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Mom and daughter on Expedition Everest; Animal Kingdom
  • On Jul 29, 2013
    Terri 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.

    We will be coming to WDW November 8-15 2014 with our then 3.5 year old daughter and 23 month old son. Any suggestions on where to stay and what to do with kids at these ages?

    Hi Terri,

    I'm an advance planner too, so I'm sending you a virtual high five!

    I've done a bunch of Disney vacations with my children (4 and 1), so I've got a couple of ideas for you in regards to your hotel question:

    #1: If you're watching your budget, Disney's Value Resorts can't be beat. I've stayed off-property before and I didn't really save any money. 

    #2: If you're looking to splurge, then I would definitely recommend checking out any of the five resorts near the Magic Kingdom (Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Resort, or Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa). Because these resorts are so close to the Magic Kingdom, which is where you and your family may spend a good chunk of your time, the convenience factor of those resorts will be a big help.

    As far as ideas on what to do with young children, my best advice is to let them be the boss and follow their lead. This might be a very scary idea! 

    For both of my children, my wife and I pay close attention to the types of experiences that they're enjoying and then tailor our agendas accordingly. Sometimes, those agendas need to be revised along the way, but it sure is fun watching them soak in the sensory experiences we encounter along the way. 

    Here's a little tip from your buddy Derek:

    Since the topic of planning has come up, I would definitely recommend planning your meals in advance and snagging reservations as soon as you're able to (180 days in advance). That definitely contradicts my "let the kids run the show" advice from above, but some reservations are tough to get unless you take care of them as soon as they become available.

    I hope that helps! Please feel free to write back if you have more questions you'd like to bounce off of me.

    Best regards,
    Derek

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Meet the Panelist: Derek, Virginia

Whether you're traveling with infants or preschoolers, planning a family reunion, taking a romantic trip for two, or even traveling solo - I've been in your shoes.  I'd love to help you make the most out of your next Disney vacation! Learn More About Derek

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Panelists have received/will receive a Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort or Disney Cruise Line® vacation for panelist and up to three family members and/or park tickets for their planDisney participation. The views expressed on plandisneypanel.com are those of the panelists, who are independent contractors. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Disney Destinations, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Disney Destinations prior to posting.

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