We're lucky.  DD will wait in a line for 2 hours and never complain.  Some kids don't have that kind of patience.  You need to go at their pace in order for every one to enjoy the experience.  When we all go (dd, ss and dh and I) it's like we are on 2 different trips.  But we are there for them. If we need to be separate so be it.

RCH151

We stayed at a moderate priced hotel for our first trip...next time we'll stay at a luxury hotel.  I also will bring my own stroller next time instead of renting one there.

DandelionMom

I would have liked a longer trip -- 4 days wasn't really enough time.  I wish we had a little more money in the budget for the special crap like bibbity-whatever salon or more souvineers. 

ready2go

agree with Jodi on trying not to have jam-packed days.  we just got back and spent a decent amount of time at the pool in the afternoons.  we got to the parks early, planned out what we MOST wanted to do (take advantage of fast passes!) and then by the afternoon, if our girls were tired/ready to go back and swim, we just did it. everyone was happier that way.

take advantage of early entry hours.  we did more between the hours of 8 am and 11 am then we could have done the whole rest of the day.  It was fantastic!!

definitely bring your own waters and snacks.  it's a good distraction if standing in a line.

Melett

We jammed a lot into our days but took lots of breaks and surprisingly everyone did great . We were with 4 kids and 6 adults.. We did have a pool day scheduled every couple days-that was nice.. The only thing I wouldn't do again would be the Cinderella's royal table lunch. I am glad we've done it so I didn't feel like we missed anything, but it wasn't worth it. It just wasn't all that or very exciting..I took dd to the bippity boppity boutique before hand and that was totally worth it.( we brought a gown and did the $60 package , bought glass slippers) but next time we will just stand in line to see the princesses. I did think the chef Mickey breakfast was totally worth it . I also loved getting my ds a pirate makeover at the pirates league- so much fun!

ready2go

Melett:

I took dd to the bippity boppity boutique before hand and that was totally worth it.( we brought a gown and did the $60 package

ditto this -- my 5 yo dd loved bippity boppity boutique, but definitely bring your own dress.  The dresses are $60 at Disney.  And if bringing/wearing a dress, make sure you bring a change of regular clothes too.  dd only wanted to wear hers for a very short time.

(not sure if you have boys or girls so sorry if this is irrelevant)

mlm1128

OK, there is the one thing I disagree with. I don't like to throw money away, but...the dresses at Disney are expensive for a reason.  The are 10x the quality of the things you can get at Target and such.  They are way more elaborate and full.  And I buy them big, and they stay in perfect shape for a long time. Anything I have bought her elsewhere falls apart. She wears them constantly. She would rather get one dress at Disney that 10 little crappy things there. Of course she wont go to the boutique, so I save cash there.

shopgirl78

TIME.  We needed more TIME.   5 days/ 4 nights were not enough.   Needed another day to go to MK, needed another day to relax, needed a day to swim and to go to downtown disney. 

nic326

Definitely bring your own water and snacks. Disney is pretty expensive and there are water fountains all over the park to refill your bottles, but bring money for treats!

Take advantage of FastPass so you can skip the long lines for rides.