First time help?

[jaimiemarshall]

Hi there, this board has been great with so many questions I've had but I'm just wondering if there is a sort of "beginner's" thread anywhere that a Disney newbie could read. I had no idea how much was involved in planning my trip and half the stuff I see here I don't even know what they are. No idea what Magic Bands are or the Fast Pass + so I was just wondering if anyone knows of a good thread to "start" at.

Thanks!!

 

[BrianL]

Hi there, this board has been great with so many questions I've had but I'm just wondering if there is a sort of "beginner's" thread anywhere that a Disney newbie could read. I had no idea how much was involved in planning my trip and half the stuff I see here I don't even know what they are. No idea what Magic Bands are or the Fast Pass + so I was just wondering if anyone knows of a good thread to "start" at.

Thanks!!

Wow, where to start? I would begin by reading the actual Dis website, not the message boards. Read about the resorts, the transportation, costs, etc. Figure out where you will stay, which places you want to visit, how many days you need to do them all and how you will get to them. Get a basic itenerary, just days/places, then get detailed.

MyMagic+ is the new system Disney has rolled out. It's basically an app you can use to plan your visit. Magicbands are RFID enabled wristbands that work as your park ticket/room key, ets. They are pretty neat, but for on-site guests only. FastPass+ replaced the old system, where you will basically pick 3 FPs (basically front of line passes) per day and use your Magicband to access them. If you are off-site, you can only pick them the day of and will use your card/ticket to enter the lines. The new systems are a bit contentious on the boards, so I suggest just reading about the facts before hitting all the FP+ threads.

 

[hops&dreams]

allears.net's First Timer Primer. helped me a TON!

http://allears.net/ae/issue348.htm

Also, her planning pages are wonderful helps too.

Once you understand the basics, you can delve more in-depth on specific subjects: time of year, resorts, parties offered, character meals, touring plan strategies, etc.

 

[siskaren]

This thread is a good primer for using FP+:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3143281

 

[minnie mum]

Great advice from the PPs. I'd also recommend that you get a copy of the newest edition of the Unofficial Guide to WDW, either from your local library or book store (Chapters usually has it in stock). It is a huge volume, but pretty much tells you anything you want to know about anything to do with WDW.

You might also take a look at easywdw.com. This is a free site that gives invaluable advice on planning which park to visit on each day of your visit based on crowd predictions. I do this before making any of my ADRs. The site also has "cheat sheets" for each park with recommended touring plans to maximize your touring efficiency each day.

 

[W.E.D.]

And don't be afraid to ask us here. We can all get a little snarky sometimes, but a majority of the folks here are very helpful. Wow! Your first trip. So excited for you!

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

I would also order the Free Disney Parks Vacation Planning DVD from Disney. It really guides you through everything - the resorts, the parks, etc. Our kids love to watch it over and over again.

Here is the link:

https://www.disneyvacations.com/dv/...rcecode=18179&CMP=ILC-DPFY13Q1FY13LeadGen0003

I hope that helps.

 

[jaimiemarshall]

Thanks for the tips! I have now ordered the DVD. We have a condo booked at Seven Dwarves Lane and we are driving from Ontario. Couldn't get the dinner reservations for T-Rex like we wanted but we did get a lunch one. I got my daughter booked at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo spa and I got our lunch reservation at Cinderella's castle. That's all since I started posting on the board lol. I would have just waited until we got there to look at restaurants if it wasn't for finding all the info here.

 

[agavegirl1]

Did you try to book T-Rex on the Disney website? If you call the restaurant directly they have more options. Because anyone can dine there and they are not a Disney restaurant you may have better luck calling direct.

 

[jaimiemarshall]

Did you try to book T-Rex on the Disney website? If you call the restaurant directly they have more options. Because anyone can dine there and they are not a Disney restaurant you may have better luck calling direct.

Yes I did it online - I didn't realize calling was an option. I will give that a try thank you!!!