Attention all Disney fans ...

[nannoo]

... it's me again. We are going to Orlando for the first time at the end of June, just my husband and I, spending one week in Orlando then a week on Sanibel. I am not a lover of big scary rides, and am looking forward to just absorbing the magic of Disney, Universal etc. Does anyone have any tips or hints for us first-timers ... places we shouldn't miss, things we should bring, buy, do, eat ... anything that would ensure we have a good time. All help much appreciated!

 

[Bexx]

My absolute favourite place of any of the parks is World Showcase in Epcot. Try to get there as it opens (which is actually a couple of hours later than the Future World part of Epcot opens) so it's a bit quieter and just wander round soaking up the atmosphere of the different "countries". Try to take in at least one or two of the shows and maybe sample snacks from the different showcases as you go round - if you like cakes don't miss the patisserie in France. If you want a sit down meal we like Aksherhus in Norway and, if you're feeling sociable, (because they sit you at tables of eight people), try the Biergarten in Germany. Both are buffet style restaurants.

If you had more time in Orlando I would suggest just looking round some of the different Disney hotels, as some of them are beautifully designed (The Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge to name a couple). And if you really want to get away from the big rides aspect of Disney take a wander round Fort Wilderness. Otherwise just take it gently round the parks themselves looking at all the amazing touches and ideas that have gone into the design of these places.

Can't help you much with Universal, but the one thing you should bring with you for any of the parks is a very comfortable pair of shoes!!

Have a great holiday

 

[Disney owl]

DDefinately by simon's Brits Guide to Orlando book

and I think that if I had just one week I'd stick to Disney & do the other parks on my next visit. & once you've been, there will be a next visit.

And don't forget the shopping you've that to fit in too.

 

[WDWfan uk]

Hi there

I'd advise you to try not to fit too much in - the parks are big and it will also be hot and humid so take your time and enjoy the Disney parks. Out of the two Universal parks, Islands Of Adventure has some big coasters, and Universal Studios attractions are more experiences with a movie theme. Find out as much as you can about the parks so you can select which parks appeal to you most.

Arriving early so you are there for park opening is always a good idea so you get a start before the crowd arrives and the heat builds up.

Please feel free to ask us as many questions as you wish to help you plan your trip

I'm moving your thread onto the UK Trip Planning board so that everyone sees your thread

 

[SidB]

My suggestions for a week in Orlando would be;

Magic Kingdom, as you've got to see it to believe it.

MGM, nice small park with plenty of movie based experiences.

Animal Kingdom, because the set-up is amazing. You could almost imagine being in Africa or Asia. It's almost worth visiting for the safari alone.

Universal Studios, because it has less "big" rides, but more film based rides, like Jaws (might be dated, but it's fun.

Islands of Adventure, because it has a good mix of small and big rides, as well as some amazing rides, particularly Spiderman. If you like water rides this is the park.

Seaworld, because it's too good to miss. Watching the kids feeding and stroking the dolphind is wonderful. Even if they're not your kids you can feel their excitment in the air.

Typhoon Lagoon, great place to cool down when it gets too hot.

Shopping at the Premium Outlets Mall. Don't need to explain that one.

I didn't enjoy Epcot, but I did have 2 young kids in tow. You should definetly read "The Brits Guide".

Have fun.

 

[Minniespal]

I would advise you just to take your time and enjoy what you see. You won't get a chance to see everything but enjoy what you see cause trust me you will be back!!!!!

 

[mkingdon]

I asked a friend of mine this question. He is a long time DVC member and knows WDW inside out....

Here are his ideas...this could be quite long.

From The Maddening Crowd

For a slightly different day away from the theme parks, you visit some of the Walt Disneyworld resorts. In fact an entire day can be spent just sampling the restaurants, cafes, shopping and entertainment to be had at the Seven Seas Lagoon hotels alone.

Why not start from the Transportation and Ticket Centre and take the monorail as though you are a Disney hotel guest around to the Polynesian Resort for breakfast. This is usually served on a skillet in the main restaurant and leaves you with a feeling that you will not eat again that day – I bet you do! Next to the restaurant entrance is a café style bar, which serves an outrageously delicious banana and cinnamon bread. If you do not see that on the menu, ask for it.

Whilst the Polynesians guests set off to the parks, relax after breakfast by strolling along the beach, check out the rope hammocks and then make your way back to the monorail by the tropical waterfall near the entrance.

It is then on to Disney premier resort, The Grand Floridian. You will understand the grandeur that is the resort the minute you enter the impressive lobby. Go up to the 1st floor and have a browse around the shops there. If you have time for a spot of sunbathing try out the lovely beach area out to the right of the main lobby area. You may even have time to hire a little ‘water mouse’ speedboat from the marina here. Whatever you do will no doubt be very splendid indeed.

