First timers visiting WDW

[xpopeye]

This is the first time my family will be visiting (18,15,11) we have 5 days to catch as much as possible. This is a very important trip as my 18 yr old goes off to college in the fall.
Tell, me what is the most memorable thing that your family did at Disney - what is a don't miss - I have a few guides that are not up to date and I'm starting to wig out alittle here because I want this trip to be perfect.

Thanks for all advice -
xpopeye

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

I think the most important part of your trip will be the memories you create with your family!!

That being said. . . I would suggest getting a PassPorter guide to WDW and the Unofficial Guide. IMO, most older kids enjoy Epcot. My teenage nephews and 10 year old niece LOVE Epcot. To really experience all of Epcot you need at least two full days.

Another favorite is the AKL. I would suggest spending a couple of hours browing around the Lodge and possible having dinner at Boma. It's absolutely incredible and if you are there at night you can view the animals with night vision googles.

Why not have you kids read a little info in the guide books and make a list of what they want to experience? My kids are only 3 and 5 but every time we go to WDW they have definite ideas about what they want to do and see.
Enjoy your trip!

 

[hookedonthemagic]

I would definitely recommend the Unofficial Guide - it not only has great advice on hotels & restaurants, but the touring plans really do work! In fact, we just got back from Disney last week and had an awesome time! Our top ten Do Not Miss list is as follows:
1) Soarin' - It's just incredible!
2) Philharmagic
3) Test Track
4) Splash Mtn
5) Mission Space
6) Buzz Lightyear - You all can compare scores! We've found we're very competitive!
7) Tower of Terror
8) Rock n Roller Coaster
9) Festival of the Lion King - best stage show in all of Disney World
10) Haunted Mansion

If you're into the nostalgia thing (like I am) don't miss Small World, Pirates and the Carousel of Progress (if it's open). One of my all-time favorites.

Have a great time!!!
Melissa

 

[hookedonthemagic]

By the way, if you would like a fun meal, try the Prime Time Cafe (the fried chicken is excellent)!

 

[ReninDetroit]

Your ages seem like you should spend 2 days in Epcot, one day in MK, one day in MGM, and then either go to AK or do a "favorites" day. There's only one attraction at AK I enjoy (Kilimanjaro Safaris), so the last 2 trips I haven't even gone to the Animal Kingdom. I'd say save your last day for favorites, water parks, DTD, disney quest or something else fun...and skip AK. Not much there for kids those ages unless you all really like animals.

However, dinner at Boma (or Jiko, right next door, is worth the extra price if you're into wine, as this is the absolute best wine list in all of WDW, and one of the best I've ever come across) is a great idea. And an hour or two at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is beautiful. I stayed there last time and I think I'll be staying there again in December.

Other restaurants your kids will enjoy:
50s PrimeTime Cafe (so funny and campy! great fun.)(MGM)
SciFi Dine In (you watch scifi movies from your table, which is actually a car.) (MGM)
San Angel Inn (the most strikingly beautiful restaurant in WDW.)(Epcot)

 

[xpopeye]

Thanks ever so! Now another stupid question - you said to get the "Unofficial Guide." Where do I get it? In these last few weeks before our trip I want to get as much info as possible.
I have started a log of what I would like to do each day - Epot the first day then Breakfast with the princesses are 1st on the list the second day (the 18 yr old is the most excited about that). Thanks for your full reply - I'll be printing it out to keep it in my pocket.

 

[xpopeye]

Thanks ever so! Now another stupid question - you said to get the "Unofficial Guide." Where do I get it? In these last few weeks before our trip I want to get as much info as possible.
I have started a log of what I would like to do each day - Epot the first day then Breakfast with the princesses are 1st on the list the second day (the 18 yr old is the most excited about that). Thanks for your full reply - I'll be printing it out to keep it in my pocket.

 

[hookedonthemagic]

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World by Bob Sehlinger is available at Barnes & Noble or any other big chain. I do agree with the other post about AK. I go there solely to enjoy the Lion King show, but it is a park that is skippable in my opinion if you would rather add a water park or Disney Quest.
Although I agree with the other post that the San Angel Inn is beautiful, you might want to look at the menu to make sure that your kids would eat the food. It is pricey and one of mine didn't eat a thing. UGH! Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you!

 

[buddy&wooz]

My biggest piece of advice would be to try not to stress about making everything perfect. It's is IMPOSSIBLE to do all the "must do" things in WDW in five days. If you can accept that you'll probably have a much better time. You may find that some random thing that was completely unplanned will be the highlight. For us it was the inside jokes that kept coming up during our first trip. Just watching the joking and interaction between my kids (a stark change from the bickering at home!) made even an hour-long wait for a ride that never happened (Goofy's Barnstormer broke down) a fun time. If you find you're stressing more than you're laughing- take a step back.

As for practical advice- have each kid list the 5 rides/shows they most want try at each park, and go for the ones they share first, then fit in what you can after that.

 

[bubba73]

I am kind of surprised that no one has mentioned their favorite night programs as one of the do not miss items. My personal favorite is "Fantasmic" at MGM with "Illuminations" in second. Don't get me wrong. "Wishes" is awesome as well. They are all great. I just enjoy all the characters at 'Fantasmic" the most. Enjoy your trip.

14 day dance