Looking for Advice About Going to Disneyworld.

Updated on September 04, 2008
L.W. asks from Austin, TX
53 answers

My husband has a meeting in Orlando at the end of OCtober. So we have the opportunity to all go together and make it a family vacation for a little less money.
I have a 4 and a half year old daughter who would love to see the princesses and an almost 3 year old boy who really does not have many connections with the Disney world yet. My question is..Is it worth it? Are they too young? What are the tips and easy ways to do it???
In general, any advice is well received.
We will only be able to be in Disney 1 day I think, we would only spend 2 or 3 nights there.
Also...any recommendations for places to stay or not to stay? He can stay at the conference hotel but it is not kid friendly, so we are looking for alternatives and affordability too :).
It is also over Halloween, so I am sure they have something special for that...anyway, just wantong to get opinions and hear form other experiences.
Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thank you all for your valuable advice!!! we have decided to go and we are thrilled. We are going to do 1 day at Magic Kingdom and will plan to come back for a longer trip in a couple of years. For now this is all we can do but we are thrilled to do it. We will be going Oct 30th through Nove 2nd. I will spend Friday in Downtown Disney area because that day my husband is busy with his conference and then we will all hit the Magic Kingdom park an Saturday!
I really apprecite all of your coments, thanks for taking the time!!!!

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K.L.

answers from Houston on

We went earlier this month with a 5 1/2 and 2 1/2 year old. My 2 year old is still talking about it. He loved it. I don't know if you can do it justice in one day though. I would try and go for at least 2 days, then you aren't concerned if you need to leave early for naps. Bring water for you and the kids, it is very expensive at the park. Just keep in mind that it is for the kids, so don't push them to do things they don't want to. Get to the park when it opens, that is the best time to ride rides and get into things. It starts to get really crowded around 11am. Good luck and I say go for it!

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T.S.

answers from Austin on

Love it!
Rent the Double Wide Stroller - its a life saver!

Chef Mickeys - for character breakfast.

Get to Animal Kingdom first thing in the a.m. and high tail it to the safari - you wont be disapointed - the animals are amazing!

If you can, get the meal plan - its a great deal.

Have fun!!
xoxo
T.

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S.O.

answers from Corpus Christi on

I say go for it! I've been twice on work related trips. I didn't take my son because I thought he would be too young, and now I really regret it. He would have been 3 when I went the second time, and I know he would have had a blast! They have all sorts of things designed for younger kids...even the younger one who isn't really "into Disney." Good luck!

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S.H.

answers from San Antonio on

Oh, wow! We went when our kids were the same age, and they still remember it! They had SO much fun! We had lunch with the Princesses (you need to book it now, though.) They get to take their pictures with them, and the Princesses go around to each table to visit with each guest. It is really neat! We also had other character meals (breakfast and lunch). They were all really neat! Let me know if you want details on them. :)

Here is a very helpful tip that we did not know until the second to last day of our trip: you can take your own food as long as it fits into your bag. They told us this AT Disney World, and this next time we go, that's what we're doing. Not all of their food is overpriced, but snacks and drinks for everyone can get pricey when you are paying for character meals. So, that is a great help. You just can't bring an ice chest into the park, though.

My husband worked at Disney World in college and said that they do a special Halloween, where the villains are out in the park, which they usually aren't. They aren't scaring people, though, since it's for families. lol But they do have a special theme, since it's Halloween. You may want to check their site now to see if there are any special shows that you won't see any other time of year.

Oh, and don't forget to get your Autograph book! ALL of the characters sign their autographs, and they are VERY happy to do so. They all have their own special signature, and it is really neat to see their autographs.

Don't forget to take extra batteries and/or film for your camera! They will cost you an arm and a leg there! lol So, stock up on those things.

OH...also...the Wal-Mart near Disney World has TONS of Disney stuff; so, you can check there for souvenirs. I'm not kidding; they have a HUGE selection of Disney items in the store- right in the front (like where the women's section usually is in regular stores.) (The other shops had Disney stuff but not as great-priced and cheaply made.)

