It'll be our first family trip out of Texas. My daughter (4 1/2 yrs. old) loves Princess Aurora and my son loves the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse characters and Pooh. Stayng from 2/9 to 2/13 and staying at Pop Century.

What woudl be the best places/rides/shows to watch for each park?

We're thinking of skipping animal kingdom ..what do you think?

Also, what else should we pack; problems to anticipate with 2 toddlers.

Thanks.

First things first: Let me be the first to highly recommend the "search" function for the forums. I think you'll find that a lot of your questions have been addressed previously. I'm not trying to be rude, I'm only making the suggestion because it may help you narrow down your questions a little so we can help you more.

It'll be our first family trip out of Texas. My daughter (4 1/2 yrs. old) loves Princess Aurora and my son loves the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse characters and Pooh. Stayng from 2/9 to 2/13 and staying at Pop Century.

I'm going to stop you right there and ask if you're going to be using Park-Hopper passes and what time of day/night you'll be arriving and leaving. Both of those things will play heavily into other decisions you must make. (I think just about everyone here would agree that park-hopping is the way to go, especially with children, although if it's a budgeting issue, one park per day is adequate, I guess...) I'm also curious why the time frame's going to be so short. Is it budgeting or work constraints, or do you think you'll get there and not be interested? I do know that if you're absolutely nailed down to those dates, you should know in advance that you'll barely be scratching the surface of what WDW has to offer (thus making planning all the more important...for that, though, you've come to the right place! :))

What woudl be the best places/rides/shows to watch for each park?
Well, based on the children's preferences, I'd highly recommend a couple of character meals. I say this for two reasons (1) finding characters in the parks can be kind of hit and miss. (2) With such a limited amount of time, waiting in line for a picture and a short greeting is about the last thing you'll want to spend your time out in the parks doing. Crystal Palace on Main St. in the Magic Kingdom (MK) is one of the less expensive character meals and that's where you're sure to find Pooh and all his pals. For your little princess, Cinderella's Royal Table, also at MK is definitely a favorite, but a little pricey. The other one that I know of to find princesses at is Akershus in Norway (at Epcot) I've heard mixed reviews of that one and I've not personally been there, so I'm reluctant to recommend it. Another good one for you to try for Princesses would be 1900 Park Faire. I've not been to that specific restaurant, but it's in the Grand Floridian Resort which I am a huge fan of and the GF is on the monorail giving you easy access to both MK and Epcot.

As for rides and shows, I'd kinda recommend going through a park map and looking up descriptions. You can find a good summary of all park attractions at http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/themeparks.htm also the one on MousePlanet is pretty helpful too.

The only other kid themed thing I can think of off the top of my head would be the KidCot stations around Epcot, which feature cultural activities for the children to better understand and become interested in the countries represented around the World Showcase.

We're thinking of skipping animal kingdom ..what do you think?
I'm strongly against it unless it's absolutely necessary for time or budgeting reasons. If you have a park-hopper pass, I'd at least recommend looking in. It's Tough to Be a Bug is a great time for kids and adults (maybe a touch scary, so be aware of that in advance) and, having actually been to Africa, I highly recommend Kilimanjaro Safari. The closest you'll come to the Serengeti without a passport! :D

Also, what else should we pack; problems to anticipate with 2 toddlers.

As far as packing, you would probably know your own needs better than I. The only thing that I can think of that I know everyone here would agree with is ponchos from wal-mart. It's a whole lot cheaper to bring your own than to pay Disney prices with the rain starts. (Personally, I'm actually an umbrella fan, but a lot of people swear by ponchos. Basically, whatever you do, make sure you come up with a way to keep the rain off of you!) Depending on the time of year you're going, it's probably also a good idea to bring several light layers for everyone so you can strip down or suit up as needed. Sometimes the A/C in Florida is almost too good so while it might be blistering hot outside, you could find yourself shivering in a restaurant or show if you're without a sweater. Aside from that all the normal vacation basics apply: sunscreen and sunglasses, camera and film or memory cards as well as refillable water bottles are all pretty good ideas... Oh, and if you're using a stroller, either rent one at the parks or bring one that folds up quite quickly and easily. Note in advance that you'll not be able to take it on Disney transportation unfolded (and yes, you'll have to take the little ones out of it too even if they are asleep while you're waiting for the bus...it's a safety thing.)

