First Time Trip--Any Tips?

[composer]

This is my first-time post to the board, and my family is going to WDW on May 15 also for the first time.

I know this is a big question to ask, but what are the most important tips you could give me regarding WDW in general? I have some books and have been reading them faithfully, but there's nothing like first-hand "real" advice.

We're staying at Caribbean Beach and, outside of our travel days, will only have 4 full days to spend in the parks (Sunday-Thursday). My kids are 11 & 13 so hopefully no problems there.

Thanks so much for any advice!

 

[tarasdad]

Use Fastpass. This will allow you to get on the attractions you want without long waits. We made good use of them last week when the parks were very crowded. Have a great time.

 

[Gluman11]

Have a plan................doesn't have to be ridiculously elaborate, but make sure you have some plans before you go........

Lots of people on these boards will intimidate you with their plans........you don't have to be THAT elaborate, but have an idea of what you would like to do and plan it.........

It does help to have some PS's.......because you will know where you need to be for that particular meal, and you can plan around it.............

and keep in mind that while using Disney Transportation, it WILL take you some time to get from point A to point B, so figure that into your planning................

 

[dlbwright]

Especially since it is your first time, have fun! I know it is always exciting for me to go, but to be in your shoes going for the first time must be so exciting.

Being on the boards you will find so much info. I have been multiple times and realize how much I have missed. Maybe make lists of what you want to see, do and where you want to eat. This way you won't forget anything. I know there are a lot of new restaurants I want to try in December, just from reading here on these boards.

I hope you guys have a ball!!! Enjoy!

 

[McCall]

someone said use Fastpass, yes use it, but also make sure you completely understand it because it seems a lot of people don't.

every one in your party needs a fastpass to get on in the fastpass lane, you need everyones ticket to put in the machine to get a fastpass, when you get it it will give you a window of time to come back to use it, it will also tell you on the bottom when you can obtain another fastpass for another attraction, time varies so look at the pass. While you are waiting for the time window DO SOMETHING ELSE! you can wait in a standby line on another attraction, or even the same one if wait is not too bad and you want to do that attraction more than once, [once stand by once fastpass] Or go eat, or shop, or stroll around. Do not just stand around waiting for the fastpass time to arrive.
When it does arrive you don't have to be there the first moment it says on it, you can wait a bit then return and enter the fast pass line. Also know that most times fast passes CAN be used after the window of time has passed. This is not guaranteed but usually you can, so don't throw them away if you missed the window doing something else.

another important tip is to try to go from land to land doing all the attractions you want there instead of Oh I want to do space mountain then I want to do Pirates of the Caribbean on opposite sides of the park. There is enough walking with out making more for yourself. Take breaks, and drink enough. and by all means have those personal misting fans, the small ones are easiest if you can find them.

If you leave a park, be sure to get your hand stamped on the way out, otherwise you are not getting back in either that park or any other that day. When you re-enter or enter another park they will need to use your ticket AND see the hand stamp.

those are the main things I can think of now good luck

 

[pjlla]

Did you read any of the guidebooks? If not, RUN OUT RIGHT NOW and get either the Birnbaum's Official or the Unofficial Guide to WDW and begin reading immediately!!! If you had more time I would tell you to read the Disboards religiously until you leave, but you only have a limited time so get a good book!! Keep in mind how LARGE the World is and that there is almost no way to see it all in one trip. Make a list of the priorities for you and your family and be sure to do those..... anything else is just gravy!! Be prepared to be patient with any crowds you may encounter. Try to get an idea of what you want to see in each area of each park so that you don't spend an excess of time criss-crossing the parks and staring at your map. It amazes me how many people I see spending many, many minutes just staring at a park map. What a waste of time!! Some park crossing will be inevitable, especially when using the FastPasses. THat is all I can think of for now.........................P Oh yes.... have a WONDERFUL time!!

 

[Grumpy92]

Advanced PS was already mentioned. But this is especially important if you want to do a character meal or one of the popular restaurants.

Make a flexible plan. I have seen too many guest who go on a marathon and dont have any flexibilty. Plan breaks, go early, have lunch and return to the resort for a swim or nap. Then go back to the park later. Take an oppty to just sit down in the parks and people watch, as well as soak up the atmosphere. Have everyone in your party pick their top five things they want to do and let that be your guide.

Enjoy the MK fireworks outside of the park. You can go up to the top of the CR or take a drink and sit on the beach at the Poly. You can also catch the Electrical light parade as well. We also try to get the last boat to FW before the fireworks begin, sit on the back end and enjoy the display from the water.

Have a wonderful time.

 

[cleo]

Welcome to the DIS, composer! We're so glad you've joined us.

Many first timers don't realize how HUGE Disney World is. Keep in mind that you'll probably need more time than you think (plan for an hour, which is certainly not unheard of) to travel from one park to another. From the time you leave the park you're in until the time you're inside the next park and heading to an attraction, an hour is a fair estimate.

Stay hydrated. The Florida sun can dehydrate you quickly, making everyone grumpy, tired, and headachey. Drink plenty of water (soda won't help).

Never underestimate the power of a mid-day break. When I first started going, I didn't want to take any time out of the parks. Then one year it was over 100 degrees every day and we were forced to take a break mid-day. It was astonishing how much better the rest of the evening went after we'd had some time off. Even if you go to a water park or find a quiet spot in the parks, take some time off your feet each afternoon, preferably at your resort pool.

Good 'break spots' inside the park are: The small seating area behind Flame Tree Barbeque that overlooks the river in Animal Kingdom; the garden area behind the buildings in the UK at Epcot; inside the Hall of Presidents (cool, and not real thrilling) at MK; can't think of a great spot in MGM. Maybe someone else will know.

