April trip followed by a July trip?

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Sat, 01/19/2013 - 14:40

6sixgees

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April trip followed by a July trip?

I am planning a trip to WDW with my 22 m grandson this April over Spring Break-(middle school teacher) for several reasons:
1. Finishing a Masters in Administration degree April 8, 2013
2. DD is deploying to Afghanistan and this is a good way to keep me busy as she gets ready.
3. Grandson is a huge fan of Buzz and Woody, Little Einsteins and the Mickey Mouse House.
3. DH has to work and SC beaches are not the best the first week of April.
4. Who doesn't love WDW?
5. Have been several times and plan on just enjoying my grandson enjoy WDW.

Questions- Worth it to take a 22 month old? _JK Should I take my 18 y DD, who only likes the fast rides and usually only enjoys vacations if a friend is available? I plan on flying, so her having a friend come is unlikely, due to planning and cost. Can't decide whether to do the DP or not. DD is not a huge eater.

BTW_ I am a huge Francophile. I teach French as well as Science and History. In fact I speak only French to my grandson, so he is bilingual. In fact at his age he uses more French than English. Je ne peut pas attendre Avril!

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Sat, 01/19/2013 - 15:09

PirateGirl

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6sixgees to the best Disney site there is (I'm a little prejudice though ). I'm a firm believer that there is never a wrong age to go to Disney. Just break up your day to give the little one and yourself a breather. Have a wonderful time planning your trip and je t'aime Disney. (That is about it for my 9th grade French-many, many moons ago).

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 15:15

Kristen K.

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Welcome 6sixgees!

How fun to be planning this trip! If you gear the trip towards your Grandson then your DD18 may end up a little bored. Do you need her on hand to help wrangle him? If not, then I don't think there's anything wrong with leaving her at home. If you do take her, she may appreciate some extra time out on her own so she can go on those fast rides and stay in contact with her friends.

I'm a fan of the Dining Plan simple because it makes my life so much easier. I think that the standard plan is great for folks that aren't big eaters too.

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 15:40

6sixgees

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Thanks for the positive feedback! We are planning a family trip this summer and she would be able to bring a friend, if necessary as we are driving and have more flexibility. So far DP is sounding better and better. I plan on booking the room next week, so any room suggestions are appreciated too!

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Sat, 01/19/2013 - 16:25

Kristen K.

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On room recs.. what's your budget? (Value, Moderate, Deluxe)

Traveling with someone that small, I personally would want to be in a resort that's close to the MK. Those are all deluxe properties though. Wilderness Lodge would be my pick when traveling with a little boy. I'm sure he would love Animal Kingdom Lodge as well, but it's a bit remote.

The Little Mermaid (standard) rooms at the new Art of Animation are really fun and great for kids, but it's a LONG walk back at the end of the night. If you are taking your own stroller though that could be just the ticket for the two of you. There are also the family suites at Art of Animation which cost a little more but have themes like Cars and Lion King.
Check out these articles from last year: http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/category/tags/art-animation-resort

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 16:31

6sixgees

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My budget is flexible. I am looking at POP, only because I have not found enough reasons to justify a deluxe room, especially if it is just the two of us. I was going to see about a preferred room. Yes, I will be bringing my own stroller. I figured that I would need it to get through the airport with him. His mother is buying a new one that is easier to fold and unfold, built for a toddler.

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Sat, 01/19/2013 - 18:36

Kat

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Your trip sounds so exciting--it'll be such an awesome opportunity for you and your grandson to spend time together at the happiest place on earth! I'm sure he'll have a ton of fun--I hope to take my kids when they're that age (not that I have kids right now...but in the future, haha! My parents took me as a toddler and it was a great time--though I don't really remember it, haha, but it did start my Disney addiction!).

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May 2013: Our Disney-themed wedding

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 20:38

nhshorty

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What a fun sounding trip! I can't wait until my grandson is old enough for a trip with Grandma (he's only 8 months old)....bringing your own stroller is a plus - do you plan to use Disney transportation or are you renting a car? The only hassle with strollers is getting on and off the buses.

I went to WDW when my nephew was not quite 3. He did very well - usually falling asleep in the stroller for his afternoon nap - giving us time to stroll through the shops.....

I hope you have a wonderful time!

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 21:45

MrHub

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Hello 6sixgees and . I'm sure you'll like it here.

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 13:13

Nancy D

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Welcome, Welcome 6sixgees!

CONGRATS on your upcoming Master's...that's awesome!!

I'm going to concur with Kristen that DD may be bored if a) not able to bring a friend and b) stuck doing "baby rides" all day. If she's able to go with you on your summer trip and can take a pal, it may be more fun for her.

As for resorts, I'd say All Star Movies, and request a Toy Story room, since he loves Buzz and Woody. Even if you don't get to stay in one of the Toy Story buildings, I'm sure he'll be enamored with all of the cool TS theming everywhere!

