First time going to Disney

[not-too-old4fun]

First off: Hello everyone! I'm thrilled to have stumbled across this site. I have to admit though, I've no idea what I did to get here. I was booking my flights last night and must have clicked on a link somewhere and... well, the rest is history. I'm here!

I have to admit I feel a bit foolish because I will be 40 in January and I'm as excited about going to Disney as if I was 10. Heck... my 12 and 8 year olds are happy but not as much as me.

I've dreamed of this day and now, it's going to happen.

I would love and appreciate any advice from anyone on how to make this trip a trip of a lifetime. I know it probably will be regardless but I'm on a mission to find out everything I need to know before I go and to make sure I don't miss out on anything.

I have to tell you, I need to make this perfect for a few reasons: 1) it will probably be the first and last trip that my hubby takes because he is not a traveller however, a promise is a promise and we've been promising the boys this for years so he will abide by it. I'm just not 100% sure he'll ever go back afterwards and 2) we will be taking his cousin with us whom also has never travelled because he has never wanted to (he's 32) and it'll be his first time on an airplane. He's another one I'm not sure who may decide not to travel again. The other reasons are for my sons of course. I want them to experience this adventure and although I know I can't guarantee them perfection, I want to do my best to find out everything I can.

We are booked in at All Star Music in the family suite.

Now.... I guess I'll go and read as many threads as possible and jot down as many tips and advice I can find. I know it'll be endless but at the same time, it's all about Mickey so I have time for that.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may be able to give me.

We'll be there from April 18 till the 25.

 

[ransom]

Howdy, and welcome!

We're all set for our first trip as well, and I've done a lot of stuff to try to make it the best trip possible for us. Here are some of the best things I've done so far:

1) Buy and read the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. It contains answers to many, many questions that all of us have for our first trip. Reading it will save you a lot of time, and make you a lot more sure of yourself.

2) Read the DIS.

That's it! Sure, you could also buy the Passporter and the EZ Fun Guide (both are worth the $$ in my opinion, but only as add-ons to the Unofficial Guide). You could sign up for Tour Guide Mike (I did, didn't find much use in it after reading the other guide books, and got my money back - but many others find it useful!). You could obsess over where and when to eat at Disney World like the rest of us do.

You could do a lot of things, but if you do the two things I listed above first, you'll be in much better shape to do anything else related to your Disney vacation!

Best wishes, and enjoy your trip!

(No, I'm not affiliated with the folks who put out the Unofficial Guide..I'm just a grateful reader!)

 

[JulielovesDisney]

Welcome to the Dis!! This is one of the best sites for any needed info. Also, go to www.allearsnet.com This site also has TONS of info about WDW.

When you go WDW, don't expect, of even try, to see and do everything. It's impossible. There's so much. It takes multiple trips to see everything. Try going to http://www.tourguidemike.com/index.asp?promoCode=AG9MF-AQ#TGM-home He sponsers a board on here, and has great plans on how to visit each park. It's only about $20 too! We haven't used it yet, but people practically worship his plans.

Have a magical trip!! You'll have a wonderful vacation. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[munchkin bunchkin]

Welcome to the Wonderful World of DIS! Since this will be your first trip to the World, make sure you allow some downtime because you definately will get exhausted( you may not feel it while your there- but it does show afterwards!) Enjoy your trip!

 

[not-too-old4fun]

Wow! Thanks for the quick reply and the welcome!

ransom ~ when you say 'read the DIS' are you talking about something in particular or this whole forum? Sorry if it sounds like a silly question but I'm pretty confused here already. I've read a few threads and can't decifer some of the abbreviations. I can't even figure out what some of the resorts are cause it's only 2 or 3 letters. I'm guessing in time I'll understand it all.

julie ~ thanks for that link! I'll check it out.

munchkin ~ I'm positive I will be dead on my feet by the time this trip is over. But we are taking one day to just drive around and do some sightseeing offsite. We'll probably rent a car for a day. I know we won't need one while we are onsite. I've also kept 2 vacation days for when we arrive home.

ransom ~ I think I browsed through the Unofficial guide a few months back when I was beginning to mentally plan this trip but I didn't know where we'd be staying or what time of year we were going. It may be a good idea to check it out again. Our library has it.

