Disney World Question!!! :)

Plan, plan and plan!! Make dinner reservations as early as possible. Call them a lot and ask questions. But the book, the Unofficial Guide to Disney World with Kids - the best book out there. Book a dinner and fireworks show in tandem - so worth it. There is more to tell you than i have time to type.

You're gonna love it!

BTW - I had an Ariel bathing suit in my bag and stuck it on the bed when we arrived with a note from Ariel saying meet me in the pool! The look on my daughter's face made my husband cry! I also bought a few Disney pens and note pads from the dollar store and had them in the room for her to use. She was none the wiser that I paid a dollar rather than 5 or 6 from the gift shop.

One of my friends just came back from Disney. After everything had been booked she put a large box on the doorstep that looked like UPS dropped it off. It was addressed to her daughter. When her daughter opened the box there was a Mickey Mouse balloon inside with a note on the ribbon that said "You are going to Disney"

How about getting her a rolling suitcase (with the extendable handle)? She'll have her own carry-on bag. Give her her own refillable stainless steel water bottle (you can get a Disney-themed one on line or from the Disney store, or one with her name on it from LL Bean) - you can't take filled water bottles through security, and airport purchases after security are SO expensive. Get one with a loop or hook (or buy a carabiner) so it can be hooked to her backpack. You can fill them everywhere and that's so much easier than waiting in line for purchased drinks at the park.

Check the travel section of the supermarket for little bottles of shampoo and mini tubes of toothpaste or a travel size mini toothbrush. Those are fun. Or, buy a set of small 3 ounce bottles from any department store or a place like Bed Bath and Beyond for her own products. Don't get into the security reasons for 3 ounces of less - just that we don't travel with a ton of stuff. You could consider a neck pillow too - she may be too excited to sleep on the plane but it's good during other travel times - in the car on the way back to the hotel or rental house, etc.

You can take your own food onto the plane and into the park, so how about one of those sectioned plastic lunch containers for sorting food & snacks. I'm sure you'll want to get meals at the park, but a pack of snacks is a lifesaver while waiting in lines! You can also take some things in ziploc bags and refill as you go.

I've seen a lot of kids with those autograph books for when they meet a character - depending on how she feels about the characters, it can be fun. It can also be a big crowd to wait in instead of going on rides too, but it's a possible gift. And take pictures!!!

You might feel more secure if you have an ID bracelet made for her - I'm sure they have kid safety ones, but we all have Road ID ones for the runners in our family - anyway, you can print the child's name, the parents' cell phone numbers, any medical or allergy info, etc., in case she gets lost. You don't need to give her that as a gift, but it's a good purchase.

Some small hand-held games for the plane, for the waiting (airport, park) and the hotel are just great. Go to the "travel games" section of any big toy store - they have everything from Yahtzee to Travel Bingo to Connect 4. We traveled when our son was little with a non-electronic Connect 4 game - great for when devices have to be turned off. I'm sure you have, or can get, some cell phone game apps appropriate for her, but you'll want something for when the cell phones have to be turned off or for when batteries are running low.

I agree with you about not surprising her on the day of the trip! Too much anxiety for all! Give her time to ask questions. Get a book about air travel from the library, and help select the attractions at the park(s) that you will visit. Please understand that you cannot visit every ride! And recognize that there is a TON of walking so plan on really excellent walking shoes/sneakers for everyone. You'll see older kids in strollers too - don't be afraid of that. And think about leaving mid-afternoon and going back to the hotel for some pool time. It's okay to not have every minute in the park.

One trick I've seen in the "unofficial" guides and which worked well for us is to enter the park of your choice (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, etc.) and go directly to the REAR of the park. I know, I know - you'll have to walk through and past so many cool things. But the crowds are all at the entrance and moving toward the back. Do the opposite. Moreover, when everyone is cranky and tired, you'll have worked your way back to the exit/entrance and will be able to leave without trudging all the way across the park.

Be aware that some rides have height requirements and some are intense or scary. Take some video tours or look at pictures in the guidebooks with her, and let her know ahead of time which attractions are off the table. She can pick from what's left - and there is plenty. You can help her make a priority list (that's a good airplane activity too) and then sit with a park map and some removable stickers to plan a route. It's actually educational to teach map-reading skills (no matter how basic) and you'll have a rudimentary plan of attack.

