First Timer - One Week Trip!

[Miffy2003]

Hi everyone,

One of my friends has just booked his first trip to Orlando. Needless to say he is very excited though looked a bit bewildered after I talked non stop about how he must not miss a particular show / ride / attraction etc etc.

They fly in 4 weeks' time and have never been before. They like roller coasters and shows and are thinking about a 5 day Magic Your Way with Hopping.

I think they should not miss Islands of Adventure as they are coaster fans. As they are going with family they are to an extent constrained to where they can go, but assuming they have choice in the decision, what should they do? The family have a fortnight's holiday but my friend is only out there for a week.

What should be his top priorities do you think? He says he is happy to sleep when he gets back to the UK

Thanks!

Karen

 

[KayleeUK]

Definately IOA if he loves coasters and the Studios for RnR and ToT (you can tell him how much you like that one Karen )

 

[Pootle]

Hi Miffy

We are taking friends with us next March who have never been before - in fact, I doubt they'd be going now if it weren't for me so I'm considering what they shouldn't miss. In our case though, we are only in Orlando for 3 days and so far I know I'll make sure they see Wishes, Illuminations and probably Fantasmic. Oh and at least one parade; maybe Spectromagic.

If your friends are really keen to pack in as much as possible though, I'd recommend the touring plans in the Unofficial Guide, especially for those going for the first time. In 5 days they should be able to do a lot with determination

 

[vicky1bfc]

I love rollercoasters myself and i wouldn't go without trips to .

IOA
mgm for T.o.T and RNR only.
Not disney but i wouldn't miss busch garden's and i know there's alot that don't like it but the coasters are amazing.Plus the new one will be open by then.

 

[wicket2005]

Definitely needs to go to IoA.

 

[sunshine state]

If they love coasters then IOA is the place to go, both Hulk and Dueling Dragons are fantastic rides, MGM is also a must do for RNR and TOT.

 

[vernon]

I would agree that IOA is a MUST DO, I know it's tight on just a week, but for coaster fans I think Busch Gardens is also in that catagory. I LOVE AK, but for someone who loves coaster I think BG offers a similar experience to AK in terms of an "animal day" plus the bonus of probably the largest selection of big rides in one park in central Florida. I would also agree that a day at MGM is probably deserved.

It does depend a little on how "close" their family is , but I would always advise people to at least sketch into their plans a day where different groups do different things, it can often take the edge out of any potential strains that develop as people not used to spending their time 24/7 together. It also gives people a topic of conversation when they join up again. When you all share exactly the same experiences together, it makes telling people (part of the fun) redundant.

If they are to do a water park ( and IMHO no visit to central Florida is complete without a day at one of the waterparks) I would previously suggested BB for adrenaline junkies, but the new water coaster at TL ( yet to be experienced by me) looks like the novelty of that type of coaster might bring them up to equal ranking.

Given a day at each of IOA, BG and a water park I think 3 days hopping at WDW is probably going to be enough/all they can fit in. One day at MK, one at MGM and split a day with Epcot (I'd suggest evening to take in the laser/fireworkshow)and where ever they wanted to go for that morning.

Depending their flight times etc although they think they will have 7 days in Orlando it could be they get only 6, conceivably 5 , full days to explore the attractions.

As well all know 7 days isn't enough to cover everything available, I'd go with trying to get as wide a range of options as possible, IMHO spending 5 of 7 days on Disney, for coaster lovers, isn't their best option.

 

[Miffy2003]

Thanks all