10 things most first-timers don't know

[germ539]

LOVING this thread. It is great. I am going to be a second timer and my husband will be a first timer in September. My point is!!

DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!

Threads like this point out those little things that you don't think of. While I know you may hate people that chew gum, it is the one thing that has kept my husband from smoking for a year and a half now. He will be chewing gum, and I promise he will only throw it away in the trash!

Make sure you bring your own, Gum is not sold anywhere on Any Disney property, not even the Hess Stations

(PS my name's Julie also)

 

[Julie521]

Make sure you bring your own, Gum is not sold anywhere on Any Disney property, not even the Hess Stations

(PS my name's Julie also)

haha yes! Sorry, that was actually the point I meant to make! That we need to make sure we bring our own!

 

[germ539]

Just didn't want you to forget it, especially since he is using it for the purpose he is.

 

[Julie521]

Just didn't want you to forget it, especially since he is using it for the purpose he is.

Yes I am very proud of him One tip I have that I haven't seen was:

Bring those little flavoring packets to add to water. Being from Mass. I noticed a lot that the tap water did not taste good at all! Bringing like crystal light packets or things of that nature is a cheap and small thing to carry instead of buying bottled water/sodas.

 

[germ539]

We've used those flavor packets in the past, make for a good change of pace than tap water.

By the way congrats!

We've been married 20 years this year.

 

[Julie521]

We've used those flavor packets in the past, make for a good change of pace than tap water.

By the way congrats!

We've been married 20 years this year.

Thank you! Congrats on 20 years Don't see that too often now-a-days. We have good trends behind us. My parents have been together 26 years and his parents are at almost 33.

 

[ireneryan]

I just read through all 16 pages of this thread, I wrote down notes in my disney book and I promise not to stop and stand still in the middle of a walkway! So many great tips, I'm subscribing so I can learn more. Thank you all for doing this!

 

[Julie521]

I just read through all 16 pages of this thread, I wrote down notes in my disney book and I promise not to stop and stand still in the middle of a walkway! So many great tips, I'm subscribing so I can learn more. Thank you all for doing this!

HAHA I thought the same thing while I was reading them!

 

[Celine]

Re: kids being made to stand when the bus is full. When the bus was on the road and we had a good jaunt until we were going to get to the hotel stop (POR), I just had my kids sit on the floor of the bus. (not the big guy, he just stood) That way they weren't taking up valuable seats, but they also weren't being forced to stand and balance themselves after a looooong and hot day in the parks. They were as happy as pie! Once we neared our hotel, they jumped up and we waited for our stop with everyone else.

 

[Grandmouse]

[/QUOTE]11) The first time walking into WDW -- particularly MK is awesome. Try to remember that feeling because you only get it once and it has to last your whole lifetime. [/QUOTE]

I love thiS![/QUOTE]

I love this also, but I DO get that same magical feeling ever time I enter the MK and see Main Street.

My tips for first timers:

Alcohol is not sold in the MK -- anywhere. You need to take the monorail to one of the monorail resort hotels (if you can't wait).

Bring an extra pair of shoes. Nothing helps tired feel more than changing shoes. And wear socks!

A hat with a large brim for the summer months. Nothing like bringing your own "shade."

Everything is designed for a reason -- notice the changes from land to land --the music, the streetlights, trash cans, color of the sidewalks, etc.

Visit the first aid stations for a band aid, aspirin, etc.

 

[matt&jakesmom]

For the parades, sometimes it's better to be at the starting point, less crowded.

In DHS at the animation building there is class every half hour or so to learn to draw a character. Great way to cool down and nice souvenier.

Pin trading is a lot fun as well as press pennies.

Take lots of pictures and have fun!!!

 

[zephyrgirl13]

There were a couple of things that surprised me as a first timer, like the fact that the rides break down A LOT. The first day we were in the MK, Splash, Big Thunder and the Haunted Mansion were all down at the same time (nothing weather related). This turned out to be par for the course, both at WDW and Universal. We still got to do most attractions but there was a lot of doubling back to see if it was running again yet, etc.

Also, be prepared to be treated as second class at ADRs if you are not on the dining plan (aka staying onsite) - just IME priority seating is given to those guests. Kind of a bummer, but a lesson for next time (if there is a next time) to skip those reservations. And it is unlikely you will actually get seated at your reservation time, so plan for that additional wait.

 

[DisneyFive]

A couple more:

1) You will encounter FAR more ECV's (electric scooters) at WDW than you may have expected. Be aware, and be prepared to wait for them to load and unload on the buses. It is a fact of WDW life. LOTS of ECV's. Also be courteous to them if possible, also being aware of their lower eye level.

