First time to WDW

[Janet67]

Hello,

We are driving from Chicago to Orlando next Saturday and it is my first time along with my six year old daughter. I have seen some things online but really don't know what to expect. She is big into animals and the Princess thing so can anyone give me and advice on fun things to do?

I also have read where some mention autography books for the characters, where can I get one of those?

Is there anywhere to get discounted tickets or hopper passes? If you have a hopper pass is the fast pass included in that?

I have seen some books on amazon that say they have insider information about the park...times to do this and that..etc. Has anyone ever purchased these books and are they worth it at all?

Since I will be there the last week in March, not sure what the weather may be like, online forcasts change so often.

I will be there with my hubby, our 6 year old and 6 month old, my sister in law, my cousin who hurt her foot and will be in a wheel chair and her 6 year old daughter. I know..GOOD LUCK huh?

Anyone have any tips and tricks for this crowd?

 

[lynlam]

I'll be watching this thread too! Leaving Friday for our first trip. As far as autograph books, I made my DD's from some spiral books I found at walmart. but you can buy them premade at the park from what I hear.
And as far as weather, I'm planning on shorts every day! I mean its already over 80 every day looks like. I can't wait to be in the sunshine and warmth!!

 

[Stacy_C]

We are driving from Chicago to Orlando next Saturday and it is my first time along with my six year old daughter. I have seen some things online but really don't know what to expect. She is big into animals and the Princess thing so can anyone give me and advice on fun things to do? Definitely go around to the countries in World Showcase at Epcot to meet up with Princesses.....Belle, Jasmine, Aurora, etc.

I also have read where some mention autography books for the characters, where can I get one of those?
At any resort gift shop or pretty much any shop inside any of the parks.

Is there anywhere to get discounted tickets or hopper passes? If you have a hopper pass is the fast pass included in that?
I got my dicounted tickets from www.ticketmania.com. You can get a fastpass with any park ticket whether it be a park hopper or not.

I have seen some books on amazon that say they have insider information about the park...times to do this and that..etc. Has anyone ever purchased these books and are they worth it at all?
I have not bought any books. I subscribe to www.tourguidemike.com and have excellent results.

Since I will be there the last week in March, not sure what the weather may be like, online forcasts change so often.
We were just there this past week. It was very warm during the days, but a bit cool in the evenings. We didn't need pants, but did need light jackets or sweatshirts for those cool mornings and nights.

I will be there with my hubby, our 6 year old and 6 month old, my sister in law, my cousin who hurt her foot and will be in a wheel chair and her 6 year old daughter. I know..GOOD LUCK huh? Anyone have any tips and tricks for this crowd?
For any attraction that the 6 year olds and of course the baby cannot go on, be sure to ask if that ride offers a Child Swap pass. The CM will direct you to what to do after that. Also, take advantage of the Single Rider Lines that are available at some rides. Just make sure you are willing to have your group split up a bit. For instance....Test Track has a Single Rider Line. A car on Test Track seats 6 people....3 in front and 3 in back. If a party of 4 comes through the regular line, they will be seated in twos....two in front and two in back....then the CM will pull 2 single riders from the Single Rider Line to fill the empty seats (one in front and one in back). So, you might not be side-by-side, but many times will still end up in the same car. It is usually a great time-saver if you can't get a FastPass.

 

[poohraedopey]

Have a great trip! If you have a local disney store you can usually get at the very least a birnbaums guide there. We used the '02 book for our last trip and these boards and learned a LOT . I have that and the unofficial guide as well as the kids book coming for this year from amazon. No matter what you do you will have a blast! It would be very hard to NOT have fun!

Deffinitly do the trail walks and safari at AK if you are into animals. Living seas at Epcot (though this has been changed since I was last there not sure what to expect myself). Use fast pass when you can. Don't miss spectro magic and wishes ! Your DD will love Cindy's coach etc in this parade it's fantastic! Also I love Fantasmic though if you read these boards you will see debate about children going to it. We will be taking our then 7yo. It's a great show for viewing tons of characters.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wd...darHome?id=MKCalendarParkHoursMonthlyViewPage Check out this page to knwo what parks are open when etc...... have at least a rough idea of what parks to hit what days.

 

[travelin' tigger]

She is big into animals and the Princess thing so can anyone give me and advice on fun things to do?

From Deb Wills site: (allearsnet.com) The Princess Storybook Dining - A family style American breakfast is served at Restaurant Akershus in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot and features Disney Princesses and Friends. Hours are: 8:30am to 10:10am Prices $22.99 for adults and $12.99 for children (ages 3-9). Most likely characters: Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins. Lunch and Dinner are Norwegian style dining with characters (including the occasional visit from Ariel in her gown). Lunch: Adults $24.99; Children 3-9 $13.99 and Dinner: Adults $28.99; Children 3-9 $13.99.

