First timer!

[diamondprincess]

Hello everyone! I am brand new at this forum and am excited for any tips/tricks/suggestions from any Disney Veterans. I'm sure their are must-sees, but what are some general recommendations - shopping/dining/shows, etc? Any information would be appreciated! I am sooo excited and am acting like a kid again! I am 22 and have never been to Disney, so this is huge!

 

[crazymomof 4]

What time of the year are you going? And are you staying on or off-site?

 

[diamondprincess]

I will be August 24th of this year and we are staying at the Marriott Anaheim

 

[Churro]

Well food-wise you absolutely have to try a Dole whip and a churro! Dole whips are found at the entrance to adventureland in front of the Enchanted Tiki Room(wich was one of Walt's favorites). Don't forget to watch the fireworks and Fantasmic! They are must see shows. Other than that everything is good there. I always stop to see the light in the window above the Firehouse on mainstreet because this is Walt's old apartment.Have fun and remember it is the happiest place on earth!

 

[Eeyorecln]

Welcome and I hope your first trip is wonderful. We'll be there that week as well. We're staying at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites. If you don't already have PS's I would reccommend you make some right away. I would say Blue Bayou for lunch if you can get PS's. (We have PS's based on popular reviews on this board) If you want to be a kid at heart Goofy's Kitchen seems to be the best choice for character meals. The princess one will be moved by that time to Ariel's Grotto in DCA.(With 4 boys, we aren't trying that one ) Hooke's Point at DLH and Storyteller's at GCH seem like good dinner choices based on reviews from other disney fan sites. For counter service, Rancho del Zocalo in DL and Taste Pilot's in DCA seem to be good choices. This is all based on reviews and other people's opinions as this will be our fam's first time as well. But, I have been reading up on info.for 9 months. So I feel pretty confident in our dining choices.(Hopefully )
As far as shows, Alladin has been labeled a not to be missed.(Snow White not as much from what I read)
Do catch the Fireworks near the hub. This is one show you don't want to miss. With all the special effects you will miss a lot if you only catch it from outside the park. Fantasmic is another nightime show that is spectacular. We saw the one at WDW and were wowed and DL's is supposed to be better.
Do a search on this thread for info. on Fastpass( something that will be really useful for the summer crowds).
If you have any specific questions be sure to ask. The people on this thread are knowledgable and helpful. They've all been great in helping me plan our trip.
Have a great time.

 

[diamondprincess]

Thank you all for you great advice! I will definately take the suggestions and will have a blast!