Also plan some sit-down activities at the parks for aching feet - snack time, longer rides, just sitting on the grass or a bench. Help her set a budget for snacks and for souvenirs too. No souvenirs until the 2nd day at least, and only on the way home so you don't have to carry everything around all day.

If you think she's nervous about the flight, go ahead and plan a trip to the airport first, just to look around. Show her the security lines and explain that you have to stay together, show her baggage claim so she understands what happens to the suitcases vs. the carry-ons, etc.

And of course, take gum or something chewable on the plane for ear pressure. If you've gone into the mountains in Maine and she's felt her ears pop, that's a good start. The plane engine is noisy too, so a set of earplugs can be helpful. Also talk about the fun of people-watching and actually talking to strangers in a safe way so it's not all about having her nose in a game. We took small sized puzzle books with word matches or mazes, that sort of thing - then you and she can play together. Take some mechanical pencils with erasers so you aren't worrying about finding a sharpener. Be careful with markers - if the caps come off and get all over your other stuff, that's a pain.

If you are staying in a hotel, get a small refrigerator for things like fruit and yogurt and string cheese. Take some plastic silverware. After you arrive, buy a paring knife (which you will leave behind and not try to take on the plane) and a small bottle of dish detergent for washing your plastic containers out. Get an extra towel or 2 from housekeeping to use as a "dish drainer".

Take a couple of packets of travel woolite or something similar for rinsing out bathing suits (if there's a hotel pool), and maybe a travel clothesline (some hotels have them, some don't). And public bathrooms often have really awful toilet paper, so get a few of those travel wipes (I think Cottonelle makes some) - she'll feel cleaner!

Have her put a change of underwear and a clean shirt in her own carry-on suitcase. You don't want her to freak out about lost luggage in advance, but you really don't want her to panic if it happens. Remind her she's in the US and there are stores and drug stores and restaurants there, just like at home!

Hope you have a great time - we had several wonderful trips with our son and my step kids. Great memories.

This brings back such good memories for me! We took our kids to Disneyworld when my son was 6 (he's 17 now, so it was quite a while ago). He was SO into Disney movies at the time. We actually didn't tell him where we were going at all, just that we were going on an airplane trip. He'd been on airplanes a ton of times by then, so that wasn't a big deal. But the look on his face as we drove closer to the big Disneyworld banner sign thingie before you get there WAS a big deal! He was SO surprised and happy. "Wait, we're going now? Right now? RIGHT NOW? To DISNEY? ??!!!NOW!!!???" Keeping that trip a secret was SO difficult, but we knew he'd have a hard time with the anticipation of such a trip so we really couldn't tell him in advance (he's on the Autism spectrum, so we had to take that into consideration). Surprising him was worth it. He was thrilled.

If your child is the type who likes to be surprised, do it. The toughest part will be keeping it a secret for so long. You know your child best...present it in the way that'll bring the greatest amount of joy. What a treat for you all!!

I'm going in November too!!! So I don't have first hand tips yet, but I've been asking around.

A tip I heard that sounds good is to go to the dollar store and buy a pack or two of glow necklaces and bracelets. Apparently they sell them for a fortune during the light parade, and if you have a bunch with you from the dollar store, you can pull them out and fit right in without spending a ton of $$ on them.

As far as the surprise goes, you can do it as late and right before you get in the car to go to the airport. We surprised our kids with a cruise two Christmases ago and it was FABULOUS!!!

They each got a new piece of luggage, carry-on size. In that we put things they would need for the cruise: bathing suit, sunglasses, formal outfit for dinner, etc. At the bottom I had made an itinerary with lots of pictures for them. Once they realized what we were doing they were over the moon. We left 9 days later.

I have friends who took their kids on Christmas day and they filled a box with balloons that they had written on. So when the kids opened the box all of these Disney World balloons came out.

Another friend just surprised her two with a spring break trip there. They did a scavenger hunt through the house and the end was their new t-shirts for Disney World.

Lots of creative ideas...but most people told their kids within a week of leaving at most. We have taken to surprising our kids with a trip every Christmas and the last two they had 2 days notice.

