Hi Nicole! Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Planning a first trip can be so incredibly exciting but it may feel a bit overwhelming as well, especially with young kids.
I have kids that are just about the same age as yours so I have a lot of experience traveling with little ones. One thing that I have learned is that you do need time and a lot of it when traveling to the Walt Disney World Resort. Not only is there so many attractions, entertainment experiences, and character experiences, there are so many things that your kids will see and want to do along the way. When I first started taking my kids I found myself trying to pack the schedule with way too many things. Instead of the smiling happy children I had dreamed of having, I had cranky, tired, whining, children. Now I approach the parks much differently.
I suggest that you take as many days as possible. I think three days will be a great starting point. Once you choose which parks to visit, take your time and look through the attractions and entertainment that each one has to offer. From there, choose your top three to five experiences that are “must-do’s” for your family and work on getting to accomplish these first. I would suggest planning on giving your children a rest each day in the afternoon. My kids absolutely need that nap. I have found that after their nap their “batteries are recharged” as my four year old says, and they are ready to go back out and explore.
I always encourage guests to take the time to just stop and play. Skip down the middle of Main Street U.S.A. with your kids, take their hands and dance with them during the
Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It! Street Party, and take the time to watch your children’s eyes light up the first time they see Mickey Mouse!
~Heather~