First Trip to Disney since 1982!

[meaneausindisney]

Hi all. This board has been amazingly helpful. Hubby and I are going to WDW in 22 days (but who's counting!). We leave June 3rd and return June 7th. But we are in MCO by 9am on our arrival day and we don't leave on the 7th until 7pm - so we definately have some time to see things.

My question is - I haven't been since 1982, and my husband who is a like a giant kid (well me too...) and he has NEVER been. I'm feeling really overwelmed about what to see, what not to miss, etc. Should we break in the mid of the day, go back to hotel and freshen up and come back at night? We are staying off site, but we have hotel shuttle bus service (hours suck tho, so I know we will cab it a few nights - we're only about 2 miles outside the park).

Anyway - what i'm asking is HELP! I bought a disney tour book, a fun one with insider stuff, but honestly i'm still spinning. Plus my husband said he just wants to GO GO GO all day long. Afraid we'll be worn out the first day!

Can anyone recommend what to see, great places to eat, what is Priority seating and do i need it for all restaurants? etc etc

sorry....just so excited!!!!!!

thanks,
meaneaus in disney

 

[bjsmico]

Since you are arriving on a THursday I would take advantage of that and go to MK then or on Friday. MK can get really crowded on Saturdays!!!

 

[McCall]

Oh my, where to begin, By all means use Priority seating at any sit down meals you hope to do. I was there this last weekend and without PS you could not get in anywhere without over and hour wait or just not at all.
AND USE FASTPASS
there are several good threads on this board about Fastpass and how to use it properly, many people find it confusing and so don't use it properly or at all and miss out.
Since you are staying off site, I would NOT go back during the day and come back. You might take the same time and go visit some of the resorts and just kind of relax then come back later.
Are you using Park hoppers? it is the best way also make sure you get your hands stamped if you leave one park but plan to return or see another park the same day.
you really need to read as much as you can here to get up on things. good luck.

 

[krissy3483]

FIrst off, welcome to the DIS. You'll find oodles and oodles of helpful information here. Assuming you have park hoppers, there is definitely no harm in stopping to take a break in the afternoons. You could, say, go to AK in the morning, go back to your hotel for a swm, lunch, and maybe even a nap, then go to Epcot at night for dinner and Illuminations. If it's hot out, these breaks are even better.
I would definitely be sure to catch Wishes, Illuminations, and Fantasmic...the nighttime shows at MK, Epcot, and MGM. Dont miss out on Downtown Disney either. There's lots of shopping, some great restaurants...Emerils, Rainforest Cafe...my brain is failing me now on some of the others. Pleasure Island is also a part of DTD. There are a few stores there, some dance clubs, but the Adventurers Club and the Comedy Warehouse can't be missed, they're both a great time. They have a small fireworks show at Pleasure Island every night at midnight too...Happy New Year.
Someone else here can probably tell you better about the restaurants. If you want to do a character meal, there's Chef Mickeys or the Royal Table at Cinderella's Castle. I'm sure you'll need Priority Seating for both of these. A few years ago we did the Garden Grill Restaurant in Epcot..it was a fun family style dinner with Mickey, Chip and Dale, and Pluto and we just walked right in. They also have a character ice cream social there during the day I believe. For most of the restaurants you know you want to go to, I would try and make a PS.
Aside from all that, just take some time to enjoy the details. There are so many little things that make WDW such a magical place...take time and enjoy them and you'll have a great time!

 

[CharlesandCamilla]

We stayed off site and had a horrible time with the provided transportation. Instead of going back to the room you could try going to one of the resorts near the park you're at or DTD for a break. Grab lunch or do some shopping. You will probably get burned out if you just try to go all out every day. My first wife had that attitude and by the third day in Epcot she was miserable.

 

[meaneausindisney]

Ok thanks. Yes that does help a bit. I have a decent understanding of FP based on some reading i've done. Also we are getting the 4 Day Hopper Plus pass (apparently I can purchase these onsite at my hotel's concierge desk because they are a Disney Good Neighbor hotel???).

The biggest thing I didn't realize was that the PS thing was such a necessity for sit down meals. Hubby and I will get working on that tonight! Can I reserve online (i saw a link to it somewhere off this site) or should we just call the Disney dine number direct?

Also, all this talk about Illuminations - where's the best place to be to see it and when does it start? (it's in Epcot right?)