For the plan brings things for her to do. If she doesn't sleep (mine always do) she will be bored. So books, crosswords, iPad, DVD, etc...whatever she uses to stay entertained. I also brought my kids cups with lids at that point so their drinks didn't spill.

As far as Disney, just be prepared to be flexible and have fun!!! I think November will be nicer weather wise...but that's just my vote.

You can surprise her in a number of ways, but first make sure the reservations are made and the airline tickets are purchased so there won't be a big disappointment. If you are staying at one of the Disney resorts, you can book tickets for dining with the characters, so the earlier the better. You could buy her a Disney themed rolling suitcase or a backpack and fill it with things she might use - character tshirts, an autograph book, sunglasses. You could buy a Mickey calendar and count the days backward from the day of departure so she knows how many days to go. You and your family could get matching Disney shirts and wear them and let her open hers in a gift box. Get the Disney video (can be ordered free from WDW) and get some ideas of what you want to do. Check out the Disney calendar -- find out when Christmas decorations will go up and be taken down and see if you can go during that time. Have fun!

I agree tell her but I would wait until your parents have paid for the tickets. Don't tell her till it is a for sure thing. I would get one of those books that tells all about disney. And one of my kids favorite things was an autograph book. we had the characters sign every other page and we took a photo of them with the character. then taped the photo on the page next to the autograph. they loved them. You can make reservations for cinderellas castle to eat for her birthday. my kids loved that even the boys
as far as the plane goes. bring a laptop or kindle , ipad type thing to watch a video and don't forget ear phones so she can watch without anyone complaining about noise.

We've stayed both on and off Disney property and I have to say that I preferred staying off property simply to have access to a car. It was much quicker to get around the park with a car. If you don't have a car, you have to wait for the shuttles which take FOREVER to get on because they load all of the people riding on the motorized scooters first. You'll see what I mean when you get there. Also, if you get the meal plan, plan on eating more french fries than you ever have in your life. Check out Disboards for lots of tips about managing Disney. It's either something you love, or love to hate.

I would go in Nov. Stand a better chance of warmer weather. Have been there in January when it was 30 degrees. Not fun. Get Birnbaums Unofficial Guide to WDW. If you go early Nov keep your eyes open for the free dining! It is usually offered in the fall. Not sure if dates. It would save a fortune.

Congratulations! That sounds wonderful. What great parents you have!

I would tell her when things are booked. Anticipation is at least half of the fun. Give her a calendar and mark off the weeks until the trip. Read a few of the Disney World books with her. Ask her what she wants to see. It might surprise you and it might help you to not feel you have to do everything.

For those of us in the Northeast, I find the reflected sun in Florida strong. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and shoes and socks. So many folks get burned toes wearing sandals. It helps if shirts cover the shoulders with short sleeves. It does get cooler some days, so pack light, foldable jackets or sweaters, and always a little rain poncho. I also always bring a few inexpensive facecloths. It's so refreshing to really wash your face with water, as you take a little break in the parks.

Perhaps you already do this, but when we travel by air, we always pack one full outfit in our carry-on. Then we trade a little room in a checked bag with someone else we are traveling with, to put another outfit . That way, if a checked bag gets lost, everyone has at least two outfits.

Tip: If you schedule a meal with Disney characters or the specialty restaurants, they let you know that they will charge a hefty no-show fee to your credit card if you don't show up. Fair enough. BUT, if you change your reservation, they will tell you that they won't charge the fee - it's not true. They WILL charge you a fee (mine was $50.00) and won't refund it. I was so mad.

So, don't change your reservation for anything. That being said, make the reservations before you come. They fill up fast. Even two weeks in advance doesn't always get you what you want...

I would not go on the meal plan. You are expected to pay a tip, and that's a lot of money after paying for the plan. A lot. Your dinners on the meal plan are huge, and they will push all of the food on you, including the dessert, whether you want it or not. That jacks up the amount of tip you are expected to pay. If you aren't on the plan, you don't have to worry about that because they won't bring you something you don't order...

