Hi, Maria! Fear no more. You're doing the right thing: taking your kids to Disney World and asking the Moms Panel for help. Since your kids are collectively eight, let's do a Top 8!
1. Pick a resort. If proximity to parks reigns supreme, consider a resort like the Polynesian on the monorail loop for easy access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot. If price is more of a factor, think about a value resort like Pop Century.
2. Plan out your days.
Look at the four theme parks and their calendars. TouringPlans.com could help you decide which park to visit each day.
3. Early bird catches the worm. Show up at park opening and hit the headliners first - before everyone else comes in.
4. Take a midday break. Even if your kids aren't nappers, downtime is essential for sanity.
5. Meet the characters. Queues for character greetings can be long. Book a character meal (our favorite is Donald's Safari Breakfast at
Tusker House) and the characters come to you!
6. Plan your other meals.
Check out the restaurants and make advance dining reservations.
7. Think about comfort. Break in those walking shoes, develop a stroller strategy.
8. Acclimate & excite your family. Get the
Disney Parks 2011 DVD to watch together, have Disney dance parties in your living room, check out the goodies on the Disney World website and let your kids
build their own maps.
Above all else, relax and have fun. You'll have the time of your life!