First WDW Trip: Dec 10 - 14, Advice?

[JohnZ46]

I ran across a great deal last Friday (4 nights at Pop = $215). We've been wanting to try WDW so we decided to go for it!

Anyone have any advice for first timers?

I bought tickets for MVMCP on Dec.11. Otherwise I haven't made any other reservations.

I've seen Fantasmic at DLR many times. Is it worth it for me to get a Fantasmic dinner package?

Thanks!

John

 

[ConcKahuna]

WDW is MUCH bigger than DL. I would definitly try to spend at least one day per park.

The Fantasmic! here is a bit different than the one in DL (so I've heard). The biggest difference is the theater. Truthfully you get better seats for Fantasmic! if you just get in line an hour to an hour and a half before the show. The "reserved seating" with the dinner package is off to the side, so while you are sure to get a seat, it may not be the best.

Soarin at Epcot is the exact same as the one at DCA, and Dinosaur is the same exact ride as the Indiana Jones ride, but with completely different animatronics (the 20' dinosaur that chases you is cool).

Pretty much everything else is completely different at WDW, so make sure to have a general plan of attack. The most important thing is to have fun and expect changes in your plan!

 

[OrlandoMike]

If you've seen F! at Disneyland you will probably be disappointed in the version in Florida. If there are two shows, hit the second one, you can get pretty good seats with little or no wait. The dining package seats way off to the side, and not very good.

You really need to get an official or unofficial guide to WDW. They both outline the differences between the Florida parks and the California parks!

Get ready to walk! Even the Magic Kingdom is much more spread out than Disneyland!

 

[I<3EvilQueen]

My advise would be to book your ADRs (Advance Dining Reservations) to where ever it is you think you want to eat.

 

[lisaviolet]

I ran across a great deal last Friday (4 nights at Pop = $215). We've been wanting to try WDW so we decided to go for it!

Anyone have any advice for first timers?

I bought tickets for MVMCP on Dec.11. Otherwise I haven't made any other reservations.

I've seen Fantasmic at DLR many times. Is it worth it for me to get a Fantasmic dinner package?

Thanks!

John

John,

My biggest piece of advice is to not try and see and do everything because you won't. Heck, I wouldn't even do a park every day. (Coming from someone who did a ten day WDW without any parks). Take in WDW by doing nothing. It's lovely just to hang out. Boarkwalk area, FW, other resorts, transportation boats, renting a boat, DD, sitting in a hammock, rocking chairs at Trail's End (FW) and so on and so on...

Concrete:

*The day of your MVMCP I would suggest not using a park ticket that day (unless you have an AP then this advice is useless). Ie. only go to the party. They say 7 pm or whatever but they let us in early, around 4pm. So I feel like it's an absolute waste to do a park on that day. Second parade is always less crowded.

*Do see the Osborne Family of Lights at MGM. And if you have PH on your passes if you go near closing they keep open the park for OFOLs and the last Fantasmic. I've seen it in a crowd which is great as well. But last year I got in just before closing and it was your own personal light show. Amazing.

*Go resort hopping. At that time of year can't be beat. Especially WL's lobby. Do not let them tell you to transfer at DD to get to the other resorts. They always push that. Transfering at the closest park is always better. Always. (if still open of course and if it's not SSR/OKW which are more easily accessible from DD)

Have a wonderful time,

Lisa

 

[lisaviolet]

I merely mentioned the transportation boats. But take them whenever you can. I love the CR/WL/FW boat. And that area of WDW. It's the small, open one.

And if you rent a boat. I've rented in the MK area and DD/OKW/POR area. Preferred the MK area b/c you have lots of space. The canals of the other are absolutely beautiful. However, I didn't find it relaxing to have to look out for other boats all the time.

 

[StormTigger]

On the day you decide to do Animal Kingdom, since that park closes early ... Eat dinner at Boma's at the Animal Kingdom Lodge!!!! (and then explore the lodge some.)

Fantasmic Dinner - I don't do the standing in line for 1-2hrs.. and dinner at Mama Melrose (one of the resteraunts in for the Fantasmic Dinner Package) is great. Seats are decent from the package, but everything I've heard/read/etc says Fantasmic at DL is better. I would say put Fantasmic low on your list of "Must See" (above the "can skip" list) and only go if time premits.

