do you need a plan?

[angbuesing]

We are visiting WDW for the first time july 1-7 and I was wondering if it is stupid to go with no plan at all? I did make a reservation for chef mickey's but that's it. I have no clue about any of the rides and what we should do first or anything else. Also, we are all picky eaters (no veggies or seafood here) so I was wondering if we need to make any dinner reservations or if counter service is all that will work for us? I would really appreciate any advice. Tips on what to not miss etc....

 

[doctorhead]

you definitely need to make plans.

 

[Goofy4Disney]

I wish my DH could see this question. He'd be the first to tell you the difference with vs. without "a plan"! We were clueless when we went on our first trip during our honeymoon. Our next trip, a little better of an idea, but still a little ignorant to all things Disney. Finally, I found the DIS before our trip last year! What a difference knowing so much can make! I learned how to work the rides better so less time standing in line. I never knew there were so many restaurants, much less the fact I needed ressies! Our experience was a complete turnaround from previous vacations and we got to see and do soooooooo much more! We agree we'll never go to WDW again without the oh-so-important plan!!!!!

BTW, the restaurants depend on your taste and budget, how much time you're willing to sacrifice riding rides/parades/etc to have a sit-down meal, how badly you desire air conditioning in the middle of the day (ha!). That is completely up to you. However, making more ressies and trying new restaurants made our trip really wonderful last year, so I would recommend it! Have fun!

 

[dzneelvr]

You definitely need some reservations if you plan on doing sit downs at the parks during that time period. Stick to buffets, Italian, or American fare if you are picky eaters. Some suggestions for each park: MK--Crystal Palace, Tonys, Plaza, Liberty Tree. AK--Flametree, Rainforest. MGM: Sci Fi, Mama Melrose. EPCOT--Biergarten, Mexico (San Angel). There are wonderful gems of counterservice at each park as well. If you don't get a ressie, you may wander for a time and/or settle for something just to sit and eat. Don't forget to try the eateries in the resort. it gives you a chance to visit them and any of the ones around the monorail are quickly accessed from MK. Our personal fave is Ohanas at the Poly. Eat a big breakfast at the resort and make sure you set aside some times for the shows and parades at the parks. don't try to do everything this one trip--it will make you crazy Pace yourself as it will be very HOT. WE LEAVE IN 12 Hours. WDW Here we come!

 

[doctorhead]

go to passporter.com and buy a disney passporter. it will be the best decision you can make.

 

[angbuesing]

What order would you go to the parks? Which one is the best to be in on the 4th? Park hopper or not?

 

[persephone742]

What order would you go to the parks? Which one is the best to be in on the 4th? Park hopper or not?

yes make sure you get the park hopper, when my son and I went we went to mgm then trecked on over to AK and then at night went to The magic kindom for the fireworks. Even if you are not as jumpy as we are it is well worth it.

I like to go to Magic Kindom first but that is just me, usually because I want to see the castle to make it real to me that I am at disney

 

[newcomer52]

Are you staying at a Disney resort? That may make a difference on which parks you go to on certain days. If you are morning people (and I hope you are) getting to an early morning park at rope drop and then leaving when the crowd builds around noon is good. I would avoid MK on the 4th, huge crowds. Maybe do Epcot since the park is so big and handles crowds better. Planning is necessary.

Jerry

 

[GoofyGolferGirl]

I would have a plan! Especially Dinner reservations!! I always look ahead and see when EMH are and what parks so I will have an idea of where we want to eat etc. I think a lot of dis boarders will tell you to plan. Our first trip was rush rush rush because I wanted to do it all, see it all, taste it all, I will not do that again!! I like to take our time, take advantage of the resort, but I will always have a plan, it can change and we can cancel reservations but at least we have a choice!

 

[disneygal2007]

I plan like crazy I over plan just in case one plan falls through. We always go to the magic kingdom first. Nothing like walknng through those gates and seeing the castle in all it's glory and thats when the Magic can begin.
have a wonderful time

 

[dburg30]

I'm going for the first time this Dec, and I will for sure have at least a broad plan. I know some folks will try to plan out where they should be at what time, with all times they are expecting to stand in line etc etc. I dont think I'll be that precise. I have already made resses for hoop dee doo, Cindy's, Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's, and Rose and Crown (trying to get outside table for illuminations one night ).

After talking to folks, and reading books, boards like this etc, I dont see how you could goto WDW without SOME basic plan.. IMO it just seems like it would be too frustrating..

 

[Kim1964]

I imagine that those days will be pretty busy at WDW due to the holiday, so I agree with the other posters that you need at least some idea of what you want to do when. Especially given your dietary preferences, I would look over the menus of both counter service and table service restaurants to see which ones give you the best options. Combine that information with the park hours and that can give you a good start to planning your days.

 

[eliza61]

We are visiting WDW for the first time july 1-7 and I was wondering if it is stupid to go with no plan at all? I did make a reservation for chef mickey's but that's it. I have no clue about any of the rides and what we should do first or anything else. Also, we are all picky eaters (no veggies or seafood here) so I was wondering if we need to make any dinner reservations or if counter service is all that will work for us? I would really appreciate any advice. Tips on what to not miss etc....

Since this is your first time, I would definitely go with a plan (and I hate plans and adr's) especially since you are going at a high tour season and you have picky eaters.

Visit www.wdwig.com, Look at all the menus than at least you will have some idea of good places to eat. This late in the game you may have a hard time getting ADR's. Find out the park hours and what major attraction is in each park. For example, Ak has kali river rapids and Experdition everst. You may want to get the 'biggies" out of the way. Learn about fast pass it will definitely be needed in the summer.