Also be sure to make some time for the Animal Kingdom: Kilamanjaro Safari with the newest additions: Nadirah (precious/rare/gift) 233 pound baby African Elephant born December 19, 2005 to Donna. Nadirah can sometimes be seen on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride. Kayla, a white Rhino born February 2005, to Kendi (also born at Animal Kingdom). Kayla can be seen on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride. Kianga, female African Elephant born July 2004. Tufani, male African Elephant born May 2003. Both can be seen on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride, Festival of the Lion King, Conservation Station, Tree of Life/It's Tough To Be A Bug & Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade.

Anyone have any tips and tricks for this crowd?

Make sure to use Fast Pass as often as possible - it's free and alot of people don't take advantage of it. And on the bigger attractions such as Soarin' and Test Track, be sure to get Fast Passes early as they will run out later in the day.

HTH - Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[SB's Mom]

We recently purchased our ticket from undergroundtourist which at least for us was a better buy.

Have a great trip.

 

[Janet67]

Hi, who do I call about the breakfeast with Cinderella?

 

[DaGrumpy]

I've lived in Florida for 20 years and I'll tell you this about the weather if you don't like wait a few minutes. Weather varies, but March is on of the nice weather wise to visit here. Also the WDW autograph books can be purchased at many of the stores, but a nice one can be made with a trip to the local craft store as Disney related products are readily available in most. Have a magical vaction

 

[travelin' tigger]

Hi, who do I call about the breakfeast with Cinderella?

You can call CRO (Central Reservations) at (800) 828-0228 and I believe Option #3 is Dining Reservations. ADRs (Adv. Dining Reservations) can be made 180 days in advance of the day you want to reserve.

HTH!!!

 

[Janet67]

Hi,

I got a reservation for Cinderella at the Floridian,but coudln't get one at the castle :-(

 

[Carol1973]

I hope you have a wonderful trip. Since this is your first visit you will be amazed and overwhelmed all at the same time. But that is what is so magical about a first visit. Take time to observe everything around you--don't just rush from ride to ride.

Since your DD loves animals and you will have a car I would suggest that you drive over to Animal Kingdom Lodge. If you walk through the lobby to the savannah viewing area there will probably be someone out there pointing out the animals and giving lots of info about them. It is really interesting.

Just keep reading everything you can on these boards for the rest of this week. You will get lots of information. Keep asking questions. There are a lot of people willing to help.

Have a great trip!

 

[travelin' tigger]

Hi,

I got a reservation for Cinderella at the Floridian,but coudln't get one at the castle :-(

Although I haven't eaten at the Grand Floridian, I'm sure you'll have a great meal and see Cinderella. Since the new rates at the castle, I think it's highly overpriced for what you get.

Enjoy!!!

 

[Janet67]

Thanks so much for the information. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed that's for sure. I just wish someone could helpe me get some tickets to dine with Cinderella at the castle :-(

 

[travelin' tigger]

Thanks so much for the information. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed that's for sure. I just wish someone could helpe me get some tickets to dine with Cinderella at the castle :-(

If there aren't any openings, just keep trying for cancellations - good luck!!!

 

[sschro3]

The best words of advise....relax. We went as a family Thanksgiving 2004 we only had 4 days and we rushed around like chickens w/our heads cut off....They call it commando mentality and we were stessed and biting each others heads off. We got to go this past Sept and did a little longer trip 5 nights/ 6 days. I read any and every book at the library that mentioned Disney and used the mousesavers website (great info) and RELAXED. We had a great time. We took time to just swim at the pool and walk around Downtown Disney. I have 2 girls (6,5 then) and we had a cousin 7 and we went to the princess breakfast at Epcot, there was Snow White, Belle, Mulan, Sleeping Beauty and I think Mary Poppins. The kids loved it, even my son (3 then) liked getting hugs from them. Snow White called him a handsome prince. Did you look into a lunch a Cindy's Castle? At Magic Kingdom we also got to see Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. In the Toontown Hall of Fame they have character greetings. They run three different lines..at least when we were there...and signs telling you who is showing in each line. 1 had Winnie the Pooh and Friends...1 had Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and mystery guest, I don't remember who was in the other line. Mickey is in the judges tent, sometimes there are characters in the gazebos behind Mickey and Minnie's house.
My MIL got the kids autograph books at her local craft store before we went, but you can get 1 at just about every store on property. Use the Disney PhotoPass. The first time you have a pic taken by a cm you can get a credit card type card and you give it to each cm as you get news pics taken...when you get home you can view all the pics online and you can even e-mail the pics to family/friends. You also have the option of buying the pics from Disney....didn't look at the prices.
Sorry so long winded....have a great trip.