If you can tear yourself away, go back to the monorail for a trip past the Magic Kingdom entrance and on to the Contemporary Resort. The approach alone to this hotel is a treat in itself. The monorail runs straight through at a height of about 70 feet. If you alight at the station, go down the escalator to the ground floor and lobby area. Again you are faced with various shops and cafes, but this time go past to the lifts and call in at the 15th floor. This is one of Disney’s most exciting dining experiences; you can however just call in for a coffee. Although if you have the time and budget and evening meal here is unforgettable. This can be booked (well in advance!!!) to coincide with the firework display at Magic Kingdom. You may even want to take your pre-dinner drinks outside on the walkways which perch high above the Contemporary itself. Whilst eating you may a little later see the evening water pageant which makes it’s way around the Seven Seas Lagoon and on to Bay Lake.

From the Contemporary, take the monorail back to the Ticket Centre for your return journey, or for a romantic evening go back to the Polynesian for dinner, not forgetting to stroll around the resort whilst lit torches light the pathways.

A Romantic End To The Evening

Try a visit to the Wilderness Lodge. Listen out for the cricket’s evening song outside the lobby, whilst looking out for grizzly bear tracks near the car park. As with many Disney resorts the lobby is really something to see. Fashioned on the 19th century wooden lodges found high in the Rocks this is a treat in itself. An adults bar area just off to the left of the lobby serves delightful liqueur coffees. Whilst a walk outside along the shores of Bay Lake takes you past Ol’ Faithful, Disney’s very own hot-springs gusher. Unlike the one in Yellowstone Park this one erupts on the hour and half-hour.

A Grown Ups Evening With A Difference

Pleasure Island offers many club and bar experiences but The Adventurers Club is like nothing you will have known before. Actors interact with the guests whilst the walls are bedecked with historic artefacts collected by Disney’s very own explorer. Off the main bar area is the Mask Room and Library offering their own entertainment whilst a great vantagepoint can be had from the balcony above the club.

Fast Food With Style

Between the Yacht and Beach Club resorts, near Epcot is Beaches and Cream soda shop, open throughout the day for burgers, fries, malts, shakes and desserts it’s a great place for kids of all ages. Bar or booth seating offers great fun food in a real ‘Happy Days’ style diner. To visit at night is a real pretty experience with the Yacht and Beach being 2 of Disney’s finest hotels.

You have to have a milk shake here!!!

To get to Beaches and Cream, you need to leave Epcot via International Gateway. This is situated between England and France in the World Showcase. Exit the park, and then either walk or even better catch the boat which will first stop at Disney’s Boardwalk (worth a visit) and then it will stop at the Yacht & Beach Club. When you get off, walk towards the hotels and Beaches and Cream is on the right hand side as you look at it from the boat. The best bet is to walk to the main entrance to the hotel directly in front of the boat stop and then walk along the veranda on the outside of the hotel and you will then see Beaches and Cream.

A Rainy Day

Unlikely but if the rain is in for the day. Take a trip to Downtown Disney. With enough shops and sights for those not wishing to spend it really can be as interesting a day as you will get anywhere.

The biggest indoor attractions have to be either Cirque Du Soleil the non-animal circus or the innovative DisneyQuest (theme park in a box). With the very latest virtual reality attractions, build and ride your own computer generated roller coaster, or just replay some of the early 70’s video games. This has to be a video buffs dream. By the way if you can tear yourself from the fun, try The Cheesecake Factory when its ‘eats’ time.




Brown Derby and Fantasmic dinner package

You can book a meal at the Brown Derby in MGM, which also includes reserved seating at the Fantasmic show. This is well worth it, as to get a seat for Fantasmic without this can mean queing for two hours!!!

Go to any guest relations place anywhere in the “World” (I booked at City Hall in Magic Kingdom), and ask for a Fantasmic dinner package at the Brown Derby. We booked a couple of days in advance, so best to do this on your first day there.

When you eat at the Brown Derby, try the Cobb Salad, and the Fillet Mignion. Bloody marvellous.


Fantasia Golf

Next to the Swan hotel, there is a mini golf course, which is in a different league to everything else I’ve seen.

It’s a bit on the expensive (as it’s Disney) but it is worth every penny. Some really nice effects and suprises along the way. This is best played at night!!


Out of the “World” treats

Two restaurants I’ve not been to, but come highly recommended are;

Bahama Breeze
Romano’s

Both these are near the Crossroads shopping centre, near Downtown Disney.

 

[nannoo]

Thank you everyone, especially Mkingdon, for all your replies. I do have The Brits Guide to Orlando and have read it cover to cover, and Simon really does go into everything - which is why I asked for help, as there is so much, I can't make my mind up. Anyway, getting it narrowed down, with all the suggestions from everyone.

Once again - thank you. I can't wait to see what you all get so excited about!!!