|
 Off to Wally World, Kids
Points North’s Personal Survival Guide for A Multi-Generational Walt Disney World Vacation
By Julie Clark
While my birth certificate may reveal otherwise, I truly am a 10-year-old. I’m the kind of adult who gets happy feet just thinking about a trip to Disney World. You could say it runs in my family. My sister and I visited this magical kingdom with the same unabashed enthusiasm at 21 as we did at 12. Then came my nephew, then another, and finally my niece and suddenly our whirlwind tours of yesteryear crawled to Eeyore’s pace.
So, I set out on a mission. Entertain everyone from grandmas to grandkids (and everyone in between) all on the same trip! The cast of characters will include some 60-something grandparents, a 5-year-old girl, 8-year-old and 12-year-old boys, as well as their 40-something parents. Oh, and me, the largest child of them all. With patience, proper planning and a dash of pixie dust, it can be done, as you will soon see.
When To Go
This is probably the most important decision to make when planning your multi-generational vacation to Walt Disney World. Heat and long lines not only zap stamina as well as the patience of young children and seniors, they also tend to irritate park guests, which inevitably will spark family squabbles.
According to the experts, the best months to visit include the months of September (after Labor Day), October, November (except the week of Thanksgiving), December (except Christmas to New Years), January and February, until mid-month when crowds begin to steadily increase again. Educators may squawk at the suggestion, but taking the kids out of school for a long weekend is a good way to beat the crowds and retain your precious sanity.
We went in October, when the weather was temperate and the crowds were smaller. I also heartily recommend going in early December, which many believe is the best time to visit Disney. Parkgoers are comfortable in jeans and a sweatshirt, and it’s the closest Disney World will ever resemble what the Griswolds enjoyed at Wally World in the comedy hit “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” Minus the BB gun and hostage taking, of course. The only thing to note is that park hours are reduced in the off-season. Granted, there are also shorter lines so you can tour much faster. And as a special bonus, if you stay at a registered Disney World Resort you can have access to “Magic Hours” when various parks are open later for resort guests.
Where To Stay
Quick accessibility to the parks is paramount to enjoying your vacation to the fullest, not to mention serving the needs of your little nappers, err, I mean nippers. Of course the Disney hotels that include monorail stops, such as the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Polynesian Resort and the newly renovated Contemporary Resort, offer ideal access to the parks, but there are a host of options to suit every family’s taste and needed convenience.
We stayed at Disney’s charming Boardwalk Inn and Villas, which surpassed my expectations. The gleaming lobby dripped with decadent chandeliers from a bygone era, and the rooms were delicately decorated in turn-of-the-century charm. The hotel overlooks a live promenade that resurrects 1920s Coney Island each evening with strings of lights, stilt walkers, ragtime music, carnival games, and even Musicale Mark who plays a piano while riding a bike. There are a couple nightclubs for twentysomethings so inclined to dance the night away, and an ESPN club becomes the perfect respite for men in need of a break from cute, cuddly dancing animals. The dining options run the gamut from a pizza shop to exquisite seafood, but don’t miss the boardwalk bakery. I insist you indulge in their tempting treats such as the banana split cake and their divine Napoleon dessert that would make Josephine swoon. The boardwalk is lively, so if you prefer absolute quiet, you should request a room not overlooking the action.
But for me, the pinnacle offering is the hotel’s mere five-minute walk to Epcot, 15-minute walk to MGM Studios, and less than 15-minute shuttle ride to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Even more convenient is the ferryboat that transports resort guests to and from both Epcot and MGM Studios. This is especially ideal when feet are sore after a long, tiring day at the park and a more relaxing mode of travel is in order. Creature comforts like this make staying at a Disney resort a bare necessity to fully enjoy your family vacation.
If you have young children and limited time, I would suggest you keep the focus on Magic Kingdom and Epcot as the parks complement each other beautifully. If you want to visit all four parks with preschoolers (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom), we suggest staying a full six to seven days, as this will allow you enough time to visit the parks well rested, and have an opportunity to enjoy other hot spots like Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island and the kid’s favorite — the hotel pool.
My family, however, did not follow our own advice. We chose the guerrilla tactic of attacking all four parks in just four days with bounds of youthful enthusiasm, or naivety, depending on whom you ask. It can be done if you can just teach those pesky children to sleep standing up.
 Beating The Lines
It was on our first day that we discovered two of the best improvements at Disney World and a wonderful aid to large groups with impatient whippersnappers: posted wait times and the miraculous FASTPASS. For each attraction, Disney posts an estimated wait time outside each ride, but please note the word “estimated” is not by-the-minute accurate. Park attendants will routinely hand a card to a guest for them to return to the next attendant. The wait time is calculated and then posted on the entrance sign. Sometimes the gap between tests allows for a discrepancy in the posted time and the actual time, but it is still a vast improvement to entering a line blind.
