Arriving next Monday. Nervous and excited

[Anabelletoronto]

We had initially planned a trip for last February and then it was cancelled due to surgery/cancer diagnosis etc. So I have been looking forward to this trip with my h and DD6 for over a year!!!

We have 5 days of park and 5 nights at POR.
I am so nervous that we are going to be tired or overwhelmed or miss something.
First - weather check. My Mom said it's in the 30s down there right now. That's hot!! Any tips ?
Last time we went for one day and we had no plans and our biggest complaint was the lineups at the QS restaurants for lunch. Is it better to go at 11 or after 1:30? We have the dining plan and some table service reservations but we will need some QS meals.

We aren't going to any parties. Our first MK day is on a party day. But I know we won't last that long anyway.
We are going to try to hit FEA at 10:15ish and then we have an Akershus reservation at 11. If we can't fit in FEA, we have a FP at 5pm. Too late probably for us.

My daughter is a princess fanatic so I'm hoping the lineups for character meetings in world showcase aren't too long. Any tips?

Also- what paperwork can I pick up? Maps? Showtimes?

 

[BrianL]

You're going to have a magical time! Don't even worry about that stuff, because you're going to have a good time no matter what and don't fear missing something, because you certainly won't see it all because there is so much there. Just go with the flow and have fun.

To your specific plans, eating at off-times can help with QS places, but it shouldn't be too bad. Keep your eyes open if they open new registers, because sometimes they will and you can slide over there. I might try to hit FEA a little earlier than 10:15. It opens with the park and the line will build by then. If you aren't planning on staying lat on any of your days, then do make sure to be early and make Rope Drop so you can maximize that park time. You can pick up Maps and Times Guides at the entrances and most shops, or check on your phone of course.

I hope you have a great time!

 

[foodiddiedoo]

At each park entrance there are maps that are updated weekly/daily time schedules for shows. You might even get some maps in your hotel room.

 

[Mome Rath]

Don't be nervous! Just take everything at your own pace and enjoy as you go. Plan but don't over plan, that way when things need changed up you won't be so stressed out! The weather is in the 80's right now but look to be in the 70's with low in the 60's soon. If anyone tends to get chilly you might actually want to have a light jacket in the morning or at night, depending on wind. The "heat" in November doesn't tend to be as intense as the summer of course so, usually, 70's and 80's are perfect.

We are early eaters and have had good luck eating at around 11. Also it does matter which quick serve you go to, some always seem busier than others.

Yes, definitely pick up both maps and showtimes flyers when you first arrive, POR will have them (grab them at the front desk as in room brochures are hit or miss). Most important have a great trip!

 

[ppjluvsdvc]

You will have a great time!!! As for eating at QS, check the MDE as many places have mobile ordering ahead of time. I have not tried it yet but I have had heard good things about it. That would help with waiting in line for your food. Have a great time!!

OOPS! Just remembered that mobile order does not work with discounts or the dinning plan yet so don't know if that will effect you.

 

[foodiddiedoo]

You will have a great time!!! As for eating at QS, check the MDE as many places have mobile ordering ahead of time. I have not tried it yet but I have had heard good things about it. That would help with waiting in line for your food. Have a great time!!

OOPS! Just remembered that mobile order does not work with discounts or the dinning plan yet so don't know if that will effect you.

But you can pre-order at BOG with Dining Plan (one exception).

 

[jpeterson]

You will have a great time!!! As for eating at QS, check the MDE as many places have mobile ordering ahead of time. I have not tried it yet but I have had heard good things about it. That would help with waiting in line for your food. Have a great time!!

OOPS! Just remembered that mobile order does not work with discounts or the dinning plan yet so don't know if that will effect you.

Mobile ordering worked great the one time I used it. It was Satuli Canteen and it was pretty busy, but I was able to skip all the lines and just grab food.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

We had initially planned a trip for last February and then it was cancelled due to surgery/cancer diagnosis etc. So I have been looking forward to this trip with my h and DD6 for over a year!!!