I will see if I remember anything else. lol If so, I'll e-mail you. Have a great time!!! :)

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M.M.

answers from Houston on

We just went in January and we took my 8, 4 and 6 month old and we had a blast. However if you only have 1 day, I recommend going to Magic Kingdom because there is more to do there for the little ones. Even my baby got to go on just about all the kiddie rides. It was great because we could all experience it as a family. Animal Kingdom, MGM Studios and Epcot are more for bigger kids but are still fun. We were not impressed with Animal Kingdom as much as the others as the rides and stuff were more for teenagers up. If your kids like the 3-d movies, then I reccomend MGM. That one was my favorite. Also, I dont know where you plan on staying as far as Hotels but we stayed in the Disney Sports hotel and it was very nice considering it was one of the value hotels. The staff was very nice and the rooms were very clean. It also has just about anything you need there. They have a food court, store and game center for the kids and two very nice pools. They also provide transportation to and from the parks and airport. One other thing that might make your stay a little easier is getting the meal card which will save you alot of money. We stayed 5 days and we easily saved about $500.00 by purchasing the meal card. Another good thing about it is that you did not have to carry around alot of money because you use your hotel card for your meal purchases. Well, I hope this helps a little bit and I hope you get to go and even get to stay longer because you and your kids will have so much fun. Also if your interested, I get coupons for special events there all the time so you can give me a call or email me when you decided to go and see if I have anything at the time. I would love to give them to you. my number is ###-###-####. Enjoy!!!!

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K.S.

answers from Houston on

I think it would definitely be worth it for both children to go to DW, just for not a long period of time. And yes, DW does a special Halloween party at night, after the park closes, it is worth it for older children, but you may want to think about the late hours with little ones like yours.

If you need help planning, i would love to help you out. I am a Disney planner, and can help with itineraries, and the little ins and outs of DW, especially with little ones. Contact me at ____@____.com if you would like some help.

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D.H.

answers from Killeen on

Hi Luz,
We've been taking our kids & now grandkids for years. If you only have one day, I recommend having breakfast with the Princesses, you get great pics & one on one attention. Then spend your time at Small world, Toon Town & Fronteir land. With 3 yr olds, we always go back to the hotel med day & then they're ready to go again in the evening. You will have a blast!!! Believe me we've tried the all day marithon & it is miserable! It is well worth the $$ & effort in my book.

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M.E.

answers from El Paso on

Go for it!
Your son will also love it - think of Cars!
I have a 2 1/2 year old and we're planning on taking her there when she is about 3 -4 years old!

I am 39 years old and I was one of the lucky little ones that went there when I was about 5. My Grandparents took me - my single Mom could have never afforded it!
And it was a dream...
And it was just for me - or so I thought at that time! :-)

Even now that I am 39 I still love Disney and it left an imprint on my heart!

Go - have fun time with your kids - they grow up so fast and they will always remember this - believe me!

M.

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M.D.

answers from Houston on

Absolutely!! If you get a chance like that, take them. My kids still remember more than I do about our trips. We try to go there as often as we can. Every time it is a different experience and better and better memories for our family! There are tons of things for them to do, just do your research and map out your day cause if you don't become familiar with it before you get there, you will miss out on alot. Plus the kids are usually very cooperative. Get them involved. Show your son some disney movies and cartoons and let him know that he will meet them soon.

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R.M.

answers from Austin on

Reading your letter brought memories back to me. When my granddaughter was five years old I planned a trip to Disney World for her, her mother and me. We flew to Orlando, stayed at a nice Motel and spent three days at Disney. When we got back home my granddaughter was asked what she enjoyed the most. Her answer was the swimming pool at the motel. She did enjoy other things, but when she graduated from High School we went back and she enjoyed it much more that time.

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L.H.

answers from Killeen on

Hi Luz,,,
Your lil girl will deffently love it there ,,your son will also have a great time when he gets there he dos'nt really understand where your going bit it will be worth te trip
HAVE A GREAT TIME L.

