Heading off to Disney World...any advice?

Lovestoscrapbook
Lovestoscrapbook Posts: 295 Member
edited January 1 in Chit-Chat
Heading off to Disney...flying part of the way and driving part of the way. First trip for me and my kids...looking for advice on things that we should be sure to do as well as ideas for healthy snacks to pack. Starting off with a 9 hour drive so will be packing:
fruit snacks
string cheese
almonds
craisings
apples
sugar snap peas
peanut butter
raisins
cereal in snack sized bags (apple cinammon cheerios...yum)
Crystal light for water

Any other ideas for snacks? Things we should do?
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Replies

  • Lovestoscrapbook
    Lovestoscrapbook Posts: 295 Member
    Typing too fast...meant "craisins"
  • needles85365
    needles85365 Posts: 491 Member
    Have fun, walk lots, and drink your water
  • ktillotson14
    ktillotson14 Posts: 331
    This is the perfect time of year to come to Orlando...our weather has been beautiful!

    I highly recommend getting a fast pass while at the parks if your little ones are impatient...makes for a much better experience (if you don't mind the extra cost).
  • bostongeek
    bostongeek Posts: 80 Member
    Note that at most of the lesser-cost restaurants, you can switch out the fries and get apple slices instead.

    Do EVERYTHING. I love Disneyworld. :)
  • NormalSaneFLGuy
    NormalSaneFLGuy Posts: 1,344 Member
    Our weather is awesome today. A bit windy, but awesome.

    When you say things to do, do you mean inside Disney or in Orlando area? If you mean in Orlando area, do EPCOT for sure. That can be a whole day event. I love EPCOT. So much to see there and it's so well done.

    Also, try to eat before and after you go to the parks. Their prices are insane - especially if you got all your kids with you.

    Depending on the age of your kids, you could also check out Lego Land. I've never been, but hear good things.

    If you're unfamiliar with the stores, Publix is our major grocery store chain - but the food is usually cheaper at super-target. I say that in case you want to restock on snacks at a grocery store. I remember when I first moved to FL, I didn't realize Publix was a grocery store so it took a while to figure out where to get food.
  • joveen86
    joveen86 Posts: 121 Member
    California Adventure and Indiana jones rides. Wohoooooooooo... Take me Take meeeeeeeeeee pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease.. Oh so many rides come to mind. And get a turkey leg. lol..
  • ktillotson14
    ktillotson14 Posts: 331


    If you're unfamiliar with the stores, Publix is our major grocery store chain - but the food is usually cheaper at super-target. I say that in case you want to restock on snacks at a grocery store. I remember when I first moved to FL, I didn't realize Publix was a grocery store so it took a while to figure out where to get food.

    Lol this made me laugh for some reason
  • Contrarian
    Contrarian Posts: 8,138 Member
    Go on the teacup ride.
  • ktillotson14
    ktillotson14 Posts: 331
    Lego Land is great depending on your children's ages. It's geared more toward younger kids.
  • NormalSaneFLGuy
    NormalSaneFLGuy Posts: 1,344 Member


    If you're unfamiliar with the stores, Publix is our major grocery store chain - but the food is usually cheaper at super-target. I say that in case you want to restock on snacks at a grocery store. I remember when I first moved to FL, I didn't realize Publix was a grocery store so it took a while to figure out where to get food.

