On
Sep 10, 2008
Carlos from PR
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.
“
Hi Bret:
I am planning to visit WDW with my two 9 yr old children (boy and a girl) from 11/20-30...you already mentioned that there is considerable traffic in the parks for Thanksgiving day + weekend, which parks and restaurants should we go to?
”
In the limited space I have, I can't plan out your full vacation, so I'll focus on what a 9-year-old boy and girl might like...
Parks:
I think your kids will like all of them, and with the length of your stay, you should definitely visit each park at least once. It really depends on their personalities, but I think they will like Hollywood Studios the most, especially Rock 'n' Rollercoaster and the Tower of Terror. The new Toy Story Mania attraction is also great! Assuming your kids are becoming thrill seekers, I think they'd also like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain at the Magic Kingdom; Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, and DINOSAUR at the Animal Kingdom; as well as Soarin', Test Track, and Mission: SPACE at Epcot.
If they like water parks, and the weather is warm, they'll love Blizzard Beach (Typhoon Lagoon is closed during your stay, but Blizzard Beach is better for their age anyway, in my opinion).
Also consider going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (11/20, 21, or 30). It's a great way to visit the Magic Kingdom with lighter crowds and lots of fun holiday activities and themeing.
Restaurants:
- For character meals, consider 'Ohana for a breakfast with Lilo & Stitch at the Polynesian Resort, Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort, and Donald's Breakfast Safari at the Tusker House in the Animal Kingdom
- Other fun/unique places to dine include Coral Reef, Whispering Canyon Cafe, 50's Prime Time Cafe, Sci-Fi Dine-In (not great food, but fun), and the Beaches & Cream Soda shop at the Beach Club
- Fancier places, for the kids to feel more grown up, include Artist Point, California Grill, Le Cellier, and the Brown Derby
Bonus tip: If you want to minimize crowds, consider using touringplans.com or tourguidemike.com for predictions of least crowded parks per day