EPCOT; Mother and Son; Spaceship Earth
  • On Feb 5, 2010
    Nicole from OH 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, moms! My husband and I are looking into planning our 1st trip this October with our son. He will be 16 months old. I don't even know where to start! We are planning on staying a max of 3 days. Any tips on hotels, parks, activities, suggestions, etc.?

    Hi Nicole!

    Several panelists recently answered a question about a first time visit

    I recommend ordering a free planning DVD.  I also recommend buying the tour book "The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World" by Julie and Mike Neal.  It has won 8 national awards and is full of color photos.  It is a great book for first time visitors.

    I think your child will enjoy any hotel and any of the theme parks at Walt Disney World, so I would plan on staying somewhere and doing those things that most interest you and your husband.  If you think you will be spending most of your time in the Magic Kingdom then I recommend staying in a monorail resort or at the Wilderness Lodge to allow you to return to your hotel quickly to take a nap, rest, etc..  Likewise, if you will be spending most of your time in Epcot or Disney's Hollywood Studios, then I recommend staying at an Epcot resort located on Crescent Lake:  Boardwalk, Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, Walt Disney World Swan,  or Walt Disney World Dolphin.  Another option is to have a car so that you can easily get from wherever you are to your hotel quickly.
       
    A few more pointers based on my experience of bringing young children to the parks:  slow down and enjoy the experience of visiting with a young child instead of running from attraction to attraction; take your own stroller because your child will be familiar with it; consider a character meal, but don't rush character interactions until you see how your child responds; do those things that your child finds most interesting, which could be playing at the resort hotel.  The most important thing of all is to just have fun!

    Write back if you have any more questions!
thumbnail image for Bernie

Meet the Panelist: Bernie, Maryland

I am an engineer with NASA with prior Air Force service. My wife and I have two boys, ages 13 and 8. At home, I'm known as the "Disney Guy" and I've enjoyed helping guests plan their Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Disneyland vacations. Learn More About Bernie

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please sign in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.