Our 1st trip as a family - Walt Disney Boards - Message Boards & Forum Discussing The Genius Of Walter Elias Disney!

kevschickee · #1 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009, 06:54 PM

We will be visiting in October with a 3 year old and a 2 year old. We will be staying at the all star movie resort. So where would you recommend us to make dinner reservations? Any tips on traveling with small children?

**PolynesianMedic** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009, 09:30 PM

I can tell you that the biggest thing to remember is bring your own stroller(s) and allow for time to take breaks. I have been taking my son since he was 18 months old and as long as you make sure to take your time, things will be great. Also do not hesitate to take them on the rides. Most rides in the parks allow you to take your child on the ride with you. There are a few exceptions but there is still plenty for you to do with them. I would make sure that you make an ADR (advanced dining reservation) for Chef Mickey's. I prefer the character breakfast but they do offer a dinner. There are other character meals, but it just depends on what the kids like. The Chef Mickey's meal will allow for you to meet the Fab Five. There is another meal with the Princesses, and another in the Studios with the Playhouse Disney Characters. I would also not miss the Playhouse Disney Live on Stage at the Studios. I would also not miss any of the night time fireworks shows. Since my son has been seeing these since he was 18 months, I think it has helped make him not afraid of thunder storms. I am sure that there will be plenty of other suggestions here, so I will stop rambling now.

chrisnfran · #3 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009, 09:41 PM

My kids loved the Garden Grill and Coral Reef Cafe at Epcot, Cinderella's Castle and Liberty Tree Tavern at MK, Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom, and believe it or not, Brown Derby at DHS. We're trying out Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary this time. I think our 4 year old will love it. When he was 2, we went to the Sci Fi Diner at DHS and he seemed to hate it- ? too dark and the old movies from the 50's that they showed did not interest him in the least. Be sure to plan around their nap schedules. We discovered that the key to an enjoyable trip for our family was following the kids lead. When they were hungry and tired, it was time to stop and eat. period. attempting to drag them around for another hour or two until our ADRs was not in anyone's best interest. Definitely make ADRs and try to keep them, but don't torture yourselves. What a terrific time of year to be able to go to Disney. I think you'll have a great time.

allysmommy · #4 (**permalink**) 05-18-2009, 10:58 AM

Our daughter was 5 on our first trip 2 years ago and we did breakfast at Epcot, Akershus Restaurant in Norway. It's the Princess Storybook dining, much better price than the Castle if you are trying to stay in a reasonable budget. I think we are going to try O'Hana's for Lilo and Stitch. I think there's also a Playhouse Disney Character b-fast as well. Have fun!

Bruce · #5 (**permalink**) 05-18-2009, 03:10 PM

I whole heartedly agree with the character dining idea! Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary and the Tusker House in Animal Kingdom offer the opportunity to get Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy all at once. :-)

kathiewe · #6 (**permalink**) 05-24-2009, 11:45 AM

Here's a few tips:

1) Pack some little snacks in small tupperware. We have 1 with dried fruit and another with crackers or cereal.

2) Bring a couple of empty sippys and fill them with water or juice as you need.

3) Have extra wipes. We got a Dad Gear Backpack which is great because there is a front section for easy access to wipes.

4) Bring a light wear extra outfit -- the kids love the fountains.

5) Tailor your day to their schedule and take a break. You'll want to want to see and do everything but you have much more fun if you go with the flow and recognize when they need a break. Also since you are staying at All Stars (which is a great resort for kids) you will be easily able to get back to your resort, take a nap, go for a swim, or play in one of the many resort play areas. Then when you go back to the parks you'll be refreshed and the kids will ready for more.

6) Bring a camera and get a photopass. These are memories you will want to have for a lifetime.

7) Have fun!!

**DisneyNutMary** · #7 (**permalink**) 05-28-2009, 12:34 PM

First,

to the boards Amanda!

Okay, now on to your trip. You picked a perfect time of year to go to WDW. Oct will find crowds low and the weather milder than the dog days of summer. Plan to take it slow, and take lots of breaks. Take advantage of every minute of time you get with characters and playful CMs, don't rush from ride to ride.

