1st timer. Underprepared. Help!

[tlmadden73]

There is no being underprepared in my opinion.

Could you do better? Sure? Are you using FP+ inefficiently? Maybe .. but who cares as long as you and your family have a fun time!

There is nothing wrong with "winging" it and learning/experiencing things on your own (How do you think all the people on here have become "preparation experts"?)
Live and learn and plan accordingly on your next trip!

Just go in with loose expectations and your experience will be magical.

 

[LittleTee]

I would also suggest Hoop-dee-doo revue. Its a really fun show and the food is terrific (fried chicken - YUM). Not to mention all you can drink sangria!! In Epcot, we love Biergarten. It is set up like a Munich beer hall with communal tables seating 8 so you will sit with other people. Perhaps we have just had good luck but have always gotten nice tablemates, sometimes great tablemates. There's an Oompah band that plays and you are encouraged to get up and participate. Also love the buffet there, again YUM!!

I've been looking at Biergarten. Thanks, I'll look at getting in on our EPCOT day. I originally had T-Rex booked for 3pm but have decided that we weren't doing EPCOT justice by leaving that early so swapped it around.

I think your plans look fine. As far as the hoppers, since you have most late afternoons and evenings open, maybe you can hop over to a different park just to take it in and see if you can catch a show or an ADR there. I always get hoppers (now I have an AP but before that I got hoppers) just because I liked the ability to go to a different park if the one I was at was too crowded or we got bored (yes it happens). We don't like to be tied down to ADRs either and have always had success booking them the day of, we just go to GS at the park we are in first thing and ask what's available, if you like to try new things that might work fine for you. Since you have hoppers you won't be tied down to just one park anyway or there might be something at a resort you would be interested in. Kennedy Space Center is not that far away and well worth a day trip and Sea World is there in Orlando so also worth a day trip.

Thank you! You have explained why we like the hoppers. Glad to hear you can book last minute ADR's also.

 

[PFopma]

If you are going to ad another Epcot Day after 9/25 consider spending some time at Epcot For & Wine Festival. I know you said you are not foodies but it might be fun to try some new things. You can also use your snack credits on the DDP for many of the items. Avoid weekends as it can be very crowded. On your 9/27 Sunday at MK maybe schedule a breakfast at Ohana (early to make your first fastpass) It can be hard to get an ADR but stalk the ADR page and you might have some luck. It's Lilo and Stitch, and Mickey. Or you can try BOG breakfast or lunch that day. Both are Counter Service but require ADRS. You've got most of the restaurants down that a 6 yr old would like.

 

[Karin1984]

I didnt understand the upgrade as you mentioned you took it as it made sense financially not because it fitted your preference of touring. Also what you wrote later, that the 6 adrs would make you break even, it gave the impression you made the adrs to get your money worth, not because you necessarily wanted to eat at those times/restaurants.

When you said you wanted to wing it, I assumed (wrongly) you and / or DH preferred QS over TS as you don't need adrs for them and are not tied to times. Maybe you do want to wing it less than I thought

 

[amandals2007]

Yes, trying to get a sci-fi res. Will pick up some other reservations for our 'off' days once we work them out and use some TS credits for in room food if need be. The popularity of the restaurant is not important, I don't mind if it's not a sought after place. Will also investigate the great advice re dinner shows. As I said, we've almost paid for the upgrade thus far so not too concerned about 'wasting' money.

dinner shows are AMAZING, i hope you can get into one =) ive done spirit of aloha and hoop de do and hoop de do is my favorite hands down it just makes me laugh so hard lol

 

[fairy oma]

Hi all! Well, I am starting to freak out. Heading to WDW next month for the first time! Hooorrayyyy....oh wait, I am not prepared and now it's crunch time. Actually, it was probably crunch time 150 or so days ago.

