First Timers need Others' Help!

[stephbesel]

OK, we will be First Timers to Disney from Oct. 30th-Nov. 3rd. Here are some questions I have!

1) What are the typical hours of the park then?
2) Will DD age 11 and friend enjoy MNSSHP or is it more for younger kids?
3) What transportation should we use from the airport?
4) We will have basically 3 1/2 days in the park. Our first day our flight gets in at noon. So, realistically, we can hit the parks about 3:00pm. What kind of schedule would you suggest for us?
5) What are the "best" character breakfasts/dinners?
6) Is there such a thing as a "Free" upgrade when you check in? We will be staying at Pop Century.
7) How do you handle belongings in the park? Fanny pack, back pack? What do you do with everything when you ride the rides?

I'm sure before Oct. 30th, I will post hundreds of questions!!!!! Thanks for all of your help!

Steph.

 

[ErinInCT]

Welcome to DIS! A WEALTH of information!
I'll take a shot at some answers:


1) What are the typical hours of the park then?
The Disney website posts the park hours 90 days in advance so yours should be up early Aug (you can go now to see the hours for Oct 30th & 31st). Steve Soares websites posts times for just about everything else! (http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/index.htm)

2) Will DD age 11 and friend enjoy MNSSHP or is it more for younger kids?
To me, everything at Disney is great for ALL ages. I'm sure someone with kids aged 11 will respond! Sometimes kids of a certain age can get too "cool" for Disney!

3) What transportation should we use from the airport?
Go to the Transportation boards. Tons of questions on limos, town cars or shuttles. If it is just 3 or 4 of you it is probably best to use a Town Car which will take you right from the baggage claim to the hotel with no other stops (unless you want a grocery store stop). There are tons of companies, all addressed in Transportation.

4) We will have basically 3 1/2 days in the park. Our first day our flight gets in at noon. So, realistically, we can hit the parks about 3:00pm. What kind of schedule would you suggest for us?
We will always do MK 1st!! But I will need more info on what parks you want to visit. If you plan to do MGM, maybe do that the 1st day b/c I feel a half day is enough. But that is just me. You'll also be in time for the MK parade so you may want to do that. I am not sure of the crowds that time of year so hopefully someone else can help.

5) What are the "best" character breakfasts/dinners?
Depends. If you think your dd is too grown up to do a princess breakfast then forgo CRT or PSB. Chef Mickey's is a good choice as is LTT. Check out the Restaurants board for all sorts of answers on the character breakfasts.

6) Is there such a thing as a "Free" upgrade when you check in? We will be staying at Pop Century.
I have no idea, but (sorry to keep referring you to other boards) you can go to the Resorts board & ask!!

7) How do you handle belongings in the park? Fanny pack, back pack? What do you do with everything when you ride the rides?
We are stroller age so this is not an issue. You will see people recommending either but it looks like the general consensus for adults/older kids is fanny pack. You can turn it when you sit on the rides. You can strap a backpack thru your legs on the rides too.

HTH. I have found this site to be invaluable & I have asked my share of dumb questions so don't hesitate to ask!! The only problem is that the more you learn, the more questions you have!!!!! Have a wonderful trip!

 

[lisajl]

Oh my gosh! First time!!! Wow...no advice..there are plenty of others who know more about WDW than me.
Just wanted to say have a FANTASTIC time!!!
Enjoy it and take your time...look at everything you can....it is an amazing place.

Lisa

 

[Amirah95]

I recommend picking up a guide book from your local bookstore like the WDW 2004 Unofficial, Birnbaum's WDW 2004 or the 2004 Passporter being that this is going to be your first time to the World. These types of sources will give you some ideas and will help you learn to plan you WDW vacations according to your families needs and wants. I buy all three every year (it's a peace of mind for me). You will get quality help at the DIS. You did a good thing by seeking help for your future vacation.

 

[LisaZoe]

I second the tip to get a guidebook or two. I bought the "Official" WDW guidebook but I really prefer the "Unofficial" guidebook a friend loaned me because it gives more objective reviews of things (although some might think the author is too negative). Both of these books do address most, if not all, of your questions

In addition, I'd recommend spending time looking around this site. You might also find allearsnet.com and mousesavers.com useful as they are pretty thorough in covering a variety of topics first timers like us (I haven't been yet either) might ask if we knew to ask

 

[WeluvDisney2]

Hi Steph! I like the Birnbaums Guide to Walt Disney World. It has lots of great tips. (There is also a Birbaum guide for kids!) Here are my opinions:

1) Generally all the parks open at 9am. Epcot closes at 9pm, and I think at that time of year Magic Kingdom and MGM close at 7 pm and Animal Kingdom closes at 5 or 6 pm.

2) My daughter went to Mickey's not so scary Halloween Party a couple of years ago and loved it. She is now 11, and I think she would still enjoy it. It is really fun and I even enjoyed it! They had dry ice to make fog when you are entering, eerie halloween music, a great Halloween Parade, and candy at the rides.

3) Check out the Mears shuttle. I think it is $29. roundtrip to and from the airport.

4) Ask your daughter and her friend where they would like to go first! Do you have a length of stay pass? If you have a hopper pass you can hop from park to park.

5) Our favorite character Meal is Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort. We take the monorail from the Magic Kingdom. Be sure to make priority seating! Your daughter would probably also really like Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom. It is decorated like a real Rainforest, and there is an indoor "thunderstorm" every hour. Really cool!

6) I do not think there are any free upgrades at the Pop Century.

7) We all wear fanny packs to the parks. Everything is nice and secure in them on the rides.

Also, WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!! You will be doing alot of walking. You may also want to bring bandaids in case of blisters.

I hope this helps. Have a great time!

 

[bytheblood]

Originally posted by stephbesel

3) What transportation should we use from the airport?

There is....
Mears, who is good.
Tiffany Town Car, who we despise.
Murray Transportation, who we prefer.
FL Tours, I have never used them, but many people here love them.