Walt Disney World
Feb 19th, 2001, 07:51 AM
#1
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Walt Disney World
Hello everybody. I'm planning a trip to WDW for nest year. Everybody in my family has their own idea of what is a "must see" attraction. The problem is, we only have a week (maximum) for this trip becuase we are planning on going during Easter vacation. (it's too hot to go in the summer, and too crowded at Christmas) So, I want some other opinions on what are the most important attractions. We are going to have four adults, an 18 year old, a 15 year old, an 8 year old, and a 5 year old with disabilities. Thank you for your advice and opinions.
Feb 19th, 2001, 08:49 AM
#2
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marie, go to www.wdwinfo.com and search their boards on wdw. Incredibly helpful. I planned our whole week with the help of all these 'experts'. Happy trails.
Feb 20th, 2001, 06:23 AM
#4
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Marie, be sure to check out the other Disney site: www.wdwig.com. It's tremendously usefull.
If you can stay on property with your group you can then use the WDW transportation system and split up. This way you can all get to your own must see's faster and do what appeals to each of you. I'd have no problem at all letting the teens, and perhaps the 8 year old go off alone together. Then you can devote more time and attention to your 5 year old.
There are four parks, and we found one day/park plenty, with Animal Kingdom needing less than a full day, and using the rest of that day to revisit a favorite. We spent our fifth day doing other things (golf, shopping at Downtown Disney, etc.) so I'm sure you'll find plenty of things to do the rest of the week. If it's really crowded you may need the extra time to do justice to each park.
If you can stay on property with your group you can then use the WDW transportation system and split up. This way you can all get to your own must see's faster and do what appeals to each of you. I'd have no problem at all letting the teens, and perhaps the 8 year old go off alone together. Then you can devote more time and attention to your 5 year old.
There are four parks, and we found one day/park plenty, with Animal Kingdom needing less than a full day, and using the rest of that day to revisit a favorite. We spent our fifth day doing other things (golf, shopping at Downtown Disney, etc.) so I'm sure you'll find plenty of things to do the rest of the week. If it's really crowded you may need the extra time to do justice to each park.
Feb 21st, 2001, 08:28 AM
#5
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Easter will be crowded, two weeks on either side of Easter Sunday. But, the parks will be open late (midnight in some cases)
Ask each kid what they want to do. Show them books on the 5 parks in WDW.
The one and only Easter we were foolish enough to spend in the Magic Kingdom (because of crowds) was miserable. The next day we were at Universal. The Universal employees told us that there were no lines in Universal on Easter ('cause everyone was at Disney). Of course, the day we went there were long lines too. Next time we will go to non-Disney on Easter.
Kids and adults might like to rent a sea mouse on the man-made lake. The little ones can sit with their older siblings and/or old folks. This is a lot of fun and can be rented from Contemporary, among other places.
The 18yr old might like to drive a stock car at the raceway.
Ask each kid what they want to do. Show them books on the 5 parks in WDW.
The one and only Easter we were foolish enough to spend in the Magic Kingdom (because of crowds) was miserable. The next day we were at Universal. The Universal employees told us that there were no lines in Universal on Easter ('cause everyone was at Disney). Of course, the day we went there were long lines too. Next time we will go to non-Disney on Easter.
Kids and adults might like to rent a sea mouse on the man-made lake. The little ones can sit with their older siblings and/or old folks. This is a lot of fun and can be rented from Contemporary, among other places.
The 18yr old might like to drive a stock car at the raceway.
Mar 22nd, 2001, 06:23 PM
#6
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Hey Marie! I agree with the person above who suggested splitting up. I have been to WDW no less than 20 times, the last 14 years in a row with kids. The eight and five year old will definitely have different preferences compared to the older kids. Easter vacation is tough, because of the lines. My boys were 12 and 14 on our last trip. They lasted at the animal kingdom for about 3 hours. This is definitely better for the younger group. The older kids will probably enjoy Epcot the most. Innoventions is good for all ages, as well as Living Seas, and Test Track. The countries of Epcot will probably bore the younger two. Our whole family has always enjoyed MGM the most - Indiana Jones is fun, Star Tours, and the Stage Shows are all good. For the older kids, the new Rock and roller coaster is the best! We had to go on this at least three times in a row. The tower of terror is a blast, but may be a bit much for the five year old. Magic Kingdom is a no brainer for the older kids - Space and Splash mountains, haunted mansion, alien encounter. Alien is really frightening for a 5 year old. During the day, take a break and go to the water parks - There is something there for everybody - my kids loved the tidal wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon, spend at least a couple of hours in it. Don't totally rule out the summer - the first week after school lets out is warm, but compared to standing in lines, I would never go at Easter. Again, you can always take a break in the day and enjoy all of the water, then head into the parks again around 4 or 5 since they're open late. Be sure not to miss Illuminations, or Fantasmic. Hope this helps, and feel free to email me for any more help. We've come up with some great tips over the years.
