First Time at Disney

[Nickoman]

Im going to Disney for the first time in a few weeks. Any suggestions about what I need to do while there would be much appreciated

 

[Wild4Walt]

The list could be rather large - can you give us more details - how many, ages, how long you will be there?

 

[Nickoman]

The list could be rather large - can you give us more details - how many, ages, how long you will be there?

I will be spending a week at Art of Amimation with my girlfriend. We are both in our mid 20s and it’s both our first times at Disney. The trip is in September

 

[Wild4Walt]

Jellyrolls at BW is a dueling piano bar and lots of fun. Great night out. While you're there I'd also take a walk around for some of the live entertainment. Jugglers and street performers.

MK - stay for the fireworks for sure - Happily Ever After is fantastic. Rides - Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain - true classics.
EP - You'll be there during Food and Wine - save some room for sampling as you walk through the World Showcase. Rides - Soarin', Test Track, Spaceship Earth. Also stay for Illunimations light and fireworks show
HS - A lot of construction going on but still worth at least a half day - Rides - Star Tours, Tower of Terror, Rock and Roller Coaster and Toy Story Mania. Also, check out Fantasmic ( it's a show at night )
AK - check out the Pandora area with Flight of Passage and Navi River rides - Kiminanjaro Sarafi is fantastic. Other rides - Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids.

If you haven't booked your FPs yet, I would recommend doing some of those. Some of the rides above will have long lines if you don't have a Fast Pass.

 

[Nickoman]

I appreciate the insight. I was able to get some fast passes for a few of those rides

 

[Nickoman]

Is fantastic anything like the Fantasia movie?

 

[Chrisvee]

A big thumbs up for what W4W suggested. You’re going to have such a great time!

If you have time to head to Disney Springs there are lots of fun places to eat, nice bars on the waterfront, live music, and other entertainment. A relaxing night away from the parks.

 

[WIll C]

Watch a bunch of the DIS videos on places to eat, shows, etc. We're going on our first trip at the end of September and watching all their stuff has really helped me learn about what is available. Epcot Food and Wine is going on and that may interest you as well as the Halloween party (a separate ticket) looks to be fun. We're going to both.

 

[winthropf]

I recommend spending a night to see YeHaa Bob in the lounge at Port Orleans Riverside. No cover charge, just pay for any drinks you order. Wednesday-Saturday nights starting at 8:30. Great show for all ages.

 

[dawnandnala]

Is fantastic anything like the Fantasia movie?

Yes!
Always on our must do list - it's a classic

 

[Ben E N]

Is fantastic anything like the Fantasia movie?

It's not based on the movie at all. Its about Mickey's imagination running wild. It's a fun show with characters from many Disney classics.

A thematic tip for the trip is plan out your days to a degree, but also don't overplan. Know where you generally want to go, but be willing to change your plans if something else catches your attention.
Also, plan to spend about 20% beyond "reasonable" on everything you buy there. Once you accept that stuff is just pricy, it makes it a whole lot easier to spend $12 on a hamburger and chips.

 

[jsbowl16]

I would add Festival of The Lion King to the list in AK. If you see one daytime show in the parks, that is the one to see.

 

[CajunDisneyFreak]

Very simple advice. Do not try to do and see everything. Enjoy it at a pace you are comfortable with.

 

[Delirium]

Pay attention to the attractions people tell you to do. Most of those are the best of the best, and while you may not enjoy them all, you'll find that most of the advice is spot on.

On the flip side, do NOT pay attention when people tell you to skip something. Most of the time that advice is a personal preference only. For example, for every person that hates 'insert attraction', there are likely 3 or 4 other people that enjoy it.

Go in with a solid plan. Stick to it as best you can. But, also leave some time to just absorb it all. Some of the best times at Disney occur when you are just relaxing.

 

[karly05]

Very simple advice. Do not try to do and see everything. Enjoy it at a pace you are comfortable with.

This.

Set some priorities. Enjoy the things you get to do. Don't stress over what you miss. Don't obsess over a schedule. Have plans, yes, but if you just need to slow down, sit in the shade and eat a Mickey ice cream bar, do it. The point is to have fun and enjoy the trip.

And get your picture with Mickey.

 

[Kevlar10]

Hopefully you have your ADRs all set if you want to do any table service meals. If you’re not sure, book a few anyway. They can always be cancelled (with more than 24 hours before). Food and wine festival will be going on. Go during the week and sample a few new to you foods if you’re adventurous.i usually have a rough plan for what I want to see. Make sure you take advantage of the fast passes. They may not be required depending on the crowd levels but they are a time saver. Also, make sure you know the park hours, use the EMHs and check daily as they can change. Most of all, don’t try to do everything. You will get frustrated and burned out if you try to do too much. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Gehrig1B]

Learn how to use MDE and the "refresh" strategy to get multiple day of fast passes after the initial 3.

Read this: https://www.disboards.com/threads/refresh-strategy-short-version.3688079/

And yes, take a leisurely pace and enjoy... Notice the theming and take in everything, don't rush to one attraction after another.

 

[NH-to-FL]

First, to DISboards!

What a wonderful adventure you are about to have!

You have already gotten some good suggestions and I am sure you will get more. I will second the comment of accepting that you will not be able to "do everything". Make a list of your "must do's" and then the list of "if we have time". DW and I have been to WDW many times and now are Disney snowbirds and there are still corners that we haven't explored.

Spend some time reading DISboards. Another favorite resource is the Unofficial Guide to WDW. The 2019 edition just came out. It is a big book and filled with plenty of great information all in one place.

You will visiting during Epcot's Food and Wine Festival which, if you are foodies, can be quite fun.

I second the "must see" Lion King show at AK. We think it is the best show at WDW.

Unless you are really into shopping I would skip Disney Springs for your first WDW visit. There is so much to see and do at the parks and there are plenty of shops in the parks.

One minor caution depending on what part of the country you are coming from. It will be hot and humid. If you are not used to tropical heat, plan for midday breaks. Or at least an extended lunch break in some A/C. Since you are staying on site consider taking advantage of the cooler morning Extra Magic Hour. You can get a lot done in that first hour and the following couple of hours before the crowds build late morning. Also be prepared for afternoon tropical showers. Have some ponchos ready.

One day if you think you need a break from the parks consider taking a tour of the monorail resorts, especially the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian. Easy to get from the MK.

Well, that's enough from me, I am sure others will have ideas...
Wishing you a visit!