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S._.

answers from Houston on

Hi Luz,

We were planning on taking our 2.5 year old to Walt Disney World but chose to go to Disneyland instead. Having-said-this, I researched both parks to the bone and I visited WDW in 1990 so I am very knowledgeable about both parks. We actually went to Disneyland in May and my son had a fabulous time. To answer your question, YES… your children are old enough and there is plenty to do for children that age. The two parks that will offer the most for your children are Magic Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom.
I suggest that you buy the book: Disneyworld with Kids 2008. This book will help you plan your day because the park can be very overwhelming and you can literally walk in circles if you don’t plan ahead. Because of this book we were able see Disneyland in one day because we had a “plan” unlike many parents we met who said they never even got a chance to get over to the other side of the park. This book will provide you info on rides such as which ride has the longest lines and the certain times of day and to best ride these rides. In addition the book will provide you with the height restrictions as well. Another great resource is Tripadvisor.com here is the forum where you can discuss questions with local experts. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g34515-i19-Orlando_F...

Hope this helps!

S.

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C.P.

answers from Austin on

I say GO! we have gone 2x so far for 4 days - 1st time with a 7 mon old and my 2 yr old and then just recently when they were almost 2 and 3 1/2. My 3 1/2 yr old daughter LOVES the princesses (they have a tent where you can wait in line and talk to them and get pics taken) my son is into that as well (since his sister is) but loved the rides, etc. It really is a great kid friendly place. They won't remember all of it but will have pictures and absolutely LOVE it while they are there.

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D.B.

answers from Killeen on

My sister went last summer. They got a package deal and stayed on the resort for a week. It included meals, but you can do that part either way. She only spent about $1500 for a family of four. Of course that didn't include the film for pictures or the souveniers, but they had a blast. My niece was only 5 and my nephew was 9. Your kids may be a little young, but if you can stroller them around there is a lot to see (even if due to age, rides are off limits). If age is the most important obstacle, try to take them to Seaworld. My son has gone every year since he was 7 months old, and he loves it more each time. Good luck!

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C.S.

answers from Austin on

it will be so crowded you won't believe it.

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D.T.

answers from College Station on

I would say it is always worth it to take them. Your son may not remember but you will enjoy seeing him enjoy it and he can see the pictures. Secondly, one day is not really enough so I would get a map and figure out what you think your kids will like to see most. These maps generally will have times they can see the characters and such. Also, the usually have stuff like breakfast with Mickey or the princesses. So that might be something you will want to do. Bring a stroller cause they are going to get tired. Unless you are staying at a near by hotel and you can get stamped and leave for a while for say a nap and then come back for more.

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P.D.

answers from Houston on

Lucky duck, I want to go to disneyt hsi summer and just was unable. The last trip we made my oldest was 5 and youngest was 2 and my 2 year old still remembers the trip. She loved the whole disney experience! I think it'd be better to spend more than a day or you'll feel rushed and not wortht he money, in 2-3 days you can enjoyyourself more and enjoythe entire kindom of happiness.

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K.M.

answers from San Antonio on

We took our daughter when she was 5 and she loved it so much. If all we did was get autographs of characters she would have been perfectly happy. So, my suggestion is that you either take or buy an autograph book right away. We had the character sign one page and left the page next to it blank so that we could put the picture we would take with that character next to it. It was the best souvenier we have.
My neice just took her six year old and 3 year old and they had a great time.

Have fun!

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D.M.

answers from Houston on

Disneyworld is fabulous for kids and "big" kids. My children were 7 and 10 when we took them and I said over and over that it worked out so well cuz they were the perfect ages. Young enough to still "believe" and want to collect autographs etc, but old enough not to be scared by anything and here is the biggy...old enough to understand the loooooooooooong wait in some lines. I am afraid yours might be a bit young for that.

But if you do go, we also wanted a very kid-friendly hotel and found it on the property in the Disney All Star Sports Hotel. At the time, its been a while, they also had an All Star Music hotel as well. Decor is all about the kids, free shuttles to the park, large pool, game room and large food court. Again, yours might be a bit young to take advantage of that.

Have a blast if you go.

