Disney Trip to FL-3 and 1-Seeking Many Answers....

We went in September when my boys were 16 months and 3.5 years. It was a blast. My youngest didn't fully get to appreciate it but he still had fun (he decided to learn to walk that week!) My now 4 year old keeps asking me when we are going back he loved it so much. If you go be sure to ask them for a preschoolers map of the parks. It shows all the attractions for kids in each park. It made our visit so much easier. We stayed on property at the all-star music resort. It was nice because we didn't have to worry about packing the kids up in a car, fighting traffic and paying for parking. You just hop on the bus and go.

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You have already gotten some great advice, the only thing I would add is to skip Epcot at that age. There aren't many age-appropriate rides for them and I doubt they would enjoy/appreciate/understand the 1/2 of Epcot that is devoted to other countries (although it is very nice for older children and adults). My boys didn't really enjoy Epcot even at ages 5 and 8. The Magic Kingdom is perfect for young children and you can spend more than one day there, taking breaks for naps or rest time. One other thing--I think it's fine to take them now if you feel up to it and they will love it, but will you have an opportunity to take them again when they get older or is this a once in a lifetime kind of thing? If you want them to remember it they will need to be older. Have fun whenever you go!

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Who knows what the future brings, you know?? I'm a SAHM and it's tough financially (my husband's job is the only reason we're able to go this year). If you can swing it now, why not do it?? I'm sure there are lots of people who say to save your money, so it's obviously up to you...but I bet your kids will have a blast (and I'm hoping mine do too)!

We just got back with a 4 year old girl and 2 year old boy. My suggestions, not the grand Floridian (TOO EXPENSIVE!!!). Do the Epcot Disney Princess character meal experience. It was WONDERFUL and much cheaper. If your kids are picky eaters, do breakfast. It is wonderful, a combo of family style and buffet. The lunch and dinner focuses on Norwegian food since it is the world showcase Norway country. My 4 year old spent time with Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Jasmine and LOVED every minute of it! They really spend time with the kids, pose for photos etc. We also did the Winnie the Pooh character meal for dinner which was great. Good for the younger set.

Did you know that kids 3 and under are free at Disney? That might make it a good decision to go now!!! It makes a big difference because those tickets are expensive. You would just pay for the meals then. We did 1 day at Magic Kingdom (by FAR the best fireworks!!!! Epcot is not nearly as amazing) and one day at Epcot (mostly because we were there for the princess meal anyway).

To get the free shuttle, you need to book a package through Disney. Room (All STAR Sports, Movies, etc or POP Century are very affordable), meals and tickets. Since your kids tickets are free, they can't get on the meal plan. They can eat free at buffets (which the character meals I mentioned are) so you would only have to order them a kids meal occasionally. The shuttle is VERY convenient and worth packaging alone! Book the package directly with Disney. I made a few phone calls to get all the info to make sense, but then I was in control. It really it quite affordable. We did 2 days of tickets for 2 adults and 1 child, the meal plan for all of us, hotel for 2 nights for under $650.

I could go on and on, but don't know how much info you are looking for. If you like, send me a message and we can exchange email addresses.

Nice thought, but your 1 year old won't remember any of it, and the 3 year old will forget after about 1 hour and 1 day. I'd wait until the 1 year old is at least 4, then BOTH of your kids will really enjoy it and remember it all, and you won't get so frazzled trying to make fun in a way cool place they won't appreciate.
All you'll get now is cranky tired kids that won't go the distance, and yourself very pooped in the process of hauling everyone, dragging all their stuff around and trying to make sure they all are taken care of.
Do yourself and them a favor and wait-you'll be glad you did, and the pictures you take will prove it, full of happy smiling faces!