Thanks again, believe me - I'm checking the boards everyday - but just trying to find out people's favorites so we know where and what is "hot"!

 

[moinab]

Which hotel are you staying at? Any chance of getting a rental car? Off-site shuttles are generally horrible, and 2 miles ouside of WDW is actually 8-10 miles or so from the park entrances. We always stay off-site, but we always have our car.

If you can't get a rental car, then I think going back to your hotel for an afternoon break would be a time-consuming hassle, unfortunately.

I can't help with the restaurants because we always bring our own food or get counter service.

It's hard to say what not to miss without knowing what you like, but since it is the first trip for your DH, and you mentioned you are both big kids, I would be sure to get to MK for opening and go on Dumbo!

We loved PhilharMagic. If you like thrill rides, Mission: Space is like nothing you've ever experienced before, and Tower of Terror and RNRC are amazing. Festival of the Lion King is the best show in WDW, IMO, and Kilamanjaro Safari is great, too. We were just there on Sunday, and a giraffe was right next to our vehicle (within 10 feet).

I'm sure you'll get lots of great suggestions. Have a great trip and try not to stress. Pick your priorities, but have some flexibility. It's impossible to see it all.

 

[Lori of the Lodge]

My best advice is to start early, see the big "must see" attractions in each park, then as the crowds grow, slow down, stop and enjoy a nice meal and appreciate the smaller details.

Try to plan your days around the nighttime festivities in each park:
Magic Kingdom: Spectromagic Parade & Wishes Fireworks is a must see! From the calendar it looks like Saturday is the only showing of Spectromagic during your visit (9:00pm), so that might be a good night to plan dinner in or around the Magic Kingdom.

Epcot: Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, every night at 9:00p.m.

Disney/MGM Studios: Fantasmic! (every night at 9:00 during your stay)


Additionally, I think the Boardwalk area is a must-see. Consider walking from Epcot's International Gateway to Disney/MGM Studios. It's about a 20 minute walk and the path takes you across the Boardwalk area. It's a great place to stop end eat/shop.

I'd recommend looking over the restaurant list here http://www.disboards.com/ratings/ce...y_id=11&csid=b4ee70a426f5303557ccbcfb34c39325
and make PS for 1 or 2 restaurants you think you'd really enjoy. Remember...you can always make PS's once you arrive at the park, just go to the guest relations desk near the park entrance.

If you know that you want to enjoy a nice sit-down meal, PS makes it much easier. You do enough waiting in line to enjoy the attractions, you don't want to wait to eat too!!!

 

[meaneausindisney]

All really helpful stuff! Fantastic. Everyone keep the ideas/thoughts/contributions coming. And yep, I agree staying offsite isn't ideal without a car, but we'll be ok and manage. I do know we want to go to Pleasure Island a couple nights so we will have to cab it from there which is an expense. I'm sure next trip we'll either stay onsite or get a car.

Oh! If we bring a small bag/back pack is there a place to lock it away if we don't want to carry it around (i read about lockers on here somewhere)? I'm thinking it's a good way to have some refresher items for the night part of the park w/o having to go back to hotel offsite.

THANK YOU AGAIN EVERYONE!

 

[Serenity]

Yes, lockers are available at the entrance to each park.

I see that you have indicated that a rental car is not an option. Make sure to factor in the money you will spend on airport transporation to and from your hotel, as well as the cabs and you might find that the rental would cost about the same. Also check out www.mousesavers.com she has some excellent coupouns and information on rental cars to cut down on the cost. I have used this several times and saved lots of money. I have stayed off-site many times and have found the hotel provided transportation to be very lacking. Only did that one day of one trip and since have always used a car.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[iluvtink]

Originally posted by meaneausindisney
Ok thanks. Yes that does help a bit. I have a decent understanding of FP based on some reading i've done. Also we are getting the 4 Day Hopper Plus pass (apparently I can purchase these onsite at my hotel's concierge desk because they are a Disney Good Neighbor hotel???).

You can probably buy them at your hotel desk, but you can buy them on line before you go at a discount. Go to dreamsunlimitedtravel.com and click on the "buy park tickets" link. You won't save hundreds, but every little bit counts and it's one less thing to slow you down when you get there. Be sure and make a copy of the front and back of both passes, and take the copies with you in a safe place, in case your passes get lost. That will help you get them replaced.