Quick info is my DH, DS (6) and myself are coming from Australia. We have been to DLR resort many times including the last 3 consecutive years. In no way do we consider ourselves 'veterans' but do feel at home there and could hop on a plane tomorrow without any worry about planning. Planning is not our thing, we like to wing it. This does not seem to be the best policy for WDW and hence why I am getting worried. So we are staying for 10 days, have park hopper plus extras tickets, staying at Pop. DH and I basically just love seeing our boy having a good time. DH and I love all rides but don't have many must-dos, it's really just about having a fun family time. DS is not a big thrill ride kid. Big Thunder was his fav at DL but at the same time refused to even look at Splash Mountain. He is petite and probably wouldn't make any 112cm height requirements. He loves characters apart from Princesses and we cannot walk past one with stopping for a photo/hug/autograph. We have the DDP (upgraded from Free QS) but aren't big foodies and DH would hate being tied down to certain restaurants at certain times for 10 days. We did DDP as it seemed to make financial sense.

We hope to do a few other non-Disney experiences which are yet to be decided....SeaWorld, Kennedy Space, Water parks? Plus some shopping. Lots of shopping.

I've read as much as I can. I still don't get the best FP+ strategy. I am confused with all the nighttime parades, I want at least one I think. I just booked what I could as I felt I had to. I grabbed the fast passes that I think DS would like based on what was available. No idea if these are the best use of FP+?! I am just not a planner, I hope you can be a bit kind when looking at my mess of a 'plan'

Here goes:

Fri Sept 18th - arrive late in evening after 20+ hours travel

Sat 19th - (will be a slow start, DS will be shattered)
- MK day
- 1030am - meet Mickey FP
- 1130am - Barnstormer FP
- 2:35am - 7DMT FP
Dining 5:30pm Trails End
Probably back to hotel for bed!




Sun 20th - MK
- 9:45am Crystal Palace ADR
- 11am Buzz FP
- 12:30pm SDMT FP
- 1:35pm BTMR FP

Mon 21st - HS
- 10:45 Indiana Jones FP
- 12:50 extreme Stunt show FP
- 2:40 - TSMM FP
Trying to SCi Fi ADR

Tues 22nd - EPCOT
- 9:35am Test Track FP
- 10:50 Spaceship Earth FP
- 12:25 Nemo FP

Wed 23rd - AK
- 10:10 Disney Pals FP
- 11:10 - K.Safaris FP
- 12:30 Lion King FP
Dining 4:55p Tusker House ADR

Thursday 24th - No plans

Friday 25th No plans but T-Rex ADR 3pm (trying to get a dinner res to free up whole day)

Saturday 26th No plans but Fultons ADR 510pm (my bday dinner, hope it's worth it!)

Sun 27th MK
- 1035am POTC FP
- 1210pm 7DMT FP
- 1:20pm A&E FP (DS has no interest in this but grabbed it to get some autographs for my friend's girl who is obsessed. Now feel kinda bad as so many people seem to miss out on this FP)

Mom 28th - check out but have full day before flight to TX and no plans


Well, how have I done? What have I missed? Is it a complete mess?!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

I think you have things planned pretty well. Don't worry about your A&E FP...you were lucky enough to get it so don't feel bad about getting it. I hope you have a great vacation!

 

[Shelbizzles]

I think eating anywhere in Epcot would be a good idea. They have so many good restaurants.

Side note - we will also be at pop the 22nd-30th

 

[amerikiwiroo]

I'll leave all the advice to the experts, but just wanted to say Hi. We live in Sydney and will be taking our first trip to Disney World during the same week as you.

 

[ArmyVet80]

Hi all! Well, I am starting to freak out. Heading to WDW next month for the first time! Hooorrayyyy....oh wait, I am not prepared and now it's crunch time. Actually, it was probably crunch time 150 or so days ago.

Fri Sept 18th - arrive late in evening after 20+ hours travel

Sat 19th - (will be a slow start, DS will be shattered)
- MK day
- 1030am - meet Mickey FP
- 1130am - Barnstormer FP
- 2:35am - 7DMT FP
Dining 5:30pm Trails End
Probably back to hotel for bed!

