Going to Disney World for the 1St Time W/a 5 and 3 Year Old

I disagree with the renting a stroller. A double is actually $30 a day, and since you only live an hour plus away and are driving, bring your own. I do think a double would be best as your 5 year old is going to be exhausted by the end of the day.

Pack what you want in your bag and plan on leaving it in the stroller when you go to the rides, etc. Disney is pretty good about keeping them safe and we have never in the 20 plus times we've gone had any issues with things being stolen.

If you are staying on property, I would suggest looking in to the meal plan as overall it will be more cost effective for you, but if you aren't, you are on the right track. You can bring whole lunches in to the park (which would save you even more money) by bringing in a cooler, so it's something to think about.

Every park has something for your guys. We went when my son was 2, 3, and now 4, and each year we find new things that he loves. Hollywood Studios (what used to be MGM, it slips me up too!) has tons of Toy Story stuff, so that would definitely be great for your 3 year old! Every park has benefits though (even Epcot), so don't rule any out!

My biggest suggestion is to run your day this way:

-get up early and get to park when it opens
-stay until lunch time
-leave after lunch for pool/rest time
-go back to the parks in late afternoon/early evening
-stay until everyone is pooped!

You will find that the recharge in the middle of the day (which is also the hottest part of the day!) will help everyone feel better, and you will be able to do more at nighttime when it is cooler!

If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me. We go every year and have tons of great info! :) Have fun!

Get a book called the Unofficial Guide to Disney World 2011 (they come out with one every year). There is also other books about specifically going to Disney World with kids. They have tons of great tips, including stuff you might not have even thought about, and discuss what attractions are age appropriate. Keep in mind, every kid is different. What most kids might love, other kids might find scary - and vice versa.

I will say though that getting there first thing in the morning when the park opens (before it gets way more crowded) and then leaving for part of the afternoon to take a break (nap, swim in pool, whatever) is HUGE. You can always go back later after everyone is rested up and middle of the afternoon seems to be when the crowds are at their worst. We just went in Feb with our 3 year old (who was not potty trained yet) and I was able to take a backpack with snacks, water, diapers, wipes, etc. Double-stroller would probably be better because lots of kids can get tired quickly from all the walking and running around you do - even a 5 year old who has not needed a stroller in years.

Most of all, keep your expectations realistic, and don't push the kids to do anything that is freaking them out (meeting characters, etc.). Don't push them beyond their capabilities, especially if they are hungry, tired, overwhelmed, etc. They will just have meltdowns and you guys will be angry and frustrated, thinking "We need to fit it all in!" Better they have fun and are happy doing what you can, rather than miserable trying to do it all.

We're going in a few years and the kids will be 3, 4, 5 and 7 (my kids and brother's kids) so I'm interested in hearing what others have to say!

I do agree about a double stroller. If either kid needs a break, you can use that. Or you can put your water and stuff in there. I think suntan lotion, sunglasses, water (as you said), snacks and then a few pullups as well as a change of clothes for your 3 year old plus a few pair of underwear is a good idea!

I second the idea of taking a break during the hottest and most crowded part of the day. That way your kids will not miss out on all the fun at night there!

A friend of mine recommended to use one of the Disneyworld strollers, they are $10 to rent for the day. There are places in the park where they do not allow strollers, if you use a park stroller you don't have to worry about your own stroller's "safety." There is also a meal plan you can buy that is 2 meals and a snack-kinda pricey, but cheaper than buying ala carte from the park restaurants. I also agree-don't push them too hard or too long or none of you will have a good time! Have fun!