A very warm welcome back to planDisney, Kaitlin!
I love that you're putting so much thought into creating some wonderful memories for these first time Disney World visitors! I'm sure Mickey Mouse himself would give you a big old hug and tell you, "Thank you!" YOU are the reason that magic happens at Disney. When we reach out and take care of each other -- that is the magic. I appreciate your generosity and spirit.
I have 2 sons, 2 brothers, and 6 nephews. Trips to Disney World with boys is my jam! While every boy is unique to himself, I'll give you my list of things that have been successful experiences with my little men!
-First and foremost: Ask this family if they have any must-dos. Since this is their first time (and maybe only time) at Disney World, see what is on their mind! Maybe they have a character they'd really like to meet, or maybe they want to try a Mickey Shaped Pretzel, or they have a parade they're eager to see! Start with their wishes and you'll be on the right path for certain!
-Hollywood Studios is a must! All of my Star-Wars-loving boys adore Hollywood Studios along with me! Rise of the Resistance, Millenium Falcon, and Star Tours are fabulous attractions to make anyone's vacation out-of-this-world! The rest of the attractions in Hollywood Studios are great for boys (and everyone else) as well! I would recommend the Indiana Jones Stunt Show for entertainment and
Roundup Rodeo BBQ for a Table Service dining experience! If they are, in fact, Star Wars fans, crafting a lightsaber (either a saber fit for a Jedi at Savi's Workshop or one fit for a Padawan at the gift shop right after Star Tours) or building a Droid would be unforgettable memories!
-Boys (my boys at least) LOVE fireworks! I would plan one night to stay up and watch a
nighttime spectacular! While I am partial to the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT also has a great show, and Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios is a big winner!
-If you're going to EPCOT, a great free activity is visiting
Club Cool and sampling the sodas they have from around the world! All of the boys in my life love this activity! It's (mostly) delicious, and always a good way to cool off!... It's also close to Guardians of the Galaxy which is 100% on the list of attractions I recommend!
-At Magic Kingdom, my boys adore doing
A Pirate's Adventure after riding Pirates of the Caribbean! This little adventure starts at The Crow's Nest (it's just a little house) next to the Pirate's ride. The free maps there lead you on missions around Adventureland! This is a completely free activity and triggers some cool special effects around the park! The maps also make a fun keepsake! You can do as many of the missions as you want or just do one! The adventures typically take around 15 minutes each to complete.
-Be sure to get all of them their complimentary "First Visit" buttons at any gift shop or Guest Relations!
I could go on and on with more things that the boys would love because, let's face it, they'll probably love every single possible thing there is to do/experience! Cater to their interests and you'll be good to go, Kaitlin!
We always love hearing from you at planDisney, so if you find yourself with additional questions just give a little whistle!
Allyn