Here's the fun part: "Issues With 2 Toddlers." This is where the joy of staying on site comes into play (and also park-hopper passes, if you can do `em). I think most people around these parts agree that it's a good idea to take a nap sometime during the day (generally after lunch) to allow your days to be nice and long without over-stressing little ones or parents. Getting back to your hotel will be easy on Disney Transportation. Take a short swim and a nap and then get back out there for dinner and evening-time fun. Everyone'll feel better for having had a nap and all the other guests around you will be grateful for your kids not crying relentlessly and ruining their good time! Also, you should be aware that, if you have to bring in bags (changes of clothes or diapers or what have you) your bags will need to be checked by security every time you go in a park. It's not a big deal and it doesn't take long, just something you should know. I'm a big fan of traveling very light (and I find going back to the hotel mid-day for a nap greatly facilitates this) as I don't have to worry about losing things or renting a locker or finding a place to stash things on the bigger, scarier rides where stuff can go flying if not secured. Speaking of bigger, scarier rides, you should also be aware that those are not out of the question for you! Disney does a great thing called "Child Swap" where you can wait in line for an attraction, while the other adult in your group waits with the children, and then swap when you're done with the ride, essentially allowing the other adult much faster access to the ride! This can be a great benefit as I'd say the Rockin' Roller Coaster and Everest are not to be missed (among other rides that also have minimum height requirements...)

I hope that helps a little. As I indicated at the beginning, your questions are a little broad so it's hard to give even partially complete answers without writing a short novel. Have a great time with your planning and feel free to come back with any other questions. (But, like I said, try the search function and some other parts of this site and others to get a broad overview and help you narrow your questions a bit.) I'm sure you'll have a great time with whatever decisions you make! :D

It's Tough to Be a Bug is a great time for kids and adults (maybe a touch scary, so be aware of that in advance)

I have to disagree STRONGLY with this. It's Tough to be a Bug is likely too scary for the average 4.5 year old, and that's about the edge of ages I'd bring into that attraction. If I see anyone younger than that going into the theater, I watch where they sit so I can sit far away from them. It's WAY too scary for the toddler set.

The trails and shows are nice in AK (as well as the Safari), and if you and your husband are at all interested in thrill rides, Expedition Everest is a not-to-be-missed. The Boneyard play area in Dinoland is a place you can kill a LOT of time waiting for the EE rider. There's a part with dino prints on the ground that make noise when you step on them, large slides, and, if you go over the bridge, there's a large dig area filled with pea gravel (so it doesn't get too stuck on clothes!).

:DStay near MK for sake of lil ones...especially if they still nap and need to be in a bed for a nap.Some kids stroller sleep fine.
Wilderness lodge is a boat ride away and more affordable than the monorail resorts.We like the Beach Club because we like the eve at Epcot and it is a walk out the door with the stroller and it makes it easier at bedtime..I go back to the room with ds 18months while dh and dd stay out later and go to arcades and Boardwalk.Pack light and do laundry! It was so easy to throw a load in rather than overpack the way I did last time! We brought way too many clothes and way too much stuff (play yard etc.)disney has all you need! Do bring alot of wipes (anti bacterial) to wipe tables and highchairs down myself and good for bathrooms in case the soap is out...sippy cup holders that attach to stroller if you use them are great.Request main floor room near a pool and make sure thereis a place for quick food with kids.Try and have breakfast at your hotel because kids get hungry and grumpy fast when they rise.I could keep going.....

I have to disagree STRONGLY with this. It's Tough to be a Bug is likely too scary for the average 4.5 year old, and that's about the edge of ages I'd bring into that attraction. If I see anyone younger than that going into the theater, I watch where they sit so I can sit far away from them. It's WAY too scary for the toddler set.

My bad. I don't have any kids of my own, but I thought I recalled seeing some in ITTBAB having a good time. I must defer to the greater depth of knowledge of others... :)

I'd have to agree with Drince on this one. I've seen many little kids sobbing as they leave Bug. It's dark, it's loud, and them critters really come right at you! Fun for us older kids, but not for the little ones.

check out http://www.disneymagicalbeginnings.com

amongst much information, it includes special downloadable maps (part of a larger pamphlet available in the park) that highlight all kinds of activities for the pre-K set. there's also a downloadable activity booklet.

Get to MK EARLY so you can hammer Fantasyland with short lines then leg it straight to Micky's Toon Town. Sounds like Playhouse Disney and the Little Mermaid at the Studios would be good choices too. Epcot is really a bit of a challenge for little ones IMO, although the Seas area is a good place for this age group. Beware of the train to Conservation Station at AK - they'll love it but this is not something you paid your admission price for if you're not going to do other stuff in the park as well. Festival of the Lion King show would be good for toddlers - quite interactive in parts; avoid Tough to be a Bug or expect hysteria for long nights afterwards. But most of all, TAKE A MIDDAY BREAK. Go back to the hotel and chill a bit or you'll be paying heavily by day 3.. I don't think there's much doubt that MK is by far the best park for toddlers and if you've got the time to spend 2 days there I'd do that. The Unofficial Guide Dumbo or Die Plan works like a dream over 2 days. Oh, definately rent a double buggy, worth the cost without question and cheaper if you pay for multiple days in one transaction I think. Enjoy!

Beware of the train to Conservation Station at AK - they'll love it but this is not something you paid your admission price for if you're not going to do other stuff in the park as well.

I'm not sure what this means. If it's something that the kids will love, then why not do it?

I'm not sure what this means. If it's something that the kids will love, then why not do it?

