First Time

[mobius]

Ok already booked my first time to orlando. Im going out end of may for 2 weeks, im staying onsite at pop century. I don't drive so is there anything i must do or must avoid at all costs???

all advice is welcome. TY

 

[wicket2005]

No, just have a fantastic time. I would say get to the parks early each day (ie opening time). It does make a huge difference with lines. I would also say Universal/Islands/Sea World are all definitely worth a visit though I don't know how you get there without transport.

 

[UKDEB]

If you haven't already done so, I would print off a list of opening times for all parks, together with details of timings for all the parades and fireworks, and the EMH (Extra Magic Hours) details. Bear in mind that whichever park is hosting an EMH will be extra busy that day. My advice would be to take advantage of the morning EMH during your first few days when, thanks to jet-lag, you'll be awake at the crack of dawn. Aim to arrive at the park 15-30 minutes ahead of the EMH opening time. When the park starts to get busy (usually from mid-morning), conventional wisdom is to then "hop" to another park. After those first few days, unless there is an EMH you're particularly keen to do, I would be inclined to avoid them and visit another park - that's the best strategy for avoiding the crowds.

If you're planning on taking in a water park, either get there for opening, or wait until later in the day when all the folks who did arrive for opening will be leaving.

Make sure you schedule in time for Downtown Disney. If you can, I'd recommend visiting both during the day and at night.

 

[natalielongstaff]

the free buses at pop are very good you will have no problems being onsite without a car, going offsite is more difficult (pop will arrange a cab tho)

enjoy your planning

 

[JohnnySharp2]

You are going at a good time of the year, although you won't quite get the intense heat and humidity of the hot summer months expect temps. in the mid 80s

I agree that getting to the parks early is essential.

The car/no car issue is a much discussed subject, personally irrespective of where I was staying a car is a 'must have', just makes things so much easier for getting around.
However, many people manage without one and I am sure you will too, staying on-site does give you easy access to everything Disney.
Although you will find out that Disneyworld is a vast place!

You may want to consider exploring a bit further afield though, again just personal preference etc but at some stage I would have thought you may want to just get away from WDW for a while.
Universal, Sea World plus some excellent shopping opportunities are worth considering though I cannot advise as to how you would get there I am sure someone will be along to help there.

 

[jen_uk]

We have never hired a car and have never had a problem. As Nat said the onsite bus service is great and the hotel front desk arrange Mears transfers to Seaworld and Universal etc, its $15 each for a return journey to Universal and its really easy. When we go shopping we get a cab from DTD, last year it was $12 each way to the outlets (can't remeber which ones!).

 

[mobius]

I'd love to hire a car, but the problem with that is i can't drive

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I'd love to hire a car, but the problem with that is i can't drive

 

[Simon06]

having just returned from my first trip, it is very easy getting around without a car, to get to universal,seaworld etc, catch the free transport from your hotel to the transport and ticket, then catch the link 50 to seaworld for $1.50, you can then catch the i-ride trolley to near wet and wild, universal is about a 1mile from this stop, takes around 15mins walking. The only trouble I found was getting from disney back to i-drive after the fireworks, taxi charged us $36

 

[Goofysmate]

I agree with all the advice above and just want to wish you a good trip and have a fantastic time, & would you be a love and give Goofy a big hug from me and tell him i'll see him next year.

 

[OWJAY]

Hi Mobius

What date are you going? We fly out on the 29th May and are staying at POR.

 

[mobius]

We go out on the 30th of may. And not knowing of this forum before booking, i think i booked at the most expensive prices lol

 

[natalielongstaff]

We go out on the 30th of may. And not knowing of this forum before booking, i think i booked at the most expensive prices lol

a lot of us have done that !! me included

have you planned any meals ? would you like to do any character meals ?

 

[mobius]

Haven't planned any food, as the £300+ for each of us that virgin wanted for the dining plan seemed way too much to me.

 

[natalielongstaff]

you can still eat in any of the restaurants

see here for some sample menus etc

http://www.allears.net/menu/menus.htm#bw

 

[mobius]

Ok looks like ive got some more work to do, planning my food

 

[OWJAY]

Yeah we booked well before we discovered this board and went through a TA. We've just booked a villa for next christmas, we're going to do it all individually this time, hopefully with save a bit of money

 

[castanea1985]

Hi Mobius,
If I were you, I'd try to put a plan together, starting with your 'must do's'!
If you can always get to the parks early, and make use of the early starts only available to those staying on site!
Like others have said, if you can, try and see a little more than just Disney! If you're into music, then try and eat at the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal?!
Sea World is also a great day out!
If you're into shopping, and like brand names at discounted prices, you must visit the Premium Outlets (not too far from DTD). If you join the online VIP club, you'll get extra discounts! My DS and DH got some great Timberlands (about $40 less 20% disount). If you like Abercrombie and Fitch, you'll find it the Florida Mall!
I think Linx buses are probably your cheapest way of getting about, but use the I Trolley if you are in that area (think it runs from Festival Bay area at the top of I drive, down to the Premium Outlets - I think?).
Hope this helps a bit?
Tracy

 

[natalielongstaff]

im a compulsive WDW planner !! sorry

 

[mobius]

I don't plan things i just sorta follow my moods. But may have to for this holiday, not much into clothes shopping but will have to go and look . The parks are a must as i spent almost £300 on tickets . Is it fairly easy to go round by bus or whatever, i don't mind walking either, once didi it to london and thats over 30 miles away.