1st Time to Disney - looking for advice

[MiniMouse4]

Hi, Family of four heading to Disney for the 1st time on April 23rd. Staying at the Polynesian. Any advice?

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

You didn't say when you were going - but the best advice: Read (the DISboards, mousesavers, allearnet.com, etc., books like Passporters and Birnbaum's, etc.), plan and then relax and enjoy. Everyone has fun at Disney!

 

[DisGirl819]

Hi!
I would suggest reading up on these boards, gather all tips and advice you can get. Also get a good guidebook, I would recommend the Unofficial Guide but there are some others that are good.

Be sure to read the sections on theme parks/discounts/dining, etc. that are on the Dis. Very helpful! Make your ADRs (Dining reservations) as early as you can. I don't know when you're going but you can reserve up to 180 days before.

Your choice of the Poly should be great...I've never been there, but I know its nice.

Have fun planning and have a great trip!!

 

[spiceycat]

April 23 this year????

you are asking a little late.

be sure you are familiar with the hours and EMH during your trip.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/hours.htm#hm-parkhours-quicklink

understand and use fast pass - remember these things can run out - so get their EARLY.... if your fass pass is several hours from then you can leave and come back.....

here is some more information that you might consider
http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/rookiefmm.htm

some more tips
http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/

be sure to take advantage of EMH hours.....

so if your tickets don't have park hoppers - add 'em.... you can do that at guest services in the park - the guest services in your hotel might be able to fix them.

then if the park gets too busy you can leave and go to one of the other parks and still have the other park for EMH that night....

 

[allaboard]

I agree with all the other advice ... and make ADR's ... advanced dining reservations NOW if you have not already done so. Some good choices are:
Whispering Canyon (at Wildnerness Lodge you can get there from MK easily), Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary, Liberty Tree Tavern if you want another character meal, Kona Cafe and Ohana (Poly), and any at EPCOT ... but I like Le Cellier, Teppanyaki, and Rose and Crown. Oh, and at MGM ... my youngest like Sci-Fi and the oldest like Hollywood and Vine. Good luck!

 

[MiniMouse4]

Thanks for the tip planning links. What is a "fast pass"?

 

[spiceycat]

definitely make your dinner reservations NOW.

if every place comes back - sorry booked - you can ask the guest services at the Polyn to help you. they can and do full off some amazing saves...

call this number now

1-407-wdw-dine

here are some of the menus
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningmain.cfm#disneydining

 

[spiceycat]

oh if you have time here is a website for the Polyn

http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/

if you have any questions Steve (tikiman) posts over on the resort boards.

 

[lindakmonty]

fast pass is a ticket that gives you a one hour slot like 3-4...to return to that ride and not stand in the long lines. there is a separate line for fast passes I would check out tour guide mike. He has great tips... what parks to go to each day, what rides to do in what order for least amount of times in lines...etc. expecially for your familys ages etc. I've been down a few times and decided to join this time and it's been worth it. When you're spending so much $ on a vacation, it is nice to have the info to be on top of all the tricks! You have made a great choice for Poly!! We'll be down April 25-May 6 Have a great trip

 

[tlcintheberry]

Have a great trip. All you need to do is make ADR's and your good to go.

 

[byoung]

Have a great trip.

 

[Minniespal]

Welcome to the Dis

 

[princess kirby]

if you buy something from mad hatter's shop you can get a code for gold ears

 

[lorrainesy]

Do not go with the mindset that you will do/see everything... you can't. IMHO trying to do it all makes you miss all the best stuff. Make a list of all the thing that you must do/see.

 

[lorrainesy]

if you buy something from mad hatter's shop you can get a code for gold ears

Gold ears? What are those? Never seen it