First time strategy advice

[Aurora fan]

Hi all!

Im sure there has been millions of posts with regards to this already, my family and I are going to disney for the first time July 2016.

I know its very early to be looking at things but I'm a planner and can't wait to start organising!

We are staying in Davenport and have a car, trying to find some sites for maps of Disney resorts, ideas for timings within the parks and any general help/hints you can give to us first timers to help us make the most of our two weeks in Disney, especially since we're going in the UK summer holidays!!

Thanks in advance!!

 

[sunshinemelody]

Haha, it's never too early!

I'm planning my first trip as well (Sep 2016). Well, technically it's my second, but it's the first I'm ever planning as the first one was impromptu. Anyway! Back on topic.

I'd definitely start with touringplans.com as they're really good with helping tag down crowds during certain months. It's subscription based, but I'm willing to pay the $12-whatever for it because it's just that good. It's been featured in The New York Times, so I trust it very much. Plus, you may stumble across a discount code! Just flip through the pages and it may pop up! I've had it pop up for me three times in the last two weeks (I'm not on it that often).

For some dining options and reviews, you can check out Disney Dining (google this, it won't link it here) and especially disneyfoodblog.com -- there's a plethora of information there and also on these forums. Bless, veteran DISers.

Need a well-rounded look at things (this is linked specifically to their dining portion), or what-have-you, check out allears.net. Also, try to prepare a binder! Those ADRs and FP+'s really do add up and you'll want to remember everything without risking losing them!

I know that there's so much more, but my brain is fried. There will be so many others commenting to give you so much more information! Happy planning!

Edit: Oh, before I forget! I'd definitely start a running list of items that you'll need for your trip (wet wipes, glow sticks, etc). It's to help prevent you from becoming so frazzled as you pass the 60 day mark. If you're doing breakfast in your room, check out some grocery stores around in the area and even Amazon Pantry Prime, or some online grocery stores that ship to your resort. If you're staying at a conventions resort (e.g., Coronado Springs, etc), check to see their fees as I've heard they do not hold packages for free. Or something to that effect.

I promise you I'll come back with something else that I forgot. Maybe. I don't know. Allons-y!

 

[bpadair32]

My number one suggestion if this is for first time, is stay onsite if you can. There is really something to be said for staying in the Disney "bubble" and for being able to book things like FP+ before others.

 

[sunshinemelody]

My number one suggestion if this is for first time, is stay onsite if you can. There is really something to be said for staying in the Disney "bubble" and for being able to book things like FP+ before others.

Completely agree.

My first time, I stayed at Shades of Green. It was immersive, but not how I would've liked, but like I said, it was a complete impromptu trip and my friend paid for the entire thing, so I had no complaints. Those Disney buses are convenient, but keep that car. I've heard bus horror stories around these boards. Aye.

 

[Masonmj84]

I'm attaching something I've put together called "Disney World in One Hour." I give it to all of my friends who are considering Disney World vacations. It discusses such things as making touring plans, the FastPass system, resorts, restaurants, dining plans, transportation (including tables for how to get from Point A to Point B using Disney transportation).

One small caveat: The last time I edited it was last spring so it's slightly outdated with respect to some minor details, such as not including the new Disney Springs restaurants (I try to update it about once a year).

The EasyWDW website is also a great resource. Has free crowd calendars and candid reviews of just about everything.

 

[sunshinemelody]

I'm attaching something I've put together called "Disney World in One Hour." I give it to all of my friends who are considering Disney World vacations. It discusses such things as making touring plans, the FastPass system, resorts, restaurants, dining plans, transportation (including tables for how to get from Point A to Point B using Disney transportation).

One small caveat: The last time I edited it was last spring so it's slightly outdated with respect to some minor details, such as not including the new Disney Springs restaurants (I try to update it about once a year).

The EasyWDW website is also a great resource. Has free crowd calendars and candid reviews of just about everything.

That's a really nice resource you have going there. Just wish the font wasn't Comic Sans. I would keep it, but that is literally the driving force into why I won't.

 

[slbgnb]

That's a great guide! Thanks!