first ride or attraction?

[chessie]

My friend and I will be going to the World in December. This will be her first trip. She has no concept of what's in store for her. I want her to catch the magic right away. What would be the first ride or attraction in each park you would show her?

Chessie

 

[Ratpack]

AK - Kilamanjaro Safari
EP - Test Track
MGM - RnR or Tower of Terror
MK - Either FantasyLand or the Mountains

 

[drusba]

Those who have never been tend to have a conception that they are going to an elaborate but typical amusement park. Just seeing the parks starts to erase that but if I was going to pick one attaction at each park to quickly get the guest to understand that this ain't no amusement park and instead something totally unigue, I would pick the following:

Epcot: Cranium Command (the pre-show itself is one of the best) or Honey I Shrunk the Audience (with Kodak pre-show which is also one of the best)

AK: Legend of the Lion King or Tough to Be a Bug

MGM: Great Movie Ride or Muppets 3D

MK: Haunted Mansion or Country Bear Jamboree.

Of course, you know your question is likely to get responses that will ultimately recommend almost everything, leaving you where you were when you asked the question.

 

[BounceyOne]

I would vote for Dumbo at MK. This is the ride you always see in commercials and such.

 

[AspiringCindy]

I agree with Bounceyone! We always hit Dumbo 1st. To me, Dumbo Ride captures WDW's true spirit and magic. Even as an adult, I still love it.

 

[mikifan]

We always head for our favorite, Splash Mountain.

Jeff

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

We always go to POC but I have to agree that Splash Mountain will impress anyone who has never been there.

HBC

 

[kilee]

If you can get there early, I think the true magic is caught at opening. Seeing all the characters arrive on the bus at Epcot is something not to be missed. Or seeing the opening on Main Stree USA.

 

[chessie]

You all have so many great suggestions. I love the Lion King show at AK. That is my all time favorite there.

 

[eeyore0062]

In Magic Kingdom, it would depend on if I was going in for Magic Hour or on a regular day. If it was Magic Hour, I would show her Fantasyland first... then head to Buzz Lightyear.

If it was a regular day, I would head to Frontierland and either Big Thunder or Splash Mountain, which ever line is longest, grab a FP and head to the other.

At Epcot, Test Track would be the 1st... it always is for us!

At MGM, Rock n Rollercoaster! Ride, grab a FP, then head to ToT, ride, go back and use FP for RnR, then pick up another FP for ToT on your way out.

Our 1st ride at AK is always Dinosaur, but many people like to do the Safari 1st. Don't miss Festival of the Lion King, whatever you do!!!

 

[finnie48]

WDW introduction -
Hi! I don't believe there is a better way to appreciate the Disney magic than a slow stroll down Main Street, absorbing the sights, sounds, and smells that abound. All the rides are great, but to me they are the icing on the cake. It is the venue they are in that is spectacular. After that, your friend shoul be happy and excited about what ever decisions you would make. When we are fortunate enough to go to WDW (next trip, July 4th), we try to make the MK our first park. Have a fantastic and magical time.
Peg and Bob

 

[Empire Day]

In th MK the first must is Haunted Mansion Only as I haven't been there since 1979! and alot of the Magic has changed! but I know HM will show some of the real magic WDW has to offer!!
the other parks well they wern't there (or we didn't go) when I went last but I have heard nothing but rave reviews of TOT at MGM I know this will be our first ride folowed by RnR!!!!
but in the long run you bothwill have fun no matter what 'it's the happiest place in the world!

 

[anne60]

MK - Haunted Mansion or Peter Pan
MGM - Tower of Terror
EPCOT - Spaceship Earth
Animal Kingdom - It's Tough To Be A Bug

 

[Blueberry]

MK..PoC

Epcot-Spaceship Earth

MGM-Tower of Terror

AK...Safari