The biggest thing I didn't realize was that the PS thing was such a necessity for sit down meals. Hubby and I will get working on that tonight! Can I reserve online (i saw a link to it somewhere off this site) or should we just call the Disney dine number direct?
You cannot make PS's on line. You have to call 1-407-WDW-Dine. Even though you aren't taking kids, try to get in on a character meal. I'd take in Chef Mickey's the first day if you could to set the "mood." Another of our favorites is Donald's Breakfastosaurus in Animal Kingdom.

Also, all this talk about Illuminations - where's the best place to be to see it and when does it start? (it's in Epcot right?)
one popular place to see it is from the patio of the Rose and Crown Pub in World Showcase of Epcot. My impression is that it is the luck of the draw, because everyone asks to be seated where they can see Illuminations. Have you bought the Unofficial Guide to WDW? I think it has the best hints for seeing an unobstructed Illuminations, as well as other hints that are priceless in the grand scheme of things.

I also agree that you shouldn't go back to your hotel for a swim ... you can swim when you are home, right? Sitting in the front lobby of any resort will be fun to cool off and people watch... there's something really magical about watching people arrive at their hotels for the first day!

Thanks again, believe me - I'm checking the boards everyday - but just trying to find out people's favorites so we know where and what is "hot"!

Keep the ???'s coming, and have a great time!

 

[meaneausindisney]

re: transportation, this convo was addressed on the transportation board.

My husband just doesn't want to be bothered with having to drive anywhere, at least not this trip. I tried but it's pointless. I think our problem is we are Manhattan-ites so it seems strange to need a car for anything, tho per the other transportation postings from members, i do understand we will end up spending some $$$ since we are using shuttles, cabs, etc. It's an expense we are willing to incur this go 'round.

but thank you!
meaneaus in disney

PS Any other suggestions for good places to stand, sit for fireworks, parades, etc.!?!? Do you think park hopping throughout the days is best or should we spend each day fully in one park? Thanks!

 

[meaneausindisney]

GREAT TIPS/HELPFUL HINTS - that stuff rocks iluvtink!

 

[iluvtink]

WDW is a lot bigger place than when you were there before. IMHO, what you DON'T want to do is waste a lot of time going from park to park in the same day. It's not a short 5 minute trip from any park to another one. I'd make a list of the things you all really want to see/do at a park, and be there before it opens and go do as much as possible there until you need a break. Then go chill at Downtown Disney or a nearby resort, i.e. if you are at AK, check out that resort instead of riding a bus all the way to BC. Then if you have had enough of your first park, go to a different one after your break, perhaps one where you have PS's or where a certain parade or nighttime show will be that you want to see. Does this help?

 

[meaneausindisney]

VERY helpful - thank you!

 

[Micca]

Welcome to the Dis! You've had lots of good advice here, I just wish there was some way we could see your face when you discover what they've done over the past 22 years You are going to freak out

 

[iluvtink]

That's a good point, Micca!

You know, meaneausindisney, if you're not too far away from WDW, you probably will want to consider buying that AP... you will not come close to seeing it all, and you'll be listing what you want to see on your next trip as your are driving away from WDW for the last time!!!

Early hint: To fight PDD (post-Disney Depression) immediately start planning your next trip, regardless of how far away it is.

 

[Gary M]

You may still be able to get a good discounted room at a WDW resort. Unless you have a very cheap room or have other reasons to stay off-site, I would check with CRO about WDW resorts. There is a chance that you can stay at a WDW resort for a good discounted rate. This would make the transportation easier. Check www.mousesavers.com for room discounts, if you are interested.

Since you were last at WDW (1982) they have added several resorts at all price levels.

 

[meaneausindisney]

"You know, meaneausindisney, if you're not too far away from WDW, you probably will want to consider buying that AP... "

What is an AP???

Also, we can't change the hotel without being penalized through Expedia. We got a really really cheap airfare (on Song) and hotel package for two - it was $491 total for both of us.

Next trip we will be staying onsite for sure!

 

[redskiesx25]

A great resteraunt to eat at is Prime Time Cafe or Ohaunas! They are great, and Prime Time is like a blast from the past, its a 1960's theme, which is great. Ohaunas has AMAZING food! Prime Time is located in MGM, and Ohaunas, i believe is the contemporary, i'm prolly wrong tho...
and also, wut i would do, is go to the Animal Kingdom the first day you get there, because for my family, it was only about half a days trip, so that would be good if u arrive at your hotel at 9:00.

Hope i helped!