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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]For two adults and a 4 year old boy.  Both adults have been before, but it's been a while and I know a lot has changed.  Four year old has never been.  A couple of questions:

1.  Best time to go (a.k.a least crowded/least expensive):  We were looking at either Veterans Day week, Thanksgiving, or the week of Martin Luther King Day in January.  Any other times slow?  We're trying to take advantage of our son's last year in preschool and not having to work around the set elementary school break schedule.  Summer is also out, since we seem to suffer from the heat in the DC area alone, let alone Florida.

2.  Where did you stay?  We would prefer to stay on property at WDW (don't plan on renting a car).  Depending on what kind of deals are available, we'd like to keep the cost to under $300/night.  Given my son's age, I'm guessing the Magic Kingdom would be the major draw, but also realize that the hotels closest to it are also the most expensive.  Would like something that embraces the Disney atmosphere for my son's benefit so he can feel the "magic".  Nothing too "deluxe", but not bottom rung, either.

3.  Speaking of MK, what other parks are recommended for this age for a boy?  I loved Epcot, but don't know if there is much there for him to enjoy, which is a bummer.  Is the Animal Kingdom worth it?  What about Hollywood Studios?  I heard there is a Disney Jr. focus there, which I think he'd like.

A lot, I know.  Thanks in advance![/quote]

1.  Veterans Day will be less crowded than the week of MLK and both will be exponentially less crowded than Thanksgiving week. Thanksgiving is a zoo, and only a little less crowded than Christmas, Easter or the week of the 4th of July. I would NOT go during Thanksgiving.

2. I have stayed at delxue resorts on property for less than $300 a night by getting the room on-sale.  If you are going during the week of Veteran's Day or another "off season date", you can find most hotels in the moderate to value range for less than $300 at the rack rates. You can see rack rates at this website: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/disney-rates-2015.htm#moderate

Watch the special offers, though, because they frequently offer hotel rooms for 25-50% off for off season dates. (Veteran's Day week is off season.) Lots of websites keep track of the discounts but my favorite list of discounts is the one that Mouse Misers keeps: http://www.mousemisers.com/

Choice of hotel is up to you, but check out the value resorts. I stay at them by preference with littler kids. The theming is over-the-top, which they love, the pools are okay, and we don't spend a ton of time in the hotel room anyway.

3. At that age, my kids adored Epcot and Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. They liked them MORE than the Magic Kingdom.  At Epcot, there are lots of gentle rides that a kid can enjoy. The rides in the World Pavilions are all suitable for that age, as is Spaceship Earth, and the Land ride, and Soarin', and the Nemo ride in the Seas, and Journey into Imagination. The Phineas and Ferb game is a blast for adults and kids.  The street shows are awesome. There's lots of stuff to look at when you walk around.

At Hollywood Studios, he will enjoy the Disney Playhouse Jr. show, the Toy Story ride, the Indiana Jones show, the Muppet 3D show, the Jedi Training Academy, and maybe the Star Wars ride.

At Animals Kindgom, the Lion King show and the Nemo show are incredible. My kids like the Jungle Jammin parade. You can get really close and it's easy to get a good spot for it. The safari ride is awesome. The animal walk-throughs are awesome.

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