First timers--any suggestions would be appreciated

[Lattas]

This is our( myself,wife, and 2 1/2 year old) first visit to WDW. We are staying at POP from April 18 - April 21. We have the dining plan with a TS, CS, and snack a day for each. Was just wanting some tips or suggestions. Not going to try and do it all. Mostly focused on the little one who loves playhouse disney. Maybe a few " Big Kid " rides for myself. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

[Luvchefmic]

This is our( myself,wife, and 2 1/2 year old) first visit to WDW. We are staying at POP from April 18 - April 21. We have the dining plan with a TS, CS, and snack a day for each. Was just wanting some tips or suggestions. Not going to try and do it all. Mostly focused on the little one who loves playhouse disney. Maybe a few " Big Kid " rides for myself. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

How exciting for you! I think you picked a great resort (must try the cheesecake in the food court) The best advice I could give you is to go & get a guide book (Birnbaums is a good one there are a ton of others)and a couple of Highlighters. You & your wife can then look at the maps of each park and decide on the must do's. 1/2 the fun is the planning. Another thing I would tell you as first timers is start at the MK. Take the ferry over, I still get "goosebumps" when I do this & the castle comes into sight. Have a wonderful time and :welcome: to the Disboard !

Ruthie

[MichaelH]

I enjoy all of Disney. For a first timer, I would agree start with MK and also buy the Birnbaums guide book. My wife and I started out planning with that. The planning is quite fun and helps the time go buy.

I would use EE since your on property. Then you can get the rides for your little one done early at MK and little wait time. You can get inoventions done pretty quick using EE at EPCOT. They also used to have a Playhouse disney show at Disney Studios, not sure if that is still there.

You should get a lot of tips from the boards.

[PrincessTiffany]

This is our( myself,wife, and 2 1/2 year old) first visit to WDW. We are staying at POP from April 18 - April 21. We have the dining plan with a TS, CS, and snack a day for each. Was just wanting some tips or suggestions. Not going to try and do it all. Mostly focused on the little one who loves playhouse disney. Maybe a few " Big Kid " rides for myself. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.
1. Make sure you have Advance Dining Reservations - it is a MUST. You will be at WDW during a very busy time and they probably won't be taking any walk-ups at the restaurants.

2. Get to the parks at opening. You really can get a lot done in the morning because so many other people sleep in.

3. Eat lunch around 11:30 a.m. before the fast food places get busy. Then when while everyone else is eating lunch, you will have lower crowds.

4. I buy a ton of the two for a dollar ponchos at the dollar store and keep them in the backpack. That way you can throw them a way after use and not worry about keeping up with a wet bulky poncho the rest of the day. Bring throw away ponchos to wear on Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom, if not you WILL get soaked.

5. Other things I put in the backpack each morning are Tylenol/Motrin, small first aid kit, camera with extra batteries, small hand towel, hand sanitizer, wipes and a bottle of water.

6. Most single service items under $4.00 are considered a snack credit on the dining plan.

7. At Magic Kingdom at always head to Fantasyland first, if you are not doing Fantasyland on a particular day then head to Splash Mountain first, then Big Thunder Mountain; at Epcot always ride Soarin' first and get a Fastpass for later after you get off of the ride; at Disney Hollywood Studios always ride Toy Story Mania first, then head over to Rockin' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror; and at Animal Kingdom ride Expedition Everest First then head to the Safari.

8. Favorite fast food restaurants at MK are Pecos Bills and Cosmic Rays; favorite fast food at Animal Kingdom is Flame Tree Grill

9. If there are two lines going into an attraction, always take the line that goes to the left.

10. My best tip would have to be USE THE FASTPASS SYSTEM. Our rule of thumb is if the wait is 25 minutes or less, we wait in line. If the wait is 30 minutes or more, use a Fastpass. It is not highly publicized, but your Fastpass does not expire until the end of the day. You can never use it before the return time stamp on the pass, but you can always use it after. We try to collect Fastpasses during the early part of the day and then use them later in the afternoon when the parks become more crowded.

