10 things most first-timers don't know

[nan1217]

What would you add to the list?

From http://wdwprepschool.com/10-things-most-disney-world-first-timers-dont-know/

No matter how much research or planning you do, there will be things that surprise you on your first trip (and your second and third and…).

Here are 10 things you might not know if you’re planning your very first trip to Disney World.


1. There is no gum sold anywhere at Disney World

In an effort to keep the parks clean, Disney World doesn’t sell gum anywhere on the premises. If you really want gum during your trip, you’ll need to bring your own (and be sure to discard it in the trash, not under a table).


2. Disney World transportation will probably take longer than you expect

By far, the most surprising thing about our first trip was the transportation. You really need to plan on an hour each way to be on the safe side (most of that time will be spent waiting at a bus/monorail/boat stop).


3. The Boardwalk area exists

Unless you’re staying in a Boardwalk-area hotel, you may not be aware of this section of Disney World. There are great restaurants, evening entertainment and a piano bar called Jellyrolls. This area is just outside of the World Showcase part of EPCOT (entry into EPCOT is accessible by what is called the “International Gateway”). People who want to visit this area should catch a bus to the Boardwalk Inn from any park.


4. You can have a wake-up call from a character

If you’re staying on-site, you can request a wake-up call and many times it will be a character (currently, it seems to be Stitch). When the call comes in, you can put the phone on speakerphone and then everybody in the room can be woken at the same time.


5. There is a pet hotel on the premises

Actual Disney movies play on the TVs at Best Friends Pet Care. Seriously.
Pets are not allowed in the theme parks or hotels but they are welcome at Best Friends Pet Care which is located across from Port Orleans Riverside Resort. There are suites and vacation villas, complete with TVs and webcams. There is also a grooming salon and large day camp rooms for activities.


6. You can trade pins with Cast Members (and other guests)

You can wear a lanyard with some pins and then seek out pins that you’d like to trade from Cast Members or other guests. You can get started by getting a lanyard and pin set on eBay or the Disney Store. Be sure to read this guide to avoid scammers trying to take advantage of new pin traders.


7. Disney has a free app for lines and FASTPASS return times

Disney has a free app called Disney Mobile Magic that works while you’re in the parks. It includes wait times, maps, characters, dining info and trivia.


8. There is random entertainment everywhere

As you’re going through the parks, you might spot some things happening randomly that are worth stopping to watch. Things like Push the Trash Can at Magic Kingdom. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=c0JY0UZe5jc

Or DeVine at Animal Kingdom. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qcFcPogizV4

Or Miyuki at EPCOT. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IU8WGfS7Kq0


(These things may seem to pop up randomly but they are actually on a schedule. Check WDWent.com for current times.)


9. Adults can ride big rides even if the kids won’t

Disney has a system called Child Swap that will allow the older members of your family to ride while the too-little-to-ride members wait. You simply tell the Cast Member at any ride that has a height requirement that you’d like to Child Swap. They’ll give you a Child Swap pass (which works like a FASTPASS) so that after you ride, you can hand it to the other half of your party and they can ride right away without waiting in line.

Another perk: if you have a child that wants to ride and one that doesn’t, the child that wants to ride can actually go twice – once with each parent.


10. You will suffer from Disney withdrawals

Planning for Disney trips takes a lot of time and effort, so when you finally go on your trip and come home, you may sink into a bit of a Disney depression. My solution for curing Disney depression? Start planning the next trip.

 

[Iwant2BAprincess]

This may be your first but it won't be your last

Also, if staying onsite, there is a very limited amount of allergy medication available. Unfortunately it is mainly benadryl. Pack what you and your kids would use at home because with all the different greenery you never know what will set off your allergies, even if they are not normally a problem.

 

[rainydayplay]

First timers should also know there is a limited selection of soda on property.