Sun 20th - MK
- 9:45am Crystal Palace ADR
- 11am Buzz FP
- 12:30pm SDMT FP
- 1:35pm BTMR FP

Mon 21st - HS
- 10:45 Indiana Jones FP
- 12:50 extreme Stunt show FP
- 2:40 - TSMM FP
Trying to SCi Fi ADR

Tues 22nd - EPCOT
- 9:35am Test Track FP
- 10:50 Spaceship Earth FP
- 12:25 Nemo FP

Wed 23rd - AK
- 10:10 Disney Pals FP
- 11:10 - K.Safaris FP
- 12:30 Lion King FP
Dining 4:55p Tusker House ADR

Thursday 24th - No plans

Friday 25th No plans but T-Rex ADR 3pm (trying to get a dinner res to free up whole day)

Saturday 26th No plans but Fultons ADR 510pm (my bday dinner, hope it's worth it!)

Sun 27th MK
- 1035am POTC FP
- 1210pm 7DMT FP
- 1:20pm A&E FP (DS has no interest in this but grabbed it to get some autographs for my friend's girl who is obsessed. Now feel kinda bad as so many people seem to miss out on this FP)

Mom 28th - check out but have full day before flight to TX and no plans


Well, how have I done? What have I missed? Is it a complete mess?!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

You will be at WDW the same time we will be.

Things don't look too bad. You did pretty well for your first time to WDW. Obviously WDW is a completely different beast than DL when it comes to planning.

Did you think about possibly doing MNSSHP on the 20th or any other day it is going on of your trip? It is an added cost but well worth it if you have never been. I mention the 20th as it is your MK day and the park will close at 7 pm for those not attending MNSSHP. I'm assuming that is why your FP+ options are earlier in the day but figured I would ask.
You seem a bit light on ADR's but since you stated you didn't want to be tied down that may be a good thing. With the DDP you should get a snack per person which we use daily between our two meals.

All in all I think that you did pretty well. Just remember to relax and have fun. That's what the trip is all about.

 

[caroline1851]

Fri Sept 18th - arrive late in evening after 20+ hours travel

Sat 19th - (will be a slow start, DS will be shattered)
- MK day
- 1030am - meet Mickey FP
- 1130am - Barnstormer FP DON'T THINK YOU NEED A FP FOR THIS. I WOULD GET SOMETHING ELSE...PETER PAN OR SPACE MOUNTAIN OR JUNGLE CRUISE
- 2:35am - 7DMT FP
Dining 5:30pm Trails End
Probably back to hotel for bed!

Sun 20th - MK
- 9:45am Crystal Palace ADR I PREFER LATER ADR BECAUSE THIS IS PRIME PARK TIME WITH NO WAITS.
- 11am Buzz FP
- 12:30pm SDMT FP
- 1:35pm BTMR FP

Mon 21st - HS
- 10:45 Indiana Jones FP
- 12:50 extreme Stunt show FP
- 2:40 - TSMM FP
Trying to SCi Fi ADR
DON'T NEED FP FOR SHOWS HERE IN SEPTEMBER. I WOULD GET ONE FOR STAR TOURS AND EITHER TOWER OR TERROR OR ROCKIN ROLLER COASTER



Wed 23rd - AK
- 10:10 Disney Pals FP
- 11:10 - K.Safaris FP
- 12:30 Lion King FP
Dining 4:55p Tusker House ADR
WHAT ABOUT KALI OR DINOSAUR?


DEFINITELY PLAN TO GO BACK TO EPCOT. THE KIDCOTSTATIONS ARE FUN AND YOU NEED MORE THAN ONE DAY THERE TO CHECK OUT THE COUNTRIES.
PLACES I'VE LIKED EATING: WHISPERING CANYON, LE CELLIER, CRT
I AGREE WITH SOME OTHERS HAVE SAID ABOUT GETTING TICKETS TO A DINNER SHOW.

