first thread and a first timer in a couple weeks

[freckleface13]

Hi all! Well my childhood dream is finally coming true. Finally going to disney world! Big family trip (all the cousins) and lots of kiddos. Staying in cabins. Have a call in to kenny for a golf cart (nervous about using offsite but Disney is soooo $$$$). Any tips or advice for an entirely new newbie? Any apps that are worth it for navigating the parks and fast passes? Any and all help is GREATLY appreciated. So afraid we're going to have spent all this money and not be able to make the most of it bc we don't know what we're doing

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Congrats on your dream come true !!!

My best tip is,,don't try to justify the amount of money spent vs. making the most of it,,ya'll are gonna hava grand and magical time .

 

[freckleface13]

Thanks Frank! Just afraid we're somehow gonna "screw it up" lol. Admittedly feeling intimidated!

 

[TOGA]

Congrats! Have fun, roll with it and understand that it is unlikely that you will see 'everything'. Relax and enjoy.

How long are you going for?

 

[gillenkl]

Www.tourguidemike.com - we never do disney without his "least crowded parks" charts. Always spot on and good for a newbie.

 

[loislane]

My best tip? Relax and enjoy it. We're heading back in a little over a month for our third, and longest trip, and I know we still won't see and do everything while there. But I won't sweat it. I'll enjoy what we get to do and look forward to seeing/doing something new on my next trip, whenever that may be.

Aside from the relaxing part, there are some basic tips that can help you get more out of your trip.

Many people swear by getting to the parks early for rope drop. Maybe you don't care about the rope drop fanfare, but getting there in the morning can help you avoid crowds and get more done because you won't be stuck waiting in line.

Use fastpasses. If a ride you want to go on has a big line, get your fastpass, go do something else and then go back later for your ride.

Take breaks. Whether it's a back to the resort to swim break or just a sitting somewhere indoors where it's cool, breaks make everyone happy. We like things like the Hall of Presidents, the Carousel of Progress or Ellen's Energy Adventure (although that's a looooooong one) for some extended indoor breaks in the A/C with entertainment.

Wear good shoes and stay hydrated! 'nuff said!

Take pictures, but don't forget to look at all the sights with your eyes, not just your camera lens.

Eat a Dole whip and a Mickey ice cream bar.

Skip down Main Street.

Remember, it's a vacation - not a mission. Have fun!

 

[MDKLHunter]

Everyone is right, relax, take breaks, and don't try to do it all. That's what the next trip is for! I do have to also agree with getting there early. Although we never quite make it for rope drop, I push to get there in about the first hour. You can still do so much with small lines, tested on my most recent trips being in summer June and spring break March/April. We also rented from Kenny on our first trip to the Fort this past Spring Break. I was nervous about nothing being very clear, but everyone on this board assured me it would work out, and it did! Saved a ton and had a great cart. Have an awesome trip, can't wait till my turn next April!

 

[worm761]

Thanks Frank! Just afraid we're somehow gonna "screw it up" lol. Admittedly feeling intimidated!

The only wrong way to vacation is to not have any fun. When people start getting cranky, it is time for a rest. A nice cold water or Mickey ice cream treat followed by a show in an air conditioned theater works wonders. If it doesn't then someone needs a nap.

On our first trip it was just DS and I back then. We spent a day walking around finding benches to sit on. He is an odd one but he had so much fun finding benches in out of the way places.

 

[bama_ed]

to the DIS Camping Board.

My advice is to leave a down day in your vacation plan to just hang at the Fort, swim in the pool, nap, let the kids participate in the resort activities in the afternoon, watch the fireworks from the beach, attend a campfire singalong, roast marshmellows, and get your picture taken with Chip & Dale.

Okay, after a review, maybe this is too much for one down day.....

Bama Ed

 

[Bearikens]

freckleface13,

Here is the app that I use and so far I have been very happy with the info that it provides . Disney has a new one called My Disney Experience, but the reviews don't sound like it is quite ready for use. Hope this helps

http://m.disneyworld.disney.go.com/

 

[veraletta]

Try not to worry too much about rental with kenny for a golf cart, as I have used him 4 times now and getting ready to use him again for Christmas. He is every nice. Have fun on your trip...Cabins are really nice...
When tired take the day off and enjoy what going on at the Fort Wilderness
campground, I love fishing and just sitting around the campfire...

 

[sbnewhampshire1]

Hi, Since you said lots of cousins, not the ages though, please take the time to relax and enjoy where your are (at Disneyworld, and the Fort)

 

[freckleface13]

Thank you so much everyone. I'm feeling a lot better about things now!!

 

[sharadoc]

Welcome! Like others said, slow down and enjoy.
We now use easywdw.com for best park days.
Get fastpasses for the rides you must do.
Don't stress if you split up, cell phones are great for meeting back up. Texting is easy.
Watch MK parades in Frontierland.
Watch Wishes and Electrical Water Pageant at 9:45 on the beach at the Fort.
Watch all the street performers in all the parks. There's bands, singing groups, JAMmitors in Epcot, on and on.

Relax and have fun. The Fort is the best!