First visit in a looooong time...

[Mersmom98]

We leave for WDW on 3/21 and thought I had everything planned. Now that I'm reading more and more I can tell that I'm so not prepared. Any tips? My boyfriend and I are taking my DD - 7 yrs old and his mother and staying in Downtown Disney. I do have PS for a character breakfast and for the lunch at the 50's Primetime Cafe.

 

[Toadman99]

Between the books and this forum and other places, I have learned a lot in the last month in anticipation of my trip this fall.

I think your question is something of a catchall which is hard to answer. So I would suggest (if you haven't already):

- get a book - I like the Unofficial Guide to Disney World. That has lots of ins and outs and strategies. I've also thumbed through WDW with Kids (by Kim Wiley) which looked useful - I haven't bought it yet, but I'm considering it
- check out websites like www.allearsnet.com, mousesavers.com, and wdwinfo.com (I think the parent of this forum) for general info and strategies too
- spend time reading this forum. You've still got plenty of time to absorb a lot of info, and there's a lot here. Use the search function. Chances are good that if you have a question,someone else has already asked it.
- If you don't find information you are looking for, post more specific questions in the appropriate forum. People are anxious to let you know what they think if it's easy to answer
- Lastly - don't get too hung up on what folks write. You're going to have a good time, so try to relax and not get too hung up on getting it "just right". You will notice that people with one question often get 5 different opinions. Don't get too hung up on some other person's idea of what is ideal...

Don't think this is what you're looking for, but I think it's good advice, FWIW.

- Todd

 

[Mersmom98]

I guess I was a little vague but it can all be so overwhelming. I have a copy of the Unofficial Guide but it's for 2004 so I probably need to get one for 2005. I know we're going to have a great time but I just want to get the most out of this vacation as possible. Don't know when we'll get a chance to go back! Thanks for your help and have fun on your trip!

 

[Toadman99]

Well, maybe a little more information would help. How long are you going for? What parks do you plan to visit? What's your budget like?
I'll offer these basics, as someone who has been going through this too (but with the luxury of time). You might want to answer these basic questions:

- do you have an itinerary? If not, write down which park on which days.
- are you planning on a break in the middle of the day? if you're staying longer than 3-4 days, you may be asking for trouble if you planning on powering through dawn to dusk.
- Planning on grabbing breakfast in your room in the mornings, or at your hotel, or once you get to the park?
- once you know where you will be on each day, decide where you might eat, and what attractions you will see. If your DD knows she's going, work with her to figure out what rides she will/will not want to go on.
- If you want to and if you can, make a PS for any sit-downs restaurants you want to attend.

If you are rolling your eyes at all this because you've already done it, then you're probably better off than you think. Heck, you've got a character meal and a lunch set up already. Lots of the stuff that I see discussed, like the Dining Plan, refillable mugs, Magical Express won't apply to you because you're staying offsite.

I wouldn't worry too much about getting the new Unofficial Guide. The first edition of the 2005 book (which I got) doesn't have any of the new info on it for the new meal plans or ticket plans, etc. The newer edition supposedely does. But it sounds like you've already made your reservations and bought your tickets and such, right? So I don't think there will be anything new in the newer book you will be able to use.

Perhaps it's the day-to-day stuff you need help on? Like what to carry around with you in the park, etc. You should be able to zero in on useful information in your book and on the websites.

Yes, a lot to think about - you just need to break it down into smaller areas you can focus on...

- Todd

 

[Mersmom98]

Thanks for the tip on the 2005 edition...We need to save all the $$$ we can! We've made all of our reservations and are staying 5 nights. We have a 4-day park hopper and plan on visiting all 4 parks but probably none of the waterparks. We do plan on taking an afternoon break to rest our poor weary feet. Will AK take an entire day or can it mostly be done in half a day? Also, I've heard that it may be a good idea to go to a different park than the one that has the early entry for Disney Resort guests. Is this a good tip?