First Visit Tips?

[1stvisit0909]

We are taking our kids for their first disney visit in Sept. (yeah!)
I hear there are things you can ask for since its first visit? Like a pin or something? Where do we go and who do we tell? I plan on telling anyone that will listen that its their first visit...the more magic the better.

We have ADRs ad CRT and Akerhaus for our little princesses.

Please feel free to leave us any "must dos" DDs are 8 and 4! and into all things princess, but also pixar too. We dont have park-hoppers and we have the basic DDP

We arrive at MCO at 330 ET on Thursday. The plan was to go to OKW and drop off our stuff, and then head to MK, with a CS dinner and just explore the first night.

Friday am we have ressie at Akerhaus for a late Bfast, so we'll wander around Epcot before, do our princess thing, and then we have all day at epcot to look around. We plan on an afternoon break in the heat too, if they get too tired.

Saturday, MK we have dinner res at CRT.

Sunday DHS, a TS at H&V. also

Monday we have to catch the ME around noon I think, so I'm not sure if we want to try to do a park or just hang at the resort. What are your thoughts? We might also do DTD.

Oh and the kids have NO idea. total Surprise. I did order them ear hats, tshirts, and autograph books/pens online for cheaper.

this website is awesome, btw. DH and I have been looking at food pictures and drooling. We've gotten tons of ideas...but I wondered if anyone had specific first visit ideas. I have plugged it in with all our ADRs, and told the CM when I reserved - first bit o magic...we booked at ASMusic MYWwDDP, and got the free upgrade pin to OKW!!

 

[P&L@WDW]

You can get first visit buttons at guest relations in any of the parks. It won't necessarily get you anything 'free', and I have found magic happens whether or not you're wearing a button, but it's a nice momento to take home!

 

[motherwild]

Don't try to do every thing. Relax and enjoy. Checkout yeah bob over at the port orleans. Ride the monorail try to get up front and ride with the driver. WDW with kids is the greatest. we were there last March with the grandkids 3 & 5.

 

[1stvisit0909]

You can get first visit buttons at guest relations in any of the parks. It won't necessarily get you anything 'free', and I have found magic happens whether or not you're wearing a button, but it's a nice momento to take home!

That's the button I was talking about. I wasn't expecting anything else free...but I had heard you could get the button. I think it would make the kids feel special.
Guest relations...thanks!

I know they will feel the magic...how can you NOT at WDW??

 

[1stvisit0909]

Don't try to do every thing. Relax and enjoy. Checkout yeah bob over at the port orleans. Ride the monorail try to get up front and ride with the driver. WDW with kids is the greatest. we were there last March with the grandkids 3 & 5.

we KNOW we can't do everything. We are prepared for that.

But I heard you can't ride upfront in the monorail anymore?

 

[turtlebean]

Since you are getting to MCO around 3:30, you may not get to OKW until 5 or 6. Your kids are going to be so excited, that I would just hang out at your resort or go to DTD. Pack your swimsuits in your carry on luggage and relax. Your kids will just be so excited to be at Disney. Your last day, I would sleep in and just hang out at the resort if ME is going to pick you up around noon.

We went on our first trip in June. We didn't get the park hoppers either and tried to make it to a park the first day. All my boys wanted to do was go swimming and hang out at the resort, that we didn't end up going to Epcot that day until 5:30 and didn't get a chance to do anything there really (We had ressies @ Coral Reef that night). We landed at MCO around 12:45pm and didn't get to POP until around 2:00. By the time we went to the room and dropped off some stuff and got lunch, it was 5:30. The boys were bouncing off the walls all day long and we should have let them burn off some of that steam. Our last day, ME picked us up by 11:45 (our flight left @ 2:30), we didn't have a lot of time to do anything in the morning and we were exhausted by the end of the week.