    Lol this made me laugh for some reason

    There's a software comany by the same name. I figured that the place was one of their offices. Also, from where I moved, there were no super targets, so I didn't realize they sold food either. The only place I even knew of was walmart, but it was in a crappy area. I was living out of a hotel at the time and my computer was out of state, so I had to figure it all out by word of mouth. Don't hate. =P
  • ElizaRoche
    ElizaRoche Posts: 2,005 Member
    I might go to Disney this month (or next one... hopefully october to see all the halloween deco), and I never have a problem with the food there.. I never get hungry, when friends or relatives wanna sit down to eat im like ´come onnnnnn, im not hungry, lets go here, lets go there we are wasting timeeee´ :sad:
    hahaha I rarely eat.. the only thing I can miss is my cinnamon churro at night, mmmmmm
  • RobynMWilson
    RobynMWilson Posts: 1,540 Member
    There are plenty of healthy choices there, as well, especially if you're staying at a Disney resort. I stayed at Carribean Beach and there were a ton of healthy sandwich and breakfasts available. And allow a splurge one or 2 nights for dinner. It's not everyday you're lucky enough togo to Disney! Have fun!
  • blueeylb
    blueeylb Posts: 297 Member
    check out your options dont grab the first thing you see ...but, try new things that you dont have everyday also HAVE FUN!!!
  • ktillotson14
    ktillotson14 Posts: 331
    @normal- Well aren't you glad you discovered Publix? I refuse to shop anywhere else...I'm a dedicated patron :)

    When did you move here?
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    There's a grocery store within walking distance of Downtown Disney so you can get there without a car if necessary for anything you might want to pick up in Orlando. Our usual when we go is to keep some stuff in the hotel room fridge and we go back to the room midday because it's too much to spend all day at the parks without a break.
  • Spokez70
    Spokez70 Posts: 548 Member
    http://www.disboards.com/ <---- endless advice on all things Disney
  • bahlquist
    bahlquist Posts: 93
    lots of water and get the fast pass for rides saves a ton of time less waiting in long lines!
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    Also, depending on how old your kids are (older ones appreciate food more than younger) and your budget, I once ate at a restaurant by the Boardwalk Hotel (the Captain's something or other, I can't remember) that had some of the best food I've ever eaten. It takes a lot to impress me and they really did. Dinner and dessert were AMAZING. But it was really expensive (I wasn't paying! lol).
  • XXXMinnieXXX
    XXXMinnieXXX Posts: 3,459 Member
    First holiday with your kids? To dizney? Just enjoy yourself honey! X
  • atxdee
    atxdee Posts: 613 Member
    try to get the fast passes ahead of time, sux to be in those 45min to 1hr lines
  • magj0y
    magj0y Posts: 1,911 Member
    If your kids agree on one type of drink, by the large souvenir cup to refil it. Eat before you go.

    If you're going multiple days, don't try and do it all in one day.

    Study the maps so you can route the most efficient path. If you're not big on parades try and gtf outta dodge before it starts or you will have a hard time just getting out of the park

    Take a picture with your cell phone of each kid just in case you get separated. Easier to communicate what each kid looks like.
    Bright shirt, all same color. Sounds corny.. I thought it was until i took my own kids.

    Take advantage of the mini parades to take a break
  • StephanieEmpson
    StephanieEmpson Posts: 170
    Have a BLAST!!! Becareful, but don't obsess. Back to the grindstone upon return!!
  • SuperSexyDork
    SuperSexyDork Posts: 1,669 Member
    If you have any kids that are younger you're going to want to bring a stroller or rent one at the park. You walk soooo much. Even my 5 year old had to use the stroller when we went earlier this year.

    Also, depending on how long you're staying, you should really try to make a day in the middle of the week one to relax in. We bought the 5 day access passes and the water parks are included in those but don't count against your days. So, we took one day to just relax around the waterpark and it was really nice.

    I also bought a two gallon insulated jug for water with a shoulder strap to carry it by. Every night I froze the bottom half of it and in the morning before we left I filled the rest of it with water. Everyone had reusable bottles that I refilled from the larger jug. It saved us a ton of money as they charge an outrageous amount of money even for bottled water.
  • jnchorn
    jnchorn Posts: 250 Member
    Are you staying at a Disneyworld Resort? They actually have pretty decent food and I would recommend eatting there before after the park. Also, you can get into the park early if you stay there and I would take full advantage of that. I'm not sure how many days you are staying, but if you have a lot of time give the kids some downtime one day. Take them to the pool or movies or something like that. Let them rest up, they will be less cranky. :) I have lived in FL for 4 years and sadly moved this summer. I have been to WDW a few dozen times. if you have a daughter, I would recommend Cinderella's Castle for dinner, but you will need to make a reservation ASAP since it books up. They also have Bibbibty Bobbity Boutique which will dress up a little girl head to toe in her favorite princess attire. They look so darn cute, makes me wish I had a girl. Your snacks sounds good, make sure to drink plenty of water. I have always enjoyed the character breakfasts Disney offers. You can make a reservation well before the park even opens and you will be satisfied for hours. :) Lastly, have a blast enjoy every moment and can I PLEASE come with you. :) hahaha