 

[karly101]

How exciting for you! As another Aussie, we found we were fine without a rest day flying over, its on the way home where you may need some time to get over the jet lag! my sister and I used all our FPs for rides (or character meets) as the other stuff it's pretty easy to get into without one. We used our park hoppers on days we went to studios or AK (magic kingdom or epcot in the evening). Our favourite park is MK so we spent much of our time there. Admittedly, due to the distance and the shortened park hours when we went we probably didn't use the hoppers as much as we were expecting too.

Don't stress too much about the planning, things will always not go to plan! You have to wing it and enjoy it. We missed out on a lot of our FPs but for that length of stay it didn't matter there was enough time to do everything we wanted to do Without FPS we had plenty of opportunity to catch the parades and night shows and didn't spend ages staking out a spot either.

 

[Accident]

Hi all! Well, I am starting to freak out. Heading to WDW next month for the first time! Hooorrayyyy....oh wait, I am not prepared and now it's crunch time. Actually, it was probably crunch time 150 or so days ago

We have very different definitions of not prepared. Your 10,000x more prepared than I even try to be so far.

With the dates you there, consider the Mickey's not so scarey halloween party. It's an extra ticket for some of the nights your there. Halloween, trick or treating, villians in parades, special fireworks, mk in halloween theme and lighting. I think all I don't see is a few meal reservations for things that might interest your family.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[LittleTee]

I'll leave all the advice to the experts, but just wanted to say Hi. We live in Sydney and will be taking our first trip to Disney World during the same week as you.

Hi! Also in Sydney. I hope you enjoy your first trip! It's coming up quickly now, I feel a bit more prepared after reading many helpful replies.


Thanks all for the great advice re fast pass options, dinner shows etc. I am going to make some changes right now based on your knowledge!

 

[MommyMeNDisney]

There is no being underprepared in my opinion.

Could you do better? Sure? Are you using FP+ inefficiently? Maybe .. but who cares as long as you and your family have a fun time!

There is nothing wrong with "winging" it and learning/experiencing things on your own (How do you think all the people on here have become "preparation experts"?)
Live and learn and plan accordingly on your next trip!

Just go in with loose expectations and your experience will be magical.

I agree! I was stressing myself out, reading all these posts, trying to learn the right strategies to maximize our WDW vacation. Now, I say...forget that! I'm taking DS (1) to Disney. We will see what we see and experience, what we experience and THAT will be the perfect trip.

I had to remind myself that millions of people visit WDW without DIS and manage to have a great time. I'm going to use the info I've received from DIS that comes easy to me. Anything else, I'm not going to worry about. We can always return and do what we missed another time.

 

[msmama]

I think it looks similar to the FP's I'd make. The only other ones I might suggest are Peter Pan and the Speedway simply because they often have long lines.

That said, if you take advantage of rope drop when you're able, you could do those then.

 

[Rivermonster]

Hi all! Well, I am starting to freak out. Heading to WDW next month for the first time! Hooorrayyyy....oh wait, I am not prepared and now it's crunch time. Actually, it was probably crunch time 150 or so days ago.

Quick info is my DH, DS (6) and myself are coming from Australia. We have been to DLR resort many times including the last 3 consecutive years. In no way do we consider ourselves 'veterans' but do feel at home there and could hop on a plane tomorrow without any worry about planning. Planning is not our thing, we like to wing it. This does not seem to be the best policy for WDW and hence why I am getting worried. So we are staying for 10 days, have park hopper plus extras tickets, staying at Pop. DH and I basically just love seeing our boy having a good time. DH and I love all rides but don't have many must-dos, it's really just about having a fun family time. DS is not a big thrill ride kid. Big Thunder was his fav at DL but at the same time refused to even look at Splash Mountain. He is petite and probably wouldn't make any 112cm height requirements. He loves characters apart from Princesses and we cannot walk past one with stopping for a photo/hug/autograph. We have the DDP (upgraded from Free QS) but aren't big foodies and DH would hate being tied down to certain restaurants at certain times for 10 days. We did DDP as it seemed to make financial sense.

