first timers ( again !)

[mack1420]

Hi have looked around the disboards and found some great stuff and was just wondering if anyone had some good basic ideas for our trip with regards to planning.
We are a family of four our kids are 12 & 9.
We are going for three weeks. Arrival is late sat 23/7 and we leave early am 12/8 ( so 19 full days really)
We are renting a villa in Davenport.
Ticket wise we have:14 day 3 park Universal ( wet n wild being the third one )
Disney 14 day unlimited so we are well covered.
My original plan was to do disney for two weeks then universal for the last week, but after asking on here I have been advised to do Universal first and then disney as disney is much better !
Obviously after day 5 I could mix and match the parks.
We have never been before and to be honest we are not sure how to plan our days. My son (9 yrs) isn't really into the scary stuff but my daughter has no fear !
Would be great if someone out there could maybe help plan our days !
I have looked at other itineraries on the web and they seem very detailed and organised which makes me somewhat nervous as I dont want us to miss out on things because we haven't planned accordingly.
I have purchased the brit guide and printed off various tips and tricks from here but cant seem to find a plan which is close to our circumstances.
Appreciate any ideas !
many thanks

 

[NikkiMouse]

Hi


Just by coming here and reading the Brits guide, you are already ahead of THEM!

My opinion is Orlando is such an expensive holiday you would be mad to visit without researching even a little bit

May I suggest you check out Josh's site easyWDW dot com for some help in planning your days. It's free and even if all you do is plan using his best park on which day (crowd levels) then your trip will be a little more enjoyable.

I'm on my 3rd trip in 11 years. Winged it first time, used Tour Guide Mike 2nd time and using TGM, Josh's site and of course all the willing experts here on the Dis for this trip. Think I may have OCD when it comes to Disney!

Happy planning

Ask tons of questions here or on the other forums, there is always someone happy to help

Nikki

 

[disneyholic family]

ok....so this is my one piece of advice that you must listen to:

RELAX!!!!

have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

take it easy!!!!!!!!!

slow down and smell the roses (so to speak)..

do not worry about "missing something"...
you ARE going to miss things...even if you're there for 19 days...
there is too much to do and by definition you cannot do everything...
so you MUST relax and go with the flow...
you cannot go thinking that you will do everything and that you have to go go go go go to do everything..
it is a recipe for disaster...

and the truth is, some of the moments you'll most remember are some of those quiet, just being together and laughing times....

so...

relax!!!! you're going on holiday...

ok....so having said all of that, you need to look at the hours for the disney parks...
since you are not staying on property, you need to avoid parks that have EMH hours on that day...
what does that mean?
if the magic kingdom has EMH hours in the morning or in the evening on a particular day - that means that you should NOT go to MK on that day (EMH draws larger crowds of onsite quests),,

 

[sandshal]

Just wanted to say hi and you're right on track with the DIS and the Brit's Guide!!!!!!!

We're flying out on the 24th July and returning on the 13th so much the same as you but travelling via NYC with Virgin ..... and staying near Lake Davenport.

Just one thing ........... We think Universal is much better than Disney but I guess it's purely a matter of taste.

Again, enjoy and make the use of the waterparks for relaxation days

 

[Invisable89]

Hiiiiiiii!

You're already making a good start with planning by doing your research!

Since you're going in July/August i'd suggest you do a Disney Park for half the day (till around 12pm/1pm) due to the heat, then go back again the next morning as soon as the park opens, you could spread out just one park over 3 days. Otherwise you're going to be exhausted!

Also do the 'big' rides first thing as the queue's will keep getting longer & longer. Also keep an eye on the weather due to afternoon rain. I'd do Animal Kingdom on a cloudy day as it can get really hot inside that park with all the foliage.

You can plan what day you do what park by checking the hours & parade/fireworks times by going to this website : http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/hours.htm

Drink plenty of water, pack light weight clothes that are also light in colour & pack sensible comfy shoes (trainers, pumps).

Personally i'd do Universal first, i always prefer that for some reason i think it's cause i like to end my holiday at Disney World.

Also try to eat as much as possible at your Villa to save more expense & queue's eating at the parks, & if you do eat in the parks try to eat when others aren't (just before or after the normal Lunch/Dinner time).

 

[wishspirit]

When I've been in June and August before, we all know it's going to be busy. So we all sat down and made a 'must do' list as a group. Not only did it get us all excited about our holiday, but it meant that for every park we could make sure that everyone got at least one of their 'must-do's' for that park each day. It can be as flexible as it needs to be, but it means everyone gets listened to and you all get to have fun. After you tick off the 'must-do's' then you can spend the rest of the day exploring and taking a more laid back approach.