Click on this link by a fellow Disers and it will give you an excellent overview of Fastpass:

http://www.oinc.net/disney/fastpass.php

11. I like the Photopass. You can pre-buy it before your trip for $99.00. When you enter the parks you will see the staff photographers, they will take your pictures and give you a Photopass and you can use that for the rest of your trip. Each time you see a photographer have them take your picture and they will scan your picture. Then when you get home you can pull up the pictures, with the code they email you after purchase, and pick the photos you want on a CD. They will then mail you the CD and the copyrights to the CD and you can take them to Walmart or Walgreens or wherever and get them developed. They also have a lot of cool software that you can use to edit your photos before you have them put on the CD.

My favorite Disney planning sites are:

www.disboards.com
www.allearsnet.com
www.wdwinfo.com

[disneydreamingdebby]

Most importantly, research. You are off to a great start by being on this forum.

I think the Passporter is a great book to invest in (also, the Unofficial Guide but it isn't light reading.) Here are some links:

http://yourfirstvisit.net/
http://www.disneyworldbasics.com/
http://www.mousesavers.com/

Have a great time.

[Cruz91]

I remember our first trip so well... You'll have a blast! Don't rule out some rides for your 2.5 yr old. He/she may be big enough for more than you think. Our son was just shy of 2 when we went the 1st time and he was tall enough for Barnstormer (granted - he was huge for his age).

Sounds like you're already clued in on the best advice I give 1st timers - don't try to do it all. You can not. Just enjoy all you CAN do.

And do me a favor... One night, stay for Wishes and hold the little one close to you - cheek to cheek. Soak up every moment - pay attention to the feel of their little breath against your cheek. My kids are 8 and almost 6 now, and they're just too big for me to do that anymore. I miss it more than I could possibly describe with words.

[graceesmom]

I agree with all that everyone has already said and just have 1 thing to add...

Arrive at MK at least 20 minutes before it opens one day (even better if it can be your first park day) and let your child watch the opening ceremony. AND have the camera ready. I wish I could recapture the unadulterated overwhelming look of joy on my daughter's face the first time she saw that opening of MK. From that moment I was hooked on Disney. They really do know how to help you make Magical Memories.

Then as soon as the park opens, head straight to Dumbo (in Fantasyland).

[We_love_WDW]

Do you have your Table Service meal reservations yet??

[ZoZo]

1) Get a good guidebook, like the Unofficial Guide, and read it cover to cover. It will give you so much basic information if it's your first trip. These boards are great, but can be overwhelming. I find guidebooks great for general, basic information, and use this chat board to get answers to specific questions.

2) Make some dining reservations now -- look on the restaurants/Dining board for suggestions. You're starting to get awfully close to your trip, and many people make their reservations months in advance! Don't wait until the last minute, or you might have trouble getting ADRs!

[Caydence3]

subscribing

[daisy2jae]

I enjoy all of Disney. For a first timer, I would agree start with MK and also buy the Birnbaums guide book.

You should get a lot of tips from the boards.

I loved the Birnbaums guide book. We learned many things. I took it to the gym and read while I biked. I got some funny looks but I didn't care I was going to Disney! RESEARCH! The more you know the better. I also love the boards. I have learned many tricks and tips! Have a great trip! Take lots of pictures!

[Kuffam]

Keep reading the boards. Personally I prefer them over guidebooks. Books get out dated the board (and other unofficial websites) are usually up-to-date.

[sunnyday123]

Plan at least one early morning breakfast ( before the park opens ) at Crystal Palace. That way, you get a character breakfast, and you can take pictures of your little one in front of the Castle pretty much alone. ( You might get one or two stragglers wandering aimlessly)

We went when DD was 2, and it was great. She wasn't afraid of any of the characters, and rode pretty much everythign except roller coasters. We did do The Great Movie Ride about 14 millions times. I'd start talking up characters and make sure she's not afraid. And make sure you buy her a misting fan, there's nothing worse than a cranky 2 year old!

