Planning last minute trip with kids

[darlamae71]

My husband and I decided last week to go to Disney World in mid-April (for 40th birthday celebration) with our 2 daughters - 4 and just 2. We're planning for 5 days/4 nights. We haven't been since having kids and are new to detailed planning for the trip. Any advice/ suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Specifically:
Where to stay? We're leaning towards The Contemporary
Meal plans worth it? We've been told the 1 meal/day package is best.
Is it too late to book character meals?
Is Epcot worth it for age range?
Like I said, we're new to this, so any information is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

[forever a child]

to Intercot!

Once you book your resort you can go online and look for available dates for dining.

There is no one day dining plan. There is a 2 meal a day quick service plan or 1 quick service and 1 table service a day plan. Both come with 2 snacks a day...there is also larger plans (i believe). Your 2 year old will not be covered by the plan since I think you have to be 3 years or older but I am not quite sure what the age requirement is since my daughter is 15.

Have fun asking questions on the boards here. I have not stayed at any of the deluxe resorts...so I am sure some others can come along with suggestions there.

As far as Epcot is concerned...I guess it could be a little more suited for older ages but I still think it is a great place to go!

[jmj18]

Might I suggest the Poly? We LOVE it there!

Also a big fan of Epcot. My kids are a little older now (9 and 6) but they too liked Epcot when they were younger. They enjoy going to each of the countries and getting their "passports" stamped as well as making the mask in each country.

Enjoy whatever you decide to do!!!

[Goofy4TheWorld]

With you having kids that young, walking back to your room from the MK can't be beat, and only the Contemporary (and Bay Lake Tower) offer that perk.

That's why we are staying there with our 2 year old in June, and we can't wait!

[Kenny1113]

My kids have always loved Epcot, they were prob about your kids ages when they went for their first time. But, I do know some kids who don't get it and find it "boring". If you get park hoppers then if your kids aren't into it you can go to another park.

[MarkC]

Our kids were 6 and 3 on our first trip and they had a great time. Try to explain to them the characters they will see, etc. Plan on taking some afternoon nap breaks to recharge everyone. And I agree with the Epcot passports. Even if they don't know what other countries are yet, they will still enjoy it. Stop at the kid stops at each country and they have activities for them. They will love it.

As for a place to stay, I don't think it matters as much at that age, although it is nice to be close to the Magic Kingdom. I would always stay on property if you can afford it. There is almost as much magic there as being in the parks themselves. Enjoy.

[Tink#64]

Huge Epcot fans here! DS's were 4 & 6 for our 1st trip & I hadn't planned on visiting Epcot until DH & DS'6 told me how much they wanted to go there, so that was our very first park in all of WDW & we loved it then & still do! They will probably love The Nemo ride in the Seas pavillion & Journey into your Imagination with Figment is great fun for all, still one of DS'12 fav's! Epcot is just beautiful & so many unique experiences that I think there's something there for everyone!

I give all my frineds & family going to WDW the following advice, arrive at park opening, it's amazing how much you can do in the early morning when others are sleeping in or having character breakfasts, the smallest crowds you'll see in the parks! And take that break in the middle of the day, wether you take a nap, take some time to relax by the pool or whatever, but it makes a huge difference in the way you feel just to take that break & slow down. Then you are ready for some fun in the evening, parades, fireworks, etc.

Best wishes for a magical trip!