Disney is dominated by Coca Cola. In 2008 (which wasn't our first trip, but our first trip in 10 years), about the only soda I would drink was Mello Yello. One would think this wouldn't have been a problem, since it is a Coke product; however, I think I found one vending machine that had them, and it was out. I suffered from horrible caffeine-withdrawal headaches. It doesn't hurt to bring your own soda. (Advice given to my brother, since he is a Diet Cherry Dr Pepper drinker. You want it? You better bring it!)

Southerners who are used to drinking sweet iced tea may also be disappointed because sweet tea isn't on the menu, either.

 

[ocean134]

You cannot WALK to all the parks from a single resort hotel.

 

[Epeyon]

Southerners who are used to drinking sweet iced tea may also be disappointed because sweet tea isn't on the menu, either.

Sweet tea is available in many places, you simply must ask for it rather than look on the menu.



Water is free from any quick service meal location. And drinking it will help your vacation go better. Even if your five year old does have to pee every 15 minutes.

 

[Cherinva]

Here's one for those that wish to do laundry during the trip.....the only laundry detergent that I have found that Disney sells is Tide. For me, I will have to bring my own because I am allergic to Tide.

 

[sephorachick]

The best time to go on rides at MK is during the 3pm parade. Lines are normally much smaller then.

You can get your family crest done in UK pavilion store or at Ragland Road store in DD I got one my last trip SO cool! & great xmas gifts.

 

[hoosll]

The World is so much bigger than you can imagine!

My other tip is that the majority of the rides are inside buildings so unless you have done your homework with a book or website then you will miss the best part of the trip. I am not surprised when first-timers come back saying they just don't get it ... they couldn't find the magic.

Be sure you know what rides are available, know the height restrictions and understand the fast-pass system!

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

You cannot WALK to all the parks from a single resort hotel.

I would also add that you cannot walk to all of the parks from the other parks.


Fastpass is free for all Walt Disney World Guests.

 

[nan1217]

Such good tips that you all have added! This could probably be a list of 100 things instead of 10.

 

[rgf207]

A couple things to add

1. You can purchase items separately at CS restaurants vs. having to buy the entire combo meal

2. You cannot use extra "days" on your park tickets to park hop on the same day. If you want to hop you have to buy the park hopper addon

3. You can make breakfast ADR's before the park opens and have a chance to walk down main street with no people.

 

[turkeymama]

Sweet tea is available in many places, you simply must ask for it rather than look on the menu.



Water is free from any quick service meal location. And drinking it will help your vacation go better. Even if your five year old does have to pee every 15 minutes.

I have found the "sweet tea" in Disney World. It is nothing like our sweet tea here in Louisiana. And that makes me oh so sad.

But I survive.

My tip? If you have a tobacco user, make sure they bring plenty of smokes/tobacco from home. Although hubby found his snuff offsite, it was way more expensive.

 

[loveysbydesign]

Ice water is free at all CS places!

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

~There are three separate monorail routes: Express, Resort and Epcot.

~There is no parking at the Magic Kingdom.

~The beautiful walking path from the Poly to GF.

~The Electrical Water Pageant

~You can add park hoppers anytime at the gate.

 

[Sabrefan]

No Pepsi products

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

Character interactions rock!

Many people go up just to get an autograph, get their picture taken and move on - take time talk to the character especially if you know their movie and you'll have a great time! Obviously don't take forever but characters love to interact with the guests and some of our most magical memories are with the characters!

 

[Hoosier37]

I wish I had known about the gum. I needed some for the flight back home (helps with motion sickness and the ear issues for DD and me). They also don't sell gum anywhere at MCO. The best we could do was several sticks of Mentos to chew on during ascent and descent on the flight home.

 

[nan1217]

This may be your first but it won't be your last

Love this.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Signs and ropes are there for a purpose. And often these, and what Cast Members tell you, are for safety.

 

[LAMountJoy]

Planning our first trip to DW with kids ages 7 & 10.... any suggestions on what the kids should bring to carry? I don't want to be the only one who is carrying everything for the four of us. They have autograph books, hats, sunglasses, snacks, etc. Suggestions?