First Disney trip in 2 weeks! Nervous, need advice.

[DaisymayDisney]

I'm taking my very first family trip to Disneyworld in two weeks! I went as a child, every summer of my life, went on my honeymoon and went the year after that but haven't been back since! It's been 12 years since I've been and A LOT has changed! I have a 4 day pass/package. We are staying at the NO Riverside resort.

Anyway, this trip is a complete surprise to my kids who ask on a daily basis when are we going to Disney. This means, there hasn't been much talk of the trip, nothing exciting to talk about and maybe I'm just a ball of nerves that needs something fun to look forward to.

We are going the week BEFORE Thanksgiving b/c I know that the crowds aren't there like the week of Thanksgiving. I've never stayed IN Disney before. I've never purchased any type of ticket/hotel package before. I just have no idea what to expect. We do have our sit down meals planned with reservations and we do have our FP+ rides/attractions planned but that's it. Nothing else is planned and we know that we won't see 1/2 of Disney while we are there. and that's ok.

However, I'm still a nervous wreck! We are driving half way and staying in Panama City Beach Holiday Inn (our story will be that we are taking a trip to the beach, it's still somewhat warm there). Any and all tips are welcome!!!!

 

[VroomFam]

The Port Orleans Riverside is an awesome choice. We are going there in July (yikes!!! Hot!!!) and have stayed both at Riverside and French Quarter. Very nice for a moderate, and actually like it better than the few Deluxes I have stayed in. Not a lot of time for planning, so relax and enjoy the trip!

If you want a GREAT book for ideas and references, you still have time to get the Kindle edition (or the paperback) from Amazon of "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2014" - the Kindle version is about $9. I couldn't go without it, and the Touringplans.com app, Lines. The app is cheap and helps know the best choices and parks even if it is crowded. The website lists the expected crowd levels each day. If you are there the week before TG, the crowds are very light - e.g 11/18 (Monday), 3(out of 10). Sunday 11/24 it goes up to 8.

Also there is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party on 11/21 and 11/22. Fun, but can interfere with normal touring.

So you have all the ADRs? You are good to go then for food. So many good restaurants (and some bad ones too), and my family goes for the food as much as the rides. The newest place is "Be Our Guest" - I hope you got ADRs for there - try lunch if you didn't.

At POR (Port Orleans Riverside) the food court is surprisingly good. And DO NOT miss seeing Yeehaw Bob there. Seriously. Do not miss him!

Did you know you can take a boat to Downtown Disney and the French Quarter? Worth the trip. In Downtown Disney, La Nouba is a FANTASTIC show! But with only 4 days, I wouldn't waste time shopping.

I am glad for you that you are staying on property. It keeps the "magical spell" uninterrupted and makes the best use of your time. No way to see everything, but we spend 10 days and don't get enough for us, so don't sweat it and see what you want each day and enjoy the magic.

Last bit of advice: Get up early, be there before rope drop if you can. If you do, you can see the headliner rides before the crowds get there, and your afternoon can be enjoying shows and food and soaking in the pixie dust instead of waiting 60 minutes for Soarin' or Space Mountain!

Have fun!

 

[RHMH]

Dis Friend - looks like you are pretty much set.. All you have to do is execute and have a magical time. Take a lot of pics and videos.

If you have the time, take a look at my DD's you tube channel below. It has the new BOG rest at the Magic Kingdom, it's a must do.

Also, the DD channel has other Disneyworld related videos.

Have a Magical Time and may be sprinkled over you and your family.

 

[jesswindsor]

Welcome!!!

 

[dennadis]

Don't be nervous. Just enjoy the magic! I try not to plan too much, other than ADR's. You should definitely check out Celebrate the Magic projection show on the castle in Magic Kingdom. It is awesome. Immerse yourself in the magic and have a blast! Enjoy! You picked a great time to go!