If the wait time is more than 30 minutes, then take advantage of the FASTPASS option, if available. Once mastered, this free service will have you whizzing into the most popular attractions in each of the four parks. Here is how it works: Look at the guide map for each park and note which rides have a “FP” icon. The moment you hit the park, make a beeline for the FASTPASS Distribution Center located near the entrance of the ride. Just insert each park admission ticket into the machine and out pops a ticket with the one-hour timeframe when you can return, which was typically an hour from when we inserted our ticket.
For efficiency sake, give the park tickets to one or two spry and reliable family members, and let them dash ahead to redeem the entire family’s fast passes. You can only get passes for one ride at a time. If possible, be sure to get your next FASTPASS before you redeem your initial ticket, so by the time you get off the ride you are even closer to the time of your next scheduled FASTPASS. Ingenious, eh? This takes a while to get the right rhythm, as FP attractions are scattered across the park, but once you do, you’ll wonder why those poor souls you pass in line didn’t take the time to snag their ticket. On average, the wait for a FASTPASS line in October was only about five minutes or less!
Touring The Magical Kingdom
If it has been a few years since you’ve visited the mouse house, or worse, you’ve never entered this magical place (gasp!), let me bring you up to speed. The Pirates of the Caribbean (the theme park ride that inspired a movie and not the other way around) has been updated with special effects and new animatronics touting many of the film’s characters. These additions really make the ride a raucous adventure, and the recreations of Johnny Depp are so incredibly lifelike in both appearance and movement, you might just jump ship to ask for an autograph.
Another new family favorite is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, which puts kids in the driver’s seat as you try to zap the evil Emperor Zurg’s minions. It’s like a live-action video game where riders shoot laser guns while tallying points. Stitch’s Great Escape has replaced the scary Alien Encounter, which once made me cry for mama. The current resident alien is mischievous, yet likable, but still could unsettle young children afraid of the dark. And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Mr. Toad is no more. Yes, it’s sad, but one of my favorite Disney rides — Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride — was run out of town by a bear named Pooh. The more kid-friendly replacement, “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,” is delightful for young audiences, but a bittersweet journey for toad fanatics.
Not-to-be-missed family favorites include Country Bear Jamboree, sure to make babies giggle; the evening parade complete with shimmering fiberoptics; and Mickey’s PhilharMagic 3-D movie on a 150-foot wide screen. Each park has their own 3-D movie, but in my family’s opinion, this is the best of all of them.
Although rides at Disney World are far tamer than attractions at the other parks, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Once upon a time, my sister and I were standing in line for Snow White’s Scary Adventures in the typically kid-friendly Fantasyland. The family in front of us had a young daughter who was terrified of going on the ride and a mother intent on her going anyway. Needless to say, we cringed at the screams of terror coming from the car in front of us. Trust your child’s instincts and remember that while apples may be tasty for most, taking a nibble didn’t serve Snow White too well.
Exploring Epcot
If you’ve ever thought Epcot was not quite as fun or imaginative as the other parks, I think it’s time you’ve been introduced to the new and improved version. I love Epcot, and my entire family did, too. Where else can you browse a Moroccan bazaar one minute and then become a car crash dummy in the Test Track, the longest, fastest attraction in Disney history? Not to mention the bragging rights you’ve earned once you’ve conquered Mission: SPACE, the only Disney World ride that supplies complimentary barf bags. Yes, this definitely is not the Epcot you remember from years past.
Sure, the classics are still all here, such as Spaceship Earth inside the landmark silver sphere, yet there are four new additions that everyone in the family can enjoy: Soarin’, Test Track, Mission: SPACE and The Sea with Nemo & Friends, which just opened this past fall. Epcot has been touted as the “Disney World for adults,” but our young explorers found plenty to rave about, especially since Nemo splashed onto the scene with a whimsical ride, interactive displays and an aquarium. Turtle Talk with Crush will delight children and amaze adults. My 5-year-old niece Emma could participate in each experience and it was as enjoyable for her as it was for grandpa.
October is an ideal time to visit as the annual International Food and Wine Festival cooks up a whirlwind culinary tour through the popular World Showcase, a reincarnation of countries around the globe. This is an opportune moment for the adults in the group to act like their children, who now may be napping in their strollers. Definitely treat yourself with a visit to the Boulangerie Pâtisserie in “France,” where a delectable sampling of authentic French pastries, quiches and roasted coffee awaits.