We hope to do a few other non-Disney experiences which are yet to be decided....SeaWorld, Kennedy Space, Water parks? Plus some shopping. Lots of shopping.

I've read as much as I can. I still don't get the best FP+ strategy. I am confused with all the nighttime parades, I want at least one I think. I just booked what I could as I felt I had to. I grabbed the fast passes that I think DS would like based on what was available. No idea if these are the best use of FP+?! I am just not a planner, I hope you can be a bit kind when looking at my mess of a 'plan'

Here goes:

Fri Sept 18th - arrive late in evening after 20+ hours travel

Sat 19th - (will be a slow start, DS will be shattered)
- MK day
- 1030am - meet Mickey FP
- 1130am - Barnstormer FP
- 2:35am - 7DMT FP
Dining 5:30pm Trails End
Probably back to hotel for bed!

Sun 20th - MK
- 9:45am Crystal Palace ADR
- 11am Buzz FP
- 12:30pm SDMT FP
- 1:35pm BTMR FP

Mon 21st - HS
- 10:45 Indiana Jones FP
- 12:50 extreme Stunt show FP
- 2:40 - TSMM FP
Trying to SCi Fi ADR

Tues 22nd - EPCOT
- 9:35am Test Track FP
- 10:50 Spaceship Earth FP
- 12:25 Nemo FP

Wed 23rd - AK
- 10:10 Disney Pals FP
- 11:10 - K.Safaris FP
- 12:30 Lion King FP
Dining 4:55p Tusker House ADR

Thursday 24th - No plans

Friday 25th No plans but T-Rex ADR 3pm (trying to get a dinner res to free up whole day)

Saturday 26th No plans but Fultons ADR 510pm (my bday dinner, hope it's worth it!)

Sun 27th MK
- 1035am POTC FP
- 1210pm 7DMT FP
- 1:20pm A&E FP (DS has no interest in this but grabbed it to get some autographs for my friend's girl who is obsessed. Now feel kinda bad as so many people seem to miss out on this FP)

Mom 28th - check out but have full day before flight to TX and no plans


Well, how have I done? What have I missed? Is it a complete mess?!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

I think you did an excellent job planning! I agree with many suggestions already made. At Epcot, I would consider switching the Nemo fastpass with the one for the Character Spot where your son can meet Minnie, Goofy and Mickey. Also, Soarin' is so much fun! If your FP+ is for Test Track, I would recommend heading straight for Soarin' at rope drop. I agree with switch Kilimanjaro Safari to earlier in the day, and also changing the Lion King FP+ to something like Kali River Rapids. It's a fun family ride.

Are you watching the September ADR thread on the Restaurants Dining Reservations Board?

Side note: My family will also be in WDW some of your dates--our trip is 9/20-10/1. So excited! I hope your guys have a great trip and safe journey to and from Australia!


ETA: September ADR link

http://www.disboards.com/threads/ne...r-cancelled-adr-thread-read-1st-post.3387523/

 

[Rivermonster]

Also, check out http://www.kennythepirate.com

Kenny offers some great tips, touring plans, and comprehensive character schedule.

 

[lroger01]

Keep in mind that your Fast Pass time isn't a hard number (for most things). If you're running behind that first morning, just jump on the app and reschedule Mickey for another time that day (can't do that with regular Fast Pass!). This also works if you get to a FP'd attraction and the standby line is short. Don't use a FP unnecessarily - reschedule it! Changing times likely won't work for SDMT, A&E, Test Track, or Soar'n so treat those like ADRs.

I like your open days. Feel free to keep them that way. Eat counter service those days, or grab whatever ressie is open, go to a park, or don't, etc. It's soooo nice to have some time where you can just do what you FEEL like at that time.

I'm not a foodie either and some (most) of the menu options at ADR restaurants scare me. I'd look over the menus on All Ears.net and find the places that have food that sounds good to you. It will save you time when looking for a restaurant the day of.

Whatever you do, I'm sure you'll have a grand time.