Tips anyone?

[fab4nczc]

We are leaving in 26 days and counting. YEAH!! I was wondering if anyone has any must see and must do's that they would like to share with us. Us being my DH and DS's 1 and 4. Any tips you would like to share would be helpful as well. We will be staying at POR for the first time. Can't wait to get there! Thank you for all your input.:balloon:

[deedeebee]

We will be there at the same time!! My suggestion is take time to enjoy the small things, the ducks in the am, a sunrise ect. We have three kids and we used to race around, we have learned, to stop and smell the roses. Have a great time!!

[Artsake]

We will be arriving then as well. I agree, just appreciate being there and soak up the atmosphere. This will be our 8th trip to Disney in the last four years and although it is hard to do because there is so much to see, try to slow down and relax. The most important thing is to have a great time with your family.

[peterpan at heart]

Purchase the travel book by Fodor's that specifically details the "World." This book helped me our tremendously on my first trip back in 2002. The "blitz tour" sections for each park were especially helpful in providing me direction through the parks in order to maximize my trip. By using the "blitz tours" I was able to navigate the parks, ride everything I wanted and with this time saving assistance I was able to go back to my favorite parks and concentrate on the areas I enjoyed the most. We will be going back this September 3-12 and will be bringing Fodor's with us. Good luck and have a Magical time!

[Imagineer1981]

Take it slow, don't rush them. We always went under the assumption that we will be back again and that you don't have to see it all

[sophie peach]

take your time and enjoy EVERYTHING!!!!

[BeccaO]

Definately go with the flow, don't over-do anything. We went this past January with our son who was 13 months at the time and our daughter who was 7 and you can't make a set schedule when you have kids that age. I was just happy to be in WDW and just relaxed and kept telling myself we will be back plenty more times to see and do things we miss. But, one thing I can tell you to see is the Spectro Magic Parade, that is my all time favorite and something I always make sure we see at least once when we visit.:thumbsup:

[Diznut]

We're going the same time! And our kids are the same age - 1 and 4. We have th count down on our fridge. We leave Sept 6th and today is 26 days from then!
My best advice is to see the world through your child's eyes. When you head down main street for the first time, don't look at the castle. Look at your kids looking at the castle. The same goes for all the exciting thrilling things they will see. It's a magical place and thank your lucky stars that you are there. Enjoy! I know we will!

[mrsgaribaldi]

I agree with everyone's tips so far. Also, make sure you bring Advil/Tylenol whatever you use at home with you in the parks. It's very expensive if you buy it in the parks:mickey:

[Daddy Mouse]

1. Don't try to conquer the World (Less is more)
2. Let the children’s schedule (When they get tired, it is time to take a break)
3. Water, water, water (keep everyone hydrated)

[Mousemates]

Go "home" in the afternoon for pool time and a nap.

Take time to let them play on the playground areas in the various parks....when you add a childs imagination to the fixed structures of the imagineers, they are absolutely magical places for children.

[LisaP]

You may want to consider targeting your sights towards the little guys.

Check out Disney's site and search for Magical Beginnings. It's geared toward preschoolers and offers printable maps of the rides and attractions in each park specifically for their ages.

We used this as a planning tool for our first family trip with DS2 and it was absolutely wonderful! We managed to see just about everything that would interest him in just a few days.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/experience/expListing?id=PreschoolersExpListingPage

Take advantage of AM EMH, especially with little ones. The early mornings are great! An afternoon break (nap) may work wonderfully for evening returns to the parks for fireworks, etc.

And don't forget to book a character meal or two! Talk about magical ...

[MickeyChick]

Small battery-operated misting fans are like $5 from Target and $15-$20 in the parks.

Pack a power strip and chargers for all your electronic Items (Cell Phones, Hand-held Games, cameras etc.) There are usually only a couple of outlets available in hotel rooms.

Bring a small flashlight and backup batteries to help make dark rides easier for your little ones.

While home buy cheap lightsticks and glow toys before you get to WDW. Disney vendors walk around selling this stuff at INSANE prices and it can get really painful when your 2 year old does not understand why she is not getting the extra special sparkly light up wand or lightsaber doohickie that they are waving in her face every 2 seconds.

If your kids are newly potty trained, pack a small pad of Post-It notes to carry with you where ever you go with your kids. Use them to cover the little "eye" on the automatic toilets so they won’t flush when they are still sitting on the seat.

[thumperbug]

The kids will want you to buy them everything in site. I suggest going to a few dollar stores and buy a bunch of Disney stuff. In the morning give them something "Disney" or later in the day when they are bugging you to buy something, pull something out of the hidden goodie bag. They won't know that they weren't purchased at Disney. Of course you totally won't be able to avoid buying anything there but at least it can be cut down thanks to you forthought to purchase pens, pencils, stickers, games for a $1 rather then $10 at the parks.

[KayDee]

Since you are staying at POR make sure to take some time and see Piano Bob that will be playing at the resort. He will be fun for the entire family.