Sunday, May 24, 2009

Holy Mouse Ears!

In a couple of weeks, we're going to Disney World!
I only went once, as a child, so this is all very new to me...

and it's overwhelming!!

We're going with three of my sisters and their kids,
so it's going to be a blast.

My boys are super excited.









I have a Disney World guide book thicker than the Bible.








Where should we go?
What should we see?

All you Disney experts out there, help me out!!!

I need tips, suggestions, & advice!





19 comments:

Rhea said...

Just a reminder, I have two boys who aren't interested in all that princess stuff. hehe

Justine said...

Well let's see. If you get up near St. Augustine, come see ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let's see... I'd do one of the Arabian Knights dinner shows (off Disney property, of course), um... eat at The Polanesian Resort, definitely do Universal's Island of Adventure... their rides ROCK... um, what else? Visit historic St. Augustine and see ME! LOL!

If you're going to be in the parks allllllll day, definitely spend the money on the meal plan. It will pay for itself by lunchtime. If your hotel offers them, get fast passes for the rides. What hotel are you staying at? How long is your vaca?

If I think of anything else, I'll let ya know.

Justine :o )

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

I think I am a Disney pro. I know that I know way more than my travel agent! We are going again in September.

So...what do you want to know?!

Are ya'll on the meal plan?

All Things BD said...

Sorry, I'm a west coaster, so all I know is Disneyland park. If you ever go THAT way, let me know. :)

Have fun!!

Anonymous said...

Jeff & I just got back from our annual trip. I have a bunch of our travel tips on my sidebar (they are from a few years ago, but WDW hasn't changed!!)

Have a wonderful time - Take lots of photos - And wear elastic... The food there is delish!!!

Shannon said...

You guys should eat at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at MGM (or whatever it's called now... Disney Hollywood Studios?) The food was good and the atmosphere is super-cool.

Definitely take advantage of the FastPass system.

I'm sure I can think of some other suggestions...

Jen said...

Sorry I have no advice but I wish you the best time.

Unknown said...

I haven't been there in ages, and not with kids, but my only advice is don't plan every minute out...

Cristin said...

Hubby and I went like 10 years ago.. we had a little insider's guide that we read on the plane... and left it on the plane.. the only tip we remembered was to always go to the left when given the choice... lines are shorter on the left...it worked great... we hardly waited at all...

and pack snacks.. food is way too expensive...

And the Tower of Terror might make you puke for 6 hours straight... or maybe that's just me...

Sprite's Keeper said...

Well, I'm a former Cast Member so I think I can help. Best advise of all? Don't try to cram so much into your day. If everyone is staying together at the same park, have everyone pick ONE THING they want to see and then plan your day around that. Most of the time with a larger family, something will stick out as the favorite thing so attack that first and then let the day guide you.
Sometimes with the older kids, 12 or older, it's better to let them go off on their own and set up a meeting place where they have to check in with you (for lunch) (or when you want to leave) so they can do their own thing and you can have a more sane time with the younger set of kids.
Fast Pass is also good. Scan the tickets and come back if the wait time is too long.
Also, try to spend an afternoon at the pool so you're not rushing anywhere. Just hang at the hotel and relax!
Alright, enough assvice. Just enjoy yourselves and report back with the memories!

Amanda of Shamelessly Sassy said...

I bet you guys will have a blast. There's tons of piratey boy type stuff there. We went last year and had an awesome time. Are you staying with Disney? That was my favorite part, they had the buses to take us to and fro. I just loved everything about it.

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

I hope you have a great time! You'll be close to me.

CrystalChick said...

It's been awhile... we went in
2000.

We loved Rock-n-Rollercoaster!! And Tower of Terror! And the Indiana Jones show. And Jurassic Park ride? And a bunch of other things that I just can't remember.
The 50's diner was neat to eat in. The Sci-Fi drive in Theater restaurant was cool too!
Fantasmic ? fireworks were awesome.

If you've got a guide book, just go thru it and find some things that each of your kids, and you, really want to do/see and make sure you plan for those things. Your sisters and their kids will have their ideas too. So just make sure you each get some things you want out of the trip.

If you are staying inside the park take advantage of the parks that open early for guests and the fast pass was good too.

Have fun! And take lots of pictures. :)

Sally-Ann said...

When we go to Magic Kingdom we just start at the entrance and work our way around the entire park. We don't go on every single ride, but there aren't many we miss. I think your boys would enjoy Tom Sawyer Island.
At Disney Studios - don't miss Rockin Rollercoaster. My family doesn't like Animal Kingdom, but loves Epcot.
You will have a blast.

Cozyflier said...

Rhea,
Hi! I've been to WDW 10 times with our 4 kids over the years. I've taken them as young as 6 mos of age!

I'm a DVC member and I know the ins and outs of WDW.

I hope you are staying on Property!

Each day 1 park opens early, extra magic hour and 1 park stays open late up to 3 hours!!

Also, you have access to Disney transportation. Buses, boats, monorails, ferrys, etc.

With kids you can go back to your room nap and then go back to a park if you have park hopper tickets and get your hand stamped!

I'm on twitter, facebook, and have a blog if you want to ask me more questions.

I use the Disney web site and get the calendar to find out which park has what hours.

If any of the kids are into Star Wars, Hollywood Studios has Star Wars weekends Fri-Sat the 1st 2 weekends in June! Tons of fun!

In Magic Kingdom, start to the L of the Park and work your way that direction!

Use fast passes!

Have a blast.

Anonymous said...

In my experience, Disney World is way better than you could even imagine!

The dining plan is so worth it! I would choose the one with one quick service and one sit down.

If you haven't, then you should book a character dining. Chef Mickey is awesome!

My best advice is to make a list of everything you want to do. Let each family member pick one thing from each park that they most want to do, and make sure to do those things first and then do everything else.

Learn about the fast pass and USE IT, it is amazing.

Also, make sure to see the firework show in Magic Kingdom!!

Anonymous said...

And DO NOT leave Epcot without doing Soaring ... it was my little girls favorite. Make sure to fast pass it.

Anonymous said...

One more thing lol ... sorry they just keep coming!

If you get to Magic Kingdom right when it opens, then you can go to the kid area and do every ride with no wait!

Also bring your own panchos because it will probably rain, and they are expensive at the park.

Mama Dawg said...

I shall drop you an e-mail.