Unfortunately for schooling families (but awesome for homeschoolers) Disney is best when kids are in school. We had the most fun in the later part of September/October and in early May (Spring break is over but schools are in session).
If you are staying off site, you may still want to find out what the “early open” park is each day for on-siters. You’ll want to visit parks other than the early open park…that’s where all the on-siters will be.
I think the character breakfast at Chef Mickey’s (in the Contemporary) is really good. Schedule far in advance and plan a non-peak time (not between 8 and 9:30) If you go around 10, there are fewer families and the kids will get more character time.
A good place on site for dinner is the Rainforest Cafe at the Animal Kingdom. If you have ever eaten at one of their locations, you know the kids will love it. If not, the site is
www.rainforestcafe.com. The prices are just a smidge more than, say, Ruby Tuesday prices. Not terrible at all after a long day in the Animal Kingdom. You’ll want to make reservations, though. If you’ve never been, during dinner you’ll notice periodic activity from the animated animals. Apes will call, birds will sing, there’ll be the occasional thunderstorm. The food is quite good and some is quite unique. We love the coconut shrimp. They have a dessert called the “Volcano” that is big on presentation (and $). All in all, a good place for dinner.
If you plan multiple visits there, check out the “Ozzie” link in the above website to read about the “Safari Club”. You pay for it one time, but never have to renew. You get 10% off in the restaurant and the gift shop every time. That can add up! You also flash your card for priority seating.
Buy a couple dollar ponchos to keep in your backpack. People willing to brave the rain might find themselves in a relatively empty park.
If you can tell us how old the children are, we can all give our opinions of the best parts of each park. For example, for slightly older children, the side of the Magic Kingdom with Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain is great because they are right next to each other. If you also have toddlers, there is a little play area in the waiting area for Splash Mountain.
We came across a great kid’s meal in Epcot for if they are really hungry. In “The Land” there is a food court. The one with the chicken leg kids meal gave a hefty portion of side dish (for us, the potatoes–awesome yummy). This was great for hungry kids. Being a food court, they didn’t care if adults ordered the kids meal so we all got it and were quite happy with it.
If you have many children, maybe plan a clothing color scheme for each day. This makes spotting them in the mob much easier.
Are you getting two rooms off site? If so, maybe consider one of the “suite” hotels instead. We have stayed at both of these and were pleased with both. Both had transportation to Disney.
www.nickhotel.com has looottts for kids to do which is great, but unnecessary if you are going to be at the parks. The suites are very cute, with a room with little bunk beds and a pull down, a room with a king, and a sofa bed in the living room. This suite costs, though, I think 150-200. Still, in comparison to staying on site, costs less than getting two rooms.
mousesavers.com/buenavistasuites.html this one has a bedroom with two beds and the sofa bed in the living room…sleeps six. Breakfast is free.
I’m sure I’ll think of more. I loooovvee going to WDW. Anyway, here is Gabriel at the Character bfst at Chef Mickey’s.
)
) At least with the two rooms at the value resort, DH and I will each have our own bed…and I’ll get a week off from sleeping with a bed hog, lol…