Walt Disney World with three kids- HELP!?

Wow - it would help to know how long you are staying and if on or off property. On would be great on property as you and the little ones could go back for a nap and let Dad and the older one stay in the parks as there will be more for the older one to do. You can bring strollers and yes I would have one for the 4 year old. It can be very very hot so fans attached to the strollers will be a must. I didn't carry my oldest until she was 5 and even then it was tough. With an infant you will be restricted to shows and slow/smooth rides: The land in epcot would be fine, Small World in MK, Shows such as The Lion King and Finding Nemo in AK would be great for all ages. The older ones will have more choices - Adventureland in MK will be like a small fair for the 4 year old and even some of the rides such as Splash Mountain may appeal to him and definitely the 8 year old. Disney does offer "parent swap" on the rides so that if the little ones can't or don't want to ride a bigger adventure you can still get a chance without waiting in the cue twice. My 5 year old did most everything except Rockin Roller Coaster/ Expedition Everest wasn't there then but sure she would not have done it, Mission Space was off limits and she didn't like some of the very loud shows. If you watch Stunt Cars or Indiana Jones - sit near the rear/top as the little one may be disturbed by the noise and you could exit easily. Freeze water bottles and carry them with you - they melt quickly and give you cold water for some time. I go to Disneystore.com and even Ebay before we go and grab some "pre" souvenirs. You can get the autograph books - and remember a chunky pen as the characters have stubby fingers and can't write with the normal size. For the easter baskets - get the plastic eggs and place clues in them - let the older two put their clues together to figure out the surprise. You could put a picture or a word. Lanyards and pin can be found cheaper prior to travel but it's always great to pick out a few when there. My son likes to visit the hat in HS as it is full of pin selections. When you enter MK at the circle area go to your right and a shop in the corner has the MM ears and they can be personalized for each child. These are a must for a first trip. You should have band aids and I keep mole skin - my feet blister as well as the kids. Comfortable shoes are a must. Watch the sky for afternoon thunderstorms, not unusual and take shelter in a shop before hand with the least one - umbrella and/or ponchos will be ok for the older ones. I would get ponchos before I go. Call ahead and make ADR at a character meal - all the kids will love it (adults too). Need to call ASAP as these fill up fast. Liberty Tree Tavern in MK was one we like the best. Inform them you want a character meal time. Great way to get autographs and the next autograph site will be to your left after entering AK. AK has a lot for the little one to just look at and and excavation area to dig for fossils the older may like. If they like animals - you need to add AK to your visits. MK is just "Disney" and you have to see it. Epcot and the worlds are more to the "adult" taste - but the front 1/2 has things for all ages. HS - more fast paced feeling to me. Have fun - you are taking on a challenge but it can be done. I personally am glad I waited until my child was at 5 - older for the youngest and they are now 20 and 14. We all still love Disney.

1)All the parks have something for all ages. You're right with Magic Kingdom, because everything is like a Fairytale, Animal Kingdom is good too because the kid's will love the animals, and in Dinoland U.S.A they have some awesome things for the kids (huge jungle gym) and than some. The kids will enjoy Epcot too, because they have some Nemo things, and when I was a kid I loved doing the World showcase. Keep in mind that the World Showcase is a lot of walking. Hollywood studios has stuff for kids, but they also have some pretty big rides (rockin' Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror) which you might enjoy but they wont. Toy Story Mania will be fun for them etc. I'd plan on spend a half day to a full day there, because there is stuff for everyone at every park. 2) The park should allow your travel system. There is a lot of walking in the day because the parks are so large that you might get tired holding the baby so much. A sling or bjorn might be nice for this, and of course a stroller (Disney leases them for the day at about $15 as a double, and it would fit the four-year-old as well). 3) You could add Band-Aids if you want, but Disney has that sort of stuff at certain stations. 4)As I said before, Disney leases the strollers and this can hold both the baby and the four-year-old. If you're not planning on doing this, I might suggest a stroller because the he WILL get tired. You can also just make sure to stop for breaks, which will be good for everyone. 5)There are so many things, that it would be hard to name them all. You'll see when you go there. Show I would suggest (especially if you have girls) would be beauty and the beast, and also the fireworks and lights shows are all awesome, i'd try to get to all of them if you can. As for some rides for the kids, the safari is good, toy story mania, buzz lightyear, stich, nemo and friends, turtle talk with crush, mickey's philharmagic and so much more! As for snacks, they have ice cream, pretzels, hot dogs etc. Souvernirs there are SO MANY. Go through the shops and you'll see. Also as a note for this, some things are sold in every park, some things will just be sold in a certain park, so make sure if you love something a lot to get it there. 6)I would bring an autograph book, for princesses and charactors of course. If you're planning on buying pins, bring the lanyard. You can buy both these things at Disney if that's what you prefer. 7) I've never done this before, so I can't help you with this one. 8)This should be fun, I love that idea! Stuffed animals, movies, they have certain chocolate charactors that would be good too. I understand you're concern, Disney might be a little overwhelming at first, but that's because its so big. Just make sure you're planning ahead (as you've done) have sunscreen, hats and make sure to give yourself and the kids rest. Be prepared is really the top thing, and maps are so much help so you wont be doing more walking than you need too. Also, if you're confused you can ask any Cast membor (employee) at all, the ones in stores, or taking pictures or even just walking around. Most of all don't get too concerned, let yourself relax and have fun! And I promise, you'll love it and so will the kids. I hope this helps, have fun!