I hope you have a fabulous time!

 

[Pegasus928]

When we have gone on our own we never really planned that much - other than knowing what we wanted to do in each park.
The last time we went my Sis and her family came and it genuinly was a once only trip - so we wanted to make sure they got the most out of it. What I suggested to her was that they looked at the different sites for the parks and made a list of 'must-do', another for 'would like to do' and a 3rd one for things that they like the look of but wouldnt be too disappointed if they never got round round to it. They also read the trip reports for inspiration, had an idea of places they wanted to eat - both onsite and off - and included places that we had visited before and they had seen on our music videos and knew they would like.
It will all seem very daunting at first but once you start getting things on paper it starts to fall into place. The good thing about having some sort of plan is that it forces you into knowing the times for things like Fantasmic. There is nothing worse than turing up for your day at HS and finding out that it is on one of the days they aren't showing it - especially if it features high on your list of must do's.
Just as an example THIS was our 'final' plan before we went on that trip. It was a good guide but even this changed a few times once we were there. It's amazing how many times we had planned to spend half a day here or there and we ended up staying as everyone was having so much fun. So always be prepared to be flexible

 

[mack1420]

Hi everyone I just want to say a big thank you to you all , the help and advice on this site is amazing
I have read through all the advice and taken everything on board, I still find the whole planning thing abit overwhelming really. Traditionally we do beach or countryside holidays in France so this is a big leap for us. We have never flew this far or had to get connecting flights etc.
We have had to save where we can so we are flying Manchester to Philly and then on to Orlando and renting the villa and will try to eat off site where possible - needs must really but will try to eat at disney a few times.
The heat and crowds are a worry but we wont be alone thinking that !
Having never been before it's hard to estimate the size of the parks etc and how exhausted we will be , I dont fancy running round like lunatics trying to get on rides
Am not a nervous person but seem to quite worried as I want to make it a holiday of a lifetime for the kids (and us)
The kids are constantly on youtube looking at rides etc so am really excited for them!
I will keep trawling for tips etc everywhere, but if anyone remembers anything else please let me know
Once again a massive thank you to you all, all the advice is fantastic.
Hopefully when I get back I will be able to help all the first timers
many thanks

 

[Ann B]

My advice would be to think about what else you are wanting to do when you are there. We try and do a busy day or two at the parks followed by a quieter day - waterpark, crazy golf or shopping. We also love going to the parks early evening for a few hours, as we get a different experience at that time rather than always going in the mornings.

Have a great time.

 

[MrsSparrow..]

Welcome to the DIS You will find that literally any question you have, will be helpfully answered by someone. It is like a database of Disneyworld experts

As regards to some of your questions, I wouldn't go with the expectation that Universal isn't as good as Disney. Personally, I prefer it, but every family is different. Go with an open mind For kids, it all depends on what kind of characters they are in to or what kind of attractions they like.

Happy planning

 

[mack1420]

Hi


Just by coming here and reading the Brits guide, you are already ahead of THEM!

My opinion is Orlando is such an expensive holiday you would be mad to visit without researching even a little bit

May I suggest you check out Josh's site easyWDW dot com for some help in planning your days. It's free and even if all you do is plan using his best park on which day (crowd levels) then your trip will be a little more enjoyable.

I'm on my 3rd trip in 11 years. Winged it first time, used Tour Guide Mike 2nd time and using TGM, Josh's site and of course all the willing experts here on the Dis for this trip. Think I may have OCD when it comes to Disney!

Happy planning

Ask tons of questions here or on the other forums, there is always someone happy to help

Nikki

Many Thanks

 

[mack1420]

Welcome to the DIS You will find that literally any question you have, will be helpfully answered by someone. It is like a database of Disneyworld experts

As regards to some of your questions, I wouldn't go with the expectation that Universal isn't as good as Disney. Personally, I prefer it, but every family is different. Go with an open mind For kids, it all depends on what kind of characters they are in to or what kind of attractions they like.

Happy planning

Many Thanks

 

[mack1420]

My advice would be to think about what else you are wanting to do when you are there. We try and do a busy day or two at the parks followed by a quieter day - waterpark, crazy golf or shopping. We also love going to the parks early evening for a few hours, as we get a different experience at that time rather than always going in the mornings.

Have a great time.

