If I may just put in my thoughts here, it is easy for us veterans to have 20/20 hindsight. I sometimes think we are a little too critical of the "first timers" lack of savy or planning.
When I think back to my first time there, I really was unable to picture, in my imagination, what it would be like. I had no point of reference. Disney is/was a totally unique experience. I didn't plan because I wouldn't have known how to plan or what to plan for. Friends gave me a list of "must see" attractions and I found myself virtually running all over the place. I must have put a thousand miles on the old shoe leather that day.
The next day I just said, hey I drove 1500 miles to see WDW and I want to see all of it so everything is a "must see". After that I just went from attraction to attraction as I came to them and really didn't find one that I didn't get some enjoyment from.
Now, of course, after having been numerous times, I sort of plan, tentatively, what I want to experience again and what there is new to see. It's much easier now.
I am one of those "freaky" ones that has never stayed "on site". I realize that it is a special experience but my frugal nature has never been able to loosen up enough to spend the massive extra amount to stay there. I always think of the places I could use that money. I have never done anymore than use the hotel as a place to rest anyway. Just haven't been able to justify it but I do realize that some people (my sister, for one) just must stay on site. I'm sure that those that do really enjoy it, she does. I just know that my wallet would cause my brain to bleed out my ears and that is a problem for me. Everyone else, enjoy!! Just call me Donalds Uncle Scrooge!