Wet a washcloth or two and put them in a ziploc baggie in the refrigerator overnight. During the day, you will be able to periodically be able to wipe down sweaty kids (or adults) with a cool refreshing washcloth. If the cloth warms up, add some ice cubes to the bag and reseal.

As far as character meals, go with their favorite characters... Playhouse Disney characters in DHS, Mickey and friends at Chef Mickey's, Lilo and Stitch at Ohana, princesses in Epcot, etc.
Personally, I found Pluto the be the best character for interaction when my son Tommy was a pre-schooler. He got a kick out of Pluto's tongue, and how Pluto balances the book on his snout to sign... or how he would tease my kids by balancing "stolen" items belonging to my kids on his snout. We had great Pluto experiences at Chef Mickey's and Garden Grill.

And finally, don't expect the magical moments of others that you read about on message boards to always happen to you. Relax and you will have your own magical moments- but most importantly, try to find the magic in every moment.

kathiewe · #8 (**permalink**) 05-28-2009, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DisneyNutMary

And finally, don't expect the magical moments of others that you read about on message boards to always happen to you. Relax and you will have your own magical moments- but most importantly, try to find the magic in every moment.

That's the best advice I've ever heard!!!

Loopy747 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-29-2009, 01:08 PM

We find it easier to rent a stroller. We have 3 toddlers so getting out of the car to the tram then getting the kids on the tram, taking the stroller back down, riding the tram, then getting the kids off the tram, then opening it back up plus doing more than one park in one day, it is just worth it to us to pay for it. We have a big double stroller so it isnt real easy on and off! LOL

FASTPASSES! I just wrote about it in someone elses post but have your husband go ahead with your passes to get them and meet at a certain spot. That saves us big time!

With my kids if we are doing more than one day we cant push that first day too late or it will ruin them for the next day. They get over tired and that ends up with Mommy wanting to go home NOW! lol

My kids HATED seeing the characters when they were around 2ish. Maybe do a meet and greet first before ruining your breakfast. We did our first one at the crystal palace in MK about two yrs old. My husband and I didnt get to eat because the kids were FREAKING out anytime they got near us. There was NO way the kids were eating at that point either. So now we were out ALL this money and no one was happy. (ok maybe the waiter was happy we had left! LOL)

You will have an amazing time. You will figure out what works for your family too. It will be great! Good luck!!

ndm6 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-29-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loopy747

My kids HATED seeing the characters when they were around 2ish. Maybe do a meet and greet first before ruining your breakfast. We did our first one at the crystal palace in MK about two yrs old. My husband and I didnt get to eat because the kids were FREAKING out anytime they got near us. There was NO way the kids were eating at that point either. So now we were out ALL this money and no one was happy. (ok maybe the waiter was happy we had left! LOL)

I had a similar experience with my son when he was 3. My family and I decided to "surprise" my son by going to the Garden Grill for a character lunch. My son was happily waiting for the food and then Mickey arrived. I have never seen my son so terrified. He was truly panicked and screaming, and none of us enjoyed our meal. Our waiter and the various characters tried to please my son and to get him to interact--no go. I ended up leaving the restaurant with him so the rest of the family could hear each other speak. (we left a hefty tip for our poor waiter)

I still regret that we didn't have him meet some characters in advance to our meal. We learned that lesson and applied it with my daughter, but honestly, my son is now 12, and still avoids all characters.

Loopy747 · #11 (**permalink**) 05-29-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ndm6

I had a similar experience with my son when he was 3. My family and I decided to "surprise" my son by going to the Garden Grill for a character lunch. My son was happily waiting for the food and then Mickey arrived. I have never seen my son so terrified. He was truly panicked and screaming, and none of us enjoyed our meal. Our waiter and the various characters tried to please my son and to get him to interact--no go. I ended up leaving the restaurant with him so the rest of the family could hear each other speak. (we left a hefty tip for our poor waiter)

I still regret that we didn't have him meet some characters in advance to our meal. We learned that lesson and applied it with my daughter, but honestly, my son is now 12, and still avoids all characters.

I know what you mean we tipped BIG TIME! LOL I think that poor waiter was just praying that we would leave quickly!! lol