Disney World?
 

Hey all we are headed to Disney and wondered if you guys could shed a bit of light.

We are staying at the Hilton and will have 3 full days to play. We are taking our very active 2 yo along so if you have experience with the area fire away.

Also we are going to be taking a sedan from the airport. If you have recommendations for services please let me know.

I suggest buying the Unofficial Guide to WDW. They have a touring plan that's geared to small children along with a lot of other useful info.

If you don't bring your own stroller, definitely rent one on the property. By the end of the day you'll want to ride in it http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

Do the Magic Kindom last...things like Epcot first.

Take or rent a stroller every day.

Take a cell phone and write the phone number on the child's arm.

Reserve dinner at a night Disney restaurant at least one day. They are suitable for young children [do this now...you can always cancel]. I suggest Citrico's at the Grand Floridian on the monorail.

I suggest an afternoon nap for you and the children every day.

Thanks guys I'm curious if you think the Embassy Suite LBV (2 rooms) might be better than the Hilton. Im diamond but there isnt any sure thing when it comes to upgrades.

I appreciate your input on things to do. I only wish our daughter would ride in a stroller http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif Active little thing she is.

I can safely that I am a Disney with kids veteran having taken 10 or 12 trips with kids in the last 9 years. Your daughter may want a stroller after an hour or two. Or if you have a big REI/Kelty backpack for her, you might consider taking that.

By sedan, did you mean that you are taking a limo? We always use Tiffany Towncar. We've been really pleased with them.

Check out www.wdwig.com for endless amounts of Disney information including what characters are at what meals when. The character meals do keep kids entertained, allowing grownups to have a more leisurely meal.

Thanks I will reserve a car from Tiffany. You know that being from Seattle we do have the REI backpack of course http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif I will bring it as well.

Anyone stayed at the Hilton recently?

We've lost count of the number of times we've been to Disney in the past 20+ years, so I can reinforce a couple of the other tips and add a few of my own:

- The Unofficial Guide is an excellent reference. Look for an older copy at a greatly discounted price - not that much will have changed. Otherwise it's a pricey book.

- Shuttles to the park are an issue at the two hotels you are comparing. Shuttle service at the Hilton is provided by Disney, just as if you were a guest at one of their on-site hotels. As a result they run almost continuously. The ES LBV OTOH http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...um/biggrin.gif has set times for their shuttles - they hand you a list at check-in. There are far fewer and they run at set times, making you a slave to their schedule. This can be an issue if you need to return to your hotel because you forgot something, want to have a meal outside the part or take an afternoon swim, returning for dinner in the evening.

- Whatever park you go to, by all means make a dinner reservation. My family took me to Alfredo's in Epcot for my birthday last Saturday, reserving early that morning. Good thing - the place was packed and the standby wait exceeded two hours. All Disney restaurants have children's menus, usually themed to the adult menu. You didn't mention the ages of your children, but if they're small and you're looking for entertainment value, the Japanese restaurant in Epcot can't be beat. The revolving restaurant (frequently renamed) in The Land pavilion is very family-oriented; "Mom's Primetime Diner" or something like that in MGM Studios is also high on our list for repeat visits - huge portions and very entertaining. The are also 2 Rainforest Cafes - one in Animal Kingdom and the other in DT Disney, along with one of the better Planet Hollywoods in the chain.

- Take lots of sunscreen and water. Both are very expensive in the parks.

Please don't hesitate to ask more questions or email if you wish.