first timers

[dannyfig]

We are 9 Aussies who have never been to Disneyworld before, what are your recommendations to make sure we see everything. We are staying at the Dolphin from the 22/10/04 to 2/11/04, 6 adults and 3 children, ages 8, 3 and 2.
Cheers Danny

 

[PhotobearSam]

First, get a copy of the book "Unofficial Guide to WDW" and read it cover to cover. Than ask any question you have HERE!!!

This book explaines it all from what rides each person might like by rating them per age group to TOURING plans that works VERY well. We used this on our first trip and found the information to be great.


WELCOME to the DIS!

 

[kaylajr]

Welcome
any questions ask away...
Just remember you CAN'T see everything in one trip
go there knowing that so you will not be disappointed

Have a GREAT trip

 

[fizz13]

I second the idea to read the Unofficial Guide. It has fantastic touring plans, which park to avoid on what day, rundowns of restaurants, hotels...call it a Disney Bible if you will. I will say that some find it refreshingly honest while others say it is too harsh in its critique. Definately worth reading though.
The other thing to try is making meal reservations (called priority seatings or PS) in the disney resorts as this is a great way to see the hotels. Do a monorail tour of the various resorts one afternoon also.
As for the parks, please don't try to see every single attraction. You will kill yourselves with commando style techniques. Once you have read the official guide, pick and choose what is important to you. You have nearly 3 weeks so you can afford to have a park day followed by an off-day of shopping, water park etc.
Get hold of park maps so you know which way to head in the morning. Plan your first couple of attractions and get a fastpass for one while doing the other.
Try not to miss the evening spectaculars ( Illuminations, Fantasmic, Wishes) as these are real highlights.

Finally, read these boards like crazy, ask as many questions as you want ( there are no stupid questions and someone always knows the answer), read the trip reports to give you a feel for how people organise their day and have fun.
Welcome to the DIS! (Sorry about my answer, got a bit carried away)
Much pixie dust,
Claire

 

[Lisa BC]

Hello Danny!

Please try to attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (you'll see it abbreviated on these boards as MNSSHP). The party is held at the Magic Kindom. Maybe do it early in your trip since it is held in the late evening, 7pm until midnight... since you'll be adjusting to the time change anyway. more info: http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/halloween.htm

Also I would suggest booking a Fantasmic dinner package at MGM.

I agree with the others, spend some time in the next few weeks working up your itinerary plans for the parks. It will be very helpful to know which attractions your family would enjoy and which ones to skip. I also like the Unofficial Guide as a great resource. if your local bookstore doesn't carry the Unofficial Guide, you might want to consider another on-line resources: "the Dis" (www.wdwinfo.com), "All Ears" (www.allearsnet.com) and "Tour Guide Mike" (www. tourguidemike.com). As an FYI, TourGuideMike is a subscription service, it will cost you $30 US dollars to subscribe.

If you want more specific help, you'll need to provide a few more details. Do you want restaurant suggestions? What kind of park passes did you purchase? Are you staying on-site or off-site? Do your children like exciting rides like rollercoasters? Do you plan to eat at some sit down restaurants, or would you Do you plan to visit one of the waterparks? Are you renting a car?

Hope this helps!

Lisa

 

[eeyore kelly]

I agree with getting the unoffical guide, and asking questions on the board. Also on the main page of this site is a lot of good comprehensive information on WDW. When I first started planning our trip, a lot of my information came from this site.

 

[dischick4778]

Welcome! I truly hope you enjoy your first trip. First I would say to read these boards and ask as many questions as you can think of. People are so helpful around here. And we all love to talk about our experiences!

Second, I would say to visit Epcot for the Food & Wine Festival. It is one of my favorite things to do during the Fall at Disney. It is scattered throughout the WorldShowcase so you don't need any tickets (with the exception of special dinners) and kids will enjoy it too.

Third, I would suggest you think about which restaurants you would like to eat at. It is best to have reservations even though you aren't going during peak time.

Have a blast during planning and an even better time visiting.

 

[Micca]

Welcome to the Dis Danny In twelve days you can see a LOT I agree about getting the Unofficial Guide. It's fun to read. Make a plan, then check back in here for details. I promise you'll get all the help you need

 

[Gary M]

Danny, welcome to the DIS. You might check the menus of restaurants at WDW http:/www.allearsnet.com/din/dining.htm

I suggest to get to the parks when they first open. The crowds start picking up about 1 1/2 to 2 hours after they open. Do the most popular rides first. The MK is very busy on Saturdays so I would suggest other parks on that day.

As said before, ask questions and you will get plenty of help.