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Mom And Daughter; Animal Kingdom
  • On Feb 14, 2008
    Cindy from NJ 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.

    I am travelling in March 24-29 . 1st time there. How crowded will the parks get? It is the week after Easter. Suggestions for a 9 year old? Rides, shows and fireworks will be our biggest attractions.

    Hi Cindy!

    The two weeks surrounding Easter (this year March 23) are among the most crowded in the parks. But not to worry, with a bit of planning, you'll be able to enjoy the parks with no problems at all. My biggest tip to people traveling to WDW during a busy time of year is to ARRIVE AT THE PARKS EARLY, ideally at least 20 minutes before the park opens (so that you're all ready to go as soon as the rope drops). During the first hour or so of park opening, you should be able to ride 4-6 attractions. This could take you three hours later in the day. Since you want to see the fireworks (which I love), you'll want to make sure that you return to your hotel during the afternoon for some down time, maybe a nap or a swim. With my family, we usually spend about 8:30 a.m. till noon in the parks and then we leave and return around dinner time for a meal and fireworks. We manage to avoid most of the crowds this way ... and we're awake enough to enjoy the evening show.

    A nine-year-old should be tall enough to experience almost every ride in the parks, so the choice really depends on your child's interest. I have two kids (ages 8 and 11) who can't get enough of the thrill rides. They'd be happy to visit WDW and do nothing but go on the Tower of Terror, Space Mountain, and Expedition Everest. My other 8-year-old prefers more down-to-earth attractions. She loves the Kilimanjaro Safari at the Animal Kingdom, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at the Magic Kingdom (we ALL love this one), and the Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Some of the attractions that appeal to the entire family are the Kali River Rapids, Soarin', and the Lights, Motors, Action Auto Stunt Show. Really, nine is a great age to do almost anything at WDW.

    Have a great trip.
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Meet the Panelist: Erin, New York

I have three teenage daughters. We're DVC members obsessed with Disney travel. We've been to Walt Disney World countless times and have visited Disneyland & Disneyland Paris. We've taken several Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise trips. Learn More About Erin

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