A little advice about must do's for a first timer guy...

[whitney250]

So after some crazy changes to our upcoming trip, DF may be joining us and this will be his first trip ever. He doesn't get Disney (yet ), so I was wondering if y'all could give me a list of must do's that he may enjoy? He doesn't openly admit it, but he likes Wreck it Ralph, The Incredibles, Pete's Dragon (the old one) and Cars. We will be for sure going to MVMCP, and we have the Deluxe Dining Plan, which he is most excited about because he loves a great meal, lol. Are the gyms at the Deluxe resorts all cardio machines mainly, or are there free weights, also? I know that is something he is going to want to do, even if we are on vacation. I wish the Richard Petty Driving Experience was still open, because that is something he would have loved.

 

[BrianL]

How old is DF? It sounds like he's in shape so I assume he's good to ride some rides. Test Track might appeal to him, and Soarin' too. Epcot is the least "Disney" park and also is full of the best restaurants. I like Biergarten the most I think (it's a real "man's" restaurant with tons of meat, sausage, starches, and beer).

Other recommended restaurants are Tusker House (my favorite breakfast, though it is a character meal) and Be Our Guest. I am dying to try Skipper Canteen, but haven't been back since it opened. There are cool spots at Disney Springs now. Boathouse has a great reputation, and Jock Lindsey's (from Indiana Jones) bar is pretty great too.

Unfortunately Wreck-It Ralph is, Cars, and Pete's Dragon do not have much representation in the parks. There is a segment on Celebrate the Magic with Wreck-It Ralph, so don't miss that (don't miss it anyway - It's great!). Elliott is in MSEP but that' leaving for Anaheim soon. The Incredibles do a dance party in Tomorrowland, but I don't know how into that he'd be (it's cute though).

 

[fifthdimensiondweller]

I second the above poster's recommendation of Biergarten! Definitely a "man's" place and one of my husband's favorites! Definitely spend some time at Disney Springs (especially the nightlife) and as far as rides some of my top picks would be:

MK- Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain

Epcot- Test Track, Soarin, and Mission Space (maybe take him to eat and drink around the world too!)

HS- Tower of Terror, Rockin Roller Coaster (it has a refurb coming up so check that ahead of time to avoid disapointment) and Star Tours

AK- Kilamanjaro Safaris, Dinosaur, Expedition Everest

If he likes a good meal, spend some time in Epcot trying out the food! Maybe dinner at San Angel Inn if we likes Mexican? For AK Yak and Yeti is my husband's favorite but I've heard good things about Tusker House as well!

 

[whitney250]

How old is DF? It sounds like he's in shape so I assume he's good to ride some rides. Test Track might appeal to him, and Soarin' too. Epcot is the least "Disney" park and also is full of the best restaurants. I like Biergarten the most I think (it's a real "man's" restaurant with tons of meat, sausage, starches, and beer).

Other recommended restaurants are Tusker House (my favorite breakfast, though it is a character meal) and Be Our Guest. I am dying to try Skipper Canteen, but haven't been back since it opened. There are cool spots at Disney Springs now. Boathouse has a great reputation, and Jock Lindsey's (from Indiana Jones) bar is pretty great too.

Unfortunately Wreck-It Ralph is, Cars, and Pete's Dragon do not have much representation in the parks. There is a segment on Celebrate the Magic with Wreck-It Ralph, so don't miss that (don't miss it anyway - It's great!). Elliott is in MSEP but that' leaving for Anaheim soon. The Incredibles do a dance party in Tomorrowland, but I don't know how into that he'd be (it's cute though).

DF is 27 and a major gym junkie! haha He will definitely be down for rides, and if he isn't, he's going anyways! I didn't even think about the Indiana Jones bar, he actually loves Indiana Jones! We have reservations at Boathouse, Skipper's Canteen, and Tiffin's... I may change some around though because we have a ton of reservations that I made with my grandmother in mind, that I won't miss if we don't eat there, so I could definitely add some more from Epcot. Test Track would probably be fun for him since he can design the car himself I'm pretty sad that Elliot won't be in the parks at all anymore, even Lightning McQueen and Ralph meet and greets are gone Hopefully Ralph is in the MVMCP parade at least!

 

[LoKiHB]

Biergarten, is a must!!! If you really want that whole Disney ambiance, I would suggest Be Our Guest.

As far as attractions for a first timer... I would go with the standards... Space Mountain, Carousel of Progress, Pirates, even Small World. Those are the ones that at least for me, still suck you into the whole experience. No matter how old or how "Gastonly" you are, those things make you feel like a kid again.

The DxDP may be a bit too much food in my opinion, (it was for me, and I love to eat), so if he's a gym rat, he may not get his money's worth- unless of course, he's one of those "MUST EAT!!! MUST LIFT!!! MUST EAT AGAIN!!!" gym rats, then Disney is in trouble . Above all else, have an awesome time!

