[FSUZeta]

go to your nearest bookstore and buy a copy of "the unofficial guide to disney world". this book is great-even for seasoned disney visitors.

reserve two strollers-even if the 3 year old "thinks" they want to walk-they are going to get tired and having that extra stroller will pay off in spades in keeping you or hubby from having to hold them. get distinctive bandanas or ribbons(they can match) to tie on the handles of the strollers so that you can spot yours easily when you come out of a ride/exhibit. it also helps keep folks from getting "mixed up"and "accidently" taking your stoller, when their non-strollered child gets tired. we actually had one of ours stolen once, but i was able to track it down because the creep who stole it did not take the bandana off of it. i know that people make fun of leash kids, but it might give you some piece of mind to have the 3 year old a little more secured-those crowds can be overwhelming.

take backpacks/diaper bags and put some juice boxes/water bottles and snacks in them under the diapers-in case they look in the bags as you enter the park. you could even buy a loaf of bread, some p-nut butter and jelly to keep in your room and make sandwiches to take for lunch. you would save tons of $$ and you could feed the kids when they are hungry-the lines at the disney fast food restaurants get reallllllllll long around lunch time and the noise can be overwhelming. paying $12-15 for a hot dog/hamburger, french fries and drink when the kids will eat a bite or two is a waste of money. even water sells at a premium at the disney parks. bagels in your room for breakfast is a great idea. as far as a la carte or buffet breakfasts, it depends on the restaurant.

you are really being smart to take breaks and go back to the hotel. the kids will need it-and you may too! if you get the opportunity to speak to someone involved with the monorails, you might ask if one of you could ride in the front(the nose) of the monorail with your son. sometimes they will let you. and of course, there is the steam train that goes around the magic kingdom.

may should be a wonderful time to go. temperatures should be nice.

my kids never liked people dressed up in animal suits, and we managed to have a great time and avoid the characters with no problem. the characters usually don't approach you-they let you come to them. hopefully if your son is gradually exposed to them over the course of the trip, by the time you attend the wedding breakfast festivities, it won't be so scary for him.