Must Do rides:
AK-
Expedition Everest
Killamanjaro Safari

Disney Studios -
Osbourne Lights
Rock-n-roll coaster
Tower of Terror (different then DL's)

MK
Wishes! - Fireworks
SpectroMagic - night time parade

Epcot
Illumination
Mission Space
Test Track
Eat, drink and enjoy a nice slow pace around the lagoon.

Okay.. that's my 2 cents.
---------------

 

[jennynoel]

We just went in September and we're going back at the same time you are.

I agree with all of StormTigger's advice except Fantasmic. The reserved seating isn't that great and it's nice to sit in the stadium for a while and enjoy some popcorn or cotton candy (or both!) The crowds will be really low that week so I would get there 45 minutes early, and that's only because I'm the nervous sort!

We invested in some inflatable seat cushions at REI and I would highly recommend it. They are about $20, lightweight and easy to carry, and so much more comfortable than hard benches or the ground for the shows and waiting for the parades.

Definitely eat at Boma after Animal Kingdom - well worth the short bus ride to Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Don't miss Spectromagic at MK - check the calendar, it only happens a few days that week. The Wishes fireworks show is pretty cool, too, although it pales in comparison to Remember at Disneyland.

Relax and don't try to do everything!

 

[JohnZ46]

Thanks for all of the recomendations. Now that the wildfire situation is getting under control I can return to planning our WDW trip.

We wont be running ourselves ragged trying to see everything. We're planning to go back for a longer trip in 2009 so this will be a "getting acquainted with WDW" trip.

I've decided to approach the trip as 9 half-days rather than 4.5 days. ADRs were hard to come by but I managed to get three.

The Park Plan:

Mon AM: AK
Mon PM: EPCOT -- ADR: Nine Dragons

Tue AM: DHS -- ADR: Sci-Fi
Tue PM: MK -- MVMCP -- ADR: Liberty Tree

Wed AM: EPCOT
Wed PM: AK (evening EMH)

Thurs AM: MK
THURS PM: DHS

Fri AM: Open

We've picked 3 "must do" attractions per park. Anything else "as time permits"

Must Do List:

AK:

Expedition Everest
Safari
Finding Nemo Show

DHS:

Rock n Roller Coaster
Terror of Terror
Osborne Lights

EPCOT:

Mission Space
Seas with Nemo & Friends
Test Track

MK:

Philharmagic
Splash Mountain
Haunted Mansion


I'm curious to see how Fantasmic is done without the steamboat and ship, but it's no biggie if I miss it.


I'll fit in Downtown Disney whenever we can.

Most of all, since it's the holidays, I'm going to look at the pretty lights and pretend I'm 12yo again!

Thanks again for the recommendation!

 

[OrlandoMike]

DAK add the Lion King show, a great show!

DHS try to get a ressie for Prime Time, a great lunch! If not the Brown Derby for Cobb Salad and Grapefruit cake, if you split one of each of these its a great lunch!

EPCOT forget Nemo all toghether! And add American Adventure and Illuminations!

MAGIC KINGDOM will probably be your biggest disappointment, it just isn't Disneyland. It's bigger, but just not the same. BUT dont miss Spectromagic and the Fireworks! The Haunted Mansion is a half a step up from Anaheims though.

Try to get a dinner ressie at California Grill also, the best view in the area!

We will be expecting a trip report with pics!

 

[TomPokNY]

Some more suggestions:

• Being there during the holiday season allows you to experience some of the special holiday-only events. I remembered this article from mouseplanet.com in 2006 that listed holiday favorites. (The writer gives a number of recommendations concerning MVMCP that might come in handy.)
• Some more attractions suggestions: The Great Movie Ride and Lights, Motors, Action (DHS), Ellen's Energy Adventure and a just-refurbished Spaceship Earth (Epcot).
• If you're into Character greetings at all and want a nice holiday photo, Santa Goofy can usually be found at the Character Greeting Trails at Camp Minnie-Mickey (AK).
• Be sure to watch the Orlando weather forecast a few days before leaving, and bring some warmer clothing/hats/gloves if it looks necessary - even though it's FL, we've experienced some pretty cold days there this time of year, including frost conditions!