 

[whitney250]

I second the above poster's recommendation of Biergarten! Definitely a "man's" place and one of my husband's favorites! Definitely spend some time at Disney Springs (especially the nightlife) and as far as rides some of my top picks would be:

MK- Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain

Epcot- Test Track, Soarin, and Mission Space (maybe take him to eat and drink around the world too!)

HS- Tower of Terror, Rockin Roller Coaster (it has a refurb coming up so check that ahead of time to avoid disapointment) and Star Tours

AK- Kilamanjaro Safaris, Dinosaur, Expedition Everest

If he likes a good meal, spend some time in Epcot trying out the food! Maybe dinner at San Angel Inn if we likes Mexican? For AK Yak and Yeti is my husband's favorite but I've heard good things about Tusker House as well!

Luckily RNRC is open during our trip, it's my favorite, so I couldn't miss that one! lol I have really been wanting to try San Angel Inn, but he gets burned out on Mexican food since that's majority of the restaurants down here in south Texas lol. I could eat it every day, though! I did get a reservation at Via Napoli because he really likes Pizza that isn't from delivery places. Is there a cajun food restaurant at WDW, I don't think I've ever come across one, but we are both pretty fond of that. If he were already into WDW I would have tried to get Dining with an Imagineer, he is always really interested in how things work... one of his favorite shows is How It's Made lol. Yak and Yeti may be a good one for him, too! I'm kind of scrambling because I had our itinerary already made and now I'm having to change it all up with a guy in mind haha, we always do all girl trips!

 

[glassslippergirl]

At Skipper's Canteen, I recommend the lion fish-- definitely a manly plate of food. It's a huge whole fried fish, bones and all. Totally delicious. Maybe Yachtsman Steakhouse or even Shula' for a steak. What man wouldn't want to eat dinner at a restaurant dedicated to the winningest coach in football?

Since you can't go to Richard Petty (which was awesome and would have made his whole trip), maybe check out some other recreational activities, like the water sports/boating opportunities available from the Contemporary marina. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/

Also, here's a link to the gym at AKV. It says that gym has free weights; not sure where you're staying, but it looked like most gyms did. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/animal-kingdom-villas-kidani/survival-of-the-fittest/

 

[whitney250]

The DxDP may be a bit too much food in my opinion, (it was for me, and I love to eat), so if he's a gym rat, he may not get his money's worth- unless of course, he's one of those "MUST EAT!!! MUST LIFT!!! MUST EAT AGAIN!!!" gym rats, then Disney is in trouble . Above all else, have an awesome time!

THIS IS HIM TO A T! haha! A little less caveman, but he is one that gets "hangry" and will eat a ton! I'm going to have to pack him snacks, I already know! haha

 

[BrianL]

DF is 27 and a major gym junkie! haha He will definitely be down for rides, and if he isn't, he's going anyways! I didn't even think about the Indiana Jones bar, he actually loves Indiana Jones! We have reservations at Boathouse, Skipper's Canteen, and Tiffin's... I may change some around though because we have a ton of reservations that I made with my grandmother in mind, that I won't miss if we don't eat there, so I could definitely add some more from Epcot. Test Track would probably be fun for him since he can design the car himself I'm pretty sad that Elliot won't be in the parks at all anymore, even Lightning McQueen and Ralph meet and greets are gone Hopefully Ralph is in the MVMCP parade at least!

Oh, 27. I took "DF" as father and assumed he was a little older. Still, my recommendations stand. Make sure to catch the Indy Stunt Show at HS too if he's a big Indy fan.

 

[whitney250]

At Skipper's Canteen, I recommend the lion fish-- definitely a manly plate of food. It's a huge whole fried fish, bones and all. Totally delicious.

Since you can't go to Richard Petty (which was awesome and would have made his whole trip), maybe check out some other recreational activities, like the water sports/boating opportunities available from the Contemporary marina. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/

Also, here's a link to the gym at AKV. It says that gym has free weights; not sure where you're staying, but it looked like most gyms did. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/animal-kingdom-villas-kidani/survival-of-the-fittest/

That's a great idea! He would love one of those little racer boats! He's one of those guys that likes fast cars, off-roading, jet ski's, etc. Thanks for the gym link! He's one of those that would go off property if need be to hit the gym, so that will be super convenient!

 

[whitney250]

Oh, 27. I took "DF" as father and assumed he was a little older. Still, my recommendations stand. Make sure to catch the Indy Stunt Show at HS too if he's a big Indy fan.

Oops! I didn't even think of the father part! haha He's my fiancé

 

[Baptist]

As a guy who can eat a lot, I always love the food at 50's Prime Time. It's a fun place to eat too. The servers are also acting as your cousin or other family member. Love it.

I'm sure he will also love Test Track and the other thrill rides mentioned.

I would not expect much from the gyms. Most of them won't be good enough for gym junkies (except the Swan and Dolphin, they have the best I have seen at Disney).