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P.M.

answers from Houston on

I would do the breakfast with the Disney Chracters..it's fun and the kids love it! I got some great pictures,too~

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T.P.

answers from Houston on

Hi,
First, let me say you are making a smart choice to get advice before you go. Our family are huge Disney fans, and we took our daughter for the first time when she was one (she is going to be 13 in September and my son is 11). We go yearly although this year we will be going twice! I earned a free trip in July - stayed off property, and we are going back in November to celebrate hubby's 50th birthday and staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge! A great resource we have used over the years is a book called Walt Disney World with Kids by Kim Wright Wiley (there's a 2008 edition). It let us know what to expect for rides, scare factors, and a wealth of various tips that were so useful in that book. Read as much as you can ahead of time, and plan, plan, plan. There are multiple websites dedicated to Disney fans with touring plans and tips. The best one I discovered (and only found it this year) is called TourguideMike.com
I learned more information there than I had in the other 15 or so times we had been planning it ourselves.
There is a special event at Magic Kingdom called the Not so Scary Halloween Party. Its a special ticket purchase and the event is for after they close the park until midnight, I believe. There's tons of info about it on the tourguidemike.com site as well as other Disney sites.
If your convention hotel is off property and you stay there, rent a car for sure. Shuttles may only run hourly and make a loop to all parks instead of a direct ride to Magic Kingdom. The onsite hotels all have different themes and price ranges - if you can splurge, Wilderness Lodge was one of our favorites (but I'm sure you will get lots of other opinions on other places). The value resorts on property are the All Stars (sports, music or movies) each with 1,000's of rooms! and the Pop Century (I think that one has close to 6,000 rooms!)
All Disney hotels have free and frequent Disney bus transportation to the parks.
Remember, there is so much to see that you will never see it all (that's why we go every year!). Go see the best of the best and take lots of breaks! Follow your kids leads. When they get cranky, its time to break for a nap for sure! If you are staying on site, you can get back to your hotel for that much needed break! Off site is more trickier because parking at Magic Kingdom is not at the park itself. It is at a large large lot called the Ticket and Transportaion center, then a monorail or boat ride to Magic Kingdom! A double stroller is going to be your lifesaver! Those parks are huge! Depending on how much time you have and your children's (and the adults) interest, you will want to visit Magic Kingdom for sure. If you are only doing one day, then do that park only. But since you are traveling so far, why not spend a few extra days at Walt Disney World? Then decide on Animal Kingdom, Epcot (not alot for young kids but great for older kids and adults) and Disney Hollywood Studios, formerly known as Disney Hollywood Studios. (again, few attractions for young kids but lots for older ones and plenty of shows!) And if you have the opportunity to bring along a favorite auntie or another set of helpful hands (my sister and godmother to my children loved to go with us!), it was great for my husband and I to go on rides together. Of course, you can ride singles while one of you watches the kids too! Happy planning, and remember, this will be very exciting, exhilerating, and exhausting! You may need a vacation from the vacation! But you will make the best memories ever with some planning! Good luck and PM me if you have any other specific questions!

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L.F.

answers from Houston on

The first time we took our two children to Disney, my daughter was 5 and my son was 2 weeks shy of turning 4. We all had a blast. Hard to say who had more fun, the kids or the parents. It was most enjoyable just watching and seeing how much fun the kids had. It was really a terrific experience, but...looking back now they were too young. My son has zero recollection of the trip and my daughter only has vague memories of it. Only when I show her pictures does she barely recall being there. So the trip is up to you, as to whether you want to share this really wonderful experience with your kids while they are not yet in school and have time to do it or wait until they can remember it. Waiting til they are older and can remember it may not result in the same joy that comes only when they are the ages of your children. Personally I couldn't wait to share the trip with my kiddos. I'm happy we went when we did. Now my kids are 11 and 12 and we went again this past July and had just as much fun with them this time around. It's just a different trip, since they don't much care for the stuff Disney originated from. Now that they are older, they like to do all the same stuff we do, like all the wicked roller coasters and fast rides. Sharing that sort of stuff with my children is ultra fun too! It's all good. Enjoy your trip and Halloween too. Good luck.

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D.F.

answers from Austin on

For ALL the advice you could ever wish for go to www.disboards.com it is a discussion board on all things Disney. You can ask questions and it is just great. We went to Disneyworld lasy year and this site was a tremendous help.

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S.G.

answers from Houston on

Definately go and take the kids....The entire family will have a blast. If you check on line you can also arrange to have breakfast with all of the charachters. It is fantastic. Also, if any of the kids birthdays are around that time, you can go and get a badge to wear and everywhere you go in the park you will get special treatment.

