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EPCOT; Mother and Son; Spaceship Earth
  • On Jan 19, 2010
    Wendy from PA 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.

    1st visit, not staying on-site! 4 yr boy and 6 yr girl. I was reading other recommendations for 1st visit but they are staying on-site. What do I need to do to make our visit successful? We won't be able to take mid-day rests.

    Hi Wendy,

    Not to worry - you'll still have an amazing trip staying off property! Check the website for park hours & avoid those parks with AM Extra Magic Hours - resort guest flock to those - pick a different park & get there when it opens. Start early. Give yourself extra time to get to WDW, park & get inside the park.  Stop by any Guest Relations location & pick up your "1st Visit" buttons.

    Pack a change of clothes for everyone in your family (you too mom & dad) to leave in your car. If you're traveling during a time when the AMs & PMs are cooler, make sure you bring jackets for everyone. Make a checklist of what you want to take & get it ready the night before.  If you have an umbrella stroller, put in the car just in case - my 5 year old still enjoys a break from all the walking.  Book a character meal - you don't have to be a resort guest to do that.

    Take your time & don't wear yourself out trying to do it all in a day. There are some spots where you can a break without leaving the parks. At MK there is a walkway between Toontown Fair & Tomorrowland that is usually very quiet (well except when the train comes by & blows its whistle). Across from Ye Old Christmas Shoppe & to the side of The Hall of Presidents is a small porch that usually has a couple of rocking chairs. Liberty Tree Tavern is an excellent place to eat & escape the hustle & bustle of the park. Hop on the resort monorail & have a quiet meal at one of the hotels.

    If you to do any shopping while in the parks, the shops can arrange for your packages to be held at Package Pickup near the front entrances of the parks so that you don't have to carry them around all day.

    Getting back to your car & to I-4 can be an adventure on its own. Make sure everyone makes a restroom stop before you head to your car. Let me know if you need more suggestions - I'm happy to help!
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Meet the Panelist: Allison, Georgia

I'm a Disney-fanatic! I made my first trip to Disney World the year it opened and have grown up crazy for all things Disney. As the Mom of a son with Cerebral Palsy, I love providing recommendations for families traveling with a special needs member. Learn More About Allison

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