You guys will have an awesome time and will be thinking about your next visit before you even leave. My only tip for you is since you can't do everything during your visit, each person pick their top 3 things that you want to do at each park and focus on doing those things and everything else will be extras. We went for 8 days and definitely didn't get to do everything, but we got to do all the rides we really wanted and a few extra. No one was disappointed. Now we've started planning for our next trip. Hope you guys have a ton of fun and a very magical first trip.

 

[smcdaniel4688]

Hope you have a blast! My DD is 8, and my DS is 4. They love the TREX CAFE in downtown disney. sooooo much fun. there is a "build a dino" workshop in there from the company that does "build a bear". We hav eaten lunch there, but the have a signature dessert the is AWESOME and has dry ice in a cup so it smokes...kids thought it was great. Be sure you get all of you a pin in the park! You never know what might happen! Hubby and I went on our anniversary and were treated to free desserts. Wear them everyday. It is nice to have the cast member recognize your special trip and talk to you and your kids...Dont miss Mickeys Philharmagic! And take to time to ride the TommorowLand Transit Authority. Very relaxing, cool, and gets you off your feet for a bit! Go to the Lion King show in the Animal Kingdom. Your kids will love that and the finding nemo show too. And in Epcot, go to the Rose and Crown Pub in Great Britain about 730 and see if you can get a table outside. That is a prime location to watch Illuminations. Food is good there too! Eat at 50s Primetime in Hollywood Studios if you like 50s kitsche and enjoy playing along with the waiters. Vry cool. Get to ToyStory Ride in HS first thing in the morning. get inline for fastpasses and your spouse get in the standby line. That way you get to ride twice. This is a very fun ride and very popular. Lines get VERY long as the day goes on and fastpasses sell out quickly. Most of all, take your time and enjoy yourself. There is no way to see and do it all in one trip. Dont stress out or let other people stress you out. Enjoy yourself and your family and savor every moment there. It is magical.

 

[3_disprincesses]

We ALWAYS hit Magic Kingdom as soon after arrival as we can. We just take our time that evening taking in all the Magic. No plans, some rides/attractions, dinner and find our spot for SpectroMagic. Then we have calmed down enough from all the excitement to rest that night and be ready to go full force the next day!

And if the girls have princess costumes don't forget to pack them! My princess loved wearing her dresses every day...just be sure and take a change of clothes in case they want to change later.

 

[SherylWrites]

1. Take more batteries for your camera than you thought you'd need. You'll need them and you'll pay dearly for them in the parks.
2. If you opt not to do the Photopass (I find it expensive), don't be afraid to ask someone to take your family's picture. I think I've taken more pics of other people in the parks than of my own family!
3. Take your cues from your munchkins. There's nothing more disheartening than to see kids crying from being hot and tired and parents irritated and upset from being hot and tired and because they're kids aren't having 'the best time ever'. Go back to your resort, chill out for a couple of hours and go back. You'll never see everything so a few hours of relaxation is going to make all the difference in the world.
4. If you are on the DDP, be prepared to be FULL. Between the huge portions and the heat, you won't feel hungry a lot of the time. Don't be afraid to share a meal with the kids.
5. Resort Re-fillable Mugs - these are not only a terrific souvenier, but very handy when you want coffee or tea in the am, juice or a cold drink throughout the day. They don't leak and are a really good quality item.
6. Ice Water is free in the parks, just ask. Don't waste valuable snack credits on bottles of pop and water!!! You can use them for awesome treats like Mickey Bars and Dole Whips!
7. Definitely go to DTD. Go early in the morning and browse with less crowds. As the day goes on, the crazier it gets. Grab some lunch at Earl of Sandwich and some ice cream at Ghiradelli's! And don't miss Goofy's Candy Co!! That's a must do!
8. When you get to your resort, grab the maps of all the parks. Sit down over lunch and plan out what five things that you REALLY want to do. Always have some kind of plan once you arrive. You'll need to get fastpasses and whatnot. Once you do those five special choices, everything else is a bonus!
9. If you can help it, avoid the back of the bus. It's about 20 degrees hotter back there (that's where the engine is).
10. Wear thee most comfortable shoes you own. Even if they're horrifically ugly, bring them. The amount of walking that you do is incredible and your feet will need to be protected!
11. If your little princesses are wearing dresses to their special meal, bring them a change of clothes. While they look beautiful, it's flippin' hot!!! And there's no reason why a princess can't wear a crown and a pair of sneakers!
12. Don't be afraid to ask questions of the cast members! You never know what you might learn or who you might meet!
13. RELAX! It's your well-deserved VACATION! If some bozo ahead of you is obnoxious, ignore him. It's your vacation! If your bus is 10 or 20 minutes late, so what? It's your VACATION! If it's pouring rain, there's nothing you can do about it. Smile and remember that you're not at work or at home. You're on VACATION!! Ice cream for dinner? Why not!!! It's a vacation! Some things you just can't control! Don't sweat them. Enjoy everything else!
14. Don't overpack. Who wants to drag all that bloody luggage, two kids and a husband through the airport? Not me! You can throw in a load of laundry while the kids swim at the pool if need be. I'd rather fold underwear poolside than in my laundry room.
15. Last but not least, take five minutes for yourself and just breathe it all in. They call it the most magical place on earth for good reason. Let yourself see why, not just through your kids eyes, but through your own.

