help! only 2 days at disney in august!
 

taking my family with me to a conference in august and will be staying at the walt disney swan for it with plenty of activities paid by my company for the family at mainly universal studios.however,we have 2 days prior to that to spend at disney that i have to pay for! any suggestions as to what to see,where to stay,etc? my kids are 4 and 10 and it will be their and my wifes first time there,and many years since i've been there. we will have a rental car also. many thanks! bob <BR> ps. i'm looking for moderate price lodging and should i get the magic kindom card?

Your kids would enjoy the Magic Kingdom and the Hoopdedoo howeown dinner show at the campground. <BR>You can easily spend 2 days in MK, would not bother with MGM if you are going to Universal with the company. <BR>Epcot is OK, a lot of walking though.. <BR>The monorail properties are the most convenient, they cost more but enable you to sightsee more efficiently. <BR>The carribean beach is nice moderately priced facility on the Disney bus line. <BR>Whatever you do stay in a Disney owned property and inquire about early entry opportunities, these parks are unbelievably crowded by mid morning. <BR>

Bob, <BR> <BR>I do believe it would help to get a Magic Kingdom card. We've been to Disney I hate to say how many times, and we always use the card. <BR> <BR>I recommend Dixie Landings/Port Orleans. We've stayed at Dixie three or four times, and we like it because there's a (unadvertised, free) trundle bed in the room. That makes it easy for sleeping--your 4-year-old could stay on that bed and not have to share with the older child. Try to get a room near the central food court, which is good. Bus transport from Dixie is pretty good--though if you have the rental car, that will be great. <BR> <BR>If you can at all afford it, check out the Polynesian. (It may be impossible to get rooms there this close to your visit.) It's expensive, but it's also got extra sleeping accommodations--a day bed in addition to the two full-size (queen-size?) beds. It's got the extra advantage of being right on the monorail. <BR> <BR>We've stayed at the Caribbean but much prefer Dixie, and we've also tried the Coronado, which was okay for a mid-priced hotel but not one we'd return to. Do try to stay at Disney, however. The convenience is worth it. <BR> <BR>If you stay on a Disney property, you'll be eligible to go to early park openings. Definitely do this. The opening times differ from park to park and from day to day. Get there first thing in the morning, then see the big sights/rides, then go back to the hotel for swimming and rest, then return to parks in the evening. It makes it much more manageable, for adults and older children as well as little ones. <BR> <BR>The parks can be overstimulating, so be aware of that for your little one. You may need to split up your family in different ways to make sure both kids' needs are met--you and one child do some things; your wife and the other do others; then switch around. This has worked very well for us. <BR> <BR>I recommend picking up a WDW guide for kids and reviewing it with your older child. It's important to get an idea of what the kids' expectations are. The first time I went with my older child--just the two of us alone--I discovered that she'd expected to spend lots of time with characters. I had trouble getting her on any rides. Once I realized that it was characters she wanted to see, it made everything much easier. <BR> <BR>Magic Kingdom is great for both ages, though we all enjoy MGM a great deal. Animal Kingdom also might be enjoyable for both kids. It's true that Epcot is geared more for older kids and adults; it's also so large that it's hard to manage. However, depending on your older child's interests, Epcot might be fine. My daughter, who's now 14, has enjoyed visiting the world showcase pavilions since she was about 10. <BR> <BR>One of our favorite places to eat is the Sci-Fi Dine-in at MGM. We also like Chef Mickey's (if that's still its name) at the Contemporary Resort. It's an all-you-can-eat buffet with characters. <BR> <BR>I'm sure you'll get many excellent comments from this forum. Hope this one helps you get started with planning. <BR> <BR>P.S. Be sure to buy two of the refillable cups. I think they're about $9 at your hotel. You can use them only at the hotel, but probably within a day they'll pay for themselves. I don't think you can transfer them from hotel to hotel, however.

The biggest mistake you could easily make, especially if it's the kids and wife's first time, is to try to do too much in the 2 days. In August, Disney will be hot and crowded. I agree with the others to stay on the property. Make the most of your time by driving to the parks - don't waste precious time waiting for Disney transportation. <BR> <BR>Stick to one park - Magic Kingdom for the 2 days. It will take 2 days to do it with the crowds and heat, so as not to exhaust yourselves and the kids. <BR> <BR>Go early - 1/2 hour before official opening time. Take a break back to the hotel for a nap or swim in the hottest part of the afternoon. Return to the park rested and refreshed for the late afternoon and evening. This really works with younger kids. <BR> <BR>Use the Fastpass system for the most popular rides. Use the baby swap on rides that the 4 year old cannot/will not go on. For more invaluable info on this and everything you ever needed to know about WDW, pick up a copy of the Unofficial Guide to Disneyworld. <BR> <BR>Make sure everyone drinks a lot and watch out for sunburned knees in the stroller. <BR> <BR>Once again, remember to take it easy, don't try to do everything in a day and enjoy!

