First timer with a lot of questions

[Countrymomof1]

First time poster, first time Disney trip, first time on a vacation for a week with DD (8 in Dec). Going for her birthday! Been saving up for a LONG time for this trip.

I have a few questions so please bear with me. HAHA

Are there any special perks or secrets anywhere I should ask about on her birthday? Like maybe a free meal or ice cream or something? We will be staying at the Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Has anyone stayed there before?
We will be driving from Michigan so I have never driven this far/long with her before and was wondering what I should bring along in the car to keep her occupied. Its about a 17 hour drive so we will be stopping on the way in Tennessee.
I want to enjoy some of the rides as well. Is Space Mountain safe for kids? I know we will be hitting Volcano Bay as well. We both love putt putt and go-carting so we will be looking for those spots too.
I am afraid to ask but, are the souvenirs and gift shops expensive? I am assuming buying stuff in the actual parks are going to cost more that at lets say Walmart.
For an 8 year old, how long it too long of a day. I am thinking half day then back to the hotel for a nap and snacks then back out after. She doesn’t nap anymore but she will probably need one while there.

This is a touchy subject but, I was hoping she would be past this by now but, she still wets the bed. And when I mean she wets the bed, she soaks it! We currently use pull ups (at her request because she absolutely HATES waking up in a wet bed) but, I still end up washing because they just don’t last all night. I get her the overnight pull ups because she still fits in them. Tried the goodnite brand ones and they do fit barely, those don’t work either. She can’t wait to go but also says she doesn’t want to because she knows she will wake up in wet bed. I have a mattress cover that I am going to bring and I have told her time and time again that NO ONE will know. Not sure what my options are if any so if anyone has any been there done that tips, I am all ears!

I guess my final question for now is for those who have done both. Which is better in your opinion a cruise or Disney World. I want to try a cruise my next trip. Never been on a cruise before either.
Thank you in advance for the tips and suggestions!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Here is the CR thread, hundreds of DISers have stayed there, you can find out everything about it from them!

There are no special bday perks. Feel free to put it on your reservation and tell them when you check into a restaurant but be aware darn near everyone is celebrating something at WDW these days so it’s not like restaurants in your home town. You can get a happy birthday pin for free. One fun thing I did was bring some bedazzle stickers to deck my button out. If she wears the button CMs will occasionally wish her a happy bday.

Everything is expensive. Adult t-shirts are like $35 and I think even Mickey ears run like $30 these days…

Mid day break since you’re staying CR. What kid wants to nap when a pool is there?!

 

[woody5]

If is just the two of you, have looked into flying? Gas plus two hotel rooms will cover a lot of the cost of the flight.

By age 8, my kids and grandkids wanted to be in the park all day. They wanted to ride as many rides as possible!! Now they do swim a lot at home.

If you are wanting to save some money, I would suggest staying at a moderate or even value resort. Your daughter will have a blast at any resort.

 

[Miffy]

OP, Perhaps you are already getting a discount on your room at the Contemporary, but if you aren't, you might want to check out mousesavers, which lists all the discounts currently available at WDW.

And, as another poster has already suggested, perhaps you could stay at a less expensive resort since the Contemporary is one of the most expensive resorts on the WDW property, and many of the lower priced resorts are extremely nice. The money you save there could go to purchase those expensive souvenirs or some Lightning Lane passes, since you'll be going at a very busy time of year.

I can't give any insight into the bed-wetting, but for sure someone will be along who can.

As for your 8-year-old daughter, I'm pretty sure she'll love WDW no matter where you stay or what you do.

BTW, Volcano Bay is at Universal, not WDW. In case you didn't realize that.

And even though you have a lot of off-site things in your post, just know that unless you're planning on being in Orlando for 2+ weeks, there's so much to do on-site at WDW, that you could easily never leave the property and still not touch half of all there is to see and do.

I just got back from a week-long trip, I'm a WDW veteran, this was the 3rd time I've gone this year, and I didn't even come close to doing everything I wanted to do and planned to do. And yet I did a heckuva lot.

 

[RickNJane]

We did a stay at BLT at the contemporary last December with the grand kids 4 and 7 both girls. They did not slow down wanted to stay rope drop to close. Almost killed me! The 7 year old's favorite ride is Space Mountain. Contemporary is great to walk to Magic Kingdom, but as woody5 stated, the other resorts may save you a bit. The pool is not that great at the contemporary as well. Don't get me wrong, I Love bay Lake tower (BLT) but I am a DVC Member.
Be sure to have down time. We always go back to the room around lunch and have a rest and maybe a nap.