2) On a similar note (and probably already mentioned), you walk I think on average 6 to 10 miles a day or more while in the parks so wear WELL BROKEN IN shoes!!! They can be newer shoes or sandles, but MAKE SURE YOU PUT SOME SERIOUS MILES ON THEM before you use them at Disney. Blisters are a horrible thing to have at WDW, since to get anywhere you need to walk. My FIL and MIL both found this out the hard way the last two years.

Dan

 

[Sweettears]

Also, be prepared to be treated as second class at ADRs if you are not on the dining plan (aka staying onsite) - just IME priority seating is given to those guests. Kind of a bummer, but a lesson for next time (if there is a next time) to skip those reservations. And it is unlikely you will actually get seated at your reservation time, so plan for that additional wait.

I would disagree with this. While ADRs may be connected to your reservation I don't believe that this serves as the basis for seating priority. In fact if you read these boards it seems that the prevailing opinion is that DP participants feel that they are treated as second class citizens.

 

[ghtx]

Also, be prepared to be treated as second class at ADRs if you are not on the dining plan (aka staying onsite)

FYI Staying onsite is a necessary condition for getting the dining plan, but you can stay onsite and choose to not do the dining plan.

 

[CrabbyPatty]

If you have kids, get some of those tyvek "admission" wristbands (you can find them on eBay) in a bunch of fun colors and let them pick out a color every day. Put your cell phone number on the wristband and show/tell them how if they are separated from you, they should go to the nearest CM and ask them for help. I think I paid $3 for a batch a few years ago, and I still have a good supply left.

Remember to go to Club Cool in Epcot and sample the FREE soda pop. It's refreshingly cool in those hot summer months!

 

[im4kycats]

Remember to go to Club Cool in Epcot and sample the FREE soda pop. It's refreshingly cool in those hot summer months!

Be sure to try Beverly!

OK, sorry, that was just mean.

 

[Celine]

Be sure to try Beverly!

OK, sorry, that was just mean.

LMFAO!!! Oddly enough, my 8 yr old daughter LIKED it!! Blech!!

 

[Kona65]

10 Things first timers don't know?

That people with strollers and people in wheelchairs take classes to actually learn how to run over you.

 

[figmentfan6]

Disclaimer: I have not read this whole thread.

After 8 months of dealing with tons of newbie guests, here are my tips:
1. Yes, you can get dining reservations day of, unless you snagged a great free dining deal. I had a night where even Biegarten was booked solid. Any other time (excepting x-mas, new years, and other major holidays) you can book some of the less popular places at non popular hours day of.
2. On the note of dining, just because you have a reservation there doesn't mean there is a bus from your resort there. I can't even tell you how many folks stand patiently at the bus stops at the resorts, waiting for a bus to the Boardwalk or Ft. Wilderness for dinner.
3. IT'S YOUR CHILD'S TRIP TOO. This I can not stress enough. Just because you want to do everything doesn't mean your little one does. Don't drag little Timmy on ToT just because you've always wanted to go.
4. Don't let your child's meltdown become yours.
5. No, you can not walk to {insert park here} from {insert hotel here} just because there is a road. You walk along those roads, you take your life into your own hands.
6. Always ask CMs questions! They'll always give you a good answer and if it's a silly question I promise you just made their day a little more amusing. My personal favorite was the lady who looked at the picture of the stage for Cirque in Downtown Disney and asked very politely if it was all on ice or if there were acrobatics too.
7. Requests are requests. Don't yell or scream if they can't be met.
8. Never yell at a CM unless they are putting somebody's personal health and safety in danger.
8. Naps are the best thing in the world. Take an afternoon break. For an example of what happens if you don't, hang around MK between 2 and 4. You get a front row seat for the meltdowns.
9. No, you can't buy Uni, Sea World, or any other non-Disney park ticket at an onsite hotel. However, CMs will cheerfully give you tips on visiting those parks and will put you in touch with the best way to get there and have fun!
10. You will walk. A lot. Plan accordingly.
11. Don't overplan. Things happen, both magical and not, that can take a firm plan and rip it to shreds. Plan your meals, your FPs, and your nap times. Know generally which rides you plan to hit and when. You can go in with a plan, but be open to having it totally destroyed.
12. The Barber Shop on Main Street will do your little prince and princesses' hair up for $10. I think BBB is going at $50 these days.
13. Smile! Disney is truly magical, so always try and find a reason to smile while there! It makes the whole trip that much better