We are going to disney in florida aug 6 to 12, we have two daughters ages 4 and 6. what are some things we...

Question

should not miss that the kids will love? we will be staying at disney's animal kingdom lodge have the meal plan for our trip. the parks we will be at those days are determined by who has the extra hours that day. we got a great deal and only paid half of what the trip is worth. we want to do this right. this will be our first time there. after this we will be using our motorhome to camp and go (possibly) yearly and go ultra cheap. we didn't use the motorhome this year because we got it after the arrangements were made for us to fly and stay at the hotel. please help with suggestions on what my kids will love!

Answer 1

I think your girls will love it! My daughter is 7 years old, and we have taken her each year since she was 3 1/2.
This past January was our "big trip". We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, had the meal plan, had park hoppers, etc. It was awesome and completely memorable.
-First of all, make reservations for your sit down meal each day. It is possible to get seated without reservations, but you will have a big wait. Try something different each day. Some of our favorites are The 50's Prime Time at MGM, Wolfgang Puck's at Downtown Disney, and Tony's at the Magic Kingdom.
-If you have the park hopper, the best thing to do is go to whichever park is least crowded that day (you can find this on touringplans.com or wdwig.com), then go to the park that has Evening Extra Magic Hours. It is amazing to be at the Magic Kingdom at 11:00 at night and basically walk right onto Space Mountain or Stitch's Great Escape.
-To help avoid crowds, head back to your hotel in the afternoon for a swim or a nap, or whatever relaxes you.
-A great book that I have found to be completely indispensible is "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World". I buy a new one every year! It has all kinds of tips, plans, and reviews to help you make this the best trip of your life.
-If you will be using Disney transportation, allow plenty of extra time. At times it can take you an hour to get where you need to go. If a rental car is in your budget, you may want to consider getting one. It can save you a lot of time.
-Wear comfortable shoes!!! This is a must. We always wear tennies, just because you walk sooo much when you are there.
-You may even want to consider renting one of those big ol' double strollers, just to keep your girls from getting worn out as quickly.
-Cinderella's Royal Table is awesome.
-The Judge's Tent at Mickey's Toontown Fair is a great place to meet characters.
-You must get the girls autograph books.
-Take lots of pictures!
-Trading pins is fun, but it is something our daughter never got so much into.
-Character breakfasts are fun, but some may take more than one sit-down meal credit. Check that out before you make reservations.
-A week is the perfect amount of time to spend at Disney. You can take your time, go back and re-visit what you liked best, and spread out some of your touring so you don't burn out.
-Each park has a parade, a 3-d movie, and most have nighttime fireworks or shows. All are great.
-If you want to see how your girls will react to the "fast rides", try taking them on Big Thunder Mountain first, if they are tall enough. It is fun but more mild than the other roller coasters.
-If you get to the Magic Kingdom before they open, you get to see the opening, which is really memorable. The characters come out on the train and welcome you.
-Have fun and make memories!

Answer 2

Extra Magic hours are great but they also make the park more crowded. In fact the park that has extra magic hours that day is the busiest of all the parks, so you can often avoid long lines by visiting other parks on those days.

If you are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge they have several animal related events at the hotel for the kids, you "earn" a small "bead" when you complete each one. On your last stay tell the host you are leaving and you get a special animal bead and they make them into a necklace or bracelet, it makes a unique souvenir.

If possible try to get a "Savanna View" room that's close to the lobby, some rooms are really far from the lobby. Animal Kingdom is the farthest from all of the other Disney Parks so be sure to allow some extra travel time when planning your day.

Kids love character meals it gives you an up close experience, we've found the best one to be at Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Resort.

Answer 3

Congrats on your first trip to Disney!!! My first piece of advice is research the fan sites and check out some travel books (I recommend the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World) and that will help you with EVERYTHING from deciding where to eat to deciding what to see and when.

My second piece of advice is check out the menus at the site listed below, it's one of the best fan sites and lists all of Disney's menus. I recommend doing that because there are going to be some meals (like dinner, character dinning, and other popular dinning spots) that you really need to get reservations for BEFORE you go.

My third piece of advice is what the kids will love, they are going to love Magic Kingdom that's where It's a Small World is and all the rides targeted at kids. You want to check out Mickey's toontown fair, it a section at Disney where Mickey and Minnie and all their friends "live." You can go through Mickey's house and there's even scheduled times to meet Mickey and Minnie and everyone. Buy the kids (or maybe just the 6 year old) some autograph books so they can get Mickey and everyone else's autograph.