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M.R.

answers from San Antonio on

Our first trip to Disney world was last may with our then 6 year old and 1 1/2 year old. Despite the baby getting the big D while we were there, it was around her teething time, it was a blast and is worth it no matter what age, sure your little one won't remember but you can always go back later and take him back when he is older, maybe your husband will have another business trip. Since you are there only 2-3 nights, I recommend doing only one park and not doing the hopper pass, which allows you to see more then one park in a day. The loading and unloading @ the trolleys can get a little crazy, over anxious people who just push you out of the way so they can get on first, I loved the parking because they direct you and you don't have to fight for parking since it's very well organized. We stayed in Kissimmee which is about 10-15 min max from Disneyworld and we stayed at the Radisson Worldgate Resort (mid-scale), kid friendly. Everything was in distance for us and McD's was right in front of our hotel, which made getting breakfast a breeze and we saved the big eating out till we went to the parks. Honestly, eating in the park was not that expensive as everyone thinks. It's the average price you would pay in our parks here @ Fiesta Texas. Now eating out @ the Rainforest Rest. was outrageous @ Animal Kingdom but well worth it, you know everything being Disney! We booked our hotel through hotwire.com, paid $59 a night and that was during Memorial weekend. We figured out a way to know where you are staying, because through hotwire you will not no where you are staying until you book & pay for the rooms. Take a look at the official website of Radisson Worldgate Resort and compare the ammenities. Just an idea. We are avid users of hotwire and have gotten upscale hotels for cheap. Magic Kingdom is a must and do recommend do that park and if you & your husband like to ride rides, they have rider switch passes, basically your husband goes on while you wait with the kids and then when he is done, you switch but don't lose your place in line, flash passes are great, gives you freedom to do other rides while you wait to go back at certain times to enjoy the shows or rides. Having a stroller is a must a double one if possible but you have to park your stroller in certain spots and carry your belongings with you, one good backpack that's large enough to carry personal belongings and keep track of everything upon entering each show or ride. Your stroller will get moved if not parked correctly but we never had a problem finding it, everyone is doing the same thing that you are doing with kids strollers. Hope this helps! Have fun and God Bless!!

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N.H.

answers from Houston on

My advice is to visit www.themeparkinsider.com they have a great deal of informative people and information & would be MORE than happy to answer your questions & give you any advice you seek. Good luck & have a great time if you go.

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C.S.

answers from Houston on

Hi Liz,

Your kiddos will love Disney. There is actually quite alot that they will be able to do. Call now and make arrangements for your dining. They have character breakfast,lunch, and dinners available. We actually had dinner with ALL the princess' when we went last time, and I have 3 sons. They were upset at first, but since I didn't know to plan ahead everything else was completely booked. They had a great time though. If you don't make reservations to eat now, I can pretty much guarantee you that you won't eat at any of the character meals or any of the better restaurants there. Everything will be fast food. And, prepare for all of that to be expensive.
Also, you have to stay for the electric parade. Sit toward the back of the park along the parade route (ask an employee).
It's less crowded there and the children won't bother someone if they have to get up to get their wiggles out. The parade is AMAZING! We went to Disney for Christmas of 06, and my kids are still talking about the parade. So, have your camera ready.
Have a great time, and feel free to email me if you need any thing else.

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A.T.

answers from Waco on

That is a wonderful magical place. There are actually 5 seperate parks. Magic Kingdom, Epcott, Typhoon Lagoon, MGM movie studio tour & a nature island. In the long run it's better to stay somewhere on the park itself because they have free transportation to all of the parks hourely & parking is rough. Then it is also better to pay a bit more & buy park hopper tickets. You can go in & out of all the parks as often as you want. There is so much to see it is impossible to do it all in 1 trip. I took my kids out there 2 times. Several years apart & still didn't see it all/ Another thing is write, call or e-mail ahead to the orelando chamber of commerce, they will send you a discoput book a magic card etc for free stuff, things to see & money off meals. Its an expensive trip but well worth it..Have fun.

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R.M.

answers from Houston on

It is defiantly worth it at any age. It is a magical place.
Have fun!

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C.S.

answers from Killeen on

Heck yah!! It's a perfect time to go and it will give you guys a little taste wanting more. It's amazing to see their reactions at all different ages.

