Adulting in Disney for First Timers

[Kikisstar]

My husband and I are planning our 2016 trip for September, and our adult nieces have decided to tag along. For us and our children, Disney is a second home, but for our nieces (ages 19 and 21) this will be their first trip to Disneyworld. I've visited Disney since I was a child, and I feel like my nieces have missed out on knowing what it's like to be there as a kid. I want to make sure this trip is truly magical for them, even though they're not children any more. So I'm looking for ideas on how to make their adult Disney first time still feel as magical as it feels to my 4 year old. Any ideas on what to do (or what to avoid) would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[RandomlyrachelG]

Aww! That sounds like it'll be an awesome trip! My first-ever trip to Disney was when I was 22, invited to come along with my Aunt and Uncle and their family. They had been to Disney many times and had the knowledge of experienced Disney-goers, which was a definite benefit, because I was totally clueless about where and what to go. I would ask them if there's anything specific they'd like to see or experience--I didn't know much about Disney so what I was most excited about was Pirates of the Caribbean since I'm a big fan! I think it's very easy for a first-time trip to Disney to feel magical as an adult, especially when you're with people who aren't nearly as confused about the park layout and fastpass systems and such as you are (given it's just the first time! That stuff takes getting used to!)

 

[Kikisstar]

I would ask them if there's anything specific they'd like to see or experienc

I've been asking them along the way in the planning if there's anything they REALLY want to do. For example I got their input on our ADR's before booking them. But knowing that they don't have much money to spend, I was trying to think of little things we can do to add some magic to their trip, but that won't be embarrassing to them as adults. For example I'm getting personalized autograph books printed up with my kids' names on them, and I was considering getting them for my nieces as well, as a surprise, but I don't know if as adult first timers that would even interest them. I'm looking for ideas of what to do with them that makes them feel like kids again in the excitement of their first trip.

 

[unrequited23]

I went for the first time when I was 18. I really wanted to do the quintessential Disney rides-teacups, dumbo, HM, POC, and all the mountains. You can only begin to imagine my disappointment when I saw the pink cake overlay on the Castle. I saw some mouse ear headbands at Target for $5 in the party supply aisle. Other than that, I would keep an eye out for something special that catches their eye but they pass up and surprise them. Or make them a photo book after the trip. I'm sure they will have an awesome trip!

 

[pa. dad]

With neices that old, they may or may not want to spend all day with you.
My sons are now 21 and 21 - twins. Surprisingly they spent lost of the time with mom and dad as they know that dad knows the plans that will minimize the waits. And we're handy to have around when they want popcorn or something.
At epcot, they did split up with us more than any of the other parks. We did the test trak and soarin and mission space and after that, they wanted a japan lunch and we weren't so we split up for a few hours/
I'd ask your neices what rides interest them most and incorporate those into your fastpasses. At that age, they may have an interest in the Universal parks and/or a waterpark also. So the parks you do could be a little different with your neices aboard this time.
It should be nice for you to see the parks through different eyes this time. And you may want to steer clear of the some of the thrill rides that many people that age like.

 

[Kikisstar]

I'd ask your neices what rides interest them most and incorporate those into your fastpasses.

When our FP options open I will definitely get their input. I've already informed their parents that I will be responsible for getting them to the hotel and getting them back on the return plane home, but that while in Disney I am not going to hover over them. My nieces are well mannered adults who can absolutely handle themselves in Disney without me. With that said, however, they've already requested to have all of our meals together and watch all the shows together, so I expect they'll be with us more than they will be split off. But they know they're free to roam or head to different parks.

 

[pa. dad]

When our FP options open I will definitely get their input. I've already informed their parents that I will be responsible for getting them to the hotel and getting them back on the return plane home, but that while in Disney I am not going to hover over them. My nieces are well mannered adults who can absolutely handle themselves in Disney without me. With that said, however, they've already requested to have all of our meals together and watch all the shows together, so I expect they'll be with us more than they will be split off. But they know they're free to roam or head to different parks.

What did we do before cell phones?