I feel like a beginner again...

[Jeuce]

Working on planning my kiddos first trip and I’m so excited! It’s been 8 years since I was last at WDW and all the changes since then feel overwhelming!
We’re going for 6 nights/7 days in May and renting a 2 bedroom DVC villa at OKW. My girls will be 4 and almost 3 and my mom will be joining us on the trip.


Some questions:
1) Genie+ feels like a hassle-is it easier than it seems in watching videos/reading about it? Is there a video or resource that breaks it down really well?

2) We will need to head back to the resort for naps everyday…would Park Hoppers make sense?

3) Planning 2 days at MK, 1 day at HS, 1 day at Epcot…we will have a pool/relaxing day the day we arrive and also in the middle of the week. Would you do a morning at AK on checkout day (we won’t be leaving property until 2) or just do another pool morning before leaving (this would mean skipping AK altogether)?

4) Would quick service dining plan be a good pick since the 2 YO wouldn’t have to be on it? She’s a good eater and I’m thinking we could get good ‘bang for our buck’ by splitting larger QS meals between the 2 kiddos…hubby and I also like to have cocktails on vacay. Do they force kids to order off the kids menu with QS?

5) Best table service meals for younger kiddos? I'm thinking CRT and Chef Mickeys (but also considering Ohana in place of it)...

8) My oldest has suspected ADHD and diagnosed SPD…are there any accommodations she could receive for fireworks and parades (thinking of something like a quieter/less crowded space to watch these things) and also in line (she gets overwhelmed is close quarters without a way to 'hide'...could we keep our stroller with us)?

Any other things to consider that have changed since 2016 (last time I was there)?

Thanks!!

 

[lanejudy]

8) My oldest has suspected ADHD and diagnosed SPD…are there any accommodations she could receive for fireworks and parades (thinking of something like a quieter/less crowded space to watch these things) and also in line (she gets overwhelmed is close quarters without a way to 'hide'...could we keep our stroller with us)?

You can stop at Guest Relations to request a "stroller-as-wheelchair" tag which will allow you to take the stroller in the queue. If that isn't enough, you might consider a DAS (see first post of the linked thread); to request you should be prepared to briefly explain her needs related to being in a standard queue environment and not the diagnosis/diagnoses.

Fireworks and parades -- it can be hit or miss depending on crowds. Some folks feel the fireworks dessert parties are worth the cost to be in a space with fewer people, but that can be pricey. There are HA areas for parades but those are generally for mobility devices and can be tight, plus you generally need to arrive early to gain a spot and they may require your party to split up. There might be some HA fireworks viewing spots but again it can depend how crowded the park is any given night. We like to catch the fireworks from outside the park, Poly beach or even the dock area.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I, personally, think it would be more relaxing to do a pool day on departure day. There are nice showers in the bathrooms at the main pool.

I‘d say yes to the Hoppers if it meant getting in a little AK time, but not sure you’d need them for every day.

See how your park days go. If you get there early you could go back to the resort in the late morning/early afternoon and decide later whether you want to go back to the park(s). Maybe some of you want to go back, but not others. Keep it open ended.

Yes to the QS DP. Why not? You have to eat! And you’ll get to go to some fun restaurants and not worry about the cost.

A fun thing to do at OKW is to rent bikes and ride to Disney Springs via the back golf course and Saratoga Springs. It would kill an hour or two, depending on whether you want to park the bikes and walk around DS or not. The boats are fun, too.

You might want to ask your question about Accommodations on the Disabilities board.

Sounds like a great trip. Have fun!

 

[sponica]

My responses are in bold

1) Genie+ feels like a hassle-is it easier than it seems in watching videos/reading about it? Is there a video or resource that breaks it down really well? -- Once you use it, it's not that bad. It's sort of like a hybrid between a paper fastpass and FastPass plus. And it's changing at some point this year.

2) We will need to head back to the resort for naps everyday…would Park Hoppers make sense? That's a personal preference. We always buy them and now that all day hopping is back you can start in park A, break for a nap, and then go to park B. But my kids were stroller nappers. So we never went back for a nap.