Take extra cards for your camera. And batteries. A big pen for her autograph book. Don't worry so much about how "cute" she's dressed as much as how comfortable she is, and how easily she can go potty. 2 year olds tend to forget when they're into something, and you don't want to be in the stall trying to get her out of 24 layers of tulle.

[skx1122]

We took my child twice while he was 2 years old. Once at 27 months and then again at 33 months. FABULOUS time to take them as that they "get it" and are still free :)

Couple of random tips -
1. Ride Dumbo first. Or at least second or third. I don't know why but the line gets super long, super fast.
2. When getting the characters to sign her book - only have them write on the right side of the page. Then when you get home, glue and/or tape a picture of your child with the character on the left. My son loved "reading" his book of him and the characters at Disney world over and over when we got home. Since they cannot read at 2 - the signature isn't really going to mean that much to them.

Just two extras I thought of. The previous posts are all great comments.

[Karpkg]

If you're going to use a stroller, bring the most colorful, outlandish scarf you might have to wrap around the handle when you park it aways. Easy to spot, no one else will touch it, especially if it's a rental and it blends in with any other rentals.

FREE ICE WATER. DH drinks a lot of bottled water, and when he found out he can just walk up to any concession stand that had fountain drinks and get a cup of ice water, that helped so much in the Florida heat & humidity.

Glow bracelets. I got a packet for $1 at Target in those bins in front of the store...the little ones always were fascinated by them, were great cheapy toys in anticipation of the parade and provided a comforting nightlight in the room on top of the nightstand.

Depending on how much they comprehend, when you get to MK go through the turnstiles 3-4 people ahead then turn around and start snapping pics like crazy. The look of wonder on their faces- priceless.

Another cute pic- eating the ears of a Mickey Mouse ice cream!

Epcot- there's a specific area where the kids were able to get wet. In MK it's in Ariel's grotto nearby the teacups.

I've been to WDW before but when you bring your family for the first time....I took TONS of pictures. Practice with your camera the night shots or the fast dim light shots- I have quite a few blurry pics that I regret. Too many buttons at times. I quickly found the fast action button used quite a bit.

[zarvgirl]

Some of these are repeats of PP's but worth repeating:

1.Stroller is a must.
2.ADR's a must.
3.Have a PLAN, be prepared to go off the plan!!
4.Rope drop, and rest time in middle of day really does work.
5.Pack a small soft sided cooler for in the parks, little ones love to snack.
6.Look at a guide book, I liked Unofficial Guide.
7.Loved the waterparks. Thyphoon Lagoon had a great area for our 2 yr.old.
8.Keep looking on the dis, and always ask questions.
9.Fridge was great, try a swap, found on the budget board.
10.Have a little bag of tricks with you for waits, stickers, markers, small notepad, whatever works for your little one!!

11. HAVE FUN!!!

[gcferg]

First trips are great. You will never forget the look on their face when they walk through the main gate and see the castle at the end of main street at the Magic Kingdom.

Chef Mickey's is a great character breakfast or dinner. If you do breakfast early you may need to arrange for transportation over to the Contemporary if the buses haven't started yet. But if you little one loves Mickey it is a great character dining experience. Or do breakfast at Crystal Palace in MK that way you get some less crowded photo opportunities.

For rides walk straight through the castle when you arrive at MK in the morning and hit Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh. The ride times for these start to really back up by mid morning or early afternoon.

Hollywood studios is a great place for Playhouse Disney and Pixar characters.

Have a great time

[doom_buggy_junkie]

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!!! "A failure to plan is a plan for failure." I used to be a Magic Kingdom cast member (Disney talk for employee) and saw families every day that didn't realize the extent of how huge WDW is and didn't plan adequately. Disney really is the most wonderful vacation destination on earth! I haven't been back in 3 years (live in Missouri), and I think I'm beginning to experience withdraw symptoms! :rotfl2: But most of all...take time to enjoy the parks and each other. Don't let the cares of the "real world" get to you while at Disney...that's what Disney was founded around. HAVE FUN!!! :wizard:

[skiingfast]

Don't worry so much about planning. You going on vacation not taking part in an invasion. You don't need to schedule every footstep. Decide what shows and parades you want to see. Know the major attractions. Make reservations for table service meals, use fastpass and rider swap.

