1st Timers!!!!

[TJW66]

My girlfriend and I are going to Disney the weekend of the 4th of July. We have never been and I want it to be as memorable as absolutely possible. I just wanted to know if there is a short and sweet version of things to do /things not to do in order to "do it all". We are in our mid 20's (although my girlfriend is like a 5 year old when it comes to Disney) and were hoping that anyone had any suggestions. We really cant wait to go. Thanks in advance.

 

[tyna]

The book " The Unofficial Guide to WDW" has touring plans in it and as I recall (I haven't seen the latest version) they had a plan of not to miss attractions. My husband and I went in our 20's for our first time but we went cold and missed out on a lot of stuff. I suggest doing research before you go and having a basic plan to follow so you hit all the things you want to see. But, be prepared to let the Disney magic take you where it will. Have a great trip!

 

[Mortlives]

I would like to add a word of caution. If you're just going for the weekend (not sure from the wording of you're post whether that's a duration or just a departure date), you won't be able to do it all. Actually, if you're going for less than a month, there will still be more for you to do next time. But that's not a bad thing.

The idea of getting a guide book with touring plans is good, because it will give you an idea of how to hit the highlights, ad prioritze what you want to see.

Kungaloosh!
Mort.

 

[TJW66]

Originally posted by Mortlives
I would like to add a word of caution. If you're just going for the weekend (not sure from the wording of you're post whether that's a duration or just a departure date), you won't be able to do it all. Actually, if you're going for less than a month, there will still be more for you to do next time. But that's not a bad thing.

The idea of getting a guide book with touring plans is good, because it will give you an idea of how to hit the highlights, ad prioritze what you want to see.

Kungaloosh!
Mort.

Im sorry I left the post somewhat ambiguous. We will be staying for a week, we will just be arriveing that weekend. Sorry fot he confusion and thanks for the help!

 

[jacksonsmom]

All I can say is RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!!!

Check out these boards, check out the guide books, decide what you guys really want to see & want can wait until next time

We are first timers also (leaving in 9 days!! ) without the help of these boards & the guide books I would have been so unprepared!!!

HAVE FUN!

 

[Harambe]

You don't say where you are staying but if you are staying onsite, plan at least one nice quiet evening at your resort, swimming, in the spa, or whatever. You will be surprised how wiped out you'll get going 100 miles an hour!

For example - if you are at AKL or Poly, make PS's for dinner at Jiko or Kona Cafe and then take a stroll around the resort.

I know it sounds boring - but when I start to feel pushed to see it all - I remember my quiet evening planned midweek - and I can tackle "just one more ride"!

 

[Greg K.]

...check out the E-nights at the Magic Kingdom! For $12 pp, you and 4,998 other people will be admitted to most of the MK, and many of its most popular rides, after the park closes to regular customers.

In the summer, that can be a blessing! The temps will be milder, the crowds manageable. You will NOT regret it.

Likewise, if you can, take advantage of early entry into the parks. It's a great perk for onsite guests, and you will be AMAZED at how much you can do in the first couple hours of the day (when, once again, the weather is more agreeable and the crowds less crazy.)

 

[lasmickey]

I agree with jacksonsmom, buy a guidebook (I've bought almost every variety, and highly recommend the PassPorter!), and keep reading the posts on these boards. If you have any questions at all that you can't find an answer to (even if you think they're just silly or little questions), ask them here. Someone will come up with the answer.

Good Luck with your planning, and have a wonderful time!!

 

[TJW66]

We are staying at the Carribean Beach Resort. I was told its not that bad.

 

[lasmickey]

IMO CBR is the best moderate resort at WDW. We love it, and I think you will too.

 

[susy]

"not that bad". I think you will LOVE CBR!!!! Request a room close to the food court/main pool. While it's not my favorite moderate, I do like several things about it adn I'm sure you will have lots of fun there!!!!

Don't forget to take water with you to the parks and take a mid-day pool/nap break! wdwig.com has TONS of planning info. See menus, FAQ and pictures of CBR!! Also, I would book a character meal. They are just sooo much fun! You should try to get the Princess breakfast t MK or Epcot or Cinderella's Gala dinner at GF to surprise your girlfriend! Chef Mickey at the CR is also very popular.

My #1 tip is ARRIVE EARLY!!! I'm talking an hour early!

 

[snuggles]

Welcome to the Dis!

I think planning is the key. Also make your meal reservations early. You will be very glad you did on such a busy week. I hope you will check out our other boards and the home page too. The Dis is full of information! Thanks for posting and have a wonderful trip.

 

[Disneymaddness]

I agree with Suzy, get there early!! You can do and see so much more in the morning when it is a little less crowded and cooler. Have a great time. You will love WDW and CBR!!

