Any advise for a dad taking his kids to Disney World for the first time?

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 07:57:34 -0500

On Christmas Day, I was able to surprise my two kids, ages 10 and 9 with their MagicBands and autograph books for their first trip ever to Disney World. I've talked to a lot of different people asking for possible tips and ideas to make the trip even better for them. I set up all our FastPass and made reservations to eat and stuff. I already got it on my notes to stop at Guest Relations to get my kids their "First Timers" pins and all that. We are staying at the All-Stars Movie resort and we are doing the Animal Kingdom on Day 1, followed by Hollywood Studios, then Epcot finishing up with two days at Magic Kingdom. We fly down next week so needless to say, I have two very excited kids and I'm pacing hoping I got everything lined up so any last minutes ideas are welcomed.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jan 4 at 2016 8:00 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 08:00:15 -0500

SGT Ben Keen, sounds like a lot of fun! Seeing as how you're going in the off-season, you should be good to go; however, if you have a girl interested in princesses, I recommend getting there first, as those lines are LONG!

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Jan 4 at 2016 8:01 AM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 08:01:59 -0500

Sounds like you have a plan. You are far ahead of most already. Avoid anyone getting sick, bring normal meds...have fun, and don't be afraid to call it quits on a day once somebody's really tired.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 4 at 2016 9:04 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 09:04:39 -0500

I'm a frequent visitor (2-3 times a year, annual pass holder). Will be down there on Wed (2 days from now, through next Tuesday for Marathon Weekend).

1) Plan your PARKS. There are 4 Parks as well as "other" places like Downtown Disney, the mini golf courses, and the water parks. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Each park offers something different. Have an idea what each one is about. (Send me a PM or call me).

2) Plan your BREAKS. You are going to be on your FEET A LOT. You may be used to it, but your family isn't. I suggest "Ride" (normally takes about an hour to do), then "snack", then "show", then meal. Repeat.

3) Look up the DISNEY DINING PLAN. PM/CALL me on this. I'll give you the down and dirty on this. 1st, it saves you money. Second, it cuts the stress of carrying cash and budgeting. You can add this up to 3 days before you vist.

4) Take an extra bag. Anything you buy, put in that. You can have purchases delivered directly to your room (free). This is worth it. Again you are going to be on your feet.

5) Look at the PhotoPass. It may or may not be worth it. But look at it. Runs about $150~ but it makes sense depending on how many photos you take over the 4~ parks.

6) Be prepared to drop a lot of money. Something I would suggest to the kids and wife is to take a picture of things they are interested in, because not all parks have the same items. However anything you find at the parks can be ordered (they have a mail order service). I always reserve my last day for "mop up."

7) Suggestion. Instead of doing Animal Kingdom on Day 1, reserve it for Final Day. Reason: Animal Kingdom is considered a "Half Day" park in that it doesn't have as many rides or attractions as the other parks. This will allow you to revisit other parks for any last minute shopping in case there as something the wife, kids, or yourself had to have (#6). Magic Kingdom is the "Premier Park," and you definitely want to get that one 2x.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Jan 4 at 2016 9:48 AM

CW4 Guy Butler — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 09:48:47 -0500

Having done this a few times, I want to point out a few things:

1) Extra Magic Hours - since you're in a resort, you'll be able to 1) arrive an hour earlier or 2) stay up to two hours later at selected Disney Parks each day. This is a good way to plan days.

2) Disney Dining Plan and the reservation system - it might be too late this trip, but it's great for future trips. Essentially, it guarantees you seating and a "stop and rest" plan for each day (assuming you include a table service); it also allows you to schedule "character meal" reservations where the characters come to your table for pictures and autographs. Much less stressful than standing in lines.

3) "There's an app for that" - lots of apps for dining, schedules, park openings, maps, etc. My favorites include WDW Dining, Magic Guide (which replaced/consolidated a number of apps), and TWiz - a transportation program that lists all the ways and how long each takes to get from any point in the Magic Kingdom to any other point.