I think Scooby's saying don't go to AK if this is the *only* thing they'd be doing there. I think there's enough stuff there to fill at least half a day, and I usually spend two half days there on any given trip (but I divide my days up and do at least two parks in a day even though I generally hit all the parks at least twice during my stay...)

Edited to add: Okay, so I was wrong about TTBAB, but I do think there's something to be said for a Disney trip not being *all* about the kids. I do know a lot of people (who don't know any better) see it as a "kids" amusement park, but this will be these people's first time out of Texas. I think they'll find (and, with a limited time schedule, should prepare for) that the reality is there is a lot there for adults to enjoy too! A vast majority of the people on the boards here are adults, right? And we all have reasons for going back time and again, and it's certainly not because we *all* have kids or are crazy, right?

Reedited to clarify: That last bit isn't me saying you should terrify your children with Bug, but that most people seem to be giving you the kid-oriented answers and, while Disney's great for kids, there's more to it than that. Okay, I'll shut up now... :)

I agree with everything everyone has said. I definitely suggest not pushing too hard (as I tend to do). Since this is your first trip, be sure to enjoy yourselves. (This is a vacation, right?) One other thing: in regards to attractions being "too scary" for kids - you know your children best. It's Tough to be a Bug might work out just fine, depending on how your kids react to loud noises, darkness, and 3D images. Just make sure that you know what the attractions are so you can make that call. Case in point: My first trip to WDW was at the ripe old age of 4, and I rode Space Mountain from the beginning. Ten years later, Alien Encounter still scared the crap out of me.

Chris

Thanks for all the tips from all of you guys. We have park hopper tickets to give us flexibility and 5-day ticket as well. As for taking it easy, That may be hard for me to do. I'm the type A and my husband is more laid back. He wants us to take it easy on our 1st day but I'm the one who wants to "maximize" our time.

We're scheduled to arrive in Florida at around 11:30 am. I'm thinking we can go straight to the park and have lunch there, take pictures and what not. Then take a nap in Pop Century and go back at night for the Pirates and Princess party.

We havent bought tickets to P&PP yet since my husband thinks it might be too tiring for a first day considering it's the kids' first time to fly.

What do you think of this sched for the 1st day?

I'm the type A and my husband is more laid back. He wants us to take it easy on our 1st day but I'm the one who wants to "maximize" our time.

Believe it or not, it's possible to encompass both philosophies in a Disney trip. Do your advance planning, take advantage of early and late hours, rest up during the hot crowded afternoons. People show up without a plan and end up wandering around, wasting valuable time and not getting to see nearly as much as they should be able to, while others show up with a military objective of seeing this ride at this time and then having 2.7 minutes for a bathroom break and then rushing to see this ride, etc. Somewhere in the middle is a balanced vacation where you can experience a great deal while not stressing yourself into a coma while doing it!

Personally, I wouldn't do the party on your arrival day. The kids (and the adults) will probably have gotten up early for the flight and been very excited and/or anxious about the whole transportation side of it, and even with a nap in the afternoon, everyone is not going to be up for a late night. Also, if you're still in a little bit of go-go-go mode, you're going to want to 'get the most out of these tickets' and run the chance of staying later than you should.

PLUS, if you stay up late the first night, you're not going to want to get up early for the next day of hitting the parks, and I think that's a key to enjoying the parks with kids.

For your first day, I'd recommend eating lunch at the resort, doing a quick swim and nap, then hit a park besides the MK when you're all refreshed and ready to go. When I arrive at about that time I know better than to go to a park without eating - because I'll put off eating because there's so much to do in the park. You're going to want to get fuel in your kids (and you) before they get overloaded with the stimuli of the parks.

I'm not sure what this means. If it's something that the kids will love, then why not do it?

If you are on limited time, have spent an absolute fortune on the 'Disney' experience and need to pick and choose, the train and end point of CS at AK is probably the one thing in all the parks that is readily available a ten mile drive from wherever you live. Yes the children will love it but they may get to miss other things they'd love and cannot do of routine if you spend ages here and run out of time. We missed out things at AK because we did the train and CS petting zoo after lunch and it ate up soooo much time (once they were there and enjoying it I wasn't going to hassle them out in a hurry) the children were shot before we'd got to some stuff they would also have loved that we can't do at home. If you can fit it in with everything else fine - if you've got hard choices to make I maintain my position; this is not what you paid your admission price for.

That's what we thought too but I guess now we don't really have a choice. The Pirates and Princess sched is 2/9 or 2/14. and we decided to just stay til 13th. We figure that we can only handle 5 days of continuous walking with 2 toddlers :). At first we were thinking of leaving on 2/15 jsut so we can attend the P&PP.

I hope it'll still work out fine and they wont fall asleep :)

...the train and end point of CS at AK is probably the one thing in all the parks that is readily available a ten mile drive from wherever you live. Yes the children will love it but they may get to miss other things they'd love and cannot do of routine if you spend ages here and run out of time...

I understand and agree with you, sd. I was just confused as to your original wording.