Disney World

[Chattwake]

Ok, so we decided to take our kids to Disney World for their Christmas present. I booked 7 nights at the Grand Floridian on the club level with concierge service and the delux dining plan. Basically, we can eat anywhere we want three times per day.

We are leaving January 5, 2013. My kids (both girls) will be four and a half and one and a half. My youngest still takes at least one nap per day.

What I want to know is what are some of the must do things to make sure we hit while at Disney. Also, what restaurants have you guys been to with your family that you liked, disliked, etc. Are there specific things to avoid, etc.

Thanks for the help!

[vette74]

Not a whole lot of time to reply right now but make reservations now for the resturaunts and shows. The steak house at the marina was really good.

Buy this book http://www.amazon.com/dp/1118277562 It helps a lot, keep it in your backpack at the park. Learn fastpass and use it it will help a lot.

Your kids are going to be really wore down after a few days don't push them too hard.

[Zach M]

Do yourself a favor and pick up the "Unofficial Guide to Disney World" book. We always made fun of my dad for using these, but they give you really helpful advice. They give you a plan for maximizing your time and minimizing waiting in line, when to visit certain rides, what restaurants to go to, and a lot more.

http://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Guide-Disney-World-Guides/dp/1118277562/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353001029&sr=1-1

[Zach M]

Ha vette74 beat me to it.

[Chattwake]

Thx! Ordered the book.

[chavez]

I've never been, but I know two pieces of advice you should heed:

1) bring comfy ass shoes
2) bring lots of ibuprofen/tylenol/whatever

[GnarShredd]

Make sure to stop by all the classics. I still remember and have a picture of me on the old Dumbo ride. Great childhood memory for me. I went to Disney last year and noticed that line was INSANE super early-on so make sure to hit that one in the beginning of the day.

[jgriffith]

Take advantage of the early entry to the park for people who stay on the property. Ride all the rides you/your family want to ride then and you can relax a bit more the rest of the day.

I think thats the perfect age for your oldest. Our son is 16 months now and we are planning on going when he is 4. I think we will stay at Disneys RV resort, it looks pretty cool.

[jjaszkow]

Get to Animal Kingdom early, and don't waste your time there in the afternoon. Lots more to see early on in the day, in the afternoon all of the animals are napping.

The times that I've gone, I've really enjoyed the Moroccan place in Epcot's World Showcase.

We also budget for a few hours of downtime after lunch every day so people don't get burnt out.

[GnarShredd]

[Chattwake]

Sweet. At this point, we have booked several meals, but may leave some spots open. Is it impossible to get a walk-in table at any of the nicer restraurants?

[vette74]

Chattwake, You will wait for someones spot who doesn't show up. Also the character breakfasts are cool for the kids sign up for one of those.

[pet575]

^^^^ THIS. The kids love it when the characters come to the table and sign their books and take pics.

I wouldn't even bother with Epcot unless the adults in your family are wanting to see it. The kids will be incredibly bored there-especially your younger one. The older one *might* be OK there but it will be iffy. My son was 5, about to turn 6, when we went and he liked the Test Track at Epcot and otherwise didn't really like it that much.

[TnR6Rida]

It will be crowded as hell that time of year.

[brew]

I wouldn't think it would be that bad then, because schools are in session. I may be wrong though.

My wife is wanting to take our girls (7/4) and I'm 100% against it. I hate that place with a passion and would much rather take them to Chicago, New York, etc. where they can go see things and gain experiences. However, I'm giving in and I think we're going fall break next year, so let me know how it goes.

[Aubs]

Brew - Disney in October is awesome. You'll love it! No lines, perfect weather, etc.

Always get the books for them to have the characters sign. One of my students in Snow White, so if I know what days you're going to which parks, I'll see if she can get you any additional info on shows or whatever. If you haven't gotten tickets yet, AAA saves you some money. It's not a HUGE savings, but some saved $ at Disney is better than none.

[Dragonlady8]

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/park-tips/

Both have great tips & info.
Yes it does insanely busy and does have a tendency to shut down for a few hours when it gets too crowded. It would be a good time to head back to the hotel for a nap.
Definitely sign up for your Character Breakfast/Lunches/Dinners ASAP.

There's a lot of things at EPCOT for little kids especially when they do the scavenger hunt in all the villages.
The smartest thing to do is get is a debit card so you don't have to pull out your wallet every time.
It helps that you're staying on the property, you get in an hour earlier then the rest of the crowds.

[flixmaster]

Rent a double stroller from disney... EVERYDAY! unless you have one but make sure you have a stroller for both kids. At that age they just cannot make it.

I like the steak house in Epcot Canada.

the kids will like the character dinners. you will like drinking at epcot..