Magic Kingdom is going to be there favorite park so I would save that for last. I'd do the parks in this order: Epcot, MGM, Animal Kingdom, and then Magic Kingdom. I say this because if you do Magic Kingdom first the kids will be so excited and overwhelmed that they will be disappointed in the other parks because they are so different. Don't go by the extra magic hours unless you only go during the magic hours and I say this because Disney has about 30 resorts (hotels) and everyone staying at those resorts will have access to the same magic hours you do so everyone else will try and take advantage of them. I'd check out a different park then the one having the magic hours.

Oh, I almost forgot!!!! Check out Downtown Disney (the best place to do your shopping) and a great place to take a break from the park traffic. Look into Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique while you're there, it's a kind of beauty shop for little girls to play dress up. You're girls will love it!

Disney is kind of like a science to it, you can easily burn out so you have to pace yourself and don't get overwhelmed and remember that you can come back. Bottom line, HAVE FUN!!!!

Answer 4

I'm going in August, too! The 1st through the 11th, but we're staying at Disney's Polynesian Resort.

I'm sure the girls will love the Magic Kingdom. The castle is decorated so beautifully for the Happiest Celebration on Earth, and at night it'd lit up by changing, colored lights. They'd probably enjoy each of the parades- the Share a Dream Come True Parade and SpectroMagic Parade. They'll also love the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular fireworks show. I'm just about positive they'll like every ride the height requirements will allow them. I'd say Disney-MGM Studios has the least attractions for little girls, but there are some things they may like, such as the Playhouse Disney show, Beauty & the Beast live on stage, and Fantasmic! They're probably too young to really appreciate Epcot, but there's plenty of rides and other things they'll love there, plus World Showcase. And you absolutely can't miss Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, it's the best fireworks/pyrotechnic show. They'll obviously seeing all the animals at the Animal Kingdom Park, but you're staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge so you can see them right from your Resort. Kilimanjaro Safaris is great, though.

Take the girls to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Downtown Disney for a princess makeover.
Coach Makeover- $35.00 (hair style and makeup)
Crown Makeover- $45.00 (hair style, makeup and nails)
Castle Makeover- $175.00 (Crown Makeover + your choice of child's princess costume with accessories, and a Princess Photo Shoot including an imaging package)

Have fun!!

Use http://www.allearsnet.com to plan, it's so helpful!

Answer 5

Well, I hope you plan on going to every park, because I honestly think they will enjoy all of them. But, the top 2 that they would love I think are Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. I say Magic Kingdom because it has a lot to do with fantasy and Disney movies and a lot of gentle rides that kids that age can handle and enjoy. I say Animal Kingdom because for some reason kids tend to be interested in animals. Animal Kingdom is part zoo, they have walking trails where you can walk and see animals and they have this ride called the Kilamanjaro Safari and its like you're on a real safari. Animal Kingdom also has this place called DinoLand USA and theres good rides for kids like Triceratop spin. If your 6 year old is brave they have this ride called "Dinosaur" that moves fast through darkness and you're trying to find this dinosaur and escape from a big dino. Theres a lot in Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom that you definitely shouldn't miss. At Disney's MGM Studios they have "Voyage of the Little Mermaid" which is a live show and they have a Playhous Disney Show, Beauty and the Beast show, and The Great Movie ride which is cool. At EPCOT I'm not sure there's much there that they would be interested in, but Soarin' is a great ride and in The Living Seas they have this finding nemo show called "Turtle Talk with Crush" and he answers any of your kids' questions.
The main thing that Disney shines in is Night time Spectaculars! My favorite nighttime show is at MGM and its called Fantasmic! A lot of people know that its a good show so thats why so many people reccomend getting a seat up to an hour and a half early. At EPCOT, illuminations is a really good fireworks display. At Magic Kingdom they have a fireworks display called "Wishes" and its really beautiful and they have somg great music that goes with it. Also the SpectroMagic parade in Magic Kingdom is breath-taking! Everything has lights on it!
I forgot to mention that during the day a great show, especially for your two little princesses, is Cinderellabration. It takes place on the stage in front of Cinderella's Castle.
Have a Magical trip!

Answer 6

Magic Kingdom will probably be their favorite place, as well as Animal Kingdom.

Since you have two daughters, Cinderellla's Royal Table should be something to check out. It is in the castle. It is a little more expensive than the other character meals, though they would probably like them all. Chef Mickey's at Contemporary is also great.

Downtown Disney is also fun, lots of shopping and food. The World of Disney store is great, I think the girls would love it. Also, if they love princess' there is the new Bibbidy Boppity Boutique that they may like (sorry, I don't know the spelling)

There is so much for them to do, you won't even know where to start. Parades and fireworks are always fun with kids, there is lots of great dining and with the meal plan you can really take advantage of it.

You may want to get a book for Disney with kids, there are several that are really good, a book like Passporter or Birgnbaums is also great.

Hope this helps!