What a fantastic time you've got planned. I know it will be hard to see your daughter go overseas, but this is a GREAT distraction you've got planned for yourself! Please tell her we thank her for her service!!

Bon Voyage and Welcome to WDWFG!

Mon, 01/21/2013 - 14:56

Allie

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Hi and and congrats on your upcoming trip! I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time introducing your grandson to the World!

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Wed, 02/27/2013 - 11:39

Florence

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6sixgees wrote:

I am planning a trip to WDW with my 22 m grandson this April over Spring Break-(middle school teacher) for several reasons:
1. Finishing a Masters in Administration degree April 8, 2013
2. DD is deploying to Afghanistan and this is a good way to keep me busy as she gets ready.
3. Grandson is a huge fan of Buzz and Woody, Little Einsteins and the Mickey Mouse House.
3. DH has to work and SC beaches are not the best the first week of April.
4. Who doesn't love WDW?
5. Have been several times and plan on just enjoying my grandson enjoy WDW.

Questions- Worth it to take a 22 month old? _JK Should I take my 18 y DD, who only likes the fast rides and usually only enjoys vacations if a friend is available? I plan on flying, so her having a friend come is unlikely, due to planning and cost. Can't decide whether to do the DP or not. DD is not a huge eater.

BTW_ I am a huge Francophile. I teach French as well as Science and History. In fact I speak only French to my grandson, so he is bilingual. In fact at his age he uses more French than English. Je ne peut pas attendre Avril!

If your grandson is a fan of Little Einsteins and Disney Junior in general, I would recommend trying to get an ADR at Play N Dine at Hollywood and Vine in Disney Hollywood Studios. It's a Character Buffet that includes characters from Little Einsteins, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and other Disney Junior shows. In addition to the autographs and photos, the characters also have a mini dance party every 25-30 minutes or so. Lots of fun

click here to check availability for reservations:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/hollywood-and-vine/

Also at Disney Hollywood studios, the Disney Junior - Live on Stage show should be right up his alley

Have a wonderful time!

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Sun, 02/24/2013 - 13:50

MrHub

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I think this might be the link you might want Hollywood & Vine

Tue, 02/26/2013 - 03:47

6sixgees

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Posts: 71

If your grandson is a fan of Little Einsteins and Disney Junior in general, I would recommend trying to get an ADR at Play N Dine at Hollywood and Vine in Disney Hollywood Studios. It's a Character Buffet that includes characters from Little Einsteins, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and other Disney Junior shows. In addition to the autographs and photos, the characters also have a mini dance party every 25-30 minutes or so. Lots of fun

click here to check availability for reservations:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/hollywood-and-vine/

Also at Disney Hollywood studios, the Disney Junior - Live on Stage show should be right up his alley

Have a wonderful time!

Thank you, se do have an ADR for H & V on our trip!

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Wed, 02/27/2013 - 11:38

Florence

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6sixgees wrote:

Thank you, se do have an ADR for H & V on our trip!

Great!! Be sure to let us know if he liked it!

Will this be your Grandson's first experience with the characters? If so, be sure to tell that to each character that stops at your table. They should then approach him slowly or wave hello from a couple feet away at first.

Also, if your Grandson seems scared to take the photo with the character, you can certainly pick up and hold your grandson on your right arm and have the character stand by your left shoulder or vice versa.

If he loves the characters, great! Snap as many candid pics as soon as the interactions begin. You'd be surprised what fun and magic the candid shots can capture as opposed to the posed shots.

As I worked closely with the characters at WDW for several years, feel free to ask any other character questions you may have and I'll be happy to answer as best I can

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"If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day,
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Sat, 03/02/2013 - 03:15

6sixgees

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Thank you for the character advice! He absolutely adores Buzz, Cars, , and Jake. He calls MM coucu for some unknown reason. In French MM is the same, but he gets the name from Miscka Mouska on the Mickey Clubhouse. Same song in French.

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Mon, 03/04/2013 - 15:49

Florence

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6sixgees wrote:

Thank you for the character advice! He absolutely adores Buzz, Cars, , and Jake. He calls MM coucu for some unknown reason. In French MM is the same, but he gets the name from Miscka Mouska on the Mickey Clubhouse. Same song in French.

That is adorable! I actually have a VHS copy of Le Roi Lion I picked up on a trip to Montreal many, many years ago. If I can find it, I'd be happy to give it to you

If he likes Buzz, Cars and Jake, then he will have a great time at Hollywood Studios!

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"If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day,
so I never have to live without you." - Winnie the Pooh

Sat, 03/09/2013 - 15:14

Nancy D

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Florence, you are a TRUE Cast Member....even though you don't officially work there anymore, you're still out there spreading the Disney Love wherever you go!!

Sat, 03/09/2013 - 15:46

Florence

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Nancy D wrote:

Florence, you are a TRUE Cast Member....even though you don't officially work there anymore, you're still out there spreading the Disney Love wherever you go!!

Aww, thanks Nancy!

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"If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day,
so I never have to live without you." - Winnie the Pooh