Need Disney World Tips

Go to a bookstore and get Birnbaum's 2007 guide to Disney World. It has all the info you would ever need about what to eat, what not to miss in each park, etc.

D.,
We have been to Disney World many times with our two. We started when they were five and one and went every summer for a while, until they wanted something different. We have discovered the following (all through making mistakes, of course!):
Only put on your stroller what you are willing to lose if someone walks away with it while you are in line somewhere.
Bring lots of small snacks and drinks; pouches that you can toss, things that can be closed up and finished later. We found that buying drinks and snacks added up quickly and the kids only ate or drank a small portion of them and then threw them away.
If you have enough days there to move leisurely, do so. We liked to get into the park right when it opened as our kids were up before the sun anyway. We would come back to the room and swim or rest just after lunch (which you should try to eat early to avoid the very long lines) and go back to the parks around three or four and stay until night.
Consider ordering one child's meal for lunch for the kids to share if they are not big eaters. I think because of all the excitement my kids ate far less than usual at the parks, but they wanted snacks more often. I carried healthy snacks or bought the frozen fruit bars for them to split so that I wouldn't feel guilty about the lack of healthy foods.
Perhaps have each child choose one or two rides in each park that they really want to see and then be sure to do those, even if you miss some others. Given your children's ages, you might want to skip Epcot this time as it involves a lot of walking and tends to entertain older children. You would use a lot of time getting to the few attractions meant for little ones just walking through the park.
My daughter really enjoyed the character breakfast and princess teas that we have done over the years - one per trip as they are time consuming and hard to get reservations for.
Last, a real treat for my husband and I, we would make reservations at the various restaurants in Epcot for dinner every other night. It slowed us down, allowed us to relax, and there was always entertainment for the children. Of course, we didn't start this until the children were older and were ready for more park time after dinner. But if you need a slow down break, this might be the way to go.
I hope you have the best time! I love Disney! We have taken a break for the past five years and plan to go back again this summer with my sister's two boys (3 and 5), who have never been. I hope this helps some.

We've been there twice, once with a 2 year old...She wasn't feeling really well that trip...double ear infection we later found out...but we saved a TON ov money by taking plenty of snacks in the parks with us and only eating dinner out. Everyday rent a stroller...a double for both kids...the big one will get tired quickly...I have a WDW guru friend...they go to WDW every year with a Time Share and have 3 girls ages 8,10 and 11. She would be the perfect person to talk to...She filled me in on where to find Snowwhite for my daughter and nobody else knew about it!!! Also, if you want to do a character bfast or lunch, dinner, you have to book WAY in advance..like months. Chef Mickey's was fabulous and the kids LOVED it...many characters to meet and get autographs. Make sure to get autograph books and pens as soon as you get there for each chile to get autographs and pix with all the characters...Perfect photo opportunities! Would you like to talk to my friend that goes all the time?

D.,
I suggest you make your reservations early for lunches or dinners. WE had a great time at the following restaurants:

Chef Mickey - get to meet all the Disney characters (Mickey, Chip n Dale, etc)

Akershus - get to meet Disney Princesses: Ariel, Jasmine, etc.

Also suggest a resort on the bus or monorail. I also heard the Polynesian Luau was really nice but it was booked when we went. We also used the park hopper and fast pass options.
Have fun, L.

My bit of advice is to do a character breakfast with your kids....we did that last year with my boys (2 and 4) and they loved it. There is a good one at the Contemporary Resort but you have to call ahead to get reservations. The parade is really neat if you can schedule your day to fit it in. You most definitely have to ride on Dumbo with the kids...the lines are miserable long so try to get there first thing in the morning. Another tip is to get to the kiddie area (fantasy land...Dumbo ride, Peter Pan, It's a Small World) first thing in the morning. They also have fast passes where you can get this little print out thing that tells you a specific time to come back for that ride...that is kinda nice instead of standing in line! If I can think of anything else that would help you I will let you know. My kids have been twice and love it! Have fun!

We went in January of 2000 and this is the perfect time of year to go. We got the book about the unofficial guide to disney. They had great tips like always pick the line to the left, go on the kiddy rides during the parades (catch the parade a different day) and even a map out to go on the most number of rides as possible. The earlier you get to the park the easier it is to not wait in line. We followed this book pretty closely and waited in only one line the entire time for 10 minutes. Have fun...we are hoping to go this summer....

We went with our daughter when she was 2 and had a wonderful time. I will tell you though, we were there 5 days and still didn't see it all. My #1 tip is don't stress if you can't make it to all of the attractions. I also agree that waiting on Epcot is best.
We did the Dining Pass and I would highly recommend it. It allowed us to eat one snack, one counter lunch and one sit down dinner per day. You can use them in any order or save them and use two dinners in one day, etc. We used it at many character meals which is the best way to get pics and autographs without waiting in long lines. Cyrstal Palace with Pooh and Friends was a lot of fun and the food was wonderful. We also did Chef Mickey and a Princess Breakfast. Call and make reservations now and just see what's available.
Hope this helps! Have fun and enjoy the looks on your little one's faces. My daughter is now 4 and still loves to look at her pictures from the trip!