Stay in a hotel room with a frig in it, buy milk and cereal and fruit, bread and peanut butter, yogurt and water bottles. Eat breakfast in the room and make lunches the night before. Make dinner your meal out. If you can bring an older version of an umbrella stroller (one that can hold your 6 year old), it will help her if she gets tired, and you can hang "stuff" on the stroller to save your arms. We did this when the kids were little with soft coolers (the size of a six-pack does well with packing lunches). Fill water bottles 3/4 of the way and freeze them, using the frozen water bottles to keep your food cool. It is hard to find water fountains at Disney that has decent tasting water, unless they've gotten better...

Fast passes are great, except at some of the rides where they really don't help (at Epcot, the Flying ride. No help at all...) If you ride the race car ride, accept riding as single, or you'll be in line forever.

If you stay in one of the hotels on the disney grounds, you wouldn't have to rent a car or drive. They have Disney shuttles at the airport and they are great. You can order groceries and have them delivered to your room, which is wonderful. (If you do choose to rent a car, there is a Super Walmart (or is it Target, I forget) and you can get anything you need there.) Bring sunscreen with you - it's expensive down there.

There are shuttles at each of the hotels on the Disney grounds that will take you where you want to go. No having to wait in the long lines to park. No parking fees. No hot car to deal with. GO EARLY in the morning. Make sure you know when you can get in based on what kind of passes you purchase. That's important. If you start in Epcot and end up in Magic Kingdom after lunch time when many people take their little kids back to the hotels for a nap, you might fair better with the lines.

Airplane? Make sure you have some gum for her to chew during take off and landing for her ears. Bring something for her to read, or ear phones for her for the TV on the plane. We've brought ponchos with us for when it rains - not sure if you'll need that in November, but you might check the weather forecast.

Good luck and have a great time!

I agree with others that November is a great time to go. The park will be decorated for Christmas. If you don't go the week of Thanksgiving it won't be as crowded.

We had annual passes for several years and November and February were my favorite times to go. Bringing snacks and water will reduce your costs. We did the meal plan once and decided it wasn't for us. IF you can find a deal where the meal plan is included for free (disney packages offer those frequently) it might be better.

I wouldn't pay for a park hopper pass if this is your first time. To me, spending a full day at each park is the best bet. Downtown Disney is a lot of fun too. You can get your daughter's hair done and have a princess experience at Bipity bopity boo. It's pricey, but my grand niece LOVED it.

Once it's decided what time frame you're going, feel free to private message me if you'd like more tips. If you do go in November don't miss the Osborne family Christmas lights at Hollywood studios.

Blessings!
L.

I don't have any tips on how to tell your daughter but I would tell her sooner rather than later. Tell your daughter you are going to Disney and let her be involved with planning. I can hear the excitement about your trip in your post. Doesn't it only make sense that your daughter will share in the excitement. Our family loves the anticipation of our family vacations.

Also, I would go in Novemeber too due to the weather.

For your daughter's birthday you could buy her a small suitcase on wheels she can take as her carry on luggage.

I am so excited for you!!

I did this with my daughter when she was 8. It was her "big" Christmas gift. I put the park hopper pass and the airline ticket in an envelope and wrapped the envelope in a box and wrapped the box in a bigger box and so on. I think there were maybe 6 boxes she had to unwrap. When she finally opened the envelope, she just stared at it in shock. When she found out we were leaving on New Year's Day and she was going to miss a week of school the shock turned into excitement.

The best advice I can give you is buy a Disney guide book and make a game plan before you even leave Maine. Unless your going for a month, you will not get to ride all the rides, especially if you're going to visit more than one park. The books can tell you what parks is best for what day of the week, and help you navigate where the rides are. Disney is huge and so overwhelming that IMO a game plan is imperative just to keep sane.

Have fun!!!

Why the secrets and surprises, just tell her. Say something like 'grandma and grandpa want us to go to Disney World with them either around Thanksgiving or after Christmas'. This gives her a specific time frame so she is not always asking are we going this week or next. You can do a little research on Disney and see what events they are planning for the time you will be there. You can talk them over with her and see which ones she wants to participate in. A little pre-planning now could save a lot of headaches later. The excitement of getting there might whip her into a frenzy of I want to do it all and leave you exhausted. If you explain to her this event takes place at the same time as that event we can't do both she can decide what is more important.