First-timers w/ no pre-planning horror stories?

[wareagle57]

My boss went this past February with her husband and kids. She actually read the DISabilities board because of one of her children. She told me beforehand they wouldn't be staying late and probably wouldn't get there in the mornings most of the time. Of course it was because it was unpredictable when their daughter would be able to get up, so it was understandable. But I knew since they were neither opening or closing the parks, they really needed to maximize their park time with FP+, but she just didn't seem to think they'd need it. I showed her EasyWDW and the recommended parks each day. And showed her that they were actually going at a good time crowd wise. But I had to physically make her make FP+ reservations at work one day. I think we did about 3 days and she said that was enough, and they'd play the other days by ear. On one of the first days of her trip I got a text from her telling me my crowds prediction site was crap, which a picture of the crowds. They still had a great time though. She had tons of pictures and videos she was happy to share me me when they got back. I think most people just don't realize they are missing out on stuff, and accept the fact that they have to wait for things.

 

[Choozee]

We went to MK in 2013 at the last minute. We were in Orlando at Universal Studios & IOA when we decided that the next day we would try MK. I did purchase the tickets online the night before. I thought MK would be like US. Where we could purchase an express ticket that included all rides and eat whatever we wanted. Boy was I wrong. It was me, my hubby, my daughter and my barely just 2 yr Grand daughter. We were told no express tickets were sold. And to go to the kiosks to get fast passes. Umm ok. Any how we just followed the crowd! Lol stood in line, long lines for some, short lines for others. Accidentally found characters. Couldn't eat at any sit down places. Paid a fortune for water and popcorn and terrible hamburgers.
It rained. We purchased expensive ponchos. And started bickering with one another. My hubby says he will never go back.
That's when I joined these forums. As soon as I got home. I started studying Disney. My daughter and I would like to take Brooklynn to Disney at least every 2 years. So we saved and studied and last July we put a deposit down at the POR. Woohoo!
I still don't have the planning thing figured out entirely but this time we are strategizing! Thanks to Ya all

 

[grecorj]

I've posted this story before.

First trip with family in 2007. My wife and I had been for our honeymoon in the 90's so there was LOTS to catch up - AK, FP, ADRs, etc.

I did a ton of research. But when I look back now I wish I could have told myself to do more!

On our arrival day we decided to go to MK. We got there just as the 3pm parade was in full swing and it was a fight to get down Main Street. We headed to Fantasyland. We all wanted to ride Peter Pan.

Well the posted wait for PP was 75 minutes. We figured it couldn't be that bad -- look how short the line is! Lol. It was hot, crowded and at least 75 minutes before we got on the 2 min ride.

After we got off the adults in the group looked at each other in horror: What have we gotten ourselves into! Lol.

Things got much better after that. We found shorter lines for rides like HM and POTC. We used FP. We had an ADR at Crystal Palace and it was amazing!

So, even the best planners have had their failures/moments. Knowing what I know now I'm hyper aware of what we could potentially miss and try to plan it out to avoid costly mistakes. Those that don't plan either will hate it or not realize what they've missed.

 

[BalooFan]

My first trip to WDW as an adult was in 1998, before planning and touring became so complicated. We did no planning at all. We went armed with a Birnbaum's Official Guide, but I didn't even open the book until we arrived. We were travelling with a three year old who was afraid of every attraction that was dark, loud, or had thunder/lightning. Of course, not knowing anything about the attractions, we repeatedly took her to attractions that were dark, loud, or had thunder/lightning and she screamed in each one. We made no ADRs. Most of our meals were at the resort food court. We had coupons for a free character meal and somehow got in to the Crystal Palace without an ADR but with a wait. We left thinking that we never wanted to return to WDW again!

Four years later, we decided to give it another try. This time I did a little planning. We knew where we going each day and I made some ADRs. It made a huge difference and we enjoyed the trip so much that we have been back around once a year since them. I have become a pretty good planner. I actually enjoy the challenge of snagging the ADRs and FP+ I want.

