Going to Disney over Superbowl?

[Bash]

Team,
thinking of taking my wife & 4 year old son to see the mouse in Florida over super bowl weekend. Heard that it supposed to be slow? Have searched some of the threads, lots of old entries...
Any advice for a first timer as to go about this? Only planning on two days. Discounts? Hotels? Wait at rides? Medication?
Bash

[URY914]

Comfortable shoes.

[Eric 951]

You're a little behind the curve on the planning end--people make reservations for rides/meals up to 90 days out if staying on property and 60 out if not--check out disboards website--all the information you could ever want rearing planning-and there is a lot. Good luck.

[bell]

My wife and I have both Disney and universal premium passes, we live 5 minutes from disney, 15 minutes from universal. ....
Having been going to the parks for the past 7 years ths year has been the most crowded we have ever seen it. .....period, it's ridiculous, I can't even explain. .....
However. ...super bowl weekend. ...is going to be hit or miss, you won't know until you get here, the morning you're going to go to the park. .....example. .....magic kingdom could hit capacity, and epcot could be dead. .....you just won't know until then. ....
Fast passes.....use them. ......don't waste your day waiting in line, once you book your hotel and park tickets you'll be able to choose and have your Magic bands mailed to you. You won't be able to book anything until you have them, they will come with instructions on how to download the app and how to set up.......
Plan your days around your table service dinner reservation......the dinner reservations are what book up first. ....
Comfortable shoes, patience, and be a smart "backpack dad".....meaning don't bring everything. ....
Don't be afraid to spend some bucks on snacks etc......
My wife and i don't normally give disney advice, because no one Listens to us then they have a terrible time.......
It's quite simple and enjoyable if you do it right......

[URY914]

Heard on the radio news today that they have had to close WDW this week because it was full. The weather has been perfect.

[ckelly78z]

If I could suggest a different approach, I would go to the Magic Kingdom on the first day to see all the iconic sites, and then take a day off, and lay around the pool at the hotel for the second day. Go to the animal kingdom park on day three. This allows small children, and you and your wife to have a day of rest in between to really make the next day less stressful, and more enjoyable.

We tried to force three days in a row on the family, and the 2nd and 3rd days were far less enjoyable because of tired legs and burnt out enthusiasm for large crowds.

[Bash]

Bell,
Thanks for the reply, after reading old threads, l was hoping you were still around. We are looking at booking in the next 48 hours.
1. Concerned that we are only a month away. Do you think all dining and Fast pass reservations will be full?
2. The fast pass app- are all reservations locked in or does it alert you to availability to rides near You?
3. Meal plan. I know you don't stay at the hotel. Should we plan on all meals in the park? Breakfast in the hotel?
4. Again our concern is that by the time we get our bands to do the Fast Pass, the availability will be extremely limited with a 5 year old.

Thanks,
More than happy to PM.

[bell]

You'll probably be ok, they regularly release more slots, and that week may or not be crazy,
The meal plan is excellent, there's allot of decent counter service available which is walk up, the character dinners are what book up quick, but you'll see availability on the app when you're ready to book them. I have my favorites but it's a big list, there are also killer restaurants at the resorts, which you'll see also, you'll need to plan your on site travel smartly, the buses/monorail/boats work well....when you get your things booked I can help with the most efficient way to get around, generally plan on an hour from resort to park for bus travel etc..but it varies.....
Pm me and we can exchange info so it's easier, I'm not on pelican that much anymore

[GH85Carrera]

I hear there is an App. Get it installed. Use it.

[bell]

The app is great, however you won't be able to set anything up until you have your Magic bands, which will be mailed to you after you call and book your stay. ...
But you should be able to download the app to get familiar with it, but may not do anything until synced to your bands

[Joe Bob]

Bring a book and valium, even with a fast pass you will be waiting eons.

I hate amusement parks with a passion.

[bell]

You can do it right and not stand in line for hours. ......
people who've always done it wrong are the ones who hate it and make the rest of the families time miserable because of it......
There is a right and wrong way to do disney.........done right your family will have a blast. ....

[Bash]

Thanks Bell,
looking forward to doing it right!