Hello all! So far, I am loving the DIS. I just joined and I'd like to know where I can find valuable information on WDW. I have a trip in March, and I seriously don't know where to start. Also, if you can refer me to DIS veterans that give helpful information I would appreciate that. Thanks so much!
I'll keep an eye on your post too. I just posted below this asking where to start but haven't received any replies yet either.
It's probably a lot for an old veteran to talk about but every little bit helps us newbies! lol
Welcome and enjoy your trip!
First off- some great sites for unbiased info are allears.net, easywdw.com, mousesavers.com, wdwinfo and of course here on the Dis is where I got my best info. I really love allears- great info, very detailed, up to date, easy to navigate.
Here on the DIS, you will find lots of vets with awesome info- (like robo and his maps!) all you have to do is ask. Throw up a post and if you don't get any responses, just bump it to the top with a comment and maybe others will see it.
For Character locations and info kennythepirate.com (he has an android ap too)
Food delivery: I use gardengrocer.com, but there are others too...
Stroller rental, not sure if you would need that but I highly recommend against the bulky uncomfortable and expensive park strollers. You can get a nicer cheaper rental delivered to your room by OrlandoStrollerRentals or again there are others. I use OSR...
Where I would start is with the hotel. Do you want to stay on property or off? I don't know that much about off property locations myself, but some on here do. There are some off property locations that have their own transportation. Although I have heard they share those buses with other hotels and tend to be slow. May not be an issue if going at a slow time. if on property- Figure out where you want to stay, look by budget- value, moderate or deluxe. They are split into categories to make things easier for you. I have stayed at All three categories and really liked all. they are all nice, even the value. i stayed at All Star Movies (that was def the most "disney" with its decor!) and even that was a pleasant experience, although definitely "no frills". Once you find a few in your price range, check out the amenities- allears.net has great info on rooms and even has some videos of the rooms- this site has a very informative hotels section too. Check out any special offers on disney.com. depending on when you are going in March they may have some offers. sometimes they offer dep room discounts and the most sought after is the free dining plan. Decide if you will rent a car or use Disney transport. I m a city person and hate driving, so I will never rent a car, but lots of people on here will tell you the buses suck and definitely rent a car. It's all preference. I went at a high traffic time this yr and was fine with the buses. I have never had a problem. Again, I am kinda laid back and used to public transportation...
Park attractions. If this is a first time for you, I'd just go to allears.net and go through the attractions and see what interests you the most. Just familiarize yourself with the parks, their themes and attractions and then delve deeper into specifics. Like restaurants and dining plans and such. Learn about fast pass and how to use it to your advantage. look up some info on Photopass and see if that is for you or not. Just ask questions, we will help you!
Make a list of stuff you want to accomplish and create a plan. You will be much happier during y our stay if you have at least an idea of what you want to do and how you'd like to accomplish it. Some people are schedulers and plan in 15 min blocks of time and others are more laid back while some go with just an idea of what they'd like to do and if they do it great if not oh we'll. then there are the ppl who go with absolutely no idea what they want to do. Haha again it's all preference. But I would highly recommend, and I am sure most would agree, that making at least a list and a loose plan is the way to go. You will get more in and not miss anything or be overwhelmed when you get there.
Feel free to post questions or ask advice on here. We r a pretty informative community! But take it all with a grain of salt because there are lots of opinions- solicited OR unsolicited! Ha!
So that's my basic overview and two cents. Well that was more like three cents but you know what I mean... Haha
Best of luck and enjoy!