Thanks again everyone!

I love this place.

 

[deekaypee]

Whoo hoo!

I definitely agree with the research, research, research. The Disboards are good, but definitely check into the UG and allearsnet. I haven't used TourGuide Mike, but general consensus seems to be good.

And definitely plan down time; it makes everyone happier and healthier. Don't worry about seeing EVERYTHING; WDW is too big. Be selective and the trip will be memorable. Use Fastpass, of course, because this will save you time and frustration. The same with ADRs.

You're probably not at the stage where you're planning specific things, but I highly recommend a character breakfast/brunch. I usually travel with just me and DH, and we feel a little too "old" to wait in line for characters (okay, not old, just sort of guilty for hogging them when there are so many children around). So we do a character meal, knowing the characters will come to us and we'll get individualized attention. It's relaxing for us, and we like to watch other people's interactions with character, too.

When I go with other people, we like to let folks take turns planning mornings, afternoons, or evenings. That way, everyone's interests are addressed. (I find this a good idea in practice, but hard to do sometimes--I'm a control freak.)

Give us some more information as your family's interests and hopes become clearer--we love to offer advice about our favorite things!

 

[not-too-old4fun]

Give us some more information as your family's interests and hopes become clearer--we love to offer advice about our favorite things!

deekaypee ~ you may be sorry you asked. I'm very long winded. Thank you for the reply!!!

This is us and our interests.

I am travelling with 'all men' 1 husband, his cousin and our 2 boys aged 8 and 12.

I am very interested in the character meals and I was told about Chef Mickey's but haven't searched for more (yet). I have a bunch of fussy eaters so my plan is to avoid any of the more fancy restaurants and just stick to basic, non healthy meals for the week. I don't think it makes sense to go to a nice sit down restaurant if these fellas won't touch their food. I've no idea why on earth they are like that cause Lord only know I love food.

The men want to try out some rides. I will stay put on the ground and take pics. I want to see anything magical. I love shows.

I'm not so sure we'll be going to any water parks because my youngest does not swim really well and I have no idea what how the slides are and would probably spend the whole time stressed out.

I want to see if there are any boat rides on any kind. A tour boat or something like that.

Mini putt?

Ok...will go so some more reading. I'm trying to find any type of thread on All Star Music (the suites)

 

[not-too-old4fun]

ooops! There are alot of "I's" in that post. You'd think this trip was for me.

 

[deekaypee]

We really do love to share ideas and welcome new folks. Just a couple of quick thoughts, if you're wanting to do stuff beyond the main parks or add-ons to admission.

Look into Downtown Disney. It'll offer you a bunch of different options for things to do, especially if you don't plan on doing the parks on your first or last day because of travel schedules.
--Are the boys/men gamers? They might like DisneyQuest, the interactive theme park. (If they do like this kind of stuff, they'll definitely like Buzz Lightyear in MK.)
--My absolute favorite non-Disney thing to do is Cirque du Soleil. Now that's a show!!!! It's pretty pricey, though.
--You can do some boat rentals at DTD, as well. (That's Downtown Disney.)
--As for food, there's casual dining of all kinds--Rainforest Cafe, Wolfgang Puck Express, Earl of Sandwhich, even McDonalds. This might be good for your crew.

--I like Typhoon Lagoon, especially the lazy river, although I have a good time on the slides and innertube rides as well. And I can't swim!

--If you have trivia buffs in your group, you might think about a behind-the-scenes tour. I think most of them are too old for your youngest, though. (I defer to folks with children who've done these experiences.)