I am assuming you are going in December and if so, hit the resorts as all the Lobbies will be decorated. The Grand Floridian has a killer Gingerbread house. We made it a point to take a pic of the girls in front of as many lobby Christmas trees as possible. They really got into it.

Have never done a cruise so can't help ya there.

Enjoy!

 

[CarolynFH]

Not sure what my options are if any so if anyone has any been there done that tips, I am all ears!

I’ll bet you’ll get helpful suggestions for this on the Disney for Families forum, https://www.disboards.com/forums/disney-for-families.23/. And help with all your questions about 8 year olds and need for afternoon breaks, too!

PS I agree with checking out the Value and Moderate resorts. Tickets, food, and souvenirs are very expensive, not to mention the Lightning Lane passes to reduce your time standing in lines, so I’d save on the hotel! My favorite resort when we’re out of DVC points is Pop Century!

 

[Countrymomof1]

Thanks everyone! It looks like a lot of you are suggesting a more economic place to stay. I have always wanted to stay there. I loved the fact the the monorail runs straight through the hotel. I saved a lot of money to afford it as well as shopping and souvenirs etc. I will do another look around. We wont be spending a lot of time at the hotel other than sleeping and swimming so maybe a "cheaper" hotel might be a better option.
As far as flying vs driving. I had a VERY turbulent flight once and ever since then, I keep my feet planted firmly on the ground.
I will let the hotel know its her birthday so I hope I can plan something with them. I did forget to mention that we are doing a princess character breakfast on her birthday as well. That should be fun.
Thanks for the tip on Space Mountain. DD has been on roller coasters before so I am hoping she will ride it.
As someone said, yes, I am hoping someone could offer some suggestions regarding her still wetting the bed. Her dr has told me many times that is still not uncommon and its nothing to worry about and she should outgrow it soon. Like I said she insists on wearing a pull up to bed which is fine but they also don't exactly work and still ends up in a wet bed. That is what she is dreading. She has told me that she doesn't want to go to a hotel but wants to go to Disney World. I just want her to be happy and NOT have to worry about that.
Please keep all the tips coming everyone!

 

[RickNJane]

Have you tried adult diapers? My MIL had a stroke and was incontinent after that. We got overnight adult diapers that did the job. They have smaller sizes and should do a much better job than large pull-ups. There is also sheet protectors or incontinent pads that should work as well. Using the pads with the diapers should keep the bed clean. Have a great trip!

 

[Countrymomof1]

I have not. She would practically swim in them. She is tall but SUPER skinny. We still use the reg 4-5T pull ups and she still has room to grow in them. The ones for bigger kids did barely fit her and didn't make a difference with those either. Sorry to hear about your MIL.

 

[focusondisney]

Not sure what my options are if any so if anyone has any been there done that tips, I am all ears!

My nephew had that problem for quite awhile also. My sister used limit his liquids for an hour or 2 before bed, then get him up & take him to the bathroom during the night. Not sure if you do that already, but maybe set an alarm & take her shortly before she would usually wet herself. Especially at WDW, kids tend to be so exhausted they sleep really deeply. So I’d definitely try something like that. Maybe start trying it at home, especially to try & time when she needs to go so you’ll know when to get her up.

I will let the hotel know its her birthday so I hope I can plan something with them.

WDW hotels won’t plan anything with you. At the front desk or guest services in any park you can get an “I’m celebrating” birthday button. You can order a Mickey cake at most sit down restaurants. You’ll see the option when you make ADRs. They used to have a florist service that you could buy celebration gift baskets from. But they were pretty expensive & I think the service has been discontinued.

 

[focusondisney]

It looks like a lot of you are suggesting a more economic place to stay. I have always wanted to stay there. I loved the fact the the monorail runs straight through the hotel. I saved a lot of money to afford it as well as shopping and souvenirs etc. I will do another look around. We wont be spending a lot of time at the hotel other than sleeping and swimming so maybe a "cheaper" hotel might be a better option.

Many people do what’s called a split stay. Maybe stay 4 nights at a value or moderate hotel then 2 or 3 at a deluxe resort. That way you can save some money but still fulfill your wish to stay there. There are drawbacks… you have to pack up in the middle of your vacation. And on move day, you have to be out of your resort before 11 am but your new room may not be available until 3 pm or so. The good news is Disney bell services will transfer your luggage to the new hotel for you.

