Hmmmm... lessee...
I'm sure you'll get a lot of replys, but heres some of the things we 'learned' taking our (now) 8 & 10 yr olds the last few yrs...
-- Just because YOU dont think a ride is 'thrilling', dont assume they wont luv it. Three rides that grown-ups think of as booorrrring are some of my boys favs... The Indy Raceway, The Mad Teacups and (gasp) Its A Small World.
--Likewise (we found out the hard way) semi-scary stuff (Space Mountain or Mine Train or Splash Mountain) might be considered carefully before embarking... Dont get everybody tensed up for no reason.. REMEMBER, almost all those rides have 'baby-swap' options to let only grownups ride, and kids to 'pass on it' at the last minit.
--Be sure to meet the Mick in person. The line is usually long but moves quickly at his 'Dressing Room'. Dont tell the kids that there about 3 or 4 'Mickeys' in separate rooms. Hey, I'll deny that I ever said that!!!
--Learn all the ins an outs of using FastPass. If you are attending in the summer, its a good way to avoid a lot of time in the lines.
--Consider getting a drink or snack a little early, and staking out a place with a good view of as many parades and light/fireworks shows as possible. The better your viewing location, the more breathtaking they can be.
--Even if he's a big ole 7 yr old, consider a stroller. You can hang all kinds of backpack stuff on it, and it will lessen the total state of kiddo-exhaustion/meltdown later in the (each) day.
--If you have the chance, catch the Monorail at night, and make the full circle run. Great view of the Epcot lights, the lagoon at night, and several of the Hotels. And DEFINITELY ask one of the CM's if your boy can 'co-pilot' the monorail. We still have the co-pilot certificates hanging in each boys room.
--But mostly, try not to get into the marathon-lets-see-all-4-parks in 2 days mentality. Enjoy each other, and feel the magic.
Hakuna Matata.... DB
