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Mom and Daughter at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Room
  • On Feb 20, 2008
    Thomas from TX Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Bret, fellow dad planner here.  So glad to hear I am not the only one. Taking family of six (4-kids:5,6,8,9)for their first time. Staying at the All Star Movies 3 days(MK,AK,E). Pulled all hair out planning.  Any 1st timer advice?

    Thomas,

    Nice to hear from a fellow dad.  I’ll try to help you keep a few strands of hair on your head.  Here are my thoughts on what I typically do at different points of time…

    6 months out, if possible:
    - Decide which parks to go on each date (touringplans.com or tourguidemike.com can help)
    - Make dining reservations, if you are interested.  I’d recommend at least one character meal for your trip.
    - Don’t plan to do everything.  You’ll be back, I’m sure!!

    As you get closer to your trip date:
    - Involve the kids and your wife in the planning process.  Share your plans so far, and ask about what they want to do.
    - Make some rough attraction order plans for each park day (include your kids “must do” rides).  If you need help, touringplans.com, ridemax.com and tourguidemike.com all are great resources.  Please be sure these aren’t “commando-style” plans; Plan for breaks, character autographs, sitting on a bench, etc.
    - Wear-in your walking shoes, if needed.  You can’t buy worn-in shoes once you arrive!

    In the parks:
    - Arrive at park opening time.  The first few hours in the parks have the shortest lines.
    - Keep “taking the pulse” of your family.  If they are hungry, stop and eat.  If they are getting grumpy, seriously consider going back to the All-Star pool.
    - If one member of the party needs to go to the restroom, then everyone should go (huge time saver!).
    - Be extra nice to Cast Members. It provides a good example to your kids, and often the Cast Members will be extra nice to your group in return.
    - Remember to have a good time, and not stress out.  Getting half of your planned activities in for the day, while having fun, is always better than doing everything but wearing yourself out in the process.

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Meet the Panelist: Bret,

As one of the dads on the panel, I have fun helping all Walt Disney World planners who want a dad’s perspective. Learn More About Bret

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