Mom and Daughter at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Room
  • On Aug 9, 2012
    Robin from NC 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.

    Going to DW in October for 5 days with 2 granddaughters - 6 & 9. Do we really need to plan on nap time/down time, especially for the 9 yr old? How important is it to arrive at the parks 30-45 minutes prior to opening? Tips for going with kids these a

    October is a great time to visit Walt Disney World, Robin!  Whether or not you need to plan breaks for your kiddos really depends on the kids in question.  At five, my son is the youngest in our family and has grown up with three much older sisters that have always kept us on the go.  He has always been able to grab a quick nap, even in the most noisy and crowded places.  The stroller was a perfect respite spot for him and we never planned for midday breaks at the resort when he came along.  That said, we do eat most of our meals in table service restaurants, so lunch in a cool building has always been a part of our midday rests.  We also try to visit lengthier shows during midday as both a break from walking around and the heat.  If you feel as though those kinds of short breaks will suffice for your children, I would encourage you to give that route a try.  You can always adjust if you notice cranky moods creeping in.

    On the other hand, arriving at the park well before opening time is imperative if you want to make the most of your day.  That is one thing I would highly recommend sticking to because the crowds get thicker and thicker throughout the day.  Those first quiet hours in the park will allow you to cover a whole lot of ground.  Enjoy!
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Meet the Panelist: Darcie, Alabama

Given your inclination to plan a magical trip, I can already tell we have a lot in common. I'm Darcie, and my friends would be the first to tell you that Disney trip planning (especially dining!) is my love language. Of course, the vacations my family enjoys today look much different than they did when our kids were little, but while some of our favorite activities have evolved, Disney destinations still top our travel wish lists. Let's work together to plan a downright dreamy vacation for your family! Learn More About Darcie

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