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P.H.

answers from Austin on

My opinion is that they are too young. It's a lot of walking in the park, long lines to wait and get on the rides, and the tickets are so expensive!
That being said, anything is possible, so if your expectations are realistic, you can still go and have a good time. Just go with the idea that you wont see much, take lots of breaks, and just enjoy it from the level of a 3 & 4 year old.
My husband travels for work every year, too, and he's gone to some great cities (New Orleans, D.C, Orlando) but I never went with our preschoolers because he would have been busy with work stuff to have fun with us, and I didn't want to spend our vacation budget on a vacation without him! (And now they are in school when he travels, so we still don't go!) Oh well!
I'm sure you'll hear lots of great stories, so good luck with your travel plans (or not!)
:) P.

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C.M.

answers from Houston on

I would go to the Magic Kingdom. Remember YOU ARE allowed to bring food and drink in. Food is very expensive. Get all the Fast Passes that you can get. These are passes that instead of waiting hours in line the pass tells you when to come back to the ride. Go potty before you get into lines. Strollers are kind of a pain because you leave them at the entrance of the ride and when you are done with the ride you have to walk all the way around to retrieve the stroller. But, it may be worth it if your child won't walk. Bring extra batteries for your camera. Do not buy sorveneers at Disney World there are plenty of places in town for half the price.Start early in the morning.

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K.K.

answers from San Antonio on

Your kids will love it. I brought my son - 5yrs and daughter- 2yrs. this year and had a ball. You may or may not see everything in Magic Kingdom. There is a ton of stuff do and see. Like going to Sea World you could make a day of doing the waterpark or a day of shows and if try to do both its tough. Its kind of the same way shows versus rides both loads of fun. Good luck!

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B.K.

answers from Austin on

Well I can tell you my husband and I took my 8 year old in December, February, and we are going back this Dec. We love Disney World!!! I do not think you kid are to young. I would only go to Magic Kingdom with them. All the other parks are to grown up for them. As far as eating there, make a reservation now!!!! We made 6 months in advance to eat at the good places. See if you can eat at Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom it is a character meal with Pooh and Friends. It is also a buffet for adults and children, something for the whole family. The characters come around to the table so you can get pictures with them. Magic Kingdom is geared for the little ones so you should have a great time. They also do something for Halloween at the park and trick or treating. Go to Disney World.com to find all you need to know!!B.

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L.B.

answers from Houston on

I took my kids to Disneyworld this summer. My daughter is 7 and really enjoyed it. My son is 3 and it wasn't so great for him (he was too small for some of the rides and it was a little overwhelming at times because it was so hot and there were so many people.) I don't think it was worth it for him and I don't think he will really remember much of it at all. However, since you are only going to be there one day, I would suggest going to Magic Kingdom as it is aimed more for the younger kids. Also, a stroller is a must! You can rent one there or take your own but it makes it much, much easier. Whatever you decide, I hope y'all have a blast!

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M.K.

answers from Houston on

Disney world is always worth it! I think I was three or four when my parents took me and my brother for the first time. I can still remember. Special things are most likely always remembered. So take your kids and have fun making memories.

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C.M.

answers from Austin on

oh my go go GO!! your kids will love it!! go to magic kingdom its the funnest for little ones.. your son may be intimidated by the characters so go slow with that..take me with you!! LOL there are tons of places..i think the wilderness lodge is affordable and its right on the site. go early in the day (like when they open lol) and take frequent breaks and drink and eat a lot...go straight to the dumbo ride first, its a small world is great for an air conditioning break, the snow white ride is a little scary, go see mickeys village it has a cow with a black mickey mouse symbol on it. YAY!

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J.D.

answers from Austin on

Cannot give any personal experience as we have not been there yet. However, I saw a great show on the travel channel the other day "Disney on a Dime" Look at your TV Guide and see if it is coming on again & record it. It had wonderful ways to do disney at a cheap, moderate or expensive level. It went over everything from the different parks, hotels, food accommodations, things to do outside of the parks, etc.. Definitely check it out!

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J.D.

answers from Austin on

I took my son when he was 3 and then again when he was 4. He had a blast! Everything there is great for all ages and im sure your son will love it. Halloween night they re-open the park to let kids go to different stations and trick or treat and then do a huge fireworks show at the end of the night. Make sure to take a stroller and plenty of snacks. The food is kind of expensive. It is TOTALLY worth it!!

