3 more sleeps!!! First time to WDW!!

[fraserfamily]

Hi everyone, I just don't think I can contain my excitement any longer!!
3 more sleeps!!!!!!

DH is watching star tours on you tube at work (huge starwars fan)

DD's 10 & 14 yrs are busy sorting through clothes, and chatting about what they want to see & do.

and I...well I am on the DIS soaking up as much info as I can before we leave on Sunday!!
NONE of us has ever been to Disney before...

Any last minute tips, advice you all would like to share??
I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks in advance,
Miriam in Edmonton (freezing and looking forward to some milder Florida weather!!)

 

[I Run Long]

I just wanted to say enjoy! It was our first trip last year too and we loved it. I'll be taking another 4 years to save to go again but it is sooo worth it. Could sure use the change of weather myself. Post back and let everyone know how it went. Have a great time!

 

[CrazyDisneyMommy1]

Enjoy your trip. You are going to love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Debbie]

Have a wonderful time! Give Mickey a hug for me!

 

[tiggerrr]

Hi everyone, I just don't think I can contain my excitement any longer!!
3 more sleeps!!!!!!

DH is watching star tours on you tube at work (huge starwars fan)

DD's 10 & 14 yrs are busy sorting through clothes, and chatting about what they want to see & do.

and I...well I am on the DIS soaking up as much info as I can before we leave on Sunday!!
NONE of us has ever been to Disney before...

Any last minute tips, advice you all would like to share??
I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks in advance,
Miriam in Edmonton (freezing and looking forward to some milder Florida weather!!)

I don't know if they still have them, but last year Guest Relations at any of the parks had big buttons you could wear announcing that it was your first visit. It was DW first visit and I MADE her wear it on our first visit to each park in the trip. I couldn't get over how many CM's and guests made a small fuss (nothing too major but they frequently warmly welcomed her) over her first time. Once CM manning the ropes at Illuminations saw it, came over and talked to us for almost 20 minutes.

It's a small touch but it really did feel magical.

The second thing (and by far the hardest) is to not go so hard that you crash before the end of your trip. WDW is best savoured and enjoyed a second (or more) times. It's the little things and the atmosphere that make WDW so much more than any other theme park. I know for your first time, you will go on so many attractions, but one suggestion I would make is for each of the major theme parks find one piece of live entertainment to sit and stand and enjoy to slow your day down. And I don't mean one of the parades.

I mean things like the Barbershop Quartet on Main Street or the Chinese Acrobats in EPCOT. Shows are usually only 20 minutes long but the stop injects some relaxation into your day and helps reinforce the atmosphere and experience of WDW.

 

[yxe dad]

I know it sucks to wake up early but try to get the parks for opening. The lines a shorter and you can get more things in.

 

[yxe dad]

Also bring an empty bag/suitcase for souveniers, lots of Stars Wars stuff for DH.
On my last trip I had to buy a $50 Disney duffle bags for all the stuff the kids and I bought.

 

[AndyMcV]

Hey Miriam

Guess what...... only 2 days left!!!! Whoo Hooo.

Just curious where are you guys staying?

Andy

 

[highland3]

I know it sucks to wake up early but try to get the parks for opening. The lines a shorter and you can get more things in.

This is definitely the best advice!!! Have a great time!

 

[fraserfamily]

Thanks so much for the tips and well wishes!
I appreciate all the help. It's a little overwhelming planning a Disney World Holiday for the first time.

I am sincerely hoping for some down time by the pool and admiring the "shows" and small things you mentioned Tiggerrr!

Although I have a notebook with a few tips and the Unofficial guide and I loooooovvvvveee planning and being organized I am fully prepared to be unprepared and just let the holiday take it's course!

We ( dh, dd14 dd10 and myself ) leave Edmonton Sunday early morning and arrive into Orlando @ 7pmish...My best Friend and her DH, dd5 and ds1 are mmeting us there 30 minutes later from Montreal.
Really getting pumped now.

