Help plan Disney world ages 5 and 8

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all for the advice. We are doing lightening lane and have reservations at a character dinner, the Italian restaurant, and the belle restaurant. My kids have never done a theme park and we aren’t Disney nuts, so we will do the rides we can. Are any rides “can’t miss” for this age? I noted the cars and buzz lightyear ride and Peter Pan. I also read about Tiana’s ride.

Which cars ride are you referring to? There really isn't a Cars/Lightening McQueen ride that I can think of. Maybe Tomorrowland Speedway? Just curious so you don't end up with any disappointed Cars fans.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Former Disney employee here: you're going at a very busy time so you're going to have to be flexible and very patient. What rides you want to go on is very kid dependent but the lines for certain things will be quite long.

If you have a ride that's a big priority, go to the park as early as you can and ride it first thing. You're going to have to decide if Lightning Lane is worth the cost to you.

I don't know what your kids heights are but you can see what they qualify for here: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/parks/height-requirements/

My personal experience is young kids like the "play" rides like Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story Mania best and the silly joke stuff like Jungle Cruise and Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. But that's kid dependent. Magic Kingdom particularly has quite a few "dark rides" (you ride past set pieces) like Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh that get crazy lines but if your kids aren't into the movies it may not be worth the wait.

Hollywood Studios has more show attractions (Frozen Singalong, Indiana Jones) in additional to rides.

The one thing to remember with young kids, is that the money has been spent and pushing your kids if they're tired or overwhelmed isn't going to make the experience worth it. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen parents get upset at their kids because they spent all this money and their kid is over the crowds, lines, or Florida weather and doesn't want to do anything. Keep everyone hydrated, try to roll with it and give your kids breaks if they need it.

Not a kid, but this is one of my fave rides in all of Disney World.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good advice already, and I"ll add that before you go, take time to learn how to use the app and get a mental picture of the parks. It helps to have some semblance of knowing where you are going and how to use the app so you're not spending all your time figuring it out.

This is the answer ^^. This will be the difference between a good time and a mess, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all for the advice. We are doing lightening lane and have reservations at a character dinner, the Italian restaurant, and the belle restaurant. My kids have never done a theme park and we aren’t Disney nuts, so we will do the rides we can. Are any rides “can’t miss” for this age? I noted the cars and buzz lightyear ride and Peter Pan. I also read about Tiana’s ride.

Which cars ride are you referring to? There really isn't a Cars/Lightening McQueen ride that I can think of. Maybe Tomorrowland Speedway? Just curious so you don't end up with any disappointed Cars fans.

Tomorrowland speedway kinda sucks. The line is out in the sun, the ride is out in the sun, and it's slow. I'm sure a car obsessed kid might like it, but for everyone else, pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all for the advice. We are doing lightening lane and have reservations at a character dinner, the Italian restaurant, and the belle restaurant. My kids have never done a theme park and we aren’t Disney nuts, so we will do the rides we can. Are any rides “can’t miss” for this age? I noted the cars and buzz lightyear ride and Peter Pan. I also read about Tiana’s ride.

Which cars ride are you referring to? There really isn't a Cars/Lightening McQueen ride that I can think of. Maybe Tomorrowland Speedway? Just curious so you don't end up with any disappointed Cars fans.

Tomorrowland speedway kinda sucks. The line is out in the sun, the ride is out in the sun, and it's slow. I'm sure a car obsessed kid might like it, but for everyone else, pass.

Yes, sorry that is what I meant! The speedway. I really do not know Disney well.

[Anonymous]

The princesses (if that's your thing) took up way more time than I thought they would. Lines were just as long as ride lines.

[Anonymous]

You should book your LLs asap—they opened 7 days before your first hotel night. We are also going next weekend and already have ours.

For HS, I would prioritize—
Slinky dog dash
Millennium falcon if they are Star Wars fans
Toy Story Midway mania
Mickeys runaway train
(That’s more than you can get but giving you options).
If not—
Frozen ever after (very funny show)

Star Tours which is another Star Wars ride is very fun and they expanded it years ago so the line moves really fast.

For MK—I would not do Tron with those ages, it will be too scary. 7 dwarves is a great ride, might be scary for the little one. I love thunder mountain but my kids think it’s too bouncy. I haven’t been on Tiana yet but I think you will get wet so plan accordingly (maybe ponchos?). Dumbo is great and has a play area in the waiting line. Small world is classic. Pooh and the Peter pan ride are both very popular and tend to have long rides. Haunted mansion, pirates and jungle cruise tend to have long lines due to the movie. Really any of these are valid Lightening Lane picks. I higjly recommend Mickey’s philharmagic when you need a break — it’s a short movie over by the carousel and is so funny. It’s old school 3D. If you can get into monster inc laugh floor, that’s also great — try to think of some corny jokes first as they take audience suggestions so if they pick yours that is fun for the kids. I’m not sure if it’s still open but there is a mark Twain play island (Tom sawyer island I guess) that is closing forever at the end of the year—it might be very crowded with people doing it one last time … but kids of your age might like it.

I’m happy to answer more questions if you have them. We’ve been a million times. I agree with PP that you should bring snacks to eat in line. We’ve also done group games like HeadsUp on our phone while we are waiting in line. Wear the most insanely comfortable shoes you have. It’s gonna be chilly nights this weekend so bring a jacket or hoodie.

[Anonymous]

Hi!!

This height chart really helped us. It stuck to the wall and it cut down on any meltdowns before we went! https://fourlittlestars.com/products/disney-ride-height-and-growth-chart

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi!!

This height chart really helped us. It stuck to the wall and it cut down on any meltdowns before we went! https://fourlittlestars.com/products/disney-ride-height-and-growth-chart

This thread is from December and the OP already took her trip. Where on earth did you dig up this old thread?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The princesses (if that's your thing) took up way more time than I thought they would. Lines were just as long as ride lines.

+1 Also, if you're kids like characters, Magic Kingdom is kind of a disappointment because they don't walk around a lot in our experience. You're better off booking a character meal (which it looks like you've done). Hollywood Studios had more characters walking around and spontaneous picture taking opportunities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The princesses (if that's your thing) took up way more time than I thought they would. Lines were just as long as ride lines.

+1 Also, if you're kids like characters, Magic Kingdom is kind of a disappointment because they don't walk around a lot in our experience. You're better off booking a character meal (which it looks like you've done). Hollywood Studios had more characters walking around and spontaneous picture taking opportunities.

OP took her trip last December.