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T.B.

answers from Houston on

They are the perfect age. We took our oldest when she was 2 and she had a great time. At the Magic Kingdom they have a lot of rides that the little ones can ride, but the most fun was meeting the characters. Definitely go to the Disney website and check out what is going on over Halloween. Also, check out the unofficial guide to Disney, lots of ideas and suggestions there, it is worth the money. We went last August with our then 6 and 3 yr. old, we ate lunch at Cinderella's Castle and the food was ok, but the girls loved meeting all the princesses, it was worth it just to see there faces and excitement. We let them wear their princess costumes for the lunch, (not the whole day at Disney--it was just too hot). They are at the age that they still believe in the Disney characters and I think that is what makes it the most fun for all. Enjoy!!

S.P.

answers from Houston on

My husband, mother, 3 year old nephew and 2 month old son just got back from a week long trip to Disney in June. We had an amazing time! Needless to say it was a little tiresome with the young ones...but so worth it!

You will find that one day is not enough by any means! You will definitely need to get there early and plan on staying
late. The opening ceremonies for the park are fun and the fireworks and seeing Tinkerbell fly are worth it to stay at night!

The park is sooo family friendly as well. Food is not too expensive and a couple of souvenirs are not bad either. Several of the children seemed to enjoy dressing up in their favorite princess or pirate costumes (even when not Halloween).

Go for it and enjoy it! Plus plan on going back another time so that you can spend atleast a week!

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S.R.

answers from Houston on

You've probably gotten a ton of responses already, but just in case... I took my 4 yo in October of last year and we had a blast!!! I purchased "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World" and it was sooooo very helpful for us newbies to Disney. I learned that there was almost no chance in heck of eating with Cinderella unless we were just really lucky (and the book tells you how to be luckier), but learned of a ton of other character breakfasts and lunches to attend. It explained about lines, opening gate info, shops, resting places, etc., etc. I'm so glad I purchased it and I promise I'm not related to the author or publisher or anything. It was really just a very helpful book and I'm sure there are others. They do have a special "Spooktacular" event, but it was after regular hours and only on certain days and I didn't think my 4 yo would be too happy or awake so we opted out of that. The book tells you, as other posters have, that it might be better to wait until your child is older, but I have an "old soul" more mature 4 yo and she did just fine. She is petite though and there were less things to ride, but we had a great time anyway. We also visited Animal Kingdom which I highly, highly recommend as well. Have a blast and tell Mickey that we say, "hello!"

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J.T.

answers from Victoria on

I think that is the perfect time of year to go. I went when I was 17 and was way to old to really enjoy it. It gets very tiring walking and walking. I think they have three different parks like MGM, Epcot and something else. Do a bit of homework and decide if they would like to watch shows or ride rides more. I think each park is geared to one or another thing. If they can ride in a stroller I think that would help with them not getting overly tired. It is over whelming even for an adult. Take lots of pictures with all the Characters. And I think the majic would be there for them at this age. If you call the number given on the site they will answer any of your questions. Oh and if you are going all out you have to schedule your meals with the characters. We stayed three days and went to a diff park each day. Good luck.

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K.B.

answers from Houston on

Yes! Yes it is worth it! I suggest going to Magic Kingdom and stay in the main walk ways all day long. They have parades every hour and your kidos can meet them in front of the big castle after the parade and get pics huges and signatures. Get online and see about having lunch at the princess's luncheon; you have to make reservations online at Disney.com. They will love it! Your son will like it too;the boys characters are in the parades and are more personable than the girls characters.
Make sure you bring or rent a stroller or bring a wagon to put them in. I also suggest an album or folder to put pics and signatures in for a keepsake. Your children will remember goin for a long long time. Take as many pics as you can,there are a couple or few rides to ride but the activites with the charaters will take you all day.
Hope you have a Great time.
K.
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A.E.

answers from Longview on

I have only been once years ago, but I think it would be fun. I would just take a stroller so everyones not tires from all the walking. Alot of walking!..Plus, october won't be too hot!..if you have the opportunity, take it! I would alos start getting maps, schedules, etc from their webstie of what you want to do so you can be organized and make the most of your time. Sometimes you can also find discounts or coupons on the net..good luck!