Acting Up At MGM Studios
While this park is a popular attraction for the entire family, it’s especially so for boys of all ages. And I do mean all ages, as grandpa was as giddy as a grandkid during one of the newest attractions at the park — Lights! Motors! Action! Extreme Stunt Show. Originally featured at Disneyland in Paris, this show has crossed the pond in one death-defying leap. What boy can resist chases, crashes and fiery explosions? All the boys were in rapture, but the nearly 30-minute stunt performances may be a bit of a drag for children under 5 and perhaps a few girly girls in the audience.
Despite its kingly allure, MGM does give a nod to the princess in your party with whimsical musical stage shows such as “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Oftentimes, an adult would take our own little princess to these attractions while the rest sampled some of the park’s popular attractions such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Those with a strong constitution for roller coasters cannot miss the new Rock ‘n’ Roll Coaster starring Aerosmith. As the story goes, you are personally invited to join the rock band on a whirlwind ride to their concert. The ride launches you from zero to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds while you traverse hills and thrills in the shimmering dark. Needless to say, this is one of the most popular attractions, so be sure to get your FASTPASS early.
The whole family will not want to miss the Fantasmic! show, which the “The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World” calls “Disney’s best nighttime event.” Just remember, this performance that conjures Mickey’s role as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice in “Fantasia” is always packed, so if you would like to find a seat (instead of standing while holding sleepy children, like we did) you may want to get in line at least 45 minutes before the show begins.
On Safari At Animal Kingdom
As Disney’s newest park addition, Animal Kingdom is still evolving with new shows and attractions. It’s also five times the size of Magic Kingdom and twice the size of Epcot, so prepare for a lot of walking. If your child loves the zoo, then this is the park for you. More than 1,700 live animals are on display, including gorillas, lions, tigers, and of course Timon and Pumba, the celebrated meerkat and warthog.
If you are here in the off-season, then families should take special note of the Kali River Rapids, a whitewater raft ride that warns you “may” get soaked. Heed the warning. Someone in your group will leave the ride as if they took a shower with their clothes on. (Yes, it was yours truly.) It may be a relief on a toasty day, but during mild weather, it could make you miserable. So if you take the plunge, be prepared.
The park’s latest and greatest addition is the thrill ride Expedition Everest, which was a surefire winner in our camp. For me, it was worth the park admission alone. This high-speed roller coaster offers unexpected chills and thrills that include a run-in with a dreaded Yeti, who you may know as the Abominable Snowman. Emma was too short on height and nerves to ride, so my sister exchanged her FASTPASS for a Rider Switch ticket good for her and three other people. The good news is that Emma escaped the Yeti, my sister didn’t miss one thrill, and I got to ride it twice!
Animal Kingdom regularly closes earlier than other Disney parks, so you may want to enjoy the park hopper option included with your ticket. If you opt not to hop, head to the Rainforest Cafe conveniently perched at the park exit. This popular restaurant chain boasts animatronic animals that swing to life throughout your meal and includes a periodic rain that leaves you as dry as the martini you’ll need after the conclusion of your multi-generational Disney World vacation.
Once the pixie dust settled, we realized that with proper planning, a bunch of patience and a teaspoon of sugar,
the entire family lived to tell the fairy tale. Mission accomplished. •
12 Helpful Hints For Family Fun
Here it is, your Disney family survival checklist:
• Plan ahead, but be flexible. Each night I went through the park map for the next day’s adventures and plotted a rough course. This makes the tour a lot more efficient, but expect the unexpected and go with the flow. If you hit your “must-see” list early, you will be less disappointed when people start pooping out.
• Wear bright-colored, distinctive shirts. Kids wander away easily, so the best defense is a bright-colored T-shirt. (In matching colors for multiple family members, if you don’t terribly mind the Bobbsey Twin look.)
• Rent a stroller. This is a lifesaver, even if your child is not a toddler. Those tiny legs just can’t keep up, so not only is it a more efficient way to travel, it saves their precious energy for the long road ahead. Both my 5-year-old niece and 8-year-old nephew enjoyed the ride and it was easy for adults to push. Just be sure to bring something to mark your stroller. My ingenious sister brought balloons making ours easily identifiable in a sea of strollers. It’s cheaper and more efficient to pay upfront for several days, as you receive a discounted rate (Single, $8 versus $10; Double, $16 versus $18 a day) and don’t have to stand in line when you pick it up each day. Also, motorized wheelchairs are available for $35 a day and are ideal for seniors with limited mobility or sinking stamina.
• Assign a group leader and buddies. Pick someone who enjoys leading the pack. The leader guides the group by walking about 10 feet ahead and routinely looks back to ensure that everyone is still following. Also, assign each adult to a child so they can continuously ensure the child remains with the group.
• Listen to your child. If they are frightened, do not force them on a ride. Instead, take advantage of Disney’s family friendly “Rider Switch” option. The whole family stands in line and when it comes time to ride, tell the attendant you want to baby swap. The attendant will give you a “rider exchange” FASTPASS good for three people.