 

[disneyworldmom]

I am also going to Disney in September and it will be my kids (7 and 4) first trip. Very similar to you we are also arriving on a Thursday around 3:30. We have plans to do Epcot that evening and have reservations for Akershus to meet some Princess' My daughter is going to be floored. She knows we are going, but the character meals are all a secret.

Thanks for all the great tips for enjoying a first trip!



So excited, it's almost here!!!

 

[frank_mas]

My biggest piece of advice is that it's a marathon, not a sprint.

Don't try to do "everything" the first day... in fact, don't EVER try to do everything.

You can do 15 things and have a great time, or 25 things and be tired, sore and cranky.

Every family has it's own pace. Find yours. We've been going since my son was 4, and he's now 10 and we still get the heck out of the parks in the middle of the day and return in the early evening.

It works for us.

So just have fun and don't feel as if the vacation is a race to see who can do the most things!

 

[1stvisit0909]

Thanks for all the great tips! Since we are staying at OKW we have a w/d so I will certainly lower the amt of clothing I would normally take.

I am so excited!! I can't wait!

 

[Josaytre]

Hi,
I did not see any mention of it yet - or I missed a few replies but since there is an awful lot of walking involved, maybe renting a stroller would be a good idea.

My DS was just 4 when we went the first time for four days in Apr 08. We did not rent a stroller the first 2 days. When we decided to rent one on the third day, it made everybody's experience so much more relax. Even my DD then 5 wanted to ride.

We are going back at almost the same dates as you and I have decided to rent from a local company that delivers the stroller directly to the hotel. Of course, our situation is different since we also have a 2 year old baby.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share my "little" experience with you

Have a wonderful, magical trip.

 

[Glite]

OKW is awesome, you will have a great time. There is a castle curving slide that leads you right in the pool(shallow water). The hot tub and all the amenities are great. Enjoy the parks and have a great time.

It is especially relaxing and makes the trip seem longer when you plan a day in between to relax at the resort and\or have a water park fun day.

I recommend going to eat at The Cape May Clam Bake(buffet) at Yacht Club Resort.

 

[1stvisit0909]

We are renting a stroller, from OSR. We dont have one at home anymore, but I figured she'd need one.

Yeah OKW looks cool. We were planning on coming back during the day/heat to hit it!

 

[susieQzee]

My daughter and I are able to take our first WDW trip next summer. Life hasn't been kind, but we're finally on our feet and are able to celebrate our survival through some very rough times. She'll be 19 when we travel to Orlando. We live near Disneyland and go fairly often, so we're planning on skipping many of the attractions at WDW that are the same, saving us some time for new adventures at the other parks. I was last there in 1989, and she has never visited (yet). All 4 Disney parks, Typhoon Lagoon, and the shopping districts will be visited during our 12 day visit...trust me!