 

[busymommy2pink]

Our first trip, i didn't know about The Dis, did very little research and made minimal dining reservations (maybe 60 days out...not 180..that's for sure). We had a blast

Fast forward to today, I feel like I'm more educated, and that works well for my OCD self. I like a plan and my kids like knowing when there's a scheduled break (dinners). That being said, if finances arose and we had a chance to take a last minute trip, we wouldn't hesitate and we would adjust our expectations and still enjoy it. We love pool time at the resort. In fact resort activities are one of the main things our kids ask to do (movies under the stars, pool party, smores making, etc). My husband and kids really don't know or understand the amount of effort mommy puts into a seamless and easy vacation, nor should they, it's something I enjoy.

I think much of the experience is in your attitude. We've gone at busy times and at slow times. The busy times would be less enjoyable if we assumed Disney would be like it is in slow times. We just go with the flow. We've had to leave parks before using all our fastpasses. We've missed attractions because someone was just done. We've missed character meal because someone was taking a much needed nap, and we just did a swim and quick service when they woke up instead, we've missed a rope drop because someone needed to sleep in, we've even missed a whole entire day because one child got sick and spent the entire day in Epcot nurse station sleeping it off lol. Attitude we determine most of the outcome

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

When I hear that anyone I know is going to Disney World, I offer to help them plan- even if they are just acquaintances of mine.I hate the thought of someone going and not having a good time because of lack of planning. I have made hotel suggestions, told them about the best discounts, and even mapped out entire trips, with hour-by-hour touring plans. I laugh when I see their eyes get so big after I start explaining trip strategies and alternative plans if something doesn't go according to plan. I know what they are thinking: "Does it really need to be this complicated?" My answer is always "Yes. Yes it does."

 

[lauradis]

Our first trip, i didn't know about The Dis, did very little research and made minimal dining reservations (maybe 60 days out...not 180..that's for sure). We had a blast

Fast forward to today, I feel like I'm more educated, and that works well for my OCD self. I like a plan and my kids like knowing when there's a scheduled break (dinners). That being said, if finances arose and we had a chance to take a last minute trip, we wouldn't hesitate and we would adjust our expectations and still enjoy it. We love pool time at the resort. In fact resort activities are one of the main things our kids ask to do (movies under the stars, pool party, smores making, etc). My husband and kids really don't know or understand the amount of effort mommy puts into a seamless and easy vacation, nor should they, it's something I enjoy.

I think much of the experience is in your attitude. We've gone at busy times and at slow times. The busy times would be less enjoyable if we assumed Disney would be like it is in slow times. We just go with the flow. We've had to leave parks before using all our fastpasses. We've missed attractions because someone was just done. We've missed character meal because someone was taking a much needed nap, and we just did a swim and quick service when they woke up instead, we've missed a rope drop because someone needed to sleep in, we've even missed a whole entire day because one child got sick and spent the entire day in Epcot nurse station sleeping it off lol. Attitude we determine most of the outcome

Amen. That is so true.

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

Family of 3 I am acquainted with were in Florida in July on vacation and decided to just show up at Magic Kingdom one day to do the park. According to the mom they arrived around noon, paid $250 admission (this was about 5 years ago) rode Its a Small World, walked around a bit and left because the heat and the people were unbearable. We were in Disney that same summer (10 day on site package with all necessary planning done) and she just could not "get it" when I told her how much we loved the World.

 

[rajak73]

Our first trip, i didn't know about The Dis, did very little research and made minimal dining reservations (maybe 60 days out...not 180..that's for sure). We had a blast

I think much of the experience is in your attitude. We've gone at busy times and at slow times. The busy times would be less enjoyable if we assumed Disney would be like it is in slow times. We just go with the flow. We've had to leave parks before using all our fastpasses. We've missed attractions because someone was just done. We've missed character meal because someone was taking a much needed nap, and we just did a swim and quick service when they woke up instead, we've missed a rope drop because someone needed to sleep in, we've even missed a whole entire day because one child got sick and spent the entire day in Epcot nurse station sleeping it off lol. Attitude we determine most of the outcome

I think this is one of the best statements said. A lot has to do with attitude. We had neighbors in Dec at the campground, know what their strategy was? Go to the bus stop and whichever park bus showed up first, that's where they went. Talked to them a number of times and they were having the time of their life. I've also read on here about people "I won't wait over 20 min for a attraction" So what do you do in real life? We wait 30+ minutes to get out of a parking garage after a college BB game. I'd much rather be waiting 40 min for Space Mountain.