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L.T.

answers from Houston on

It is worth it! My sons were 3 years old and 3 months old the first time we went. The great thing about going when your son is 3 is that he is free! Double check, but I believe they still allow 3 year olds in for free. The other suggestion I would give you is a book called Fodor's Walt Disney World with Kids. It was an excellent resource to have for this trip with your children. It gives invaluable info like what rides are too scary, tips to get on more rides, how to use the FASTPASS system... You will not believe how much info. this book has and how useful it will be to your family so that you can enjoy your vacation. Have fun!
L.

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L.Z.

answers from Houston on

Hi Luz,
I think you need to do a lot of research before you make this decision. If you or your husband have never been there before (or it has been a long time), it can be overwhelming. We saved for several years and went this past May with our 5 year old son. I would encourage going at a less busy time. I know that they do lots of fun stuff during October for pre-schoolers. We stayed at Disney for a week and could of stayed longer. But we were able to see everything. If you are only going to be there for one day, I don't know if it would be worth the cost of admission. If you want to get your moneys worth, you would need to stay in the park as long as possible. With young kids, they will get tired. I suggest your read the book "the Unofficial Guide to Disney World". It is about 800 pages long, but well worth it. After reading the book, you can decide if it would be a viable choice for your family.
Good Luck!
L.

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A.S.

answers from Houston on

Hi, I took my kids to Disney at ages 3 and 4. We had a great time but I had been before and knew what to expect, and didn't expect too much from the kids in the way of endurance. What I mean is, I wasn't sure if they would do anything there but swim in the pool, and I didn't want to be disappointed. It was a fantastic vacation, but you must DO YOUR RESEARCH and have realistic expectations. There are several great books you can check out from the library, two of my favorite lesser knowns are Pauline Frommer's Guide (it says See More, Spend Less on the cover) and PassPorter's Open Mouse which is a guide for disabled folks, but it has the best descriptions of the rides I have seen. I also love Disboards. Hope that helps.

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K.P.

answers from Houston on

My family went to Disney when my little sister was 3. We stayed on the grounds and got up early to ride the rides with minimal waiting and then when it got hot we would go to the room for a nap. My little sister remembers a little bit about the trip and when we look at photos she remembers more. If you get most of the trip paid for or it is a good price I would say go and enjoy the time as your children's imagination will take off.

Good luck.

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D.R.

answers from San Antonio on

It is well worth it. Make sure you take a lot of pictures and video if you can. I took my girls when they were 2 and 4 and they love to watch their dvd now of their vacation. If you can only do one day be sure to visit the Magic Kingdom. I think it is the best for kids that young and definitely do a character dining experience. A double stroller is a must and my girls loved getting autographs too (it's best to try to get these at a character dining experience or you will spend most of your time waiting in a line). Don't miss out on the parades if you can. We went in October but didn't have the chance to go to the Halloween festivities, but you can check everything out on line including park times. Enjoy!

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M.Z.

answers from Austin on

Hi there! More advice:

We just got back a few days ago and it was a total blast. We stayed in the Best Western Buena Vista. It is right across from Downtown Disney. Check bookit.com for amazing deals. We stayed there for only, get this, $89 a night.

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T.S.

answers from Houston on

I think it really depends on how long term you want thier memories to last. I think I was about 4 when I went, and now at 27 all I have are the pictures in my dad's photo album. My in-laws are taking our son in Feb. when he'll be 4 and I just think that he's too young to really take it all in and remember it at the same time. I think they are old enough to really enjoy it, but probably not old enough to make life long memories out of the experience.

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J.V.

answers from Austin on

I have never been to Disneyworld.....but use to live near Disneyland.. and we took our three children at many different ages... The first time we went with a child (always had to go when company came) was when my daughter was less than a year old. She went in her stroller... she loved the 'BIRDS' that were all over the park... and seeing all the people... She went at least 7 more times while we lived in CA... and still tries to get back every year or two.. (She now lives in San Diego...so is easy to do.) What always amazed me when we went to Disneyland was that I NEVER SAW A CHILD CRYING...........no matter what the age... Even though your children may not remember as much as an older child.. I think that the Disneyworld like Disneyland is MAGIC and going as a family.. they will both take away special memories that will last for years to come.... Just don't try and see everything in one day. Decide what you MOST want to see and what they would MOST enjoy.

J.

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