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Mom and daughter on Expedition Everest; Animal Kingdom
  • On Jan 11, 2009
    Jennifer from MO 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 8/4-11/09 first time with DH and DS 8, 5, 2. I overplan and overwhelm, but really want to not this trip. Sugg to go to hotel during pm to rest, plan to nap and swim, but for how long? How can we "do everything" and still relax and have f

    The first trip to Disney World is so exciting!  I know that desire do everything.  Been there.  Let me tell you from personal experience, it is impossible to see and do everything in one trip.  If you try, you'll end up running you and your family ragged.

    My suggestion is to take a break at sometime during the day, but when you do it is up to you.  The beginning of August is usually a very busy season.  The good thing about that is, the parks open early and stay open late.  You know your family best and what they can handle before they get hot, overtired and miserable - the trick is to avoid that meltdown at all costs.

    Some families are early risers.  They get to the park at opening and go, go , go until late afternoon and then spend the rest of the evening in their resort.

    Some families are night owls.  They sleep in, maybe have a late breakfast/ early lunch and head to the park until closing.

    Are you staying at a Disney Resort?  If so, the thing that works best for my family is to take advantage of the park that has extra magic hours in the morning.  We stay until lunch and then head back to the resort where one adult naps with the younger children, and the other adult hangs out at the pool with the older ones.  Even if my children don't sleep, they have a chance to cool off and recharge.  At around 4:00 we usually head off to whichever park or resort we plan on eating at.  Our family eats fairly early (5:00 or 6:00) and we stay in the park to enjoy fireworks.  I try to avoid the park that has the extra magic hours in the evening, because I know my children will be too tired to take advantage of them.

    Hope that advice helps.  Feel free to ask any follow up questions you may have.  Have fun planning and have a magical vacation!
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Meet the Panelist: Diane, Georgia

After spending 25 years in RI, my husband and I relocated to GA with our youngest, who is now in high school. I took my first trip to Walt Disney World when I was 11 and I have traveled many times since then with all different party sizes. From creating our first itinerary as a honeymooner to later creating magical experiences for our multigenerational family gatherings, every aspect of planning a vacation has been pure joy to me.  Learn More About Diane

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