Planning Disney...

We have been to disneyworld twice - have done park hopper tickets both times, stayed at disney resorts (moderate value ones) and done the meal plan - worked perfectly for us! My daughter is 2 and my son is 5...We covered Hollywood studios in one day (open until 3:00 or so), did one morning in Epcot, several mornings at Magic Kingdom, most afternoons/evenings in Epcot (better food options) and one evening in MK - fireworks show. We spent a morning at animal kingdom as well.

someone mentioned toon town - it will be closing in Feb (in Florida) as they are expanding Fantasy land...

We've been at least 8 times to Disneyworld in FL. You do not need a car.

We stay on property.... Polynesian all 8 times, we take a cab (about $80 each way) directly from hotel and airport. Yes, I know there is a free shuttle but you have no idea how long you are going to be on a shuttle with kids and the excitement of getting to your hotel. We prefer provate cab.. spot to spot and done.

Plan all character meals as soon as you have locked in your dates. THey fill up fast.

I never dealt with the discounters, etc. I deal directly with WDW to make reservations at the WDW restaurants, hotels, private safaris, etc. I only deal directly with our airline of preference as well.

The DVD with help you decide what you are most interested in. Enjoy and PM me if you have questions... NO deals... no super secret site where you get something for nothing...... just realistic expectations of what you expect and the best places to start.

I consider myself an expert on Disneyland. :) Here to help.

I agree with those who've said maybe skip California Adventure this time around. Some of the best things in the park are over there (Soarin' Over Calfornia, Bug' Life movie, Muppet 3-D) but your little one is not old enough to do them yet and the rest is mostly rollercoasters. You can save a lot of money by skipping it this time.

The quality of the food at different places can change a lot over time, so check recent reviews. Try www.mouseplanet.com. A lot of websites have the menus printed so you can see pricing and items ahead of time. There is an area near Mainstreet that is a diaper changing area, with smaller bathrooms for little ones, rocking chairs etc, for if your toddler gets overwhelmed inside the park.

April is a great time of year to go because if it doesn't fall on Spring Break the park is usually pretty empty at that time. Still, be prepared to stand in lines. Try their Fast Pass system. I was skeptical about it at first but it can really help you plan out your day. It gives you a 'reservation' for that ride so you won't have to stand in the line as long and you can go see other things.

If you go to Toon Town there is a lot for smaller children there and you can take a tour of Mickey's house. Mickey is there at the end of the tour to take a picture with you.

Make sure everyone is wearing comfortable walking shoes! Bring your own water with you and have a lot of fun :)

http://allears.net/pl/planning.htm
This site will give you more information than you can dream of!!

This website is really helpful with planning: www.touringplans.com

If you are not staying at the resort, I think you will definitely need to rent a car. You will also have to pay for parking which is about $15 per day. Perhaps some hotels provide shuttle buses but you would want to check on this before you arrive.

I agree that 5 days is too long for California, unless you are planning to do other activities in the Los Angeles area. Remember that Disneyland (California) and Magic Kingdom (Florida park) are very similar so there won't be a lot of new things to do that you haven't done already in Florida.

Hope you have a great trip!

You can't do Disney World (Florida) in 5 days and get much out of it. We're going for our 7th time in as many years, spending a minimum of 8 days each trip, and we're only beginning to scratch the surface of all there is to do. You'll have to do Magic Kingdom in multiple days. There's just no way around that. Animal Kingdom you can probably get away with just a single day. Epcot and the Studios will have to be a day & 1/2 each. Rent a car. You might want to check out the T-Rex Cafe in Downtown Disney. Your little guy will LOVE it!

You are doing Disneyland and Disney World? I would definitely rent a
car, especially in California. A five day stay to see Disneyland is way
too long. I assume you will be doiing other things. If you are not staying
at the resort in Florida, renting a car would probably be best. It gives you
flexibility, especially with a 2 yo.

For California, I would think that you would only do Disneyland, not (it think
it is called) Islands of Adventure. That park has roller coasters and thrill
rides. You should have plenty of time to do everything you want in California. Now Florida is a different story. Four parks. I would plan on
one park a day. You may need to take a break and go back to the hotel.
I would stroongly recommend that. Food can be pricey. If you go onto
allears.net it will give you everything and I mean everything you need to
know about Disney. All menus for all restaurants, all park info. Have fun.

abcd