Future Planning - help from moms

[kerry34]

I have heard positive things about Crystal Palace. We were supposed to go during our trip in 07, but the monorail broke down and we missed our ADR. I am shooting for the next trip to try it.

[nicholfamily5]

My daughter was almost five last year when we went.
My biggest piece of advice is to pay close attention to the little one. The parks are just so huge, with soooo much going on , that they tire a lot faster than they normally would. We took a break every day, and spent quiet time in the room, and a little pool time. It really made a difference in how everyone was able to enjoy themselves.

Also, if taking a break doesn't work well with your plans, try to schedule a sit down lunch rather than a grab and go. If you have a leisurely lunch , everyone can cool down and relax for a bit, which is better than nothing.

another trick of mine was to buy disney toys and glow items before we left home. I raided the disney stores during sales, bought tshirts and those flashing light toys for dollars a piece. I also came across party packs of glow necklaces, bracelets and earrings at a discount store. I got entire packages for $2, where the necklaces alone at WDW are 2-3 times that. It's a huge meltdown saver when the kids want something and you can whip it out of your bag!

Enjoy your trip!

[bbangel]

Good advice. Current plan is to take breaks and maybe do one lunch.

Going to wait and see on the stroller issue. Don't want to get her one unless we see she is really getting tired of all the walking. Planning to do a kid friendly pace with lots of shows and stuff.

She isn't an "I want that" kid yet, but will probably get a few things before hand to keep her happy. I already have a stuffed Minnie for her to take

We are probably going to add a couple of nights at Universal as there are a few things we all want to see there. (I heard all of your gasps!) We are also hoping that Harry Potter's land will be open by then. Anyone have tips for surviving the parks at Universal?

[mdapiggy]

My DS is 5 and when he talks about his favorite things at Mickey World he loves the playgrounds. Sometimes we forget that little kids still just like to run around and have fun. He really likes the Pooh Park as he calls it across for the Pooh ride in Disney. We usually try to let the little ones run around in the playground areas while we sit and rest and have a drink or ice cream. So you may want to check out where the playgrounds are in each of the parks.

[3dog2kidmom]

I think one of the best things you can do is an early breakfast at Crystal Palace. It is a great breakfast (with Pooh & friends) but one of the best things is walking down a nearly empty Main St.! It is truly magical. It is one of our must-do's every trip!!!

Thanks for the suggestion, Lynn. I just called and booked Crystal Palace for 8:05 am on the MK day of our January trip. The park doesn't open till 9 so we will get that experience. I cannot wait!!

We've been there for dinner but love the idea of an empty Main Street. What time do they let you in?