EVERYONE plz help the first timer to disney world

[qanita92]

Im so glad im going to my first trip to disney. you know what everyone says that first experiences last a life time of memories so i want it to be a time to remember. ok im going with a family of 8 (grand gathering yes!! any tips on that) to disney world for 21 days in july 2007.(with dining plan i hope that works out cuz i want to be a annual passholder) if anyone can be kind can they tell me what to do like ways to ,avoid crowds , what do do on the FIRST day at disney,disney shows,beat the heat, tips, 4th of july help,what dining locations on what day, how to not hit The Wall(besides sleeping each day maybe like a sit at a res. would that work?) what days to go to each park(downtown disney too) my parents birthday is july 1:something cool maybe can be planned for them, and some extra magical experiences.(by the way i want to be picked from the airport with a limo(what company should i choose) and i will be taken to the airport at the end of the trip with disney express.)
anything helps cuz i want to know from the pros of disney world

only 281 days left

 

[PrincessAlways]

Well, let's start at the beginning. Are you the only one to buy an AP? If you purchase an AP, you will still need to purchase a 1 day park ticket for each person to be eligible for the DDP. Since I'm a AAA member, I booked through them to get the price & the DDP & had to purchase a 1 day ticket for each person even though we all have APs. It's confusing. So, if you're not planning on going back within the year to use your AP, it's probably better to book a package where you buy everything in one. Hope that makes sense to you.

 

[LoveMickey]

Lots of questions -

Here is some advice I have given before for first timers.

1. Get to the parks early, before the offical opening. You will be able to to a lot at that time of the morning in the parks and then you can go back to your resort mid-day and get refreshed and then go back later to the same park or a different one - check out the park hopping options on the tickets. You'll have a tendency to do the parks commando style at first, but please try to take a break.

2. Use fastpass options when you can for the rides. Then go on another ride near the attraction and come back at your fast pass time. I do not understand why people will want to wait in standby lines when the fast pass is so much more convenient.

2a. Meet up with the others in your party at the parks. It can be frustrating waiting for everyone to get ready and just be sitting there. We make plans the night before as to what park we're going to the next day and then call on the cell phones when we are headed to the parks, if others are ready then we meet up at the bus stop, if others are not ready "call us when you get to the park".

3. There are a few limo services on this site and on other sites. Most of these are reliable, do a search on limos for other opinions. We usually rent a vehicle for a grocery stop and then take Magical Express back home - we only rent a car for a day or so.

4. Try to take relaxation breaks, people watch - it's fun

5. Don't miss the nighttime shows/fireworks. MK has Wishes and a night time parade. Epcot has Illuminations. MGM has Fantasmic. Be prepared for extremely large crowds leaving after these shows. Disney does an excellent job at moving the people out after the shows, but there are long lines. Make sure everyone understands this - and be patient. It's just awful when people get angry while waiting for the busses and get snippy - just chill out. You will get back to the resort - meet people in lines - most people like to chat with others while waiting.

You are luckily enough to stay for a good length of time so you'll be able to see and do practically everything.

Enjoy your family gathering.