We have 5 days of park and 5 nights at POR.
I am so nervous that we are going to be tired or overwhelmed or miss something.
First - weather check. My Mom said it's in the 30s down there right now. That's hot!! Any tips ?
Last time we went for one day and we had no plans and our biggest complaint was the lineups at the QS restaurants for lunch. Is it better to go at 11 or after 1:30? We have the dining plan and some table service reservations but we will need some QS meals.

We aren't going to any parties. Our first MK day is on a party day. But I know we won't last that long anyway.
We are going to try to hit FEA at 10:15ish and then we have an Akershus reservation at 11. If we can't fit in FEA, we have a FP at 5pm. Too late probably for us.

My daughter is a princess fanatic so I'm hoping the lineups for character meetings in world showcase aren't too long. Any tips?

Also- what paperwork can I pick up? Maps? Showtimes?

First, Congratulations, if that is appropriate to say, for successful enough cancer treatment to be able to take this trip. My husband is a cancer patient too. We don't call it cancer survivor, as they told us it WILL return, but call it cancer warrior. Sounds less like a victim, and is what we are doing, fighting cancer.
Second, you WILL be tired and overwhelmed, and miss a lot. so realize and accept that. It is not possible to do it all in many, many trips, and they keep adding more each year. Are you coming from Europe? You said 30s is hot!!, so you must be talking celcius, and if you think that is hot, then you will be hot. Cups of ice water are free at all QS. Drink lots of liquids, and take it as slowly as you need to.

You will be tired from your travel and time change, and there really is SO MUCH, you will be overwhelmed. WDW is large, and takes a lot of time getting around, so adjust your plans and expectations accordingly. Akershus reservation was a really good plan. That will give your daughter a chance to meet most all of the princesses, and she may not even realize it is not all of them. The kids do a sweet parade with the princesses too, so be sure to have your camera ready to take a video. She will enjoy watching that again and again, and Grandma will love it too. Don't be disappointed in what you may miss, enjoy what you are able to do. The lines to meet princesses are usually pretty long, but Akershus takes care of that.
Please don't be nervous. You and DH and DD will be making special memories that will last, and be a joy to remember. Park maps are available here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/index.htm Times guides here: http://www.orlandoparksnews.com/p/weekly-walt-disney-world-times-guides.html
Yes, eat QS at 11A or after 1:30P if you can. Registers take guests on both sides. Many don't realize that and only stand on one side. Whenever you see a short line, go ahead and move over there, unless it is closed of course. Pack some easy snacks in your park bag.
Most everything you want to know is here on the Disboards, so ask away. Warning, Cast Members often give wrong information. If there are any problems at your resort, walk up to the front desk, don't call. When you call "Front Desk", or just about anything on property, the call goes to an offsite call center, many of whom have never even been to WDW themselves.
There are many cool, calm places to sit for a bit when you need them.
Have a wonderful trip, and enjoy. Don't expect or try to do it all. Give your husband and daughter great big hugs, and take lots of pictures chronicling the great memories.
Have a safe trip.

 

[Anabelletoronto]

Not from Australia. Just Canada.
So yep- Celsius.
Thanks for the tips everyone

 

[Stitch83]

As a fellow Torontonian my best advice for the weather is layers. We start the day with a tank or t-shirt under a long sleeve shirt/light hoodie so if we get warm it is easy enough to take off. We also go to Mark's and buy their convertible zip-off cargo pants. The busses and the rooms are air conditioned at all times, we are always glad for the long sleeve.

For meals, we never eat at noon. We always end up around 1:30 and hardly ever any line. If we get hungry before then we grab a snack like fruit or something at a kiosk.

My experience with the world showcase princesses is to get them as soon as possible. Especially Belle and Mulan as their line ups can build into the next meet. I usually split them between days depending on how often I am going.

You can generally pick up maps and time guides in the lobby of the resort. The only paperwork you can't get there is the animal guide for Animal Kingdom.

 

[ZoZo]

Many QS restaurants have cash registers where there are two lines at each register. Most folks don't know that you're supposed to have two lines going (one on each side). CMs will even tell people to form two lines, but they don't. So if you're approaching a line, ask if you're supposed to form two lines.

 

[NH-to-FL]

We had initially planned a trip for last February and then it was cancelled due to surgery/cancer diagnosis etc. So I have been looking forward to this trip with my h and DD6 for over a year!!!