I would disagree to use a rental car; Disney transportation is convenient, easy, & free. <BR> <BR>bus or monorail or boat transport between the Disney hotels & major attractions runs every 15 minute or so. <BR> <BR>note, the Swan hotel is an easy 10 minute walk to Epcot, a few minutes by boat from MGM, and the whole area around the "epcot resorts lagoon" (Swan, Dolphin, Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach club, etc) is lovely, especially at night. <BR> <BR>(I'm surprised they would put you up a Disney hotel, with most of the activities being at Universal!)

Definitely check out Deb Wills website at www.wdwig.com, an unofficial guide site written by & for folks who love WDW. Check out list of attractions & select the must-sees, also read the tips on WDW with preschoolers. I agree MK will be great but I also highly recommend Animal kingdom for your age kids. When my 2 daughters were 4 & 10 they LOVED AK, esp. the safari ride, the Conservation Station with petting area & lots of interactive things, and the Tarzan and Lion King shows are OUTSTANDING! Check out your local disney store, you can purchase park-hopper tickets in advance and they NEVER expire, so you can use unused days on subsequent trips. You can get discounts on ticket purchases & lodging with the Magic Kingdom card, so if you can get it free thru your company DO IT! HOpe you have a great time!

Help doesn't begin to describe how you'll be feeling in August with two kids ages 4 and 10! UGH is more like it....first Universal Studios is not in Disneyworld. MGM is. If you are talking about MGM then there isn't much for a 4 year old to do there except watch the parade. Lines will be long. The ten year old might like the tower of terror. There is the Lion King show at night but you must get there early to get seating. <BR>First suggestion: Pick a park <BR>The four year old will LOVE the Crystal Palace Buffet HOWEVER YOU MUST MAKE RESERVATIONS BEFOREHAND...This is a character dining experience that you and your wife will thoroughly enjoy along with your older kid. It is the one place I actually liked in the Magic Kingdom. I've been there several times and had yet to see characters until I ate at the Crystal Palace in March of this year. The characters come around often and you can take pix with them, etc.,e tc. The food is good. The atmosphere is very good. This is an absolute MUST....The Crystal Palace is in Magic Kingdom. It is definitely KID friendly. After the Crystal Palace you can stay for the light parade. I've noticed that no matter how tired people are, the light parade never fails to bring wonder to their faces... <BR>Do you have the option of bringing along a friend for the ten year old? I always found that at that age a friend was a life saver even if I had to pay for the friend. <BR>A lot of people with young children stay at the hotel pools during the day (assuming you get a place in WDW) and go to the parks at night....that would be an excellent option especially in light of the fact that you are going during the month of August. WE've stayed at the Port Orleans hotel and they have a smaller, calmer atmosphere and a kid-friendly pool (no deeper than about 5 feet)...you and your wife can veg out while the kids swim. There is also a little boat that goes up the Sassagoula river to the Marketplace where you can go and see Legoland and ride some small little rides for the four year old. There is an ice cream parlor there and it seems it would be more laid back and not so hurried. <BR>I can't tell you how many times I've seen parents push the children into "enjoying" Disneyworld. I've actually heard parents yelling at their kids that they would never take them there again if they don't stop crying...(I can imagine the kid thinking "good"..) However one look on the childrens' faces tells it all..They are tired, stressed, and really can't fathom why mom and dad took them there in the first place! <BR>Do a few things but do them well...Disneyworld is impossible to see in two days. It's impossible to see in ten years!

While transporation in WDW WAS good at one time, I believe it has become fair at best. Crowds were enormous and people waited for eons before busses came at some points of our trip. <BR>We had to wait for up to one hour for a bus when EPCOT out one night and the same for the Magic Kingdom. My advice...either stay a little longer and have some ice cream at one of the stores along Main Street or leave a little earlier...at any cost avoid leaving with the majority of the people.