[adamsclan]

My little ones always loved the breakfast at Crystal Palace with Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore. The food is good too.

We usually try to make 1 sit down reservation per day--if you book 2 the same day you end up having to leave something in the middle to make it to both.

[kchughes]

What a wonderful experience to share. Here are my favorite tips: go to your local library and check out some guidebooks. It doesn't matter if they are a few years old. The basic info is the same. Definitely have some type of plan. Use your fast passes. Rope drop is that important. you can see so much more in the first 2 hours. take the afternoon break. Especially with a little one, if she still naps. Take the ferry over to MK and be ready to snap a picture of her face when the castle comes into view. For your room at Pop, get one of those over the door shoe holders. it just helps with counter space in the vanity area. We have each of us (Me 38, DH 46, DS 7) pick a "must do/see/eat at" for each park. As long as we get to those 12 rides or shows or restaurants then our trip is complete. Everything else is gravy. Just remember, you can't see or do it all in one trip. you will go back. :laughing:

[cheshireqt]

I second the Unofficial Guide suggestion :thumbsup2
--If you are not doing the Early "extra magic hours" then avoid the park with EMH. UG will give you access to their crowd calendar online (they post current month free to everyone but the entire year is accessible to those with the current guide book). You can also get from the library if you don't want to buy.
--Decide must-do parades, shows and firework displays. Check dates that they run (ex: Spectromagic and Fantasmic do not run every day of the week). Both of those are excellent by the way. :goodvibes
--Figure out a rough idea of which park which day, when break-time will be and where you will go in the second part of the day (if you have park hoppers).
--Now you can plan your dining with a better idea of where you will be. Look up the menus to assist you with likes/dislikes and to ensure that your toddler will not be eating chicken tenders at every meal!
--While you are looking at menus think about where you might like to eat CounterService as well. There are several great threads about favorite CS restaurants.
--Look up height restrictions, or use the guide book to let you know where you will have to go solo and which rides will be family rides
--Don't try to schedule out the entire day. With a toddler you will just stress yourself out and will miss some of the fun unexpected things, like character interaction. DO have a bit of an idea what you will do when you first arrive at a park.. EX: get Fastpasses for Splash Mtn and then head to Flying Carpets, do Pirates of C. if FP time is not ready..then do the baby swap for SplshMtn so you both can ride.
For some reason PeterPan always has the longest lines...maybe get FP for Winnie the Pooh and ride PeterPan first?
--When your plan is not working, be willing to throw it out!
--First Trips are extra Magical. Have fun! :wizard:

[honeydiane1953]

This is our( myself,wife, and 2 1/2 year old) first visit to WDW. We are staying at POP from April 18 - April 21. We have the dining plan with a TS, CS, and snack a day for each. Was just wanting some tips or suggestions. Not going to try and do it all. Mostly focused on the little one who loves playhouse disney. Maybe a few " Big Kid " rides for myself. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

Purchase The Unofficial Guide to WDW. It has an enormous amount of info and is a fun read. U don't have long at all so go. lol

[PixieDust32]

:welcome::welcome: to the DIS.

[JacksLilWench]

Don't worry so much about planning. You going on vacation not taking part in an invasion.

:lmao::lmao::rotfl2::rotfl2:
I love this...I've been in the parks at time where you'd think the family WAS planning an invasion, lmao.

[aaylasecura]

Be spontanious! You'll find things you want to do that weren't in you plan. But, don't push it. You have a 2 1/2 year old with you and I hate seeing little ones at the park having a meltdown and then the chain reaction that follows from the adults.