Any recommendations for things NOT to miss during a DisneyWorld trip with our 6 year old son?

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boi1985c

There is so much really.

My #1 tip for all parents is to remember that this trip is for your child! It can be stressful if you let it get that way but if you always just take a step back and not try to rush all will be good. If your child needs to go back to the hotel room and take a nap at noon do it! The worst thing is to see parents pushing their young children around the park to get everything done and it ends up being more work than fun. because you got up at 7:30 to get there and you are going to be staying until midnight.

With that being said here is my rundown. I have been to Disney 28 times and am currently a cast member so that is where my experience is coming from. My first trip was when I was 2 and I have been at least once a year ever since.

Overall Tips:
*I would say do a character breakfast my recommendation would be the one at the Contemporary Resort called Chef Mickey's it has all the basic characters, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto this way you get to see them without waiting in a line at the parks. You also get individual time so your not rushed with 100 people standing in line behind you to do the same thing. This is also excellent for your child because it is a less stressful environment and no line time so they don't get impatient.

*Get up early! If you are going to be staying on Disney Property there is a park that opens early and a park that stays open late every day. Whichever park opens early that day is the park you should go to. Only Disney Resort Guests are allowed to take advantage of this and it can really help you make sure you don't miss any rides. Get up and be in line at the gates for the opening. You don't have to be standing there for an hour waiting for the park to open just make sure you are at the bus stop at your resort at about 30 minutes prior to the park opening this should allow adequate travel time. Even if you are not going to a park that is opening early still make sure you are there in line before it opens. They do really cute little shows to open the park that all ends with a big count down,5.4.3.2.1, really fun for the kids! With a child of 6 you are not going to be going to any big roller coaster really popular lines probably so you won't have to worry to much about where to actually go first but if you get there early you will get to ride at least 3-4 rides before you start to see any kind of lines! If you wake up and don't get there till 10 or 12 you have missed out on VERY VALUABLE TIME!

*Learn the FAST PASS SYSTEM! It is VERY SIMPLE! Most people make it seem much harder than it really is. The park maps are marked with which rides have a fast pass system. You simply go to the ride and you will see a sign that says Fast Pass Distribution then it will list two times (example: 1:45pm-2:45pm) This means if you get a Fast Pass right now you will have to come back between 1:45pm and 2:45pm and get on the ride. You simply walk up to the machine and insert your park tickets. It will print you out a fast pass to keep. If you have ANY questions ask a Cast Member there is always at least one posted at the fast pass distribution center. These passes are GREAT and they really help you get a lot done without having to wait in line too much which is also a really big plus with young children.

*You also might want to check out the shows if your think your child would enjoy them. Some kids do some kids just don't like to sit still, lol. They are all fantastic shows and parades. The worst part about parades are having to sit in the hot sun. The night parade at Magic Kindom is great though and a good way to calm down after a long day at the park! Deffinately a do not miss followed by Wishes the fireworks display.

These are the rides I normally get a FastPass:

Magic Kingdom:
Peter Pan's Flight (kiddy ride but my fav)
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Railroad

Epcot:
Soarin (AMAZING)
Test Track

Animal Kingdom
Expedition Everest! (MOST AMAZING COASTER EVER)
Kilamanjaro Safari's (I might just be your Safari Guide :-)
Dinosaur

Disney's Hollywood (MGM) Studios:
Tower of Terror
Rockin Roller Coaster

*Club Cool is Epcot is a great place to get a FREE DRINK! As you enter the park viear to the RIGHT of the large fountain and you will see it on your right. It is sponsored by Coca-Cola and you can get FREE DRINKS of Coke products from around the world! The Beverly is the most interesting but TAKE A VERY SMALL SIP! It is the MOST BITTER thing you will ever taste! Great way to stay cool though most of them taste very good and a FREE DRINK IN JULY, you can't beat it!

Have a wonderful time with your son!

Have a Magical Day!

Kimberly A

It isn't just the attractions but the parades and the shows.

I personally was in the parades when I worked there and to see the faces and expressions on younger kids faces is priceless.

Check out Year of A Million Dreams Parade at 3 in Magic Kingdom. Get there about 15 minutes in advanced and get ready for lots of fun.
Also try Spectromagic. That was my personal favorite to perform in. The lights and the music really is a classic and sparks the imagination in children of all ages.

Above and beyond that...check out the new Finding Nemo The Musical! check out show times the day you get into the parks.

As for the rides, most of the attractions in Tomorrowland and Fantasy land are Kid okay-proof :) As you get into the other end of the park, there are rides that may not be so suitable for kids that age. I loved Thunder Rail Road at 5 but that was me. Some may find it too scary.

Check out www.wdwmagic.com or www.disneyworld.com

Also for another great idea, go online and order your free dvd and that normally comes in within 2 weeks. Have fun! If you have any other questions message me

Bamabrat

Buzz Lightyear
Monsters, Inc. Comedy Show
Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Philharmagic

ojdchickk804

well ok. i live here. and my cousin is around his age. the Pirates Of The Carribean may be a bit intense. i recommend the old classic teacups and the magic carpet. also, peter pan is always good. if your son is more risky and likes scaryier things, id say space mountain, thundermountain, etc. (of course if hes tall enough.) also Soarin at Epcot (which isnt neccessarily a kids park, more adult.) is really fun. then at MGM they have fun shows and the Finding Nemo show is at Animal kingdom. just ask him what sounds best and make a plan before you get there so you know what you wanna do and you arent overwhelmed :)

itchianna

Wow this list would be a huge one, but I will try my best. Six is a great age, just enough wonder left for it all to be amazing.

