Dilemmas for first time visitors, help!

[ellie'smom]

We have always done US first. We have a pre paid car service pick us up at the airport and drive us to the on site resort.( The driver meets us at the baggage claim area and helps us with our bags.) When it is time to go to Disney we have that same car service pick us up at the US resort hotel and drive us to our Disney resort .This cost us 90 dollars without tip. The price includes a supermarket stop. We use the magic express when we return to the airport so we don't have to hassle with our luggage on our return home. This way we can enjoy the parks for a few hours without having to deal with any bags and checking in for our flight. Going home is easy as 1,2,3.
That being said we have only done this 3 times ,so experts we are not. Our child just began being old enough for US a few years ago.

 

[davedmaine]

If you're planning on using Magical Express, it's best we find to do WDW second -- that way you can get ME back to the airport and do the check-in at your resort. Also, I agree that you don't need a car.

 

[glocon]

We have always done WDW first when we did both parks. WDW can be more stressful with the crowds and long lines, and UO spoils you with the unlimited ep. You can slow down and take your time at UO, and most lines are not a bother with the unlimited ep. And the resorts at UO are soooo deluxe and beautiful. The boat ride or walk or pedi-bike ride to the parks are beautiful and relaxing. And there are so many places to eat that are close by between the parks, resorts and Citywalk.

We like to do WDW first also because it is so sad to leave there. When you know you are going somewhere else fun, it makes it easier. Leaving UO is also sad, but it does not tug the heart strings like leaving WDW does.

Never did Magical Express since we always drive, but if I had to pick between ME getting me to the parks or taking me to the airport, I would pick getting me to the parks. Just seems to add another magical element to the mix. Leaving WDW is just so so sad, so leaving to go to UO not to go home just makes it a little easier.

 

[Alexsandra]

If you're planning on using Magical Express, it's best we find to do WDW second -- that way you can get ME back to the airport and do the check-in at your resort. Also, I agree that you don't need a car.

I can't check in at the resort since Air Canada is not an airline that is serviced there. Also I find the ME leaves way too early to catch the flight. We get to the airport a good 3-4 hours before departure. It is ridiculous. I prefer skipping ME on departure that way I can leave the resort a little later and at my own pace.

 

[Alexsandra]

We have always done WDW first when we did both parks. WDW can be more stressful with the crowds and long lines, and UO spoils you with the unlimited ep. You can slow down and take your time at UO, and most lines are not a bother with the unlimited ep. And the resorts at UO are soooo deluxe and beautiful. The boat ride or walk or pedi-bike ride to the parks are beautiful and relaxing. And there are so many places to eat that are close by between the parks, resorts and Citywalk.

We like to do WDW first also because it is so sad to leave there. When you know you are going somewhere else fun, it makes it easier. Leaving UO is also sad, but it does not tug the heart strings like leaving WDW does.

Never did Magical Express since we always drive, but if I had to pick between ME getting me to the parks or taking me to the airport, I would pick getting me to the parks. Just seems to add another magical element to the mix. Leaving WDW is just so so sad, so leaving to go to UO not to go home just makes it a little easier.

I know what you mean about leaving WDW. I never feel like leaving.
It even breaks my heart to split my trip between US and WDW. But, in all fairness, I have never been to US so it is about time I try it out, right!?
I think your right though, it will be easier to leave WDW if I know I am going to US. Thanks for the tip.