Mar 22nd, 2001, 07:37 PM
#7
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I agree with prior poster who recommended wdwig.com, it's the best! Check height restrictions for rides & special notes for folks with disabilities. You can see most everything with some planning. Since you will be focusing on WDW, STAY ON PROPERTY & take advantage of the transportation system, early entry, and E-ticket nights at MK.Here are some of my family's favorites: Test Track, Land pavilion, Mexico & Norway at Epcot. Lion King & Tarzan shows at AK, also safari ride & Countdown to Extinction. Backlot tour, Tower of Terror, Rockin Roller Coaster, Little Mermaid & Beauty & Beast shows at MGM, The mountains at MK - Thunder, Splash, Space Mts., the Country Bear Jamboree, Haunted Mansion, train ride, Minnie & MIckey's houses, the Kodak pavilion showing very early Disney cartoons. Also my kids LOVE DisneyQuest at Downtown Disney, it is VERY LOUD and would be too intense for 5 yo probably (& there are height restrictions on some things), but your teens would like it, esp Virtual Space Mountain, & could go by themselves. Lego store at Downtown Disney has outdoor play area with thousands of Legos & it great to see how the store is decorated. Eat one meal at Rainforest Cafe - either AK or Downtown Disney restaurants - jsut to see the decor. Get the kids to go online & to the library, research & plan. Your best plan will be to split up & plan times & location to regroup. Have fun!
Mar 23rd, 2001, 05:01 AM
#8
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More testimonials for wdwig.com and disneyinfo.com. Both great sites with lots of info - as detailed as you could possibly want - right down to the condition of specific rooms in the Disney Vacation Club facilities. I planned two vacations with these sites. Was able to budget spending money almost to the penny based on the postings of menus to the wdwig site.
Search for info on visiting the mouse with disabilities - there is a lot of useful information there - including the location of the most accomodating restrooms etc.
As for what to see - my family favorites were the Buzz Lightyear ride, Space Mountain, MGM Studios in general, Epcot for the kids (big surprise). Animal Kingdom is okay - but as other posters have said - not quite a full day. The Lion King show at AK is very well done.
Make sure you take advantage of the FAST Pass system and of E-night if possible. Both are ways of enjoying the rides with minimal waits. Don't overdo planning of character meals. Once is usually enough in a week. Try to plan some down time and enjoy some of the less commercial aspects of the resort (I know it sounds like an oxymoron but it is possible). There are beautiful gardens everywhere and less well known attractions that can provide a needed break from the maddening crowds.
Enjoy!
Disney is a great place for a family vacation. They do a good job of making something for everyone.
Search for info on visiting the mouse with disabilities - there is a lot of useful information there - including the location of the most accomodating restrooms etc.
As for what to see - my family favorites were the Buzz Lightyear ride, Space Mountain, MGM Studios in general, Epcot for the kids (big surprise). Animal Kingdom is okay - but as other posters have said - not quite a full day. The Lion King show at AK is very well done.
Make sure you take advantage of the FAST Pass system and of E-night if possible. Both are ways of enjoying the rides with minimal waits. Don't overdo planning of character meals. Once is usually enough in a week. Try to plan some down time and enjoy some of the less commercial aspects of the resort (I know it sounds like an oxymoron but it is possible). There are beautiful gardens everywhere and less well known attractions that can provide a needed break from the maddening crowds.
Enjoy!
Disney is a great place for a family vacation. They do a good job of making something for everyone.
Mar 23rd, 2001, 05:44 AM
#9
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Marie,
Disney is great for kids with disabilities. They make special accomodations everywhere for you. If your child is not in a wheelchair, bring a note from your doctor stating the disability. That way they can accomodate your needs. Often the disability will make it too uncomfortable for the child to wait in the long lines so they will give you a pass. You can use this pass to go straight to the front.
My son is diabetic, so we don't go to the front of the lines but, when we go to character breakfasts, they make him special diabetic meals and deserts.
Disney is great for kids with disabilities. They make special accomodations everywhere for you. If your child is not in a wheelchair, bring a note from your doctor stating the disability. That way they can accomodate your needs. Often the disability will make it too uncomfortable for the child to wait in the long lines so they will give you a pass. You can use this pass to go straight to the front.
My son is diabetic, so we don't go to the front of the lines but, when we go to character breakfasts, they make him special diabetic meals and deserts.
