Just wanted to add that both the Swan and Hard Rock have fabulous, big pools with waterslides and very nice landscaping. You can spend a day just hanging out by them.

Also the waterparks were my husbands favorite. Just go early and spend the day at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach rather than fighting the crowds in the heat of the day.

Also, can't stress enough that with only 4 days I think it would be a big mistake and time-waster to stay off-site. To check park hours go to Disneyworld.com, they post hours for each park and each month.

I thought I already posted a response to this, but I'll try again!

I second the person who suggests MGM and Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. I've talked to a couple people who went to WDW and IOA and both said they probably won't go back to WDW. (Tho MGM still is fun!) If you check out Universal IOA, then you could reap the benefits of Hard Rock Hotel. And you could venture to WDW for a day, just to say you were "there". Let the kids and you, together, do some internet surfing and see what you all come up with. Sounds like the Hard Rock could be a place for you to retreat to while dad and the kids do their thing, if it gets a bit much for you.

Liz, As an orlando resident just wanted to say that if you do come please do not act like the majority of your fellow brazilians and travel in packs of hundreds all wearing the same T-shirt following another T-shirt with a little flag on a stick. Why is this? and they are the rudest bunch I have ever come accross, they push and shove their way around and basically ignore others that are in their way. Yes I am a little bitter but if you had to deal with this all the time you would to. Sorry for the rant but when I saw brazil I had flashbacks of being overrun by a pack of flourescent orange T-shirts. If you see one of these packs while at the parks pick up your kids and get out of the way.

July and August are the WORST for crowds and heat. If you really don't like either you are going to be pretty miserable IMO. Make sure you buy a good pair of walking shoes, break them in before you go and carry bottled water with you...

No comments or slams, just tips:

1. Eat your main meal at an off hour to avoid waiting in lines and and to be able to sample the restaurants at lunch-time prices. We'd make reservations for around 2:30 or 3:00 and that worked well.

2. Sunscreen, water, and humor are your friends. Use them generously!

3. Please consider staying at a Disney resort. Their transportation is easy to use if you want to split up and meet up later. For example, you could go shopping in the afternoon after resting in your hotel for a bit and your husband could take the kids back to the theme park instead. Disney in small doses works great.

Hey Stayaway- you pompous ass. Yes, Europeans and S. Americans may be different in some ways. They don't all shave their armpits or use deodorant- but to pick on Brazilians that way is an example of Americans at their worst! In fact, when I do Disney and see all my disgusting fellow Americans with their 300 lb. bodies in tank tops and shorts screaming at their kids, or blowing smoke in lines, I am reminded how crude our culture has become. Think jerry Springer and Survivor. Brazil is a beautiful country with gorgeous people who have a wonderful attitude about life!

Hi, Liz! Last May we went to WDW for 3 days w/our 2 kids(11 & 13 at the time). We stayed @ The Boardwalk Inn. I was like you...
"finally agreeing to go". This is what we did: Some things we did together like the water parks; some we did apart. One day I went to Epcot for the entire day(loved it!) while my wife, son & daughter did the roller coaster/ride thing! They had a blast & so did I! We met in France @ Epcot for dinner that evening, chatted about our day over dinner & then all skipped 'home'(to the Boardwalk Inn!) across the bridge after the fireworks display. Each morning we had a leisurely breakfast @ Spoodles next door to The Boarwalk Inn. We did the horse & buggy thing on our last morning & it was fun. There are various ways to see WDW & if you are not into it I am sure your faamily will understand. Where is it carved in stone that one must love WDW to be a good parent?????

Liz, you will have a good time! Really! Our family usually stays at one of the All-Star hotels since they are less expensive, but the rooms are small, you may want to go for a hotel with larger rooms. I would recommend staying on-site and get a length-of-stay parkhopper pass. Start at whatever park has early opening that day, so you can get in about 8 AM. Later in the morning when the park begins to get crowded, take WDW transportation to another park. I recommend wdwig.com - Deb Wills unofficial guide site - that has details about early opening days, park events, trip reports and hotel reviews, lots more! Even if you hate theme parks DO be sure to see: in Epcot, Planet Earth, Living Seas, international pavilions around World Showcase - check wdwig.com for special performers/ exhibits. Last trip we saw a delightful Japanese candymaker who was an artist with candy! Animal Kingdom - be sure to see Lion King and Tarzan Rocks, also take Safari ride and take train to Conservation Station. MGM - Go on the Tower of Terror even if you hate heights, it is lots of fun! Star Tours is fun too if you are a Star Wars fan. Spend time talking to some of the street performers, they are lots of fun. Magic Kingdom - ride Splash Mountain, it is too cute! Also Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain roller coaster are favorites. Spend one evening at Pleasure Island and spend a few hours at the Adventurer's Club to see the shows, the maid's sing-a-long, the talking masks on the wall, the magic moving bar stools, lots more! Walk around the lake at Downtown Disney, sit a spell at the Lego store, eat lunch at Rainforest Cafe. The kids might like to spend half a day in DisneyQuest, virtual reality attractions in one building, separate admission but worth it if you like that. Hubby and kids could go there while you shop or lounge by pool with good book. HAVE FUN!