Right now, we are considering the following game plan:
2 full days at Epcot
1 full day at MK
1 full day at AK
1 full day at WDStudios
1 full day at Typhoon Lagoon
2 full days at Sea World
1 full day at Discovery Cove
2 full days exploring resorts and shopping districts
1 full free day/downtime

Q1: To save money, should we plan on buying single park tickets, and upgrading to park hoppers on the few days we may need them, essentially on our AK, WDStudios, and free day? I see the park hopper plan supplies them daily, but I'm not sure we need them daily. I'm thinking we only need park hoppers for 3 days. Suggestions, please!

Q2: Visiting Sea World is a MUST! We hold passports for the San Diego park and also go there often, as my daughter is planning on working with marine mammals after college. We will be staying at one of the Value Resorts during our stay, but I understand there isn't a shuttle service to Sea World...or is there? How much should we plan on spending for taxi service? Ideas are welcomed!

I love reading all of the threads on this board. Keep those great suggestions coming!

 

[smcdaniel4688]

The cost for adding park hopping is a one time fee of $52 per ticket. We have vactioned with and without this option. I say wait and add it if you see the need. You can add the option at any ticket window or at your resort. There is no bus service to Sea World from your Disney resort, so you might want to plan on a taxi. I see that you plan for 2 days at EPCOT. My family and I LOVE dining there. Our favorites include Teppan Edo in Japan and The Rose and Crown Pub in Great Britain. Plan on the Rose and Crown late in the evening, about 730, for dinner. You may get lucky and get a table outside, which is a prime viewing location for Illuminations. If not, they allow their patrons to go out to a special walkway near the water for viewing. Can't beat it! And try 50's PrimeTime Diner for a meal in Hollywood Studios. Play along with your waitress and have a blast! And don't skip the dessert menu! Hope you guys have fun!

 

[Snow Shoe]

Everyone has said what I would have already, but I would add this. Take a power strip with you. Use it to plug in all of your recharable electronics at one place. It really saves trying to find all of the plugs in your room for each device.

 

[tinkmom2]

We are quickly approaching our 4th trip to WDW. This is my advice to you Order the free maps from the WDW website and plan out what you want to see. (We still haven't been on several rides at WDW!)

The first day we usually don't do a park at all. We arrive at the airport at 3 but the Magical Express doesn't always leave on time. We have a nice dinner that night.

Bring a over the door shoe hanger storage bin. It gives you room to store all your electronics, makeup, and other essentials without making a mess in your room. I totally agree with taking a break during the day. If that means going back for some naps then so be it.

Take tons of pics and be wary of others wanting to take a pic for you. (Our first time someone erased all our pics

We have never used hopper passes. There is enough to do at one park a day for us.

Take advantage of the in room or hotel babysitting and have a nice dinner with you and your hubby. Some alone time is always nice.

Don't miss Epcot fireworks! They are the best in the world. But do stake out a place to watch them. We have sat in Germany and Japan to watch them.

Bring a lite jacket with you. Not looking forward to 30 degree nights in November.

Sunscreen. Yes you can get burnt when its cloudy

FAST PASS everything you possibly can.

I totally agree with the comfty shoes.

Wishes and Spectromagic at MK are awesome. Steak out a curb spot at least 45 minutes before parade times.

Buy some rain ponchos for a buck at the dollar store. Carry them with you. They come in handy as it rains almost everyday in Florida.

And most importantly have a great time

 

[1stvisit0909]

Everyone has said what I would have already, but I would add this. Take a power strip with you. Use it to plug in all of your recharable electronics at one place. It really saves trying to find all of the plugs in your room for each device.

AWESOMe TIP! I will add that to the list.