1. What is your best piece of advice for experienced Disney travelers traveling with newbies?
- Be clear on your plans and style of touring.
- Be ok to split up and each do your own thing if your style doesn’t work for them.
- Make sure you are all on the same page as far as what they are willing to ride and not ride and the intensity of the different rides.
I have two examples of newbies and this last point. The first, I had a good friend who wanted to go with me to Universal. She told me she wouldn’t ride coasters. I was like ok no problem, they only have a few coasters. We get there, and I find out what she meant by coasters was anything that went up high, spun around, went fast, etc. Basically, every ride in the park she had some problem with and wouldn’t ride, even though they weren’t coasters.
The second example was with a coworker who was going as a newbie to Disney with her grandchildren. She was under the impression that a trip to Disney was like a trip to Six Flags and all the rides were intense coasters. She kept telling me she wasn’t going to ride anything at all because coasters made her sick. I explained to her that most Disney rides involve sitting on bench and moving slowing, and she was like oh I can do that. I ended up giving her maps of each park with all the safe rides marked off. She went and rode all the safe rides and had a great time.
2. What is a can't miss attraction for newbies that we might overlook as people who have been to Disney far too much?
I think something to keep in mind for newbies is entertainment. I feel like those of us who go often sometimes overlook shows and parades in favor of rides.
Opening shows:
I’m not sure how many parks still have an opening show, but this was a huge highlight for us as newbies years ago. The build up, the excitement of the park opening for the very first time, the anticipation you feel. It set the right mood for the whole day.
Closing shows:
I remember our first trip, the nighttime shows at each park were a really big deal. They were so magical and really made you feel like you ended the day on a great note. Now after years of trips, we skip them half the time in favor of going to bed, but for a first timer, I think each is a must do at least once. Since you said you only return to the parks 50% of the time at night that might be something to consider.
Daytime shows and parades:
We skip these now, but I remember really enjoying them my first trip, so maby make time to do at least a few. If you’ve never seen a Disney parade before, it may be a big hit.
Another overlooked idea, try out the scavenger hunt games, Sorcerers or Pirates Adventure in MK or Agent P in Epcot. These are fun to do in a group and don’t require the need to be an agreement on a specific ride. They also don’t require any prior Disney knowledge or being a fan of the theme to enjoy. They are also great the park is ridiculously crowded activities.
We did this last trip. We met up with some friends and because none of our fast pass times were the same, and stand by was long everywhere, playing the Pirates Adventure worked great as a meet up activity. They’d never done it before and really enjoyed it.
As far as other must do activities for newbies I think that’s really hard to say. Everyone has different priorities. I’d say in general some things to consider:
- have a trip countdown to build excitement
- take a pic in front of Cinderella’s castle
- eat at least one character meal
- check out the different hotels if you think you might come back
- take a ride on the monorail
- see the geyser at WL and watch the Electrical Water Pagent from the dock there
- buy a pair of Mickey ears
- get a picture with Mickey
- eat something Mickey shaped
- check out pin trading
- ride Dumbo and the mountains
- ride ToT
- ride Spaceship Earth and Soarin
- ride Safari and watch FOTL at AK
- have a hidden Mickey contest
- make or buy a Disney T-shirt to remember the trip by
- collect character autographs
- collect pressed pennies
- check out the topiaries at Epcot, this was a big hit our first trip for us
- passport book at WS in Epcot
- watch a parade
- watch fireworks
I’d also ask them about their interests. What type of rides do they like? What movies or characters are they interested in? For instance, if they are into coasters, make sure to do them all. If someone’s favorite character is Ariel, make sure to do all the LM attractions. If someone like SW, plan those activities.
3. How can we make sure they experience the magic of Disney without being overwhelmed by crowds, lines, and high prices?
Crowds, you just have to accept them and move on. You can try to minimize them by avoiding areas you know will be the worst. For instance, when everyone headed for Pandora at rope drop, we headed to Dinoland. But overall, you need to prepare your friends for the fact that it will be packed on your dates. It isn’t as bad if you go in expecting it.
As far as lines, have a good plan, and use the 4th FP option. The week we were there in January crowds were between 8 to 9 each day, but we never really waited more than about 15 minutes. We rope dropped, planned our 3 FP, and made sure we were fitting in all our must do rides early. Then we took whatever additional FP were available. I’d start looking the moment we scanned our bands at the FP entrance. I’d just keep refreshing until I found something available. We also tried to focus on non waiting activities like meals, shows, street entertainment, and the scavenger hunt games. Between that and FP, we never really waited. We waited longer to be seated for meals than anything.
High prices is another one you just have to accept. You have to go into it being ok with the fact that everything is ridiculously priced or you’ll be miserable. Your friends need to know realistically how much everything is going to cost and be prepared for that.
It will be magical because you have fun and chose to focus on the positive. If you go in focusing on all the negative, it will be miserable. Be flexible if people aren’t having fun for some reason change your plans. Don’t go in trying to do it all and then being disappointed if you can’t fit it all in. Go in expecting to do the minimum, and then anything extra you fit in is a bonus and adds pixie dust. It’s all about perspective.