Congratulations on being ready and able to travel to Disney! I am blessed to be healthy 4.5/2.5 years out from my two cancer surgeries and I remember my first Disney visit about 6 months after my first surgery. It was a little bit slower than usual but still quite enjoyable.

We have 5 days of park and 5 nights at POR.
I am so nervous that we are going to be tired or overwhelmed or miss something.

Five days is a reasonable time to get a lot done. I am sure you have sketched out your plans. My only suggestion is to not over plan or plan a too intense day. Create a framework that hits the key attractions and leaves space for either last minute desires or breaks if necessary. I know that this might be a radical suggestion but consider being at the park before rope drop. Being on site you have the ability to do EMH. You can get a lot done in that first hour but it does require getting up very early. You can also decide if morning or evening EMH hours would work best for your family.

First - weather check. My Mom said it's in the 30s down there right now. That's hot!! Any tips ?

Looking at the extended forecast it looks like the temperatures for the week of the 13th will be fairly normal, mostly clear with temperatures in the upper 70's (F) with lows in the lower 60's (F). I am watching this carefully as DW and I arrive in Florida next Tuesday! As many will say, Florida weather can change quickly. Record high/low for that week is 90F/33F. Just in case an unexpected cold front blasts through have some layers ready to survive a breezy 33F morning. And yes, 90F is pretty warm and the best you can do is plan for plenty of AC breaks in the middle of the day. The longer you can delay your packing the better the forecast will be. From what I have seen, it looks like the weather has "turned" for the season.

Last time we went for one day and we had no plans and our biggest complaint was the lineups at the QS restaurants for lunch. Is it better to go at 11 or after 1:30? We have the dining plan and some table service reservations but we will need some QS meals.

Our usual technique for CS lunch is to eat at or near 11am. But then we are usually up early for rope drop and are ready to eat by 11am. I think it depends on whether you are up and going early whether you eat early or late.

My daughter is a princess fanatic so I'm hoping the lineups for character meetings in world showcase aren't too long. Any tips?

Get a copy of the Times Guide when you get to Epcot to verify the times of the character greetings and be there early for the session you select as the lines can get long. I don't have it at my fingertips but there are paces to look up this info online.

Also- what paperwork can I pick up? Maps? Showtimes?

Even after many years and many visits I always pick up a copy of the map and the Times Guide each time I enter a park. It is quicker that looking up the info on my phone.
Finally, relax, deep breath, and have a visit!

 

[mamamelody2]

I think crowds will be reasonable, and you will have a great time!
Do your best not to stress, and enjoy yourself!

 

[GeneralTso]

First, you are going to miss stuff. It's literally impossible to see it all and do it all. Prioritize what's most important to your family and what your "Can't Miss" things are. Aim for those.
Pace yourselves, especially if you know you'll start feeling run down. It's not worth it to crash and burn 4 days in.

You'll have a blast. It's a beautiful time of year there, it's magical. Don't worry about stuff, just take it in and enjoy. And celebrate!

 

[disneyvoice]

You will have a great time! When you get there try to relax and enjoy being there. Don't worry about trying to fit everything in or trying not miss anything. It's hard to enjoy yourself when you are worried about doing everything. It's impossible to do everything so just focus on doing the things that are REALLY important to your family - everything else is icing on the cake. The best way to to prevent exhaustion is to be flexible. If someone in your family gets tired out that's okay - head back to your resort for a nap. If you decide you want to completely switch parks for a day, do it! I think crowds will probably be very manageable when you are there so you can probably do a QS whenever you are hungry. We always have great luck with short lines at QS places by skipping breakfast and eating lunch around 11:00 (but we aren't breakfast eaters). You can get the showtime guide at the park entrance. Even during the busiest times I have not found the lines for the princesses in the parks to be unreasonable - so many people schedule meals with the princesses or do the more formal meet and greets these days that I don't feel like the characters get mobbed in the parks like they used to. The biggest issue is that sometimes you will see a short line but it's short because they have already cut off additional people from ending so the character can take a break.

You will have such a fun time! Just remember to slow down and enjoy the little details as much as you can!