First timers

[Albytaps]

Tip about FP+

Try to book them early in the day. Once you've used all 3, you get to make another, and another after used, and so on. You can even make your FP+ reservation on your phone (MDE) while you're still on line from your last FP ride. There may be rides available that you can get on right after your current ride.

 

[TreeFalls]

We are in the same boat as you- we haven't been since we were kids/young adults, now we are taking kids (5, 3, and baby). I have planned which park to start at each day, made some dining reservations, and booked three FP+. My FP+ end early afternoon each day, so we will (except for a few dinner reservations) wing it after that. These boards have been so helpful to me!

Also, we are traveling with 3 other adults in my family, and nobody else cares even a teeny bit about planning. So I am prepared that they might want to throw all (or some of) my hard work out the window. But that's ok, at least I feel well-informed and armed to make good decisions once we get there!

 

[sharonabe]

I have mixed feelings on that. Like I said, you need to plan what park you'll be in so you can plan your FP+, and you also will get tired if you walk completely end to end in the parks all day. At the same time, there's a fun element of just exploring, especially as a newbie, and saying "What do you want to do next?". Heck, if we wanted to, when we walk into the main entrance at MK, we could spend an hour in the shops on Main Street before we even get to a single ride.

You're right. Everyone vacations differently. Spending an hour shopping on Main St before getting to any rides would drive me crazy. But it might work for the OP. It's good to hear differing view points.

 

[speeb]

Here's the spreadsheet that I used if it helps at all. First tab is really the only one I've been working on.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...aG5b2pKs5GrfQReAxj9fimJhLw/edit?usp=drive_web

 

[Klayfish]

You're right. Everyone vacations differently. Spending an hour shopping on Main St before getting to any rides would drive me crazy. But it might work for the OP. It's good to hear differing view points.

For the record...my wife would shop and I just follow along like an obedient puppy. Well...OK...I do like the crystal figures and Goofy's candy shop.

 

[Revina]

Hi everyone. Just discovered this board and am addicted....so many useful tips!!!

We are basically first timers. Went as children when you basically picked a random motel in Kissimmee and rocked up at the Disney gates when you wanted to go. Pretty sure it was only Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

We are booked at AOA late January. We are coming for 7 nights. I got 7 day passes thinking we could always hang at the hotel for a few afternoons instead of having a full rest day, is that reasonable?

I am finding the planning threads a bit overwhelmingDo I really need a minute by minute plan for a first visit? I have no clue how to even start....we dont even know what any of the attractions are ha ha!

I have booked character meals and will book fast passes for things I think my kids will like (girls 6 and 4) when that window opens. The rest I guess we'll just wing! Do you think that's enough of a 'plan' for a first visit?

Thanks for your help!

We are taking my 7 year old daughter for her first time, 2nd week of January! I haven't been in 13 years, and my husband has NEVER been! I booked character dinners and will book fast passes, but totally plan to "wing it" the rest!!! Have a great time!!!

 

[MrsJamesPSullivan]

Also, we are traveling with 3 other adults in my family, and nobody else cares even a teeny bit about planning. So I am prepared that they might want to throw all (or some of) my hard work out the window. But that's ok, at least I feel well-informed and armed to make good decisions once we get there!

You will have a great trip with that attitude! Being well informed on your options is the most important thing IMO.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I agree with many of the PP's on this thread. Look at the park maps so you have a general idea of where everything is and plan around that. I think many a trip has been ruined by people criss-crossing parks or even criss-crossing the entire resort to make it to ADR's, etc. If you can consolidate your walking and transportation, it's always a more enjoyable trip, IMHO. Pick your top 3 rides in each park, make your FP+, (you already have your ADR's and know to plan around them), wing the rest. I think you are really good to go!

 

[Moback]

Hi everyone. Just discovered this board and am addicted....so many useful tips!!!

We are basically first timers. Went as children when you basically picked a random motel in Kissimmee and rocked up at the Disney gates when you wanted to go. Pretty sure it was only Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

We are booked at AOA late January. We are coming for 7 nights. I got 7 day passes thinking we could always hang at the hotel for a few afternoons instead of having a full rest day, is that reasonable?

I am finding the planning threads a bit overwhelmingDo I really need a minute by minute plan for a first visit? I have no clue how to even start....we dont even know what any of the attractions are ha ha!

I have booked character meals and will book fast passes for things I think my kids will like (girls 6 and 4) when that window opens. The rest I guess we'll just wing! Do you think that's enough of a 'plan' for a first visit?

Thanks for your help!

If you want to wing it then you better be ready to be at the rope drop otherwise your experience is going to be pretty rough.

 

[Pesky]

Agree with PPs as well. Some other sources of info for first visits is myfirstvisit.net or wdwprepschool.com. As long as you manage expectations, you should be fine any way it turns out.