--Oooh, I love all attractions. I think you and the men in your life will enjoy them, even if you're not a big ride fan. You'll get a kick out of Pirates of the Carribean, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion even if you're not a thrill-ride person. And the shows! I'll bet you Indiana Jones, the stunt show, would be a big hit.

Anyway, I'll let you explore the site and get some of your own ideas. I'm running the danger of living vicariously through your trip!

Two last things, though. 1) You might try the Resorts thread to pick up information on ASM (All-Star Music). 2) Check out the sticky--a thread that's permanently attached to the top of a forum--entitled "Some Useful Information for Newbies" located under the Welcome to the DIS forum. You'll find a link that explains commonly used abbreviations.

 

[littleelvis]

Welcome and believe me I learned more here than anywhere else! You will love it.

 

[ransom]

ransom ~ when you say 'read the DIS' are you talking about something in particular or this whole forum? Sorry if it sounds like a silly question but I'm pretty confused here already. I've read a few threads and can't decifer some of the abbreviations. I can't even figure out what some of the resorts are cause it's only 2 or 3 letters. I'm guessing in time I'll understand it all.

The whole forum, I'm afraid. Well, at least the applicable boards for your interests, such as the attractions and strategies board, the resorts board...perhaps the transportaiton board, etc. You'll know it when you see it!

The abbreviations are pesky at first - it took me a while to get them all. But you'll pick them up before you know it, and you'll be slinging those abbreviations before you realize it, too.

Have fun!

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

Not-too-old4fun...Well I'm older than you ( late40ish) and you had stated that you "will stay put on the ground" and seems so sad to me. You don't want to limit your Disney experiences by staying put and taking pictures . Some rides are classics like It's A Small World and POTC and The Great Movie Ride in MGM where you can basically remain grounded ...but please do not limit yourself to those types of rides...especially if like you said ,this might be your once in a lifetime trip ! I highly recommend ...Splash Mountain, Kali Rapid River (you'll get wet...in AK) and of course Rockin-Rollercoaster in MGM. Give then a try just once ...you might actually find that you'd like to ride them again !!!
Get and use Fast Passes

Make sure you spend the extra $ ,and get a Park Hopper ticket. We go to the parks in the morning ..come back to the resort@ around 2pm and swim/rest up and go back again to a different park about 6pm or so till closing . That way you are not limited to just one park in one day.

Since it is your 1st time at WDW, with all there is to see and do in the parks ...I would not spend the extra $ on the water-park tickets . You spend a whole day there and you can easily relax at your resort pool instead and save your time and money.

You can take a free boat ride around to the resorts from the Magic Kingdom Docks and check out those resorts at the same time ...nice leasurly boat rides for free .Take the boat from MK to Wilderness Lodge, MK to The Polynesian, and I think to the Grand Floridian hotel too(I have not taken that one so I'm not sure)

Also ,make sure you ride the Monorail a few times ...take it from Epcot to MK to The Contemporary Hotel for a nice ride and view.

Check out the Character Meals at the Crystal Palace on Main St.! One of my favorite Buffets with Winnie-The Pooh Characters. Nice selection of foods at that buffet, sure to please everyone in your party!

Ride some rides during the parades..less waiting in lines as the parades are running...I find this especially true at night !
Just sharing a few thoughts ...Happy Planning

 

[not-too-old4fun]

Wow guys. Thanks for all this wonderful advice! You've been helping me more than you can imagine!

