1 day only - first time

[lisawheelock]

Hi all - My husband and 4 children (3 1/2 - 8) are going to Disney for one day (its a long story) the first week in April. I have never been and am feeling a bit overwelmed at trying to make this the best experience I can given our time contrants. I have found many great tips already by reading the posts here, but I would love some advice.
Which would be the best area for our age group? MK, Epcot?Where will we get the most "bang" for our buck? What is a must see? What kind of tours, meals, behind-the-scenes tours should we take advantage of? What time should we arrive? Should we buy tickets when we get there? What kind of reservations need to be made for dinners, lunches, breakfasts, etc. ? I am hoping it will be fun and not just a big tease. I am planning on taking notes for our next "real" trip next year.
Any help would be great!

Thanks,
A Disney Newbee

 

[jcemom]

Welcome to the DIS! I'll try to help as best I can.

Which would be the best area for our age group? MK, Epcot?

I would think the MK area, but it really depends on your budget.

Where will we get the most "bang" for our buck?

It depends on what you're looking for. With only one day you'll probably spend all of it at the park. If you're arriving early enough the day before and/or staying late enough the day after you may want something with a nice pool or other activities, maybe not. Budget-wise the all stars or pop century would be your best bet. If you're going for more convenience and luxury then I'd say maybe the Polynesian, though it costs considerably more.

What is a must see?

With only one day and kids the ages of yours, the Magic Kingdom! I'd concentrate on that, maybe trying to hit the best of the best. The "mountains," Fantasyland, the parade and fireworks.

What kind of tours, meals, behind-the-scenes tours should we take advantage of?

I wouldn't bother with any tours since you only have one day. As far as meals, a character meal would be great if you can fit it in. Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary resort would be a great choice if you're able to do it the night before your park day, or the morning after, to keep from using your limited park time. (You didn't say if you have only one day, or if you're arriving the night before and leaving the day after, really giving you one full day and two half-days.)

What time should we arrive?

What is your travelling situation? For example, are you arriving sometime on Tuesday, have all day Wednesday, leaving on Thursday?

Should we buy tickets when we get there?

If you're only buying one-day one-park tickets, I'd say yes. If you're sure you'll be going back next year and can afford to do so, I'd purchase multi-day park hoppers in advance (try mousesavers.com for the best deals) and save the unused days for your next trip. The average cost-per-day will be lower and you would then have the ability to park hop so that you could go to more than one park. With one-day tickets you will be limited to one park and can't "hop" to another in the same day.

What kind of reservations need to be made for dinners, lunches, breakfasts, etc. ?

407-WDW-DINE is the number to call to make a PS (priority seating) for whichever restaurant(s) you choose. They can be made 90 days in advance for sit down restaurants. You can check out the menus at allears.net if you haven't already.

I'm assuming that if you're only going to one park it will be the Magic Kingdom, right? There is so much to do that you could fill a month, but as long as everyone understands that this is just a "preview" you should have a great time!

 

[McCall]

with your chidren's ages the answer is simple you do the Magic Kingdom only and you won't be able to adequately do that in one day but will give you a good taste of it read a guide on the rides and look at the maps before you go, get fastpasses for the most popular rides you will want to do. Try to stay into night as it is most magical at night.