a bit overwhelmed

[jnhjlh]

Hi Everyone!

This is our first trip to WDW!
I have posted prior to this about our trip to WDW in February. We have 11 & 14yr old daughters. We are leaving Feb 22(driving 17 1/2hrs) arriving Feb23 late afternoon. We are planning on doing Downtown Disney in the evening. Sunday, MK...Monday, Epcot...Tuesday, MGM...Possibly staying Wednesday to do Universal? Not sure about this yet?? We are staying off-site in Kissimee due to expenses. I am a little overwhelmed by this experience. I am not sure what information book to purchase- The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2013 (Unofficial Guides) or Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2013... Or is there another information guide that would be more helpful?

Can someone just enlighten me on WHERE TO START?

Thank you
Jenn

 

[Metro West]

Welcome!

 

[married2mm]

hello jenn!

sorry, can't assist on the right book, but i'm sure someone will be along soon to help.

are you not buying park hopper tickets, we love going to one park in the morning and a different one after relaxation time back at the villa/resort.

i would also suggest you consider going to ak- it's a wonderful park also.

don't be too overwhelmed, our first few trips we did no planning,had a fantastic time and lived to tell the tale!

remember, it's a vacation, time to spend with mickey and your family.

 

[Joseph Robinson]

I've heard better things about TUGTWDW compared to Bimbaums, like the other poster I haven't really heard of many others. Sorry, they need to do better marketing lol .

 

[APB513]

Hi Everyone!

This is our first trip to WDW!
I have posted prior to this about our trip to WDW in February. We have 11 & 14yr old daughters. We are leaving Feb 22(driving 17 1/2hrs) arriving Feb23 late afternoon. We are planning on doing Downtown Disney in the evening. Sunday, MK...Monday, Epcot...Tuesday, MGM...Possibly staying Wednesday to do Universal? Not sure about this yet?? We are staying off-site in Kissimee due to expenses. I am a little overwhelmed by this experience. I am not sure what information book to purchase- The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2013 (Unofficial Guides) or Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2013... Or is there another information guide that would be more helpful?

Can someone just enlighten me on WHERE TO START?

Thank you
Jenn

Welcome to the DIS Jenn

I would recommend the Unofficial Guide. They also have a fantastic website that will tell you which parks to visit and which ones to avoid for the specific days of your trip. They will also help you plan an itinerary for each WDW theme park.

My first piece of advice is to relax. You have several months before your trip which is plenty of time to do your research and come up with a plan.

Secondly, don't expect to do everything on this trip. WDW is a huge resorts with TONS of things to see and do.

Third, read the DISboards...a lot. I have learned a lot over the years just by reading posts on the DISboards. If you have specific questions post them on the DIS. These boards are filled with people who love WDW and would be happy to answer your questions.

I suggest that you go to Disneyworld's website and find the maps for each park. Review the maps with your family. Let everyone pick at least one "must do" for this trip (ex. ride Space Mountain, see Fantasmic, eat a turkey leg ) and then plan your trip accordingly.

Lastly, my best piece of advice is to arrive at the parks at least 30 mins before they open. Get your park map and show times guide. Enjoy the opening show. Once the rope drops head to your first attraction of the day.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful time!

 

[Sweet Pea Reed]

Hi Jenn!

Like you, I'm new to all this Disney planning stuff too. And DH and I are going February 8-16.

Several months ago I came to these boards not knowing where to start. But I've found so much great information here, and so many people who are happy to help.

I recommend the Unofficial Guide. It's the only one I have. Bought it a month ago, and it's really enlightened me about a lot of things. It's a huge book, but you don't read it like a regular book. Instead, you can look up chapters and sections you're interested in. It covers everything from ticket purchases and dining plans to tourning plans (if you want to do one). It rates resorts and restuarants, and also gives overviews about every ride and attraction, along with helpful hints.

I'm staying on-site and have several dining reservations. But since this is my first time to WDW in 20 years (last time, I was 15), I'm afraid I can't give much in-park advice.

I do recommend and welcome you to join the February DISer facebook group. We're a great bunch! Just look for the February 2013 thread on this board. It's creator, Jannel, set up the facebook group for us. Send her a PM and she'll invite you to join it.

We're doing the 17 hour drive too, from Central PA.

Happy planning!

(Jen)

 

[Males1011]

Greetings, Jenn!

My DGF and I just got back from our first WDW vacation from NJ 2 months ago, and the drive is not nearly as daunting as it sounds. Heck, I Iron Man-ed the whole trip down, stopping once for a 2 hour nap. Maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment, who knows...

ANYWAY! If you have someone else to split the drive, it isn't bad at all. I would just recommend looking up things to keep the young'ns occupied while they aren't sleeping. Just take your time and be safe, and you'll be there sooner than you expect.

As for books, You have another vote towards the Unoffical Guide. It's a bit more math-y per se, but it really does give good ratings and lists of readers opinions on all the different aspects of the trip. Good read. Good paper weight, too...

Another one you may want to check out is the Passporter. I think it's a neat lay out, and the girls may like that one. Lots of stuff to fill out and customize in there.

The biggest thing you need to remember to do is when you get there, HAVE FUN! You're in WDW, the happiest place on Earth! Enjoy yourself from now to when you come back.

P.S. Let us know how the trip turns out, and which book you go with.

 

[Musicalmommy]

Keep in mind that the public library may have downloadable electronic copies of the more current disney guides. I have been putting my Ipad though a whole series of Disney guide downloads from our library! Save you the $$

 

[ToddyLu]

I second the Pass porter. They also have a great supportive website. They break things down very simply in the book and it has Teen Tips and Toddler Tips. The maps are great and there are pockets in the back to keep your maps and things safe during the trip and then you can use them later if you scrapbook. It is just a simple organized way of looking at Disney World and they tweak it every year. One of the best things I did to prepare was look at maps to get a mental image of where things were--like once on Main Street USA--Dumbo is to my right and Pirates is to my left. At least I knew where I was headed.

I found the best place to keep it was in the bathroom--DH knew more about Disney than I did for our first trip. We replaced them for our first few trips and now are veterans.

 

[KCharming]

If you have an iphone buy the undercover tourist app for wait times. It's much more accurate than the official disney app. If you have any questions feel free to PM me. I have been over 100 times and plan Disney trips now.