STAY ON DISNEY PROPERTY!! we like dixie landings.

stay off disney! much less expensive and most places have free transportation.

many thanks to everyone,especially penny! sounds like you've "been there"! still would like to hear from others! <BR> bob

Penny, how many times? Do tell!! Bob, you've gotten great advice. Personally, we love Epcot. If you do take your children there (since you will be staying so close, it would be a shame not to visit it), there are activities for them in World Showcase. Purchase a "passport" for each one. At each country, a cast member will sign the passport in a greeting in his/her native language. Also, each country has a "Kidstop" where cast members will do crafts and other projects with the kids. Norway and Mexico have some neat rides the kids might like. At night, walk along the Boardwalk. Stop and get some ice cream and take in the festive atmosphere. I also disagree with using a rental car. In all the times that I have been, we have never had a problem with the Disney transportation. Remember, you will be there in August. The crowds at that time will be very light. Definitely get the Magic Kingdom Club Card. We saved several hundred dollars with it on our last trip (it actually afforded us the opportunity to stay at Boardwalk which is now our favorite resort). The MKC card policy has changed with regard to dining; you used to get 10% off at select restaurants. Now, it is much more restrictive. However, you can still get 10% off on rooms, passes and shopping at Disney Marketplace. Bob, heed everyone's advice not to do too much. Don't try to do the parks commando style in 2 days. Disney isn't going anywhere. I have seen too many parents ruin their kids trips in order to satisfy their personal desire to see and do it all. There is so much to tell you. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me (18 visits with 19 and 20 coming up).

Look at the DIS message boards (www.wdwinfo.com) for THE BEST info from people who know just about everything there is to know about Disney. Any question will be answered! Have a great time!

Bob, <BR> Also check out www.wdwinfo.com.(Pete Werner's unofficial on-line Guide to Disney). Excellent site! Information on just about everything related to Disney World. They have extensive Discussion Boards which we especially use whenever planning a trip to WDW. Since you're going to Universal you might check out www.usfinfo.com (Pete Werner's Univeral site). Have fun!

Heed these simple suggestions and I assure you and your family will have a ball. Trust me-I have kids of similar age and have been to WDW 4 times in the last 3 yrs. <BR>1. Spend 1 day at Magic Kingdom & 1 day at Animal Kingdom (controversial call but I'll stand behind it) <BR>2. Get to the Parks when they open!!! Since you're staying on property you're allowed in an hr. before those not staying on property (only one park does this each day so if it's not Magic or Animal Kingdom get there as soon as they open) <BR>3. Get to the Parks when they open!!! I truly can't emphasis this enough. Drag your kids to the bus stop if you have to. By doing this you'll be able to do almost all of the popular rides by noon and be back to hotel and pool by around 1:00.

Doesn't that sound like a lot of fun? "Drag your kids to the bus stop if you have to". I can't imagine being done with a park by 1 pm. Don't you see the parades? Especially the parade(s) at Magic Kingdom! To me, going to MK without seeing the Electrical Light Parade is almost sacriligeous! Trust me...WDW is chaotic at best. I can't imagine dragging my kids to the bus stop at the crack of dawn, especially "on vacation"... <BR> <BR>Animal Kingdom, IMO, is over rated. It's supposedly a wild animal park but I've seen more wild animals in my backyard. The wait for the jungle safari is at least an hour (and that was with the FASTPASS, which in my opinion is overrated also.) <BR> <BR>The Mug idea is good. <BR> <BR>Staying IN THE PARK is also good. <BR>EPCOT IS NOT GOOD, especially for young children. They will be bored silly unless they are geography majors in school at this moment. It would be like taking the 10 year old on a field trip. EPCOT, while my favorite, is not usually a child's favorite. <BR> <BR>Don't let anybody fool you into thinking that the shuttle arrangements from the other hotels off property are good--they aren't. You'll see that when you are staying at the SWAN. <BR> <BR>Best Advice...pick one park and do it well. My advice...since the kids are little: Magic Kingdom. Not one person mentioned the Crystal Palace Buffet at night. If you don't go to this, you will be missing out on the most wonderful character dinner. Make reservations either the night before or the morning of. You won't be sorry. It is absolutely kid-friendly, non agressive atmosphere. The kids can make there own sundaes, etc. They will love it...you will love it. <BR> <BR>

Bob, I went to WDW last August, and it was just smoking hot! So I heartily agree with the idea of getting there the instant the park opens, which is what we did every single darn day. That is when the kids are fresh, the parks are fresh, the lines are short, and the weather is the best it will be for the day. We left right before the tantrums began, usually 2-4 p.m., and even that was a long day. <BR> <BR>Even though you have a rental car, I'd still stay on site, as you are closer for your early morning commute, and anyone who poops out can take Disney transport to the hotel while others soldier on. <BR> <BR>As for parks, I'd do Magic Kingdom and Blizzard Beach (or Typhoon Lagoon). The latter has lots to do and a nice break from the heat. But that's your call. One more observation: consistent with the book "The Unofficial Guide to WDW", the Magic Kingdom was not very crowded on Sunday, so we just walked onto many rides. So go there on a Sunday if you can work it out. Good luck, and take it easy.