 

[SaraJR]

Im going for my first time this year, iv been researching for months! everyone says im crazy and obsessed, mostly true lol but my bff went last year no planning and missed sooo much! and whats worse is shes going again and still doesnt want to plan or have an itinerary even though she knows her lack of being prepared lead to her missing so much before. silly.

 

[mlnbabies]

Our first trip with my daughter was in 2003. My previous trips were in the 70's and 80's. We went without a plan, stayed off site and spent the day in MK since my dd was 3 1/2. We had a great time. We saw Mickey and Minnie since they were by the castle and by accident. I don't think we used FP's or were even aware of them. We did rides that all of us could ride. We loved that trip.

The next trips(2006, 2008, 2011, and 2013) have been more planned than the first one and I have learned a lot by being on this board. We went to DL in 2014 and did very little planning expect for which park, the shows, parades and getting FP's.

We will go in Dec. and are staying at the VGF. I am anxious about planning for FP's.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

I was in WDW this past Easter Break with my DD's high school softball team. I was only able to make my FP+ selections 3 days before my trip. Most parents waited to make their FP+s when they got there, if they made any at all! When my roommate started telling everyone about all the rides we'd done the first day, all the parents wanted to know how we did it - Rope Drop, FP+, Touring Plans - that's it. They all started making FP+ reservations and getting to the parks at RD after that!

On our MK day we got to the park at 6:50 for the 7:00 AM EMH. We rode Space Mountain, Buzz, Peter Pan, Little Mermaid, Small World, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, 7DMT, Splash Mt, Big Thunder Mt and had 4th FP+ fro Pirates later that night by 11:55. We had lunch at Columbia Harbor House and were in line for the bathroom there. This one lady was ranting about the bathroom line. "There are huge lines for everything, we can't ride anything, we can barely move there are so many people, I'm never coming over Spring Break again!"

I didn't tell her what a great, productive morning we'd had! After lunch we left the park, went to our DDs' softball game, rested a bit and came back later for our evening FP+ for Pirates, the fireworks and parade. It was a great day!

 

[I'mfarfaraway]

Just what kind of experience do these folks have that do no pre-planning ahead of time? Not sure I will get any replies as everyone here is pretty much 'in the know'. Probably just those that can share the stories of others, I guess. What are their strategies going in, if any? It just seems impossible to me that someone could just, on a whim, decide they want to take the fam to WDW next month and actually enjoy it and have a magical time. It's kinda sad really, when you think about it. Knowing the experience they could have had compared to the train-wreck-experience they actually had. With the introduction of FP+ you have to really sit down and formulate a literal plan of attack. And it's not easy! Kinda takes 'going commando' to a whole new level. Anyone?

Our first was October of 2013, we decided to go in April and had absolutely no clue about what we were getting into. We rented DVC, booked our flights and bought our park tickets when we checked in. We had a hellish first half of day one, mostly because we had no idea how the heat and humidity would affect us. Once we figured out to keep ducking in the stores for the AC and a pressed penny for our son we had a BLAST. This time we are planning more but that is mostly because we are worried about the fastpass system. When we went the last time you just had to find the kiosks.

 

[Jing]

I have known folks who knew they needed to plan and didn't out of protest. It's a funny thumbing of the nose at the obsessive planner (like myself) - sure it took them 45-minutes to wait in a line, but how many hours of planning did it take "you" to plan not to stand in that line? These particular folks just shake their heads right back at mine, which is another point to the attitude is everything perspective.

In the past couple of months, I have met more people deciding to go the TA route because the planning legends have made them not want to deal with it. I am very interested to see how these trips turn out. I believe for one, they will have a blast even if the plan falls apart, but for the other I see many many fights if all does not go according to plan. Again, attitude.