3) Planning 2 days at MK, 1 day at HS, 1 day at Epcot…we will have a pool/relaxing day the day we arrive and also in the middle of the week. Would you do a morning at AK on checkout day (we won’t be leaving property until 2) or just do another pool morning before leaving (this would mean skipping AK altogether)? Are you flying or driving? I'd probably do AK on checkout day.

4) Would quick service dining plan be a good pick since the 2 YO wouldn’t have to be on it? She’s a good eater and I’m thinking we could get good ‘bang for our buck’ by splitting larger QS meals between the 2 kiddos…hubby and I also like to have cocktails on vacay. Do they force kids to order off the kids menu with QS? Do your math on this.

5) Best table service meals for younger kiddos? I'm thinking CRT and Chef Mickeys (but also considering Ohana in place of it)...My favorite meals are Garden Grill breakfast and Topolino's. GG I like better for the under 3 because it's family style so they actually get to eat. CRT they do have a complementary pancake though.

8) My oldest has suspected ADHD and diagnosed SPD…are there any accommodations she could receive for fireworks and parades (thinking of something like a quieter/less crowded space to watch these things) and also in line (she gets overwhelmed is close quarters without a way to 'hide'...could we keep our stroller with us)? I'd ask on the disabilities board for more details. But you can get a stroller as a wheelchair tag, or apply for a DAS.

 

[ShawnDadof8]

If you go the route of getting the DAS pass (based upon your 4 year olds' needs) then it works almost the same as the Genie+ system and it saves you the cost. If you have a comfortable double stroller, you might just want to let your girls nap in there and save the hassle of traveling back and forth to the resort (unless the adults need naps too!). With the size of your kids, AK can be done in 4-5 hours (assuming you won't be waiting in the lines for the "big" rides that they would not be tall enough for), so it would be fun to fit it in. The dining plan is good in some ways - but if you're only doing the quick service plan, you might not need it. When our kids were small, we found it was more economical to not do the dining plan. I think in many places, you could easily feed all 5 of you from 3 adult meals. We also carried snacks into the park with us that helped a lot. Finally, the Castle/Fireworks show at the end of the evening is typically VERY crowded. If you want a good viewing spot, you had better plan on getting into place 45 minutes to an hour beforehand.

 

[Cadiewampus]

Working on planning my kiddos first trip and I’m so excited! It’s been 8 years since I was last at WDW and all the changes since then feel overwhelming!
We’re going for 6 nights/7 days in May and renting a 2 bedroom DVC villa at OKW. My girls will be 4 and almost 3 and my mom will be joining us on the trip.


Some questions:
1) Genie+ feels like a hassle-is it easier than it seems in watching videos/reading about it? Is there a video or resource that breaks it down really well?

2) We will need to head back to the resort for naps everyday…would Park Hoppers make sense?

3) Planning 2 days at MK, 1 day at HS, 1 day at Epcot…we will have a pool/relaxing day the day we arrive and also in the middle of the week. Would you do a morning at AK on checkout day (we won’t be leaving property until 2) or just do another pool morning before leaving (this would mean skipping AK altogether)?

4) Would quick service dining plan be a good pick since the 2 YO wouldn’t have to be on it? She’s a good eater and I’m thinking we could get good ‘bang for our buck’ by splitting larger QS meals between the 2 kiddos…hubby and I also like to have cocktails on vacay. Do they force kids to order off the kids menu with QS?

5) Best table service meals for younger kiddos? I'm thinking CRT and Chef Mickeys (but also considering Ohana in place of it)...

8) My oldest has suspected ADHD and diagnosed SPD…are there any accommodations she could receive for fireworks and parades (thinking of something like a quieter/less crowded space to watch these things) and also in line (she gets overwhelmed is close quarters without a way to 'hide'...could we keep our stroller with us)?

Any other things to consider that have changed since 2016 (last time I was there)?

Thanks!!