Have a great time!

 

[kwdw]

If you are on the Deluxe Dining Plan - I'd add Boma if he's a foodie.

Also - since now we know the F stands for fiance - plan something fun for you that is a "couples" thing!

 

[Pmlocke]

Here is my suggestion. Take it with a grain of salt as I am one of those annual regulars that NEVER gets fast passes. The only planning my wife and I do is our dining reservations. I want to be able to show up and be seated. Not be told there is a 2 hour wait. We don't do fast passes because we never have any idea from one day to the next where we will be. We wake up when we wake up, no alarm clock for me. I'm on vacation. After a nice breakfast at the resort we walk out to see which park's bus is waiting for us to board. Once in the park, if the line for a ride is more than 30 minutes, we keep on walking. What I am trying to present to you and the other readers is we just enjoy ourselves. No timetable to keep to, no fast pass check in times to rush off to. Slow down, look around and enjoy the wonder and Magic that is Disney. Let your BF discover the parks at his pace.

 

[whitney250]

As a guy who can eat a lot, I always love the food at 50's Prime Time. It's a fun place to eat too. The servers are also acting as your cousin or other family member. Love it.

I'm sure he will also love Test Track and the other thrill rides mentioned.

I would not expect much from the gyms. Most of them won't be good enough for gym junkies (except the Swan and Dolphin, they have the best I have seen at Disney).

Have a great time!

I love Prime Time! He's pretty witty and would like the interaction, I bet! I also have a reservation for Beaches and Cream, he would most definitely like to tackle the kitchen sink, he's a big ice cream guy! I wonder if he can pay a day fee for swan/dolphin, it would keep him on property at least, lol.

If you are on the Deluxe Dining Plan - I'd add Boma if he's a foodie.

Also - since now we know the F stands for fiance - plan something fun for you that is a "couples" thing!

I've been really wanting to try Boma and see AKL, that's the only deluxe resort I haven't seen in person yet, and I heard it's beautiful at Christmas! I'm definitely going to find some kind of couples activity for us, I'm thinking Parasailing would be really fun!

 

[whitney250]

Here is my suggestion. Take it with a grain of salt as I am one of those annual regulars that NEVER gets fast passes. The only planning my wife and I do is our dining reservations. I want to be able to show up and be seated. Not be told there is a 2 hour wait. We don't do fast passes because we never have any idea from one day to the next where we will be. We wake up when we wake up, no alarm clock for me. I'm on vacation. After a nice breakfast at the resort we walk out to see which park's bus is waiting for us to board. Once in the park, if the line for a ride is more than 30 minutes, we keep on walking. What I am trying to present to you and the other readers is we just enjoy ourselves. No timetable to keep to, no fast pass check in times to rush off to. Slow down, look around and enjoy the wonder and Magic that is Disney. Let your BF discover the parks at his pace.

Definitely going to take this into consideration! I usually schedule FP for the rides I really would be disappointed to miss, and just fill in the extras I have left with whatever and if we want to do them, great, but no biggie of we don't. I always avoid lines longer than 30 minutes if possible, I know there are more fun things I can do with my time and usually the wait will be shorter at during point during the day . I know he won't want to go all commando like I do usually, so I'm kind of glad I set up the itinerary at my grandma's pace, lots of breaks and later mornings for sure.

 

[Pmlocke]

Definitely going to take this into consideration! I usually schedule FP for the rides I really would be disappointed to miss, and just fill in the extras I have left with whatever and if we want to do them, great, but no biggie of we don't. I always avoid lines longer than 30 minutes if possible, I know there are more fun things I can do with my time and usually the wait will be shorter at during point during the day . I know he won't want to go all commando like I do usually, so I'm kind of glad I set up the itinerary at my grandma's pace, lots of breaks and later mornings for sure.

And as a grandpa, I congratulate you on your wisdom for such a young lady. My wife and I have traveled with our children, then our grandchildren and I and she can both honestly say the best trips to WDW were the ones with just the two of us. The time we now share with eachother we cherish as it is a time for us to relate back to our youth and remember times past as well as create new memories. We take several trips to other locations during the year but it is the Disney trip that we love the most. If things turn for the better with your DF and you start a family and then grow from there, it is the memories of that first trip that will always be with you and be something to grow on.

 

[whitney250]

And as a grandpa, I congratulate you on your wisdom for such a young lady. My wife and I have traveled with our children, then our grandchildren and I and she can both honestly say the best trips to WDW were the ones with just the two of us. The time we now share with eachother we cherish as it is a time for us to relate back to our youth and remember times past as well as create new memories. We take several trips to other locations during the year but it is the Disney trip that we love the most. If things turn for the better with your DF and you start a family and then grow from there, it is the memories of that first trip that will always be with you and be something to grow on.

Thank you I'm really so excited to share one of my favorite places with him, I think once he gets there he will understand why I love it so much. Hopefully he catches the Disney bug like I did!