Advice: Taking College Student on First Disney Trip

[georgiapeach]

My husband and I (and our 2 year old and 10 month old daughters) are taking a college age (female) friend to Disney for her first trip EVER in May. We'll be staying offsite, doing a lot of the little kid stuff for our girls, like the Norway Princess meal and Fantasyland. But I want to make sure that the trip caters to her, too. What must we include on our itinerary for her? Obviously I'll have her pick some stuff, but when you've never been there before it's hard to read a little blurb about a ride and know if you'd really love it or just think it's ok. So, I'd love to know what college age people think is great about Disney.

I really want her to feel the magic, but not feel like it's cheesy or too kid-focused.

Thanks for your help!

 

[fall08CP]

This sounds like a lot of fun! There are a few rides in DHS that might interest her but not the younger ones. If there's a way to make sure she can go on those without boring your kids then that would be ideal. And remember it's not the end of the world to split up for an hour! Some of the best vacations with my parents happen when we take a couple hours and split up and then meet again. We can each enjoy our own things without anyone missing out. Also, maybe pick a restaurant that she would really enjoy that didn't involve characters, like Ohanas for instance. They have fun stuff for young kids but also great food and atmosphere for adults.

 

[CheshireSmile]

Hi there! Oh how exciting to be taking someone on their first Disney trip! I'm not sure what type of rides she would like, if she likes thrill rides or not. I think you should try and include all the classic rides, It's a Small World, the Carousel of Progress, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc. I was there last May and got to ride things like Soarin' and Test Track and the Rock 'n Roller coaster for the first time, and I LOVED them! My favorites are always rides that have a good story to go along with them, so I love Tower of Terror and even Winnie the Pooh! I hope she has a wonderful first Disney experience and that it's very magical for her.

 

[FoundinWonderland]

While most people are talking about things that your college student should do in Florida- I think I'll tell you about what you can all enjoy together

At Magic Kingdom one of the best places to please everyone is to eat at the Crystal Palace; it's a buffet that feature great food and characters. I would recommend it for breakfast, but it's great for all meals. Also at Magic Kingdom everyone should go on Mickey's Philarmagic, It's a Small World, The Monster's Inc Laugh Floor, and Jungle Cruise.

At Epcot the whole group should go on Soarin', everyone will LOVE it. And Turtle talk with Crush is awesome for the whole group. The World Showcase is a ton of fun: be sure to hit up the Japan Merchandise store, and STICK AROUND FOR ILLUMINATIONS! This is the best nighttime show anywhere on property (in my opinion) and is very enjoyable to kids and adults alike.

At the Disney Studios there is a great restaurant everyone will enjoy: The 50's Prime Time Cafe! This restaurant has the servers act as your long lost 'aunt' or 'uncle' and they make your meal really special while 'mom' cooks back in the kitchen. The Voyage of the Little Mermaid is entertainment for all.

And finally: Animal Kingdom! Get on the Kilimanjaro safari and take a ride in the jungle- amazing family ride.

I hope you all have an amazing time and that my long rant helps!
Have a Magical Day

 

[disney808]

definitely check out mission space if your stomachs can handle it.

 

[kjanes23]

so i went on my first Disney world trip this January and i am 21. i went with my older sister and her husband. if the girl is willing to have fun and act like a kid then she will have fun (i think it would be much harder taking a high schooled to Disney, since they are more likely to think things are uncool)
i made my sister stand in line with me and get pictures with the characters (she has never done that before, even though she has been there tons of times). i think Disney is all about the memories you make and taking lots of pictures, she will look back at those pictures and think she had the best time of her life.
i also loved going on the 'kid' rides because those are the ones that have been around forever. but make sure you go with her and allow her to go on some of the adult rides.
she will enjoy seeing Cinderella as much as the kids... trust me!

and if she is old enough to drink allow her to have a few beers at epcot.

 

[sylvesterT21]

Of course there is stuff at the parks to do (Mission Space, Rock n Roller Coaster, Test Track, etc.) that are not kid-oriented

But also, if you have some time outside of the parks, go check out Fantasia Gardents (I think that's what it's called) Miniature Golf...I was about 17 when I went there with my parents and it was a lot of fun for all of us (and the kids will probably have fun too)

 

[wdwgirl03]

Part of the fun of Disney is all of the classic attractions...I'm sure she is going to love it! My cousin's family went to WDW over the summer and took my cousin's now-husband along (it was his first trip and he is about 25ish??). My aunt said that he was just in awe of everything...I think for a first timer there's just so much to take in. Have a GREAT trip!!

 

[Homesick for Disney]

I did my first Disney trip 3 years ago (I was 22) and I wanted to do all the classics, since I'd heard about them my whole life, but never experienced them. I even dragged my father-in-law on It's a Small World. It was also my first time on a roller coaster. The first Disney trip is always special, so make sure you do the classic Disney stuff, and anything else she thinks is interesting.

 

[sylvesterT21]

I did my first Disney trip 3 years ago (I was 22) and I wanted to do all the classics, since I'd heard about them my whole life, but never experienced them. I even dragged my father-in-law on It's a Small World. It was also my first time on a roller coaster. The first Disney trip is always special, so make sure you do the classic Disney stuff, and anything else she thinks is interesting.

definitely true....there is nothing like your first time on it's a small world, haunted mansion or Dumbo, no matter how old you are....or pirates of the caribbean, even with Captain Jack Sparrow.

plus there's the great movie ride at mgm which I'm sure she will appreciate