    Charity
  • CincinnatiDEIFan
    CincinnatiDEIFan Posts: 188 Member
    It is winnnnndy today (Im on the east coast of FL though).

    If you need to restock snacks find a Super Target. Unless I have coupons, I have found Publix to be expensive. I only go there if I have coupons for things, or am craving Skyline Chili or Graeter's Ice Cream from home (Cincinnati).

    :-)

    Always eat before you go. Always. Much cheaper and less temptation to grab a snack here, then another one there and so on.

    I say skip the park a day altogether and head 40 minutes east and enjoy the beach/ocean....but that is me...my kids vacationed several times a year in FL until we moved here in June and STILL have not been to ANYTHING Disney/Universal! LOL.
  • redhousecat
    redhousecat Posts: 584 Member
    booze?
  • dcmitchell01
    dcmitchell01 Posts: 76 Member
    We LOVE disney!! There are lots of fruit and veggie choices. Have a great time!!! This time of year is the lower crowd season, so it's a great time to go! Not sute how old your kids are but, I agree that on the longer lines, the fast pass is the way to go. There is no cost, it's part of your park ticket, somewhere near the entrance of certain rides you'll see the fast pass machines, and there are always Castmembers (people who work for disney) there to assist. Also, spend some time meandering through the streets at the world showcase at Epcot, sometimes you'll stumble upon little suprises that you might not have other wise known was there. There's a quiet garden area in the UK section, where you just might find Alice and the White rabbit, and in China, you might find Mulan a little but "off the beaten path."
  • SuperSexyDork
    SuperSexyDork Posts: 1,669 Member
    Oh and also, don't obsess about your food intake. At first, I decided to set my goal at maintenance but logging everything as I was eating it got in the way of spending that time with my family so halfway through the week, I decided with all of the activity I was doing, it would offset it enough and it really did.
  • magj0y
    magj0y Posts: 1,911 Member
    If you are staying at the resort, take advantage of getting their early, so there is time to sneak out for lunch/snack. Early, it's easier to get pics in front of Cinderella's castle. Mickey and miniie are at the very back of the resort most of the time for pics $$.

    So if you see a chance for a pose, take advantage of it! The characters are only out there for 15 mins at a time, so keep an eye out. And

    They don't talk!
  • lamoursuffit
    lamoursuffit Posts: 267 Member
    -No jeans if you plan on going on water rides (chafing, ouch!!!)

    -Don't touch the handrails. If you must, carry like a gallon of hand sani.

    -Watch the bees, especially if you or your children are allergic. They are everywhere.

    -You have to have to have to take them to the castle if you have a little girl--or hell, even just for you! :)

    -Just because it's "outside Disney" does not mean it isn't owned by Disney. They own most of the area surrounding as well, which means higher prices there, too.

    -Some places you can buy a refillable cup and refill it for free at any stand of theirs. It's a good deal if you get tired of water.

    -Sunscreen. For the love of God, sunscreen.

    -Space Mountain is a MUST, but depending on the height of your children they may not be able to go on.

    -If they are young, take tons of pictures, because they won't remember it when they are older.

    -At EPCOT if you are really cheap like me, they have a place that I think is called Club Cool or something, free soda samples :glasses:

    -Rock and Rollercoaster HURTS. It bangs your head around and is not a fun experience. I would not recommend it.
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