• Keep your cell phone charged and ready. Everyone (kids too) should bring his or her cell phone. Just make sure you charge it each night, because you will rue the day your cell phone goes dead at Walt Disney World.
• Make reservations. The fare at the park consists mostly of the hot dog/hamburger variety, which may grow wearisome for adults hankering for a more satisfying meal. Make all sit-down dinner reservations in the morning, and if you would like to enjoy a meal with a Disney character, reservations are needed perhaps days if not weeks in advance.
• Pack snacks for some extra energy. While Disney World doesn’t officially allow outside food and drinks inside the park, they don’t make a fuss if you bring a small amount of snacks and bottled water. A small supply of munchies will keep your kids on the go and save a bit of green.
• Don’t be afraid to separate. With various ages and stamina, don’t feel bad if you have to break down into groups to follow different interests. When you meet back up again, you can have fun swapping the day’s adventures.
• FASTPASS is your friend — Embrace it! I could kiss Mickey’s hand for creating this wonderful, free alternate to standing in long lines for the park’s most popular attractions.
• Choose wisely. If you have young children in your party, choose your first rides at each park carefully. Start out with tame kid-friendly rides such as “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” and ease them into more intense rides later in the day. This way they can gently acclimate themselves and you can carefully test their tolerance.
• Buy the book. Help stir your child’s imagination by purchasing “Birnbaum’s Disney World for Kids by Kids.” The book offers a fun sneak peek at the rides and attractions. Talk about the book with your child before your trip to gauge their interest (and fear factor) for each of the rides.
To Nap or Not to Nap?
We were on our third day when the kids started longing for the pool, instead of the park. A lot of tour books suggest taking the kids back for a nap during the day to recoup their energy, but when my family split up to send the kids back with the grandparents, it proved to be a time-consuming, frustrating experience for the adults. Once they left the park, waited for the bus, headed to the hotel, got on their bathing suits and dipped their toe in the pool, nearly two hours had passed. By the third day, the 5- and 8-year-olds had trouble keeping up, so plan your favorite parks early in the trip when energy and stamina are in full supply. When deciding whether to take a nap break, weigh in the distance from the park to the hotel, along with the needs of the entire family. After all is said and done, for shorter stays it may be better to have kids take a nap in the stroller.
Rides That May Scare Little Ones
Small children often become frightened in dark settings and by loud noises, so keep that in mind when choosing rides. Obviously rides like MGM’s Tower of Terror are not appropriate for tots, but here is a list of seemingly harmless attractions that could frighten young children:
It’s a Bug’s Life 4-D Movie at Animal Kingdom: It was a great show, but the “bugs” turn a bit hostile toward the audience when Hopper takes the stage. My mother even grabbed my hand when the wasps appeared. It’s a thrilling, often funny, adventure, but quite intense for small ones and those with a bug phobia.
Snow White’s Scary Adventures at Magic Kingdom: The key word is “scary.” Granted it’s the Fantasyland section, but this ride features a lot of appearances from the ugly witch in the dark and can truly terrify small children. Disney has renovated the ride with more appearances of Snow White, but it routinely scares the dickens out of small tykes.
The Great Movie Ride at MGM Studios: This ride is entertaining, but does contain a couple scary scenarios of Hollywood’s best movie scenes. Namely a noisy gunfight by marauding gangsters and a pop-in appearance from an alien that gave Sigourney Weaver quite a scare. My niece only survived the experience with my hands shielding her ears from the former and her eyes from the latter.
DINOSAUR at Animal Kingdom: There is nothing tame about this fast-paced, in-your-face dinosaur adventure, which is entirely in the dark. Make sure your child is up for a face-to-face meeting with a T-Rex.
Proceed with caution for these rides:
The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom: This ride teeters on being scary, but it’s definitely another Disney classic. My niece Emma was touch and go for a while, but ultimately survived unscathed after being duly prepared for the “funny ghosts.”
Mission: SPACE at Epcot: Got to love a ride that comes with a barf bag. But don’t worry, there are now two riding options: Orange Team — the original ride that simulates a space shuttle trip to Mars, and the Green Team — a less intense trip with everything but the spinning. Young children, senior citizens, those with health problems, and people prone to motion sickness should choose the Green Team. The Orange Team ride was intense with a heavy pressure on my chest and face during takeoff that may make guests uncomfortable, but it is the closest thing to a real launch you’ll find outside Cape Canaveral.
Soarin’ at Epcot: This popular ride from California’s Disneyland Resort has finally flown into Orlando. The simulated hang-gliding adventure includes the sights and smells of California’s beautiful scenery. If you have a fear of heights, you may want to close your eyes or wait at the exit.
|