1) your baby isn't going to remember or especially enjoy ANY of it! WHY do you think you can travel with a 1 month old at all? What if you have medical issues? What if he/she is BORN with medical issues? Don't you think you should wait a year before even planning any such vacation? You are going to spend the whole time, during the hottest time of the year, in the hottest place in the US, with a newborn baby draped over your shoulder. YOU are going to be miserable!!! Yes, Epcot is meant for small children. They have things for them to collect and all. We had a mask, that my son made, and he got it stamped and got a little charm at every country. There are rides for little ones there, too. 2) what is your "travel system"???? They allow strollers, they have rental strollers. You REALLY want to put the baby into a sling and have all that extra body heat on YOU? They have security almost like entering an airport, these days. 3) You might want things like bandaids if your bigger kids are typically bumping knees, and such. Bring water bottles! They charged (it was almost 6 years ago, so figure inflation) $3.00/bottle for water! Probably 4 or 5, nowadays! And drinks at the food places are outrageous! 4) My son was 4, we never did anything in terms of a stroller for him. We ran from about 11 every morning well into the night. 5) everything is expensive in food. Shows change every year. 6) you might want to get an autograph book there...and have the characters sign it. Pins? Why would you BRING pins? 7) ??? 8) Easter baskets in July? I think it will be overwhelming because you'll have a newborn, but I've seen some pretty tiny babies there, so...you might be just fine. Who knows? I think you're setting yourself up for misery, but...what do I know? Overwhelming? Get the maps, and plan out your days. You don't have to stick to a plan too strictly, but you will cover more, and be less stressed if you do..

Yes, you can probably spend at least 2 days at Magic Kingdom. Epcot totally depends. Very generally, it starts appealing to kids when they are older. However, there are lots of interactive things that kids can do there, you just have to be willing to give them a chance to do it! Some parents don't want to wait for their kids to do things like that, so then it's not as much fun for the kids. If you are willing to explore and play, your kids will like it. You can bring your own stroller/travel system. They do have Baby Care Centers and First Aid Centers if you run out of anything. Just pack the basics. Stroller for your older one - well, if he normally doesn't use it, he probably won't want to use it at Disney, either, and you'll have to lug it around all day. Personally, I wouldn't. Purchase whatever you can before you go, because it's always cheaper. As far as what to do and when to do it, that can take paragraphs upon paragraphs to answer. You definitely should invest in a guidebook or two. I recommend Birnbaum's and Passporter.

Congratulations on the upcoming baby and your decision to visit Walt Disney World! It is a wonderful vacation that your whole family will love! I'll answer your questions in the list format like how you asked... 1) All of the parks are wonderful for small children. Some highlights that you may enjoy include the following: Magic Kingdom - Mickey's PhilharMagic, ToonTown, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pans Flight, Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Epcot- The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Test Track and Soarin' Animal Kingdom- Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids, Finding Nemo the Musical and Festival of the Lion King Hollywood Studios- Toy Story Mania, Lights Motors Action, Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast Please keep in mind with many of these rides that the infant will not be able to ride, you can check out the height requirements at www.disneyworld.com. Also, be respectful of other guests at the shows. Sit in the back of the theater or near an exit so that if the baby cries you can leave without interuption. 2) The parks are very open to people with children. There are stroller rentals, or you can bring your own, just make sure they are not bigger than double width. I would reccommend bring two single strollers if possible, because during the crowds at the end of the day, a double stroller can be very hard to control. I personally couldn't imagine carrying a baby on my back or in a sling at Disney. Please remember that you will be walking upwards of 10 miles a day, and you will be sore. So make sure that you are in physical condition after having your baby to endure this. 3)For bags that you may need to bring into the park, I would suggest renting a locker at the front of the park. You should pack as lightly as possible, and not carry anything you don't need. Disney also has baby care centers that offer diapers etc... 4) I would strongly encourage you to bring a stroller for the four year old. Like I said, many guests walk over 10 miles a day at Disney, and he will get tired. Also the sun in the summer can be very very hot, and he will enjoy the cool shade. I would also suggest bring a handheld fan or mister to cool down the children. If you need a break at any time, stop by the First Aid center, and they will help you out. 5) See above answer (#1) 6)I would suggest bringing autograph books for the kids, it is a fun thing for them to do, that will keep them excited throughout the day. The best park to meet characters at is Epcot. The Magic Kingdom can get very long lines as it is thought of as the "real Disney" place to meet the characters. As far as pins go, pin trading is a ton of fun for the whole family! Make sure that your pins are authentic Disney though, you cannot trade other brand of pins. If you don't have any, there are tons of places you can buy them once you arrive. 7) Disney can plan to have stuffed animals or cakes, and other treats delivered to your hotel room. They also have their own floral delivery service. Contact your hotel after your booking and discuss the different options with them. 8) Try making cute little personal cards that can be from the characters for each child. Say something like "Can't wait to see you soon pal! From Mickey Mouse" Overall, Disney can be overwhelming, but it is wonderful at the same time! Just make sure you do your research, have realistic expectations, and realize that you will never be able to do it all, so just relax and have fun!!