AndyMcV we are staying at the POP Century!!

I am wondering where we'll eat etc, if we'll have any luck with last minute ADRs etc..
I REALLY want to get into the Whispering Canyon now that I think about it for a meal, I think that would be a good time.
Any other tips are more than welcome...
Thanks so much,
Miriam

 

[maryliz]

Have a MAGICAL vacation. Yes, get to the parks for rope drop time ... you can often get more done in the first 3 hours than you can the rest of the day.

Some of the table service restaurants, especially those within the theme parks do not take any "walk ups" for meals whatsoever. Your best bet if you're going to try this is to go at 11:30 for lunch, or right at 4:30 for dinner. I suggest calling Disney dining (1-407-WDW-DINE) before you go and see if you can book some ADR's. It doesn't hurt to have them booked, and if you decide not to go to a particular one, it's not a big problem if you don't go (although it's always nice to give dining a quick call if you definitely know you're not going to one -- frees up a table, possibly for a walk-up).

Utilize your fast passes! And take some down time at the resort every once in a while.

Safe and happy travels!

 

[drag n' fly]

Hi everyone, I just don't think I can contain my excitement any longer!!
3 more sleeps!!!!!!

DH is watching star tours on you tube at work (huge starwars fan)

DD's 10 & 14 yrs are busy sorting through clothes, and chatting about what they want to see & do.

and I...well I am on the DIS soaking up as much info as I can before we leave on Sunday!!
NONE of us has ever been to Disney before...

Any last minute tips, advice you all would like to share??
I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks in advance,
Miriam in Edmonton (freezing and looking forward to some milder Florida weather!!)

Hi Miriam! We live in Calgary and went for our first trip to WDW this time last year. Well a lot has changed in a year and now we own DVC!!!
As others have mentioned it is extremely important to get to the parks first thing in the morn and get fastpasses for the newest rides. It will take approx 2-3 days too get used to the time change and it is brutal for mornings! On the flipside if you stick to your home schedule for meals you will always be eating at off times at WDW. It is a better use of your time to go to EMH mornings. Hopefully you booked your ADR's! No matter what a bus will take you wherever you want to go. The quicker you figure out the bus system the much easier it becomes! Don't miss the walkthrough on Walt's life in MGM (now Hollywood studios) a definite must see as you really appreciate the park much more! Have a great holiday and post a trip report when you get back!

 

[SaskDisNut]

I know it sucks to wake up early but try to get the parks for opening. The lines a shorter and you can get more things in.

For us getting up early and getting to the parks for rope drop was part of the fun! A couple of times it was just DS and me but we were sure glad after riding BTMR 4 times in a row without waiting!

Miriam, since you are staying at Pop Century, check out these Pop Century threads if you haven't already. There is tons of information on the resort and some great pictures.

The GROOVIEST New Pop Century FAQ Thread!
Pop Century Pictures
Tell me something I don't know about POP!

Have a great time!

 

[lisaviolet]

Hi Miriam,

My tip is to know that you will never get everything in and don't even try to do that. Not at all. Enjoy your resort. Enjoy other resorts. Spend time by the pool. Downtown Disney. Fort Wilderness (nightly campfire/roasting marshmallows is open to all). Transportation boats, I like the small ones the best (CR/WL/FW), (GF/MK/Poly). I like just to go on them with no set plans. Or rent a boat. The transportation boat from DD to POR/PFQ is nice as well.

You will be back. So do have relaxation time. I have many other tips but that would just be adding to your list when I wish relaxation for you.

Have a wonderful time. So exciting.

Lisa

 

[fraserfamily]

WOW!! Thank you ALL sooooooooooo much for the wonderful tips...
Just 1 more sleep!! YIPEEEEE!!!
I am calling WDW dine phone right now to see if I can get into any last minute ADRs...
I will find time to relax and most importantly have fun!!
Thanks again and I will most definately add a little trip report when I get back!

Take care everyone!
Miriam