Disney World

If the chidlren are not old enough to really enjoy the experience then why are you going now? Have you checked their heights against the in-park regulations- even taking into account doing things at their pace, there are going to be lots of things they simply aren't allowed to go on. Just getting into the place isn't cheap, do you have to go now?
Cheers,
Em

We went when our kids were 7 and 9, We had a great time but do pace yourself. I would suggest getting a pass that covers more than one day- it saves you queing up each time. we bought ours from the disneystore in england. Get hold of a good guide book and plan your days- the parks are huge. You can get your hand stamped for re-entry. We hit the parks ealy in the morning , went and had a swim or rest in the afternoon and went back for fireworks/parades at night. Animal kingdom was our first park and a good introduction. I think you can hire large buggies so the kids can have a rest. There is a good website I think it is www.wdwinfo.com ( or co.uk)- really helpful. Also a book called "Brits Guide to walt disney world" by Simon Venness
helen

ps Seaworld was great. Try and get to the Dolphin area early as it gets busy
helen

Three and four year olds will have a different Disney experience- it is all about hugging costumed characters, not high voltage rides. Best for characters- Epcot Center: The character bus has scheduled stops- you get a dozen in a pop, for hugs, photos and autographs. Also the character walkway at Animal Kingdom and the main gate at Magic Kingdom (especially fun at gate opening for the coutdown and the swelling music.) Best advice: If there is any doubt, have one of the adults check out the ride first. It is awful to be stuck in the middle of Snow White's Adventure with a terrified child. The character meals are decent- call the Disney dining reservation number and the very helpful staff will find your kids' favorites. Always get a double stroller as soon as you walk in- great for carrying kids and gear. A daily stroller rental is transferable to the different parks if you move around. Also, try Tom Sawyers Island for a quiet, usually uncrowded unwinding spot. PS- the food is expensive and greasy, especially at the "cheap places." Bring your own snacks! The sit down restaurants are better- more expensive but a better value and a good quiet rest zone. The dining reservation folks will have reccomendations. As for rides, Fantasyland and Toon Town in MK are geared to younger children. Other good kiddyrides are spread out here and there. (Ride Dumbo first 'cause that line gets looooong.) My favorite park is Animal Kingdom- slower paced, great Lion King show. Best foood is in Epcot- lots of walking, stroller a must, but great with little kids for a quiet day with great scenery and street theatre, and what's better than meeting Aladin and Jasmine in a re-created Casbah? Skip Disney MGM park- very little there for young children and the evening Fantasia light and fireworks thing there is pretty scary. Magic Kingdom is great, see the parade. Oh yeah, check schedules and see some of the free live shows...kids will love them. Day pass lets you in and out of the same park all day. If you end up buying a parkhopper, unused days are good forever. Just bring the tickets with you when you return in a few years....probably a good investment considering how quickly park enterance fees rise!

Sea World is great! But plan the shows and get there early for a good seat. Again, the fast food there is awful and $$.

Hi

Been to LA Disney a few times with kids at various stages. Our first time was when the youngest was 3 - she was able to get into most rides but not Indiana Jones. They were good about letting one parent through with the other kids while I waited with the 3 yr old and when the otheres returned I was able to go in immediately on my own without getting in line again. She liked the characters, Toon town and the smaller rides and was very good natured about all the others we went on except that after every single one of the faster, head messing ones (like Star Wars) she would say that she hated it. When she returned to preschool a couple of weeks later, she stated to her teacher and class that she hated the rides and we made her go on them!!! My impression is that if you want to go with 3 and 4 yr olds, do not expect to do the older and teen rides and a lot of the roller coasters as they probably won't enjoy it much. Stick to characters, toon town and small rides. Be prepared for autograph line ups for the characters.

I would also suggest staying in one of the many hotels just outside the park as they can be quite cheap and then you can walk. It makes it easy to go back for a swim and a break.

Have fun.

We paid extra at Sea World for premium parking, which put us close to the snacks and the cooler in our car. Despite the price of the parking pass, it saved us a ton on meals. We also rented one of those huge strollers for our 3 and 6 year old to ride in.

When it comes to transportation, most off site hotels have shuttle service to the theme parks. Check with the hotel you have booked to find out their schedule. It is always best to get to the parks as early as possible. A break in the day is not a bad idea. It really depends on the kids.

Hi. My family has been to Disney World about 6 times and we now have a 3 year old son. I strongly recommend that you rethink the trip now. Having a 3 & 4 year old is going to be hard on you. We love Disney just as much as anyone else if not more and are really looking forward to talking our son, but the best age is probably 5 and older. We have seen many parents "dragging" their children around because they aren't tall enough to ride or they just were not ready emotionally to ride. Yes there are many things you can do besides ride the rides, but I think you get more for your money if you'll wait a couple of years. Plus you must think about naps, you'll want to come back to the room and let the kids take an afternoon nap. Now unless you are staying on disney property and even if you are this will be a hard job. Getting around disney is a quest in itself. I really don't want to burst any bubbles, but l know how hard it is to save up money for a trip. I just don't want you to "waste" your money.

Janie Jordan