Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Tips for Disney

This is really just for Kelly, but I'm posting it in case anyone else will be traveling to Disney with small kids. We went with our friends, so we had their
twin 3-year-olds, our three-year-old and our 6-month-old. Good times!

1. If it's your (or your kids) first time there, you can get a special button- ask for it when you get your tickets. Makes a good keepsake.

2. Bring a backpack to haul all the kid's stuff. Trust me on this one, you will be glad to have your hands free. And easier to manage than a diaper bag.

3. You can bring snacks, juice, etc. into the park. No one tells you this, but it's true. I assumed you weren't allowed, but my supersmart BFF Mel brought a ton of snacks and even a huge plastic jug of juice in her backpack for the kids. They searched the bags and didn't care. This will save you a ton of $, plus time wasted in line.

4. We brought our own stroller and I'd recommend it. You can rent one, but they are pretty pricey. Plus you'll have to carry your exhausted little one to the car at the end of the day after you turn in the rental. If you do rent one, bring a blanket or towel because those things are made of hard plastic.

5. Bring a little first aid kit with band aids, etc. Just easier than trying to locate one in the park.

6. If your kids want to meet any characters or Princesses (and who doesn't?), go straight to Toontown when you get there. When I was a kid, the characters just walked around. Not anymore- you wait in line to meet them. It's a much more personal experience this way, but it gets crowded. We had to wait a while to meet the Princesses, but it was worth it.

7. There is a really nice baby care area at the end of Main Street, off to the left. It has a nice nursing room, a room with highchairs and a little tables with a movie playing and a diaper changing room. I think there is complimentary baby food and diapers available if you ask. A nice place to take a break with the little one.

8. Bring your own ponchos- especially in the summer. I found some at Target in the camping section for $1.

9. Buy your souvenirs outside of the park- you'll save a ton of money. We bought hats and Minnie ears in the park, but got a bunch of t-shirts and picture frames at one of the tourist shops.

Wow, I didn't think I had that many tips until I really started thinking about it.

And Kelly, I'm sure you guys will have a blast- Peyton will love it!

S

2 comments:

Lexie said...

nice disney synopsis.

I concur with your Disney tips :)

We always bring food (sandwiches, especially for Lexie) and our stroller. we take our larger stroller so when we really want to we can shove the backpack in the bottom. We also head to the hotel midday (if its a night the park stays open late) for a little break and head back as the crowd is dwindling for their own early dinner breaks. in toon town, mickey is always in the judges tent and princesses and traditional characters are in a building behind that. characters do still walk around though. we saw many that way.

also, if you ever go with an early potty learner, if you are in line and your child suddenly has to go potty, tell someone as you leave. They will be sure to get you back to the front of the line upon your return.

and the little buttons are so adorable. you can also get birthday buttons, probably anniversary and just married buttons too.

KDoug said...

These are all awesome tips. Thanks so much for taking the time to list them all. It's funny that my Mom actually checked your blog before I did and told me they were on there. I've been so busy lately that I haven't read anyone's blog in depth. Thanks a ton!