 

[msr709]

Try to focus onthe rides and attractions you want to see and do your research on them. For example, if Fantasyland holds a special interest, know that you should visit it first thing in the morning because it tends to get very busy after 10:00am. If you want to ride the Kilimanjaro Safari, also do this first thing in the morning because the animals are more active at that time. Things of this nature is what can make your vacation a magical one. I can't emphasize enough the importance of using FastPass! And like a previous poster said you can use the FP even after the time has expired (most of the times) so don't throw them out. I have been able to use FP that I collected in the morning later on in the afternoon and even at night! Stay hydrated and take rests often, everything will still be there when you're ready. And never hesitate to ask a CM for directions or anything else, most of them are very helpful. But most of all HAVE FUN!

 

[liznboys]

I didn't read the other replies...

But my tips are to wear very comfortable shoes, and remember that WDW is BIG. The more you learn about it and plan what you want to do (doesn't have to be a super detailed plan, but just in general what things you want to accomplish) the better the experience will be for you. You won't be able to do everything, so don't even try! And remember to take time to relax and just soak it all in. You don't want to always be on the go, part of the fun is simply BEING there with your family all together.

Have a GREAT time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RumpleMom]

A few quick thoughts- get a guide book and have each member of your family choose 3 must-do activities, this will give you a basic plan and if everyone gets to do the 3 things they wanted you will all feel happy. This way you have eliminated the what do we do next discussion and hurt feelings that my thing isn't being done now.

One priority seating a day helps with your planning too.

Take more than one pair of shoes or sandals per person. It helps tired feet to change into different shoes and clean socks for the evening, also if you are caught in a rain storm your tennis shoes will not dry out over night.

Your kids are old enough to carry their own fanny pack with a snack, a little spending money for pressed pennies and their sun glasses. Don't load one parent up with a bag of stuff. Also our DD used to like carrying a disposable camera to take her own pictures. By the end of vacation no one wants to carry much of anything, especially if it is hot.

Sunscreen and hats

Have a wonderful time Plan ahead of time and your will have more fun!

 

[ktglads]

First of all, relax and have fun!

Second, know that you will not be able to "do it all." Accept this defeat and just resign to having to take another trip to the world. Don't feel bad if you miss a ride or a show. It just gives you another reason to take a return trip.

Keep yourself hydrated and bring a hat to keep your face out of the sun.

 

[DisneyPete]

Don't forget about the small things that are everywhere around the world. There are story tellers that get the kids involved, my son was Maurice last year at Belle's story time. Sit down and play a game of checkers with the mayor on Main Street, he is full of good jokes and stories. There are bands strolling around everywhere. If you dance with them or pose for a picture they will join in your fun and a crowd will soon gather. Especially when you are hot and tired a small break like this can refresh your Disney outlook and send you on your way with a smile.

I have found great times at all of the parks, the hotels, and even on the Disney busses.

 

[irisheyes]

I agree with all the tips given so far - here is one I haven't seen posted yet - take advantage of early entry if you are staying at a Disney Resort. That extra hour is great and you can get on many of the most popular rides without a long wait. This leaves you free to experience those with shorter lines as the park gets more crowded. Also, it can't be said often enough - list your top choices, take an afternoon break, and protect yourself from the sun by using sunscreen, hats, etc. Enjoy the little things and have a great time. Keeping your expectations realistic goes a long way in keeping everyone in the family from being disappointed!

 

[WEDWDW]

EXTRA MAGIC HOUR AND FASTPASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RLewis]

Arrive early, arrive early, arrive early!

If the park opens at 9:00, you should be at the gates NO LATER than 8:30 (with tickets in hand). From the Carribean, that usually means that you need to leave about an hour before opening time (especially for MK).

At MK, dod the mountains first (Space, Splash, and Thunder). Yese you will have to cross from one side of the park to the other, but once these are out of teh way (especially Splash and Space), the rest of the rides are a little easier to gt to (I assume your kids won't want to spend much time at Fantasyland)

At AK - ride the Safari and Dinosaur first, then Tough to be a Bug. If you get there early, you can easily see this park in 1/2 a day (finished by 3)

At EPCOT, go first to Mission Space then Fast Track.

At MGM, is Tower and Terror and RockNRoller Coaster.

For an of those pairs of rides above, see at least one of them first thing, then you can FIRST grab a FastPass for the second if you don't want to wait. (For example, grab a FastPass at Fast Track, then go to Mission Space and ride).

Make Priority Seating for lunch and dinner. There's no cost and it's OK if you don't show up. But looking around for somewhere to sit down and eat at 5:00 will drive you nuts. Go to the Disney website (or Allears) and find some that seem interesting and then call 1-407-WDW DINE. It's fast and easy.

I assume you plan to do 4 parks in 4 days. It's hard to give you advice on what order, but - assuming your in Saturday night and Sunday is a full day - I suggest going to MK first; then AK, MGM, and EPCOT - that is the early-open days for each park.

DON'T MISS Fantasmic at MGM.

 

[Micca]

Welcome to the Dis Composer I agree with the "get there early" strategy. You can sleep late on subsequent trips, but for now--"the sooner the better". Can't wait to hear your report

 

[composer]

CAN'T THANK YOU ALL ENOUGH! Those were exactly the kinds of things I wanted and needed to read.

I will report back, hopefully very happy and tired out!



Thanks again !

 

[WEDWDW]

RLewis hit every nail on the head!Print that post out and follow it to the letter and you will have a great time.Also,DO NOT MISS ILLUMINATIONS AND FANTASMIC!!Just my 2 cents.HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

 

[cudworth]

Start early not 10am use fastpass for your major rides you can't do it all but don't worry you will be back.