Personally with kids that young I wouldn't do Epcot ,I would swap Epcot for AK

 

[sponica]

Personally with kids that young I wouldn't do Epcot ,I would swap Epcot for AK

Epcot is my kids favorite place

 

[Jeuce]

Epcot is my kids favorite place

Ya, they're very into Frozen so I don't think that's one we can skip.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Working on planning my kiddos first trip and I’m so excited! It’s been 8 years since I was last at WDW and all the changes since then feel overwhelming!
We’re going for 6 nights/7 days in May and renting a 2 bedroom DVC villa at OKW. My girls will be 4 and almost 3 and my mom will be joining us on the trip.


Some questions:
1) Genie+ feels like a hassle-is it easier than it seems in watching videos/reading about it? Is there a video or resource that breaks it down really well?

2) We will need to head back to the resort for naps everyday…would Park Hoppers make sense?

3) Planning 2 days at MK, 1 day at HS, 1 day at Epcot…we will have a pool/relaxing day the day we arrive and also in the middle of the week. Would you do a morning at AK on checkout day (we won’t be leaving property until 2) or just do another pool morning before leaving (this would mean skipping AK altogether)?

4) Would quick service dining plan be a good pick since the 2 YO wouldn’t have to be on it? She’s a good eater and I’m thinking we could get good ‘bang for our buck’ by splitting larger QS meals between the 2 kiddos…hubby and I also like to have cocktails on vacay. Do they force kids to order off the kids menu with QS?

5) Best table service meals for younger kiddos? I'm thinking CRT and Chef Mickeys (but also considering Ohana in place of it)...

8) My oldest has suspected ADHD and diagnosed SPD…are there any accommodations she could receive for fireworks and parades (thinking of something like a quieter/less crowded space to watch these things) and also in line (she gets overwhelmed is close quarters without a way to 'hide'...could we keep our stroller with us)?

Any other things to consider that have changed since 2016 (last time I was there)?

Thanks!!

as others have said look at getting the stroller as a wheelchair tag your first day. only have to do that once during your trip if not using park strollers. if you are using park strollers you have to do it each day or each park. that is the only way you can take a stroller in line or buildings. the special watching areas for parades are very crowded/close quarters most times. I would look at Garden Grill instead of Chef Mickey as CM can be very loud and crowded

 

[pwdebbie]

My husband's health problems have a side effect of sensory issues, he can't even stand in a checkout line at the grocery store without a feeling of panic or on slanted surfaces without becoming disoriented. We were able to wait for our turn in line in a quiet area. Kids with sensory disorders were also in that area. When our spot in line was close to the boarding area, they escorted us to our spot and the wait was minimal. We did have to register beforehand for this option and it wasn't available for all attractions. They did try to push him to get a wheelchair but walking is not a problem and sitting too long is, so that was not even something we considered. (Our last trip was in 2015, so I'm sure some of this may have changed.)

Don't skip AK please! It is such a great park for kids. I will admit that it is my favorite park. I could watch the gorillas for hours, ride the safari more than once, or watch the Lion King show a few times. Plus you can take the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch where the kids can pet some animals at the Affection Section. Most people skip this so it is seldom crowded.

We watch the MK parade from the train station platform. Not crowded usually and there are chairs. Not the same as having the parade come right past you, and of course there is no opportunity for interaction with the CMs, but still an option to consider.

We napped daily and went to a different park in the late afternoon than we did in the morning.

As for your pool / relaxing day, you might not want to spend the entire day at the resort. We like to go the Fort Wilderness and visit the horses at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch. Very quiet and relaxing. You could also grab a meal there at Trail's End.

 

[sam_gordon]

Planning 2 days at MK, 1 day at HS, 1 day at Epcot…we will have a pool/relaxing day the day we arrive and also in the middle of the week. Would you do a morning at AK on checkout day (we won’t be leaving property until 2) or just do another pool morning before leaving (this would mean skipping AK altogether)?

My opinion, and my kids are all older, so this may not make sense in your case:

Arrival Day: Pool (depends on what time arrival is and how late the parks are)
Day 2: MK
Day 3: Epcot
Day 4: Pool
Day 5: HS
Day 6: AK
Day 7: MK 1/2

I would change days based on what's available for early entry.

