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Originally Posted by ChickieChicks
Jumping in! We are going for the first time next year.
We have two boys, 5 and 7. Not big character fans at all, so they will be excited to see any of them. Staying at Shades of Green and using the military passes to do a 4-day park hopper. Planning to do two days at Magic Kingdom, one at Animal and one at Hollywood studios. Already booked dinner plans for each night of our stay. Planning to eat small breakfast in our room and pack a portable lunch. Arriving late Mnday night, staying until following Sunday morning, which is rally five full days...four at the parks and one for just hanging at the pool or whatever.
Nt really sure what to do or plan!
The magic height seems to be 44" at Disney. They can pretty much get on most rides if they're that height. For Magic Kingdom, be sure to do Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain. Tomorrowland speedway is boring for adults but would be fun for your boys, so you should probably go there aswell. Also the Haunted Mansion - I'm not a huge fan of this attraction, but it's very neat! There will be meet and greet places for characters all throughout the parks and parades at different times during the day. Also, the firework show 'Wishes' is AMAZING, you need to see that. It's usually at 10pm in front of the castle at Magic Kingdom. Also - remember to go to Monster's Inc Laugh House - it's a hilarious show and worth every minute!
Animal Kingdom is probably my favorite park due to the rides and I'm not an animal person by ANY means. Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl, Expedition Everest, and Kali River Rapids are the must rides. This is not a full day park so if you're exhausted from Day 1 and 2, you can go a few hours late at Animal Kingdom, but just remember that it closes earlier than the other parks. Dress to be soaking wet because Kali River Rapids will get you SOAKED! Hopefully it won't be too cold by the time you go and hopefully you don't go on a day that this ride closes down to be refurbished (Which is from the beginning of Jan. to late Feb., I believe.) You can buy ponchos there, but I suggest you buy your own - they're a lot cheaper. There's also the safari ride where you get to go on a tour and see all different kinds of animals.
As for Hollywood Studios, the most popular attraction there is Tower of Terror. This is a MUST ride. Then there's also star tours and the rock n' roller coaster. Those 3 rides are important. There's also an attraction called 'The Great Movie Ride', but it's not worth it. If you're tired and just want to sit down, this could be an option, but you shouldn't wait too long for this ride.
May I ask why you're not hitting Epcot? There's Soarin', Test Track, Finding Nemo, and Mission Space. Then there's a firework show called 'Illuminations' at night also.
My advice is to REALLY plan and know what you want to do. Grab a map as soon as you walk into the parks. There are cast members EVERYWHERE throughout the parks, so if you're lost, just ask! Put the fast pass system to good use. If you need to hit a ride but see that the wait is too long, grab four pass passes and go do something else. They will tell you when to come back and you can go on the fast line. It's like holding your place in line, while you're elsewhere. There are a lot of things going on at every park, besides the attractions I mentioned.
You will have a wonderful time, trust me. Also, don't forget to ask for '1st Visit' pins for your family once you get there