All things at Magic Kingdom: rides, shows, parades, fireworks. But favorites for this age are: Tom Sawyer's Island going through the caves can be a blast. Same with the Swiss Family Robinson Tree house. Character Meals there are a blast: Crystal Palace, Liberty Tree Tavern, and near by at the Contemporary is Chef Mickeys, equally fun is 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian. Both accessible by Monorail. When you ride do not forget to go up front and ask to ride with the conductor. Do not forget Mickey's house in Toon Town and the Judges Tent has lots of characters.

Disney Hollywood Studios: all the shows are great, and Fantasmic is a must. Many of the rides will have height requirements so check those carefully on the map as you enter. Characters are aplenty in all parks, but they are easier to find in this park. The parade in this park is worth a front row seat on the curve, show up early.

Epcot: The World Expo will bore him, but parents will love this. For him the must are in the Land and in the Sea. Turtle Talk with crush, Nemo, Soaring, even Test Track will be great. Do not miss out on Honey, We Shrunk the Audience it is so fun, and a bit scary. Characters are easy to find in this park also. Look for the double decker bus.

Animal Kingdom: all the shows, Bugs Life is my Favorite.
The rides are great, but do not miss out on Kali River Ride.

Check out the character meals in all the parks and Resorts, they are so great. If you investigate the resturants of choice you can prearrange meals 180 days before arrival. This takes out a lot of the frustration.

Enjoy the Magic

honeebee86

Ok, having been to Disney World 10+ times in the past 3 years, I can help you with this one. Remember, it is not all about rides, there are some great shows and places to dine that really make a Disney Vacation magical. Also, give http://www.allears.net a try to look at menus and info on the parks. Also, remember to make dining reservations asap! I'll break it down by parks.

Magic Kingdom:
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Space Mountain
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Check out Toontown for great Character meet 'n greets
Mad Tea Party
Mickey's PhilharMagic (you will love it!)
Peter Pan's Flight
Haunted Mansion
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Splash Mountain
Tom Sawyer Island
Jungle Cruise
Pirates of the Caribbean
Wishes (fireworks that you cannot miss!)
Afternoon Parade

Places to eat:
Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern (character meal)
Crystal Palace for Breakfast (winnie the pooh and friends)
Cinderella's Royal Table (eat inside the Castle)

Epcot:
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush
Living with the Land
Soarin' (not to be missed no matter what!)
Honey I Shrunk the Audience
Test Track
check out the countries in World Showcase
Chinese Legend Acrobats in China
Illuminations:Reflections of Earth (fireworks)

Place to Eat:
Graden Grill (characters)
Coral Reef

Disney's Hollywood Studios (MGM):
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show!
The Magic of Disney Animation
Muppet Vision 3D
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith
Star Tours
Studios Backlot Tour
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Fantasmic (nighttime show)
Afternoon Parade
Toy Story Mania (if open when you go)

Places to eat:
'50s Prime Time Cafe
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre
Toy Story Pizza Planet

Animal Kingdom:
The Boneyard
Dinosaur (might be too intense)
Discovery Island Trails
Expedition Everest
Festival of the Lion King (the best show!)
Finding Nemo: The Musical
Flights of Wonder (please do not miss this)
It's Tough to Be a Bug
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris (get there first thing in the morning!)
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Primeval Whirl
The Tree of Life
Afternoon parade
Ask if Divine is there!

Places to eat:
Flame Tree BBQ
Pizzafari

Lana

The fireworks at night at Magic Kingdom are amazing. They also have a really neat parade at night with all the Disney characters at Magic Kingdom.

www.plan-a-magical-vacation.com

MK: Buzz Lightyear, Monsters, Philharmagic, Big Thunder Mountain, Wishes

Epcot: Turtle Talk, Illuminations, Soarin, Live Entertainment

Studios: Stunt Show, Indiana Jones Show, Fantasmic

AK: Nemo Show

revolution skies

Yes, EVERYTHING.
don't miss anything, because Disney World is the best place in the world, its incredible, and I still think like this, being 16 and living in Orlando, its become my home, and Im proud of it.
It's the home of manyyyy memories, so make it good.
Let him choose whatever he wants to do there(reasonably), and let the whole experience be an adventure.

Have fun ! (:

Crystal P

Disney's Hollywood (MGM) Studios: has a new ride opening, based On toy Story, its a 3d adventure. It Looks like its going to be a lot of fun. It opens soon. I can't wait to try it out.

savvy_shopper

Buzz Lightyear!!!
This ride is awesome for boys or girls who love video games.

Emma

If you can take a side trip to Green Meadows Petting Farm I would highly suggest it. My son is 5 and LOVES it so much. Takes about 3 hours and is about $20 per person for adults. The kids can milk a cow, hold baby chicks and ducks, chase and catch chickens, feed goats, have a pony ride, also train ride and hay ride is included.

Lizzie T

I personally think that no one should miss Spaceship Earth. This is my favorite ride. Spaceship Earth is the ride that is inside of the Huge Golf Ball at Epcot. Now you even get to make your own virtual future.

Try not to miss anything that you want to do. Some rides, but not all, will be a little intense for a 6 year old but most won't.

Make sure that you have a chance to go around World Showcase in Epcot. They have Kid Kot Fun Stops for your kid that her will enjoy!

Most of all remember to NOT miss the magic and wonder that is Disney! Remember the Magic!!

kapn

Don't miss out on taking your wallet..........expensive.........

Stuck in the middle of nowhere

A bank machine

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