 

[jtopp]

1. genie+ is a hassle, but gets easier once you have done it a few times.
2. Park hopper is not necessary, unless you really want it to get to all 4 parks.
3. A lot less stressful to do the pool day on your last day. Check out plus trying to get another park in is a big rush, especially with small children.
4.Research the dining plan vs. ordering off the menu. For my family, the cost was greater than what we would normally eat. There are a lot of vlogs that will give you the pros and cons, and let you decide what works for you.
5.Big fan of Chef Mickeys, also Crystal Palace.
6.Not sure about this one. Check with the disability page here for expert guidance.
Good luck with your trip!!!

 

[DisneyOma]

My husband's health problems have a side effect of sensory issues, he can't even stand in a checkout line at the grocery store without a feeling of panic or on slanted surfaces without becoming disoriented. We were able to wait for our turn in line in a quiet area. Kids with sensory disorders were also in that area. When our spot in line was close to the boarding area, they escorted us to our spot and the wait was minimal. We did have to register beforehand for this option and it wasn't available for all attractions. They did try to push him to get a wheelchair but walking is not a problem and sitting too long is, so that was not even something we considered. (Our last trip was in 2015, so I'm sure some of this may have changed.)

It sounds like you were at Universal for part of your trip, as WDW doesn't have a "quiet area" for the attraction queues. What they do have is DAS, and they used to have GAC.

 

[pwdebbie]

It sounds like you were at Universal for part of your trip, as WDW doesn't have a "quiet area" for the attraction queues. What they do have is DAS, and they used to have GAC.

We've never been to Universal. It was with the DAS. Previously we had used the GAC as well.

 

[lanejudy]

We were able to wait for our turn in line in a quiet area. Kids with sensory disorders were also in that area. When our spot in line was close to the boarding area, they escorted us to our spot and the wait was minimal.

It was with the DAS.

Sorry, but that sounds like maybe a Six Flags or some other theme park.

DAS allows the guest to wait wherever they wish for the length of standby minus 10 minutes. The guest may return to the attraction queue any time after that wait. No escort, no designated waiting area.

 

[pwdebbie]

Sorry, but that sounds like maybe a Six Flags or some other theme park.

DAS allows the guest to wait wherever they wish for the length of standby minus 10 minutes. The guest may return to the attraction queue any time after that wait. No escort, no designated waiting area.

I haven't been to Six Flags. Went to Busch Gardens and King's Dominion long before hubby was disabled. Have never been to Sea World. (Just figured I'd save you the time of naming possible parks.) It was WDW, 2015, our last trip. Perhaps the situation varies based on the person's disability?

 

[lanejudy]

Perhaps the situation varies based on the person's disability?

Maybe
.
For the sake of sharing current accurate info about DAS to set expectations — WDW does not offer a designated waiting area. Depending on the attraction there may be a “quieter” spot nearby but it is not required to wait there. The party will need to watch the clock and come back after the Return Time, but they may return anytime after that - even hours later.

 

[Jack Kerouac]

.

 

[LifeTheDisneyWay14]

Genie+ is a pain, but definitely worth it (get it in the My Disney Experience app day-of) with littles. We just got back from a trip with a 3 year old, a 2 year old, and a 1 year old and it allowed us to breeze through a few lines. Waiting in line for an hour with a toddler is not fun!

 

[Anna131517]

1) Genie+ is easy. Just watch videos on YouTube about it. Genie+ makes WDW much easier with kids.

2) Park Hopper is more expensive so it just really depends on whether you feel is necessary.

3) Unless you only live a few hours away I wouldn’t do anything on checkout day. You don’t want to miss a plane, and if you’re driving pretty far you’ll be tired when you start.

4) I’ve never done the dining plan. I think you can save more money not doing it. It’s basically just for guest convenience but I don’t see how being limited in where you can eat being very convenient.

For the child who gets overwhelmed, use a stroller with good sun coverage where they can hide and bring ear protection. We like the citi mini strollers. You can also watch the fireworks from outside the park in the Contemporary. There’s a viewing area outside on the same floor as the shops, or do an early dinner at California Grill and come back and watch when the fireworks go off (we did a 5 pm dinner with our kids). Ohana is quieter and less chaotic than chef mickeys but doesn’t have the iconic characters. We always like doing the character meal at Tusker House. If you have a car consider driving to AK and HS.