I will be at WDW around this same time, and I am looking forward to it very much - it's my favorite time of year to visit.

Hope this helps!

 

[OrlandoMike]

Oh and one more thing I don't think they have in California yet.

The "articulated" heads! Check out the castle show, even if it's just for a sec. To see Mickey's mouth move and eyes blink is erie!

 

[JohnZ46]

We will be expecting a trip report with pics!

OK, but remember, you asked for it.

Here are a couple Pics from a recent DLR trip. I'm the one on the right. One is at Mickey's Halloween Treat at DCA (Oct 5, 2007). The other is gay Days at DLR (Oct 6, 2007):

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[JohnZ46]

Thanks for the tips Tom. The MVMCP link was great!

 

[donald...really]

I second adding American Adventure and Illuminations to your EPCOT day. Also, plan on spending time exploring World Showcase. That is my favorite thing to do at WDW.

If you have seen Fantasmic a number of times at DL I would forget about it in WDW. It takes up too much time and it isn't as good as the DL version.

Make sure you spend time exploring the different resorts, especially the Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge.

Other things that you probably already know is to get an EARLY start each day, and do your homework (which you seem to be doing since you asked this question).

 

[JohnZ46]

I definitely want to see the Grand Floridian.

I was working at the Hotel del Coronado, the inspiration for the Grand Floridian, when it the GF opened. I'm curious to see the similarities.

If you're unfamiliar with the Hotel del Coronado, see below link:

http://www.hoteldel.com/

 

[padalyn]

boy do you have your work set out for you!!

We go to WDW at least twice a year, and are still finding new things to see and do...so, here is my 2 cents on this...

Don't even try to do a park in 2 days. Your feet will hate you! Make sure you wear VERY comfortable shoes for walking. If you have a tendency to get foot cramps - remember to stretch the achilles tendon (find a step and drop your heal off the edge - hold until you feel it behind your knee...hurts like all get out but will keep the leg loose enough to walk another few hours!)

Pirates is only 8 minutes long at MK - it is 16 in DLR, no restaurant...also no Orleans Sq, so be ready for the missing section.

Be sure to find out which parks are open early or late - plan around that a bit. If you are staying at a resort you have access to the early/late magic hours. Some as late as midnight. The photo ops are so different at night!

Please try to see every resort lobby - they have a chocolate sculpting competition every year - each resort builds a village in chocolate...they are AMAZING!

The gingerbread house is just so neat - smelling!!!

At night there is the floating electic parade around the Contemporary - but it can be seen from Wilderness Lodge as well.

I understand the lights will be different this year - I met a manager who mentioned that the display is to bigger and better - please post pics when you go...I am hoping to get to see it, but may not.

It snows on Main St - really neat to see...since snow in Florida is as common as snow in Anaheim!

I also agree about BOMA - be sure to have a chocolate martini if you indulge in that type of thing...yummy!

In Epcot - I highly reccomend the new Japan restaurant, the Morocco restaurant. Don't bother trying for Canada - they are booked until May 08. If you suffer from any type of inner ear or motion thing - DON'T do Mission Space - I don't get seasick -but that one got me. I like "The Land" takeaway salads...they do a goat cheese one that is awesome!

MK: be sure to read the windows - there are more of the "dedications" than in DLR.

AK: try to do the safari first thing - the animals are more awake in the morning. More activity and ones to see. Be sure to take the time to walk all the way around the tree of life - we find new animals every time, there are supposed to be more than 500!

MGM: the fast cars thing is really neat - take a good camera that does stop action - those guys can really move and turn so fast that my little Canon just didn't keep up! I like the Cobb Salad at the Brown Derby - but it isn't worth 2 dinner coupons if you are doing the dinning plan.

I will post more if I think of it...

Oh yea - make sure you wear pride something - I find that it smooths the way many times...one of us always wears a rainbow braclet, tshirt or something very visible.