 

[SplashMountain]

Because going to the parks can be extremely tiring, i recomend taking about break about 2 or 3 o clock and going back to your hotel, sitting by the pool, or getting a bite to eat. I really enjoyed the Carribean and i would often get drinks by the pool and sit there. This can really help you get energized to go back into the parks until late.

 

[TJW66]

Originally posted by susy
"not that bad". I think you will LOVE CBR!!!! Request a room close to the food court/main pool. While it's not my favorite moderate, I do like several things about it adn I'm sure you will have lots of fun there!!!!

Don't forget to take water with you to the parks and take a mid-day pool/nap break! wdwig.com has TONS of planning info. See menus, FAQ and pictures of CBR!! Also, I would book a character meal. They are just sooo much fun! You should try to get the Princess breakfast t MK or Epcot or Cinderella's Gala dinner at GF to surprise your girlfriend! Chef Mickey at the CR is also very popular.

My #1 tip is ARRIVE EARLY!!! I'm talking an hour early!

Im pretty sure our room is close to the food court. Thank you everyone for all your help. Feel free to keep pumping me with info!

 

[NEW-B]

My girlfriend and I our taking our first trip together too (both been there separately) Everything you do will be memorable. Just be ready for the crowds and don't let people get under your skin because some will. Definately get one of those unofficial guides since this is your first trip. You need some sort of plan or you will be lost. My girlfriend stayed at the carribean beach on her last trip and said it was beautiful. We'll be staying at the all star sports this time. Other than that, have a good trip!

 

[TJW66]

Originally posted by susy
"not that bad". I think you will LOVE CBR!!!! Request a room close to the food court/main pool. While it's not my favorite moderate, I do like several things about it adn I'm sure you will have lots of fun there!!!!

Don't forget to take water with you to the parks and take a mid-day pool/nap break! wdwig.com has TONS of planning info. See menus, FAQ and pictures of CBR!! Also, I would book a character meal. They are just sooo much fun! You should try to get the Princess breakfast t MK or Epcot or Cinderella's Gala dinner at GF to surprise your girlfriend! Chef Mickey at the CR is also very popular.

My #1 tip is ARRIVE EARLY!!! I'm talking an hour early!

I was wondering about the whole breakfast/dinners with the charachters. How does it work? Do I have to book in advance? If so how long in advance? Or do I just pay when I get there? Thanks for all the info

 

[DrTomorrow]

You and DGF (Dear/Darling/Disney Girl Friend) will have a great time. My DW and I are on the other side (newly empty-nesters, first time at WDW as a couple) and there are lots of opportunities for memories and romance.

I'll echo a few others here: take an afternoon break, particularly in July. Try to get some evening (dark) time in the MK - it is a LOT more magical - and romantical - at night. Do your research; while you can have a good time knowing little or nothing in advance (like most WDW guests), some time spent up front learning things will make it much better. I recommend the Unofficial Guidebook (Sehlinger), and I'm going to be checking out a WDW for Couples book by Perlmutter.

My hint: try to spend some time at the Polynesian Resort. You don't have to be a guest there to wander the paths at night by the light of the tiki torches as Polynesian music plays in the background. Also, every night at 9PM the Electric Water Parade goes by the Polynesian beach - there are hammocks, etc for cuddling.

Have fun,
Erick

 

[Jen D]

Going July 4 week, you MUST have the Unofficial Guide by Bob Sehlinger. Don't let it scare you , though, it will tell you you're best off going in the off-season! There's truth to this, but high season is great in its own way as long as you keep your sense of humor and keep hydrated. Hours are nice and long, too. Get up early, take pool breaks when the parks gret crowded in the afternoon, and return for nighttime touring!

You'll have a great time, but do as much research as you can before you go. Planning is very important for high-season touring.

 

[GarrettJD]

Hope you guys have a great trip! My GF and I just got back yesterday from a first timers trip, and we had an absolute blast!

I did learn a few things, too that might help....

- Defenitely go for an E-ride night if one is offered while you are there. We did Splash Mountain twice, Big Thunder 4 times, Space Mountain once, and Buzz Lightyear about 7 or 8 times with no waiting whatsoever! Fun, fun, fun!

- Although some people may disagree with me, I would avoid the Extra Magic Hour (early entry) park if at all possible. We did EE twice. It wasn't too bad at the Animal Kingdom, but at Disney-MGM on Tuesday, it got so crowded by noon that we hopped over to Epcot. We then finished up MGM on Wednesday. Much more manageable crowds then!

- If you're both Disney nuts like we are, go ahead and do a character meal! We did Chef Mickey's for dinner, ages 26 and 28, with no kids! I think we were the only ones in there without kids, but we had a great time, and got lots of pictures! Minnie kissed me, too, which I have to admit, made me blush a little