Tickets--Days and Parkhoppers

Let's face it.  With little ones, we can't exactly power through a theme park.  And yet, we have a limited amount of days to go.  What to do?

If you can afford it, I say get a 5 or 6 day ticket.  The price points are significant per day until you get to the 4 day ticket.  After that, it's only an additional $11-$12/ day add on.

Current Pricing:  3 day ticket is $87.84 (plus tax)
                           4 day ticket is $69.75
                           5 day ticket is $57.80

My theory is, if you are already going to pay for a 4 day, just add on the 5th.  This gives you a bit of flexibility and allows you to feel like you have a bit of breathing room (for that inevitable meltdown day).

Next question is Park Hoppers...are they worth it?  This really depends on the family.  If you just have one child and they are the infant to baby range it may be worth your while.  Current pricing has it as a $59 add on per ticket  (regardless of child v. adult).

If you have toddlers/pre-schoolers and/or multiple children you need to consider your budget and realistic time expectations. It is nice to have the flexibility to go to Magic Kingdom in the morning and Epcot in the evening--but will you?

Personally, I'd rather use the money to buy 6 day tickets.  But that is a personal and budgetary preference.  Research, compile your must dos and then go with what fits your family.

Rides: One child can ride, the other can't. Now what?

In the previous post I discussed what to do when all of your kiddos were too small to ride.  But what happens when you have a child(ren) who can ride and a child(ten) who can't?

The one thing to keep in mind is that Disney is truly geared to families. They offer a fantastic option of the rider swap. Basically, your party stands in line and when it's time to board you inform the cast member that you wish to ride, but have a little one who can't.  The cast member will then board your party and instruct you to either stand aside and wait, or give you a rider swap pass (similar to a fast pass).  Then, when your group arrives, it's your turn to ride and you don't have to wait in the long line.

Perfect, right?!

Just keep in mind that every ride may be different.  Be sure to ask the cast member at the beginning of the queue what the policy is.

Why travel to Disney when the kids are little?

One of the things I hear parents say most often is that they want to wait until their kids are older to go to Disney World.  The main reason is that they want their kids to remember the experience.  I say why wait?  Go now!

Reason 1:
Kids are free until their 3rd birthday.  This applies to both tickets and buffet meals. If you are traveling on a budget, this is an excellent way to save a few $$$.

Reason 2:
Memories that last a lifetime.  Will your child remember every single event?  No.  But you probably will.  And what you don't remember can be relived through photographs.  I first went to Disney at age 3.  I was so confused upon returning as an adult and not seeing the Skyway. I thought maybe I had made it up, until I saw old pictures.

Reason 3:
It's easy.  This may sound strange, but it actually is.  Going to Walt Disney World has got to be one of the easiest vacations with little ones.  Trust me on this.  Everything is geared towards kids.  And, with rare exception, there are few companies out there that go to the extra mile to create an overall experience.

Reason 4:
It's fun for both kids and adults.  Most of us love watching our children's faces as they experience new things.  But it goes beyond that.  There are great restaurants and even a bit of a nightlife (I will post later about child care at Disney).

Reason 5:
Meeting the characters.  Our kids watch Disney movies and the Disney channel so they are pretty familiar with most of the characters.  When my 1 year old saw Minnie Mouse for the 1st time, he simply lit up.

We only have one life.  I figure, why not enjoy it?  If we always wait for the perfect time, the opportunity might pass us by.