Many Thanks

 

[mack1420]

When we have gone on our own we never really planned that much - other than knowing what we wanted to do in each park.
The last time we went my Sis and her family came and it genuinly was a once only trip - so we wanted to make sure they got the most out of it. What I suggested to her was that they looked at the different sites for the parks and made a list of 'must-do', another for 'would like to do' and a 3rd one for things that they like the look of but wouldnt be too disappointed if they never got round round to it. They also read the trip reports for inspiration, had an idea of places they wanted to eat - both onsite and off - and included places that we had visited before and they had seen on our music videos and knew they would like.
It will all seem very daunting at first but once you start getting things on paper it starts to fall into place. The good thing about having some sort of plan is that it forces you into knowing the times for things like Fantasmic. There is nothing worse than turing up for your day at HS and finding out that it is on one of the days they aren't showing it - especially if it features high on your list of must do's.
Just as an example THIS was our 'final' plan before we went on that trip. It was a good guide but even this changed a few times once we were there. It's amazing how many times we had planned to spend half a day here or there and we ended up staying as everyone was having so much fun. So always be prepared to be flexible

Many Thanks

 

[mack1420]

When I've been in June and August before, we all know it's going to be busy. So we all sat down and made a 'must do' list as a group. Not only did it get us all excited about our holiday, but it meant that for every park we could make sure that everyone got at least one of their 'must-do's' for that park each day. It can be as flexible as it needs to be, but it means everyone gets listened to and you all get to have fun. After you tick off the 'must-do's' then you can spend the rest of the day exploring and taking a more laid back approach.

I hope you have a fabulous time!

Many Thanks

 

[mack1420]

Hiiiiiiii!

You're already making a good start with planning by doing your research!

Since you're going in July/August i'd suggest you do a Disney Park for half the day (till around 12pm/1pm) due to the heat, then go back again the next morning as soon as the park opens, you could spread out just one park over 3 days. Otherwise you're going to be exhausted!

Also do the 'big' rides first thing as the queue's will keep getting longer & longer. Also keep an eye on the weather due to afternoon rain. I'd do Animal Kingdom on a cloudy day as it can get really hot inside that park with all the foliage.

You can plan what day you do what park by checking the hours & parade/fireworks times by going to this website : http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/hours.htm

Drink plenty of water, pack light weight clothes that are also light in colour & pack sensible comfy shoes (trainers, pumps).

Personally i'd do Universal first, i always prefer that for some reason i think it's cause i like to end my holiday at Disney World.

Also try to eat as much as possible at your Villa to save more expense & queue's eating at the parks, & if you do eat in the parks try to eat when others aren't (just before or after the normal Lunch/Dinner time).

Many Thanks

 

[mack1420]

ok....so this is my one piece of advice that you must listen to:

RELAX!!!!

have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

take it easy!!!!!!!!!

slow down and smell the roses (so to speak)..

do not worry about "missing something"...
you ARE going to miss things...even if you're there for 19 days...
there is too much to do and by definition you cannot do everything...
so you MUST relax and go with the flow...
you cannot go thinking that you will do everything and that you have to go go go go go to do everything..
it is a recipe for disaster...

and the truth is, some of the moments you'll most remember are some of those quiet, just being together and laughing times....

so...

relax!!!! you're going on holiday...

ok....so having said all of that, you need to look at the hours for the disney parks...
since you are not staying on property, you need to avoid parks that have EMH hours on that day...
what does that mean?
if the magic kingdom has EMH hours in the morning or in the evening on a particular day - that means that you should NOT go to MK on that day (EMH draws larger crowds of onsite quests),,

Many Thanks

 

[mack1420]

Just wanted to say hi and you're right on track with the DIS and the Brit's Guide!!!!!!!

We're flying out on the 24th July and returning on the 13th so much the same as you but travelling via NYC with Virgin ..... and staying near Lake Davenport.

Just one thing ........... We think Universal is much better than Disney but I guess it's purely a matter of taste.

Again, enjoy and make the use of the waterparks for relaxation days

Many Thanks

 

[WiganTony]

Probably at the risk of duplicating advice already given, but on our first visit in 2005, the best piece of advice we received was to plan in a day off from the theme parks every third or fourth day. We still stick to this and will have a day where we visit a water park, go shopping and/or simply have a lazy half day around the pool.

As noted above as well, best to avoid days with Extra Magic Hours and try and visit the day after. We also use the Busy Days guides to try and visit on the least busy days which also works well. Would also suggest familiarising yourself with the Fastpass system, as this is a great timesaver. Last year, we were at Disney 2nd to 14th August, and did not queue for more than 20 minutes for any ride thanks to a combination of visiting on the least busy days and obtaining fastpasses for the popular rides.

Also, if you are wanting to book a character meal or two, you can book these up to 180 days in advance, so if you have a plan of which parks you are visiting on certain days, you can also make your dining reservations around these dates.

HTH.

 

[mack1420]

thanks for the advice - much appreciated