1st time DISNEY WORLD TRAVELERS

[tjaronb]

Hi All,

I will be traveling to Disney with my husband and daugther that will turn 2 while we are there. I have never been to disney and have the slighest idea of were to start, it seems like so much to do.

Any opinions on attraction and dinning?

 

[CherCrazy]

Congratulations on picking a wonderful place to vacation!!!

My advice....

1. Don't overschedule your itinerary. If you have too much booked/planned you won't have as much fun because you'll be trying to hurry up and make a time restriction. Most likely you'll fall in love with WDW just like most of us here on these boards, and this will just be the first trip of many. You'll have plenty of time in the years to come to discover each attraction.

2. Leave lots of mid-day time for naps. Go back to the hotel, cool off, and relax.

3. Have a really comfy stroller for your daughter. Bring snacks, drinks.

4. Lurk on the Disboards as much as you can. You'll find incredible vacation tips.

Have a great time!

 

[4 DZNY NUTZ]

Well, where should I start? I have found that by reading up on the DIS boards really helps out a lot. You can also try getting the "Birnbaums Walt Disney World" books or another one we have is Fodors Walt Disney World. You can find them in the travel section at your book store. You should plan something special for your daughters birthday. Maybe breakfast or lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table in Magic Kingdom. She would probably love it. Make sure you make any dining reservations early - we do ours 180 days in advance. I like to do it early so I get the places & times that I want.

Have a great time, you will love it and want to keep going back year after year, just like the rest of us.

 

[tjaronb]

Thank you ladies...I will definitely not try and over book cause that can be frustrating...

 

[hmillerbarilla]

I've taken my DD when she was 6 months, 2, 2 and a half, and 3. (we're regulars) Anyway, she did well at many of the TS places, but her favorites have been Chef Mickey's and Prime Time. Both these places can be loud so if she's screaming, no one else really knows! We had a little trouble with her at Alfredo's but they're closing anyway.

This past year when she was 3 we took her to Akershus for the Princess lunch. She freaked out she loved it so much. I don't know if it would have been as good as when she was 2--Chef Mickey's was perfect at that time. You will have so much fun and yes, you might turn into one of us that goes each year. As soon as we're home, we're planning our next trip back! Enjoy!

 

[PrincessBelle23]

Definitely book a character meal (Chef Mickeys or Crystal Palace maybe) and let someone know it'll be her birthday! The CMs are great about giving special attention, singing Happy Birthday, and your daughter will end up with a special birthday cupcake (Crystal Palace) and they usually do a card or placemat signed by the characters. It's very cute, and makes for great memories - just make sure you don't forget your camera!!

 

[Dana49]

Hi All,

I will be traveling to Disney with my husband and daugther that will turn 2 while we are there. I have never been to disney and have the slighest idea of were to start, it seems like so much to do.

Any opinions on attraction and dinning?

For those families that have never been to WDW, I highly recommend purchasing the PassPorter Guide. To me, it's the most informative guide that you can buy. Have a great time!

 

[Tam1067]

If I were you, I'd buy a good guide book and read it carefully and thoroughly. I love these boards, but unless you have some specific background on what to expect and what's actually in WDW, you'll become overwhelmed quickly.

My favorite book is the Unofficial Guide though some people don't appreciate its irreverent tone. I still find it the most helpful. Birnbaum's is the "official" Disney guide but it does have lots of helpful information if you're a first time visitor.

 

[fterie4u]

Congratulations on your furst trip! When are you going?
We are taking our daughter for the first time in the fall, she will be 18 months! Therefore, we scheduled some character meals into our trip. We have Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace and 1900 Park Fare scheduled for dinner and/or breakfast! We have never been to 1900 Park Fare but have been to the other two and love them both!

Also, we have Biergarten (Germany) in Epcot booked for a dinner since they have music and dancing. We figured it would keep her occupied and if she is loud that is o.k.!

I agree with the above posts, get a book and read up but also read these boards regularly! They have helped me many times over the years! I am now going to the Families section all of the time to get tips on bringing our 18 month old daughter!

Good luck and enjoy!!!

 

[saffy]

Another GREAT resource is Tour Guide Mike - www.tourguidemike.com.

You pay to join there, but it's the same cost (if not less) than some of the tourbooks, and I find the info there much more valuable.

If you go to the parks touring board here, there's a link to his site on top. Going through there will save you $3 off the $21 cost to join. Do a search here and see what others say about it, but it's been the most helpful thing for me in planning my first trip!