Going in August. Need advice from those that have been before. Suggestions to make this the best possible trip for my kids.

Thanks,

i just got back from a disney world trip today and i've been there a few other times. is there anything specific you want to know?

here's a pretty good unofficial website. there's a lot of really good info there.
http://allears.net/index.html

a few things off the top of my head
*bring a few pairs of shoes because it rains quite often. i would suggest picking up some disposable panchos just in case.
*it's going to be hot and sticky. last week the heat index hit 115 after a rain and some triple digit heat.
*!!!fast passes are the key to not spending your entire vacation in lines!!! get them for what you want to ride as soon as they are available. you can cut 1.5 hour waits down to 10 minutes. certain rides like the new toy story 3d ride/game will be completely wiped out of fast passes FOR THE DAY within two hours of park opening. don't waste your fast passes on a non-major attraction. most rides that aren't huge attractions have waits of less than 30 minutes.
*eat or drink your way through the world section of epcot
*check out innoventions in epcot and the coca cola sponsored building (can't think of the name). cool something?...
*animal kingdom has stuff for everyone but there are less things to do. epcot has something for everyone, but adults will appreciate it more. hollywood studios has something for everyone, but definitely checkout the stunt show. show up 30 minutes before showtime. the magic kingdom is more suited for younger kids.
*plastic is accepted everywhere.
*a pleasant way to do the parks without beating yourself up is to spend the morning at a park, leave for lunch and a nap, and come back in the afternoon. if you're not pressed for time, there's not much of a reason to spend every minute at the parks.
*downtown disney is worth checking out. the boardwalk is not.

I work at Epcot...any questions about any of the parks and its my job to know the answer!

Take a water mister/fan with you, they will be on sale everywhere for a lot more.

Study the maps before you get there and make a list of "must sees". You don't want to be the family standing at the front of the park saying "I don't know, what do you want to do?


Have a great time!

So you do not spend wild amounts of money on snacks. Get a backpack cooler and load up on drinks for the kids and some snacks. I even went so far as pack lunches. Disney will let you bring what ever food you want in.

Hit the park right when it opens (be there early) and you will be able to ride some lines with almost no waiting. Most of the crowds show up b/w 10:30 and 11. To ride the newest ride, go to Hollywood Studios and either walk on if show up early or get a fast pass for Toy Story...cool for the kids kind of ride.

Next, leave during the heat of the day. Go back after 5, and the crowds are gone and you can ride most rides with little waiting. i.e. Animal Kingdom is virtually empty at 5-8.

Fast Pass, Fast Pass, Fast Pass. Just got back a week ago and it is very hot.

Oh yeah, get the drinks flowing in Epcot. If you get real hot, the Grey Goose Lemon Slushy in France will cool you down and calm your nerves (i.e. crazy children)

I enjoyed the rides at night and during the parades. The rides were not as busy then.

I did not buy the park hopper due to the cost. I think one park a day is enough. You do not waste time moving between parks.

Snacks and water mister is a great idea.
Utilize the fast passes.

[This message has been edited by DallasAg2 (edited 7/3/2009 10:09p).]

You must get there when the park opens and then make good use of the fastpass. It is very hot, if you arrive when park opens, then take a mid-day break, and return in the evenings, you will have a wonderful trip.

Seasoned Disney Veteran Here.

Gone with kids from 18mos to 4yrs. Can you be more specific with what types of questions?

Also, my facorite website to get good information is www.wdwmagic.com

Shoot me an email and I should be able to help you out with some touring guides if needed. I have a membership to touringplans.com.

(jscott06) @ gmail dot com

We are planning on going next summer....where do you recommend staying?

DVM

I would stay on disney property. Figure out what you want to spend a night and you can narrow it down from there. Disney has everything from camp sights, to $90 a night rooms to $2000+. I would suggest one of the monorail Hotels, the grand floridian, Polynisian or the Contemporary.

One trick is you don't have to use the fast pass at the given window. You can't use it before but you can use it anytime after.

As soon as you can get another one send one person
to go get new fast passes while everyone else takes in a show or something with a short wait.

If you have someone under 3 the kid swap passes are very convenient.

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One trick is you don't have to use the fast pass at the given window. You can't use it before but you can use it anytime after.

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This may be cast member-dependent, but we saw an entire family get turned away from the Toy Story ride because they showed up two minutes later than their fast pass window.

Definitely pick up some ponchos before you go. We bought some decent vinyl ones at Wal Mart for a couple bucks and they sell cheap plastic ones at the parks for $8-$10. We got some good use out of them, too (unfortunately).

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*a pleasant way to do the parks without beating yourself up is to spend the morning at a park, leave for lunch and a nap, and come back in the afternoon.

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we did this back in 2000. +10000000 for this advice.

I had a lot of fun going to Islands of Adventure. It's been a few years...about 8 or 9...but we had a good time.

I am planning on taking the family next year before school lets out, probably around April (3 kids, will be 5.5 and two 3year olds by that time).

What's everyone's suggestions on the right amount of time to go for, such as 7days/6 nights or what?

With a 6 night stay you can take things a little slower, which would be good for your age kids. If you were only there 4 or 5 nights you might not get to see all you want to (and the kids will wear out quickly with a faster pace). You could also take a day off in the middle of the stay to relax and recharge by the pool or in Downtown Disney. This will make the stay much less stressful.