Word of warning - Epcot is also a "2 day" park; we generally schedule a day for the front half, and a day for the nation pavilions.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Jan 4 at 2016 9:51 AM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 09:51:37 -0500

You've got a great plan for the parks. I have a couple of "non-planning" pieces of advice...
1. Don't lock yourself into a plan once you get into the park. Let your kids decide what they want to do. If there's something that you feel they MUST experience, tell them that those things Mom and Dad want to do.
2. Bring your extra "Patience Packs" - this kind of trip is notorious for being a complete mental and emotional trauma for parents. Don't let it get to you. As long as your kids are safe, let them be kids - you stay the adult. 95% of the adults there are having a bad day and their tempers and impatience will show. It is not ok to harm the other park guests, especially when they deserve it.
3. Take deep breaths... IN... and OUT... IN... and OUT...

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Jan 4 at 2016 10:16 AM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 10:16:51 -0500

Best laid plans never really work out, so all I can say is have patience, patience and a little more patience and plenty of cash. I have been about 10 times and even though I knew the layout well you cant plan for the size of the lines or the weather. You will find the kids like Magic Kingdom more than the adults. I liked Epcot better. But love the Tree House from Swiss Family Robinson. Kids wanted to go there every time we went.

Response by SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr made Jan 4 at 2016 11:15 AM

SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 11:15:59 -0500

Be a little cautious of souvenirs not all always have the same prices ... What might cost $$ in each of their related enchanted area may than at the main gift store and vice versa on prices. If you think they might be interested in the Disney collectors pin. Start by buying a small multy pack of pins they might be (here's the key) ok in keeping but willing to give up too. You can ask any Disney employee (cast members) if they want to trade pins, and they will. Some of the cast members like those selling like popcorn, drink, etc might even have a "book" or two. I have even met one cast member with full "books" to choose to trade for. You would be surprised to see just how many can be placed inside, those binders. You also have Disney Springs nearby (outside of parks) with specialty gift shops for the major characters.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jan 4 at 2016 11:39 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 11:39:42 -0500

Disney is a magical place.

A few things:
1.) Don't be afraid to leave the parks and come back to the hotel. We would be on the first bus out, stay till about 3, come back to the hotel and rest or go to the pool, get snacks, nap, watch tv and then go back out around 6 and stay till the park closes (especially Magic Kingdom).
2.) Take snacks...they will allow you to bring a backpack. we would stop every so often and have a water, chips, applesauce, bananas or those lunchables. saves money and forces you to stop for a little while and rest
3.) When you make purchase in the park, you can have them sent back to your hotel except for the night before you check out. You don't have to carry them around with you. You go the hotel gift shop and sign for them there.
The night you get there, if it isn't too late, go to downtown Disney and walk around. Starts to get you in the mood for Disney parks without having to use a pass. Good restaurants and ice cream.
4.) When you go to Animal Kingdom, go to the safari ride first...the animals are usually up in the morning and you see more of them. Also go to a dollar store before you leave and buy some cheap rain ponchos for two reasons...1-it rains in Orlando and 2-the Kali river rapids is a cool ride but you will get wet.
5.) Get as many fast passes as you can for the rides you want. We went during spring break last year and were at the parks early enough that I got on all the rides I wanted to relatively quickly and multiple times because people were sleeping in. Early is better.
6.) My wife does things on the cheap so we took a cooler with sandwich meat and food and we ate a lot in the room.

Hope this helps soenjoy.

Response by SSgt Dale W. made Jan 4 at 2016 3:40 PM

SSgt Dale W. — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 15:40:41 -0500

SGT Ben Keen What a great trip! I'm happy for you and your family. All the other posts seem to have covered it all except one thing...let yourself be a kid, too. I know Walt would tell you the same thing if he could. ENJOY!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 4 at 2016 7:37 PM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 19:37:02 -0500

Get Fast Passes for the rides that you/the kids want to go on! I just got back from Disney Land, and wish I had gotten them. They would have saved me an hour (or longer) wait in line for the rides!

Response by 2LT Scott Armstrong made Jan 13 at 2016 12:50 AM

2LT Scott Armstrong — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 00:50:31 -0500

Bring lots of money. Learn the Fast Pass system.

Response by SPC James Dollins made Feb 12 at 2016 11:04 AM

SPC James Dollins — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 11:04:39 -0500

Since it is your 1st trip, the memory maker may be something worth getting. Also I hope you got the military discount if your eligible. If your retired, or still active duty. I will say this the My Disney experience is a big help!
Are you doing a dining plan? If so, hopefully you made reservations by now? If not you NEED to!! I think you will have tons of fun!! We usually go every year if not every other.