I spoke to my travel agent today (who's also one of my friends) and she was laughing at me. She called to tell me that my room was confirmed. It's a done deal. I was a bit nervous because we'd changed the date after I booked the flights myself. Believe it or not, I saved close to $1,300.00 Canadian by 1) booking it myself and 2) driving across the border and catching a flight from the US. We will have to drive 2 hours but that's nothing. Regardless, we'd have had to drive over an hour anyways. Anyways... we were talking and I guess I must have been rambling non stop about what I should and shouldn't do to prepare for the trip and she said: "Oh boy.... you really don't know what to expect huh?" I don't!!! I'm as nervous as a 10 year old heading to Disney for the first time. It's kind of funny when you think of it. I'll be 40 when we go and I swear they will have to hold me back once I get there. I'm sooooo excited!

deekaypee ~ my guys are definitely gamers. My oldest is the quietest of the two and spends alot of time reading and playing whatever games he has. My youngest is more active. He loves his playstation but would much rather be rolling around in the mud or playing football outside. I'll keep your suggestions handy.

littleelvis ~ you are right. I'm already loving it here so I can just imagine what to expect there.

ransom ~ I'm working on it. Hubby is wondering what the heck I'm doing on the computer all the time. LOL I'm still looking for the abbreviation thread. I swear I must be blind.

MEG&MINNIE ~ I promise not to spend all the time on the ground. I'm just not one for the wild rides. Rollercoasters are not made for me. I can't promise I'll attempt that. I will definitely experience the A Small World and who knows... once I get there maybe I'll even believe I'm 10 years and act fearless like one! I have to read up on how these fast passes work. I've heard a bit about them but don't really know how to go about it.

Ok... off to read some more!

 

[Brise Nannie]

All I can say is wear comfortable shoes and try to avoid doing the parks "Commando Style."

One more thing:

 

[gymborocks]

Seriously, it was the best $20 I've spent!!! I read the UOF (Unofficial Guide) cover to cover, read a ton of posts here, bought a Passporter, but hands-down www.tourguidemike.com was the best planning advice I received!!!

 

[mecllap]

Besides all the great info on this site -- there are others (you can google about disney sites and find lots of them -- intercot.com and allearsnet.com are both really helpful -- intercot has a good abbreviations list). And use the search features on all the sites when you're curious about specific things. And ask all the questions you want -- people will help you.
Be sure to use PhotoPass a lot (search on that term to learn more) and add the cost for the CD in to your budget ($99) or skip a TS meal to pay for it --it's just about the best souvenir possible.

WDW can be overwhelming -- go for as many days as your budget can stand -- it's huge and can be tiring and exhausting. There's no way to do "everything" on one trip -- but you can have lots of fun even on a short trip (and keep a journal to help plan your next trip). Take breaks and allow for your creature comforts.

Have a magical time!

 

[DisneyFairy19]

WELCOME to the DIS.... Have a fun time planning your trip on here...

 

[DizneyNutz]

You are in for a special treat at WDW
http://www.wdwinfo.com/abbreviations.htm

 

[djblu883]

You are going to have so much fun you will strat planning your next trip as soon as you get back I can almost bet. As far as shows...don't Miss Beauty and the Beast and Lion King!!! As a Mom you will love them...I also love the Live actions shows at MGM...and there are LOTS of rides you can do that are low "THRILL" rides!! Have a magical vacation....and I'm about to be 51 and I go every year...this year twice!!!!

 

[DizneyNutz]

MEG&MINNIE ~ I promise not to spend all the time on the ground. I'm just not one for the wild rides. Rollercoasters are not made for me. I can't promise I'll attempt that. I will definitely experience the A Small World and who knows... once I get there maybe I'll even believe I'm 10 years and act fearless like one! I have to read up on how these fast passes work. I've heard a bit about them but don't really know how to go about it.

Ok... off to read some more!

[/QUOTE]

Helped you out with some abbreviations. Now don't let your apprehensions stand in the way of doing some of the attractions. It took me three trips before DW would do Rockin Roller Coaster, but she would do Tower of Terror right from the start? Now she rides RRC every trip. We thought our first trip might be our "ONLY" also, now we are DVC'ers I am in the opposite boat as you, because all of our trips have been all girls with me being the only male in our group. Your sons and even your DH will enjoy so much there that they will want to go back . As everyone has already stated, make sure everyone has some input into planning what they would like to see/ accomplish on this trip and you will be "off and running". Here's to wishing you all the very best trip you can experience