First trip to Disney- need advice

[sassuolo]

I haven't actually used my dvc membership yet. I just kept renting it waiting for my daughter to be old enough for the family to go. We finally booked a trip for New Years weekend.

I've never been to the parks this time of the year...Any advice on weather, dealing with the crowds, special events I should look into, or anything else I may not know about would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

P.S.
Arrive Dec29- Checkout Jan2

 

[supersuperwendy]

Get to the parks EARLY and use fastpass!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Do not attempt to go to the MK around 10 or 10:30AM. It will probably be closed to any guest.

If you have any ADRs, get to that park when it opens and stay until your ADR. Otherwise, you might not get into the park. Having an ADR doesn't get you into the park when it is closed to al guests.

 

[ToddyLu]

Wow what an exciting time to go. You may find that the resort is fabulous and find that you spend a lot of time there. We will be there 11/30-12/10 and Dh keeps talking about sitting on the balcony watching animals all the time.....but what about the parks??...I have created a resort snob that thinks the savanna is his personal backyard containing his "pets".

Take the advice from the PPs and have a great time.

 

[ToddyLu]

Just out of curiosity where will you be staying? We will be at Pop the first night then on to AKV the others.

 

[Magic3forme]

The parks on NYE day will be BUSY! We went 2 years ago and tried to drive and the parking lot to MK was closed (2pm) we took the resort bus. They were nearing maximum capacity and getting ready to close the park.

Fast passes and patience are key for the day! The fireworks were amazing!

 

[rangermom]

Like everyone else say, get there early and have lots of patience. We went one year over spring break, so I used Tour Guide Mike for the first time. We have been several times and have never felt that we needed the program or the extra cost, but I was worried about Spring Break. It really help. I have not used his program since, but we had a great time even with crazy crowds. So it might be worth it to look into his program.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Well, first off...What is "old enough" for your DD? Maybe the better question is what ISN'T old enough?

If you have never been to WDW before, you are going at THE MOST BUSY time! New Years Eve is a lot of fun, and we like doing it at Epcot where there is a bit more room to enjoy it. MK will be packed beyond belief, and as stated earlier, you will have to get there at rope drop to be assured of getting in. For that reason alone, we prefer Epcot for the NYE celebration. It's fun to celebrate the new year at each of the countries on THIER time. For example: Most of the European countries will be celebrating at 6 PM our time. Just be aware that if you are in that country for a dining ressie, you might not get through the crowd in time!

FYI, New Year's Day is usually pretty good if you go to the parks very early and then head back to your villa by noon. And by the Monday the parks will look deserted.

 

[Sorcerer's Dad]

Be prepared for the possibility of cold weather. Having a cold spell without the clothing to stay comfortable can spoil the happiness. We live on the Florida coast near Vero Disney, and I don't think I've ever been so cold as New Year's Eve 2000 at Epcot. People were huddled in blankets waiting for the fireworks.

That year we were still living in Virginia and had driven down. Fortunately we had all the trimmings, including knit caps, gloves, and winter coats.

Now that I've said this --- we will have a wonderful warm spell!!!

Enjoy your time, and as others have said - be prepared for crowds. Decorations are beautiful and the storytellers in Epcot are very interesting.

 

[mdsd8700]

We have been to Disney 3 times around this time of year. Once for NYE and the other two beginning on the 1st or 2nd. Rangermom mentioned TGM (Tour Guide Mike) I absolutely love his site simply for the Green/Yellow/Red days for the specific days of your vacation. These I find to be dead on. I use the touring information a bit but we have been there so many times that I know what we want to do and the best order in which to do it. However for a first timer his sight is full of great tips and so much information that a newbie may be overloaded. I would definately recommend trying it out.

The weather can be hit or miss, we have been there in shorts with sun and warmth. It has also been 30 degrees and freezing cold, even though we are from the Chicago area and that is not actually cold for us, it isn't what you expect in FL. However that doesn't happen very often.

Overall it is a great time to visit. Most of the Christmas decorations are still up and Osborne Lights can still be seen, which of course is a must. I would say just be sure to have a plan. Whatever that plan is that works for you family, but don't go without an idea of what you are going to do and see and what order.

Enjoy your first trip and your DVC, would love to hear all about it when you return!

 

[Raising Disney Princesses]

IF you get there just as the park opens and run to get fast passes and note that time that the fast pass expires and then run immedidately to get another fast pass and collect several of them...you can actually get enough to keep you on rides all morning. It may mean that you are late to a few of your fast pass times but they don't care...as long as you are not early.