Answer 7

I LOVE Disney World! Make sure you check out the character meals, they are great and the kids just love them. Chef Mickey's is a great one, it's located in the Contemporary Resort. You can get there the easiest by car or by the monorail.
There are some great Disney sites out there to check out that can help you with the best places to use your meal plan.
One thing my kids really love is the Fantasmic show at MGM studios. If you call and make reservations at one of the restaurants that have the Dinning package, you can go in the back way and have a guaranteed seat without having to wait in the really long line.
Magic Kingdom is the best for small children, they have the biggest selection of rides for small riders. Mickey's PhilharMagic
is a MUST SEE!
Anyway, here are the sites I was talking about! Enjoy your trip!!

http://allearsnet.com/index.html
http://www.mousesavers.com/links.html

You may also want to get a guide book, they are the best for planning a great Disney trip!

Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2006
Birnbaum's Walt Disney World for Kids by Kids! 2006
The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, 2006
PassPorter Walt Disney World Resort 2006

I usually get the Birnbaum's and really LOVED the PassPorter last year when we went. Both books are full of attractions, maps, weather types for the time you will be there and lots of other great information.

Answer 8

The Pop Century resort has two types of rooms: Preferred Location Enjoy the close proximity to the pool and Guest facilities. Standard Location Enjoy rooms in other locations throughout this magically themed resort. It really depends on your preference. For your travel dates that you listed, being near the pool may not be an important factor for you. You will find food courts within the Pop Century but you may want to also consider adding on the meals with your vacation so that you will be able to dine at other Disney restaurants. Without a car, you pretty much have the Disney resort to stay at however, Universal Studios does offer a shuttle service. If you do decide to rent a car, the main strip of HWY 192 is full of things to do. There are dinner shows, putt putt golf, shopping etc. You can also visit the local Walmart which is on HWY 535 about 10 mins from Disney to purchase inexpensive souvenirs and food. Enjoy your trip

Answer 9

If you are staying at Disney, and using their transportation vs. renting a car- good for you!

The meal plan is TERRIFIC! I would recommend it to EVERYONE, especially people trying to save money. You can eat at some pricey restaurants and it didn't cost extra. Check the Disney web site for the restaurants that participate in the plan, you'll be surprised.

I don't know your age or what your kids would like, but some restaurants that are entertaining - in MGM, try the 50's Prime Time Cafe or Sci-Fi Dine in Theater. 50's Prime time is a lot of fun, it is set in a 1950's style 'kitchen' and your server is a 'family member'. (we had Aunt Janice- mom was busy in the kitchen) These people really make it fun. Make sure you look at the dessert menu!
The Sci-Fi Dine in is neat too. The table are made to look like old cars and they all face a large movie screen that shows clips from old movies, such as the Blob, or Creature from the Black Lagoon!

Another thing not to miss, when you go on the monorail, ask for the front seats. You may have to wait for a couple of trips to go by (depending on how many people are asking for the seats- there is room for 4) It is a really cool experience.

At Magic Kingdom- once you enter the park, immediately get on the train and head to TOONTOWN (It is like in the back of the park) If you are there early enough Goofy might just choose your kids to go on his barnstormer roller coaster with him! (In 2004 that is just what we did, and my niece, age 4 was chosen. They also allowed her 2 year old sister & mom to ride along. Got some great pics.) I think they only choose one child per day, but you got to give it a shot, just don't mention it to the kids in case they don't get picked.

At Epcot, purchase the World Passport. At each countries pavillion, the kids can get a stamp and someone will write something in the language of that country. It helps to make it more entertaining for the little ones.

My advice is to purchase a good guidebook weeks before you go. Try PassPorter's guide to DisneyWorld or Birbaum's guide to Walt Disney World. Both of these books offer a good idea of what is in every park. Look through them really good. Pick a few things that you REALLY want to do. The rest of the time, relax, don't try to see or do everything, you'll just get stressed out. Remember , it is a vacation. Some of the best memories we have are from things that we happened to 'stumble upon'. Be prepared for crowds. As long as you KNOW it will be crowded, you shouldn't get too frustrated over the fact.

Use the meal plan to the best advantage.. We also did LeCellier steakhouse in the Canada pavillion at Epcot. For my son and I the bill would have been over $100.00, but it didn't cost us anything- we used the dining plan. That is one place we never would have gone if it was cash out of pocket.

You can also use the dining plan for Character meals. (The kids will REALLY love that!) Just make sure to call and make the reservations as soon as possible!

Have a great time!

Answer 10

There's a slew of things to do on International Drive-- the tourist strip not too far from Disney off of I-4. It's got a water park called Wet n' Wild they may like a lot, it's the McDonald's with the world's largest playground, stuff like that.


Sea World is also right off of International Dr. And, or course, if you feel like getting a car, the beach is an hour away.