 

[RickNJane]

I have not. She would practically swim in them. She is tall but SUPER skinny. We still use the reg 4-5T pull ups and she still has room to grow in them. The ones for bigger kids did barely fit her and didn't make a difference with those either. Sorry to hear about your MIL.

Thanks. I would look into the incontinence pads. They are super absorbent and have a waterproof backing. Have great trip.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I will let the hotel know its her birthday so I hope I can plan something with them..

If you want something special in the hotel bring your own stuff since you’re driving. Only thing the hotel will do is give you a bday button and maybe the Disney Floral and Gifts website or phone number. Sure, folks randomly post the got a free balloon or something but they are the exception, not the rule. If you want something special for her, make something special for her.

(Disney Floral and Gifts or 3rd party outfits that do fun stuff- but I will warn you right now they are not cheap.)

 

[Dug720]

If you want something special in the hotel bring your own stuff since you’re driving. Only thing the hotel will do is give you a bday button and maybe the Disney Floral and Gifts website or phone number. Sure, folks randomly post the got a free balloon or something but they are the exception, not the rule. If you want something special for her, make something special for her.

(Disney Floral and Gifts or 3rd party outfits that do fun stuff- but I will warn you right now they are not cheap.)

This. As has been said, most people are celebrating something at Disney. Get the Birthday button for here and the I'm Celebrating button for you (you or they can write "[her name]'s birthday!" on it). There may be something that happens or she may just get wished "Happy Birthday" by CMs and others. (Y'all can wear them the whole trip, not just her birthday.) But don't expect anything else (or get her hopes up for anything else). If you want magic guaranteed, you need to make it for her.

 

[AnnaS]

They have pads you can use with the pull ups for kids/have you tried these? As suggested, definitely limit her drinking about two hours before bed time. Set up an alarm to wake her during the night? If you are too late, set it up a bit earlier. It's a lot of work but it might work certain nights. She will definitely outgrow it.

Since you are driving, maybe take an extra flat or a fitted queen sheet from home. You can always do a quick wash (tub/sink) for the wet one and use the one you bring from home to dry and switch every night.

Bring little surprises from home for the room for her birthday. (candles for her birthday day/cupcake, etc.).

 

[Rogue1677x]

When we took my daughter for her first trip, she was 4 and would occasionally wet the bed. We put one of those pet pads under the sheets (got large ones too because she moved around a lot in her sleep), also had a towel above that over the sheets but under her and she wore night time pull-ups.

 

[Countrymomof1]

Many people do what’s called a split stay. Maybe stay 4 nights at a value or moderate hotel then 2 or 3 at a deluxe resort. That way you can save some money but still fulfill your wish to stay there. There are drawbacks… you have to pack up in the middle of your vacation. And on move day, you have to be out of your resort before 11 am but your new room may not be available until 3 pm or so. The good news is Disney bell services will transfer your luggage to the new hotel for you.

That is a great idea!!! I get what I want and I can save money as well! I love that they will transfer my luggage to another hotel. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Countrymomof1]

If you want something special in the hotel bring your own stuff since you’re driving. Only thing the hotel will do is give you a bday button and maybe the Disney Floral and Gifts website or phone number. Sure, folks randomly post the got a free balloon or something but they are the exception, not the rule. If you want something special for her, make something special for her.

(Disney Floral and Gifts or 3rd party outfits that do fun stuff- but I will warn you right now they are not cheap.)

I am already planning on bringing surprises that she wont know till the morning of her birthday. I am going to get a hot air tank because I want to put like 50 balloons in the room! HAHA

 

[bluezy]

They have pads you can use with the pull ups for kids/have you tried these? As suggested, definitely limit her drinking about two hours before bed time. Set up an alarm to wake her during the night? If you are too late, set it up a bit earlier. It's a lot of work but it might work certain nights. She will definitely outgrow it.

Since you are driving, maybe take an extra flat or a fitted queen sheet from home. You can always do a quick wash (tub/sink) for the wet one and use the one you bring from home to dry and switch every night.

Bring little surprises from home for the room for her birthday. (candles for her birthday day/cupcake, etc.).

No need to bring your own, just call housekeeping when you arrive and request an extra set or two of sheets. We've gotten extra sets on numerous trips to use on air mattresses and one trip when one of our kids had an accident during the night. When housekeeping came to change those sheets, they left an extra set in case it happed again and left a big plastic bag for us to put the wet sheets in if we needed to change them during the night. Fortunately, it didn't happen again, but we were prepared if it did.

 

[Dug720]

(candles for her birthday day/cupcake, etc.).

Candles are generally not allowed in hotel rooms.