21st birthday + first time at Disney World!

[pariswhenitsizzles]

I'm going to Disney World for my 21st birthday (with my best friend) in November and it'll be my first time ever. It'll also be my first trip by myself (no parents/people to handle everything) so I'm kind of nervous( therefore, I want to plan as much as possible so nothing bug goes wrong lol.

We're flying to Orlando from TX on a Thursday morning, will be there Thursday, Friday, Saturday and flying back Sunday morning. I know, not a long time, but it's the most I could swing. We'll be staying at the Dolphin hotel and have Park Hopper tickets for 3 days. I want to do as much as we possibly can in the short time we're there. ANY info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[WDWFan06]

To get as much time in the parks as possible I would plan to hit Rope Drop every morning. Have you made any dining reservations? If not, I would do that as soon as possible. What about FP? Any specific questions you need answered? Most importantly have fun!

 

[WEDWDW]

Congratulations on your trip and welcome to The DIS!!!!

My best advice is to be at a Park at Park Opening.

Also,try to just take things as they come and not try to do everything!

 

[KimBean]

My BFF and I are talking about doing a 3 day trip in 2016 so will be interested in what you come up with. We want to go over leap day, which hopefully will have another 24 hour MK day (they did in 2012) But with having to recoup from that I am having a hard time coming up with a schedule.

Other advice, don't drink too much at Epcot.

 

[minniegirl19]

Hi! I celebrated my 21st at disney too! Yay!! what dates are you going? that will help plan your days depending on the hours. id definitely do mk and epcot each a full day then split AK and HS. Id try to be there park open to close to maximize your time!

 

[pariswhenitsizzles]

Hi! I celebrated my 21st at disney too! Yay!! what dates are you going? that will help plan your days depending on the hours. id definitely do mk and epcot each a full day then split AK and HS. Id try to be there park open to close to maximize your time!

We'll be there all day November 13th, 14th and 15th, then leaving Sunday morning (the 16th.) And ok, MK seems to have so much to do. Epcot seems like it's mostly restaurants and such, am I wrong? Sorry if I am, I've looked at and read so much that some info kind of blends together lol.

To get as much time in the parks as possible I would plan to hit Rope Drop every morning. Have you made any dining reservations? If not, I would do that as soon as possible. What about FP? Any specific questions you need answered? Most importantly have fun!

I haven't made any dining reservation yet (bad, I know.) I wanted to have dinner at Be Our Guest, since Beauty and the Beast is my favorite, but I called and reservations are already booked for all of the nights I'll be there. The woman on the phone said to call back, though, especially a few days before because they frequently have cancellations. I won't hold my breath though haha. I would've made reservations sooner but I just found out I'm going so I was unable to. And as far as questions, I just wonder what some of the "best" attractions are. I know Meet Anna & Elsa will be extremely popular and will probably have a long wait time. And, like I said, Beauty and the Beast is my favorite movie and Belle is my favorite princess, so she's probably at the top of my list to see. I also love Rapunzel haha.
And thank you.

Congratulations on your trip and welcome to The DIS!!!!

My best advice is to be at a Park at Park Opening.

Also,try to just take things as they come and not try to do everything!

Thank you.
Ok that sounds like it's a necessity! I'm kind of scared of the rampage now haha.
And yeah, I know there's no way I can possibly do everything. My goal is to do most of the things I consider a "must do", which I haven't even really decided yet lol.

My BFF and I are talking about doing a 3 day trip in 2016 so will be interested in what you come up with. We want to go over leap day, which hopefully will have another 24 hour MK day (they did in 2012) But with having to recoup from that I am having a hard time coming up with a schedule.

Other advice, don't drink too much at Epcot.

That sounds fun! I didn't know that about the 24 hour MK day.
Haha, I'll try not to! I've heard so much about the "drink around the world at Epcot" thing lol.

 

[sbrost13]

If Belle is your favorite, I'd recommend trying to get a reservation at Akershus and you'll be able to get your picture with Belle. Also, the Beauty and the Beast show at HS is one of our favorite shows. These attractions are some of my favorites:
MK- Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean
EPCOT- Test Track, Soarin, Spaceship Earth, Sum of All Thrills, love wandering around World Showcase
HS- Tower of Terror, Rock N Roller Coaster, Toy Story Mania, Star Tours, Beauty and the Beast, Indiana Jones Stunt Show
AK- Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, Festival of the Lion King

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[pariswhenitsizzles]

If Belle is your favorite, I'd recommend trying to get a reservation at Akershus and you'll be able to get your picture with Belle. Also, the Beauty and the Beast show at HS is one of our favorite shows. These attractions are some of my favorites:
MK- Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean
EPCOT- Test Track, Soarin, Spaceship Earth, Sum of All Thrills, love wandering around World Showcase
HS- Tower of Terror, Rock N Roller Coaster, Toy Story Mania, Star Tours, Beauty and the Beast, Indiana Jones Stunt Show
AK- Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, Festival of the Lion King

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Thank you so much! I definitely will.

 

[ellie05]

Go to jellyrolls on your birthday!

 

[Networth]

go to jellyrolls on your birthday!

+1

 

[CinderElsa]

You'll need to arrange transportation from the airport to your hotel as well.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome to the dis, and Happy Birthday, paris!!!!

You'll do just fine.

Check this thread on the resort, if you have not already.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3264274

 

[nanceliz]

You will be really close to the back entrance of Epcot. Epcot is my favorite park. There is alot to do in the future world part of Epcot as others have mentioned. World showcase is great for shopping.
Top to do at animal kingdom...safari, dinasaur, everest
You could probably spend 1/2 day there and 1/2 day at the studios.
Must do Rock in Rollercoaster and tower of terror.
I would read up on rides at Magic Kingdom. It's a 2 day park for everything but what you would want to do could be done in a day.

Have a magical birthday!

 

[minnie mum]

Sounds like a fabulous way to celebrate your 21st birthday. Make sure you always have photo ID with you. If you want an adult beverage, you will be carded.

I'd recommend that you take a look see at easywdw.com. The crowd calendar can help you select which park(s) to visit each day. And the cheat sheets can help you with your park touring and FP planning so that you hit your "must see" attractions with less waiting in line.

 

[PrincessShea]

Kimonos and bluezoo are restaurants at Swan/Dolphin that are both really good. The bar at bluezoo is great and has several delicious alcoholic drinks if you and your friend are inclined.

If you plan on going to DHS, I would take the walking path that starts right near the Swan and goes behind Boardwalk. It should only take you 15-20 minutes to walk and 99% of the time I do, I beat the boat back.