Friend's first trip: any tips?

[snowwhite84]

Hi all! I leave in 5 days for a girls only trip to WDW

There will be 4 of us in our mid-twenties. One of the girls going has never been before and I've been planning like crazy to make it special for her. She has had a stressful summer (Mom has mental health issues and roommate just got pregnant and is kicking her out).

Anyway, I want her to have a great time! I'm going to get her the "It's my first trip to Disney" button. Anything else you guys can think off to really make it memorable?

Thanks!

 

[disnut8]

Let her set the pace. If she's had a stressful summer, she might appreciate taking her time and enjoying the little things that she sees. Or, she might want to go on a commando tour. But let her choose.

Get silly. Try on different hats around World Showcase and laugh at each other. Go see the silly things like Country Bear Jamboree or Journey into Your Imagination. Ride It's a Small World until she can sing all the words. Have a Buzz Lightyear challenge anytime you are in Magic Kingdom.

Basically, kick back and have fun.

 

[Poohtigeey]

I agree. People who have been alot might not like the Tiki birds, but for someone who's never been, they're a memory! Let her enjoy the newness of everything! Have each of the other girls think of a few of their favorite DW things (ex. turkey legs, Space Mountain, meeting Goofy) then make sure she experiences this with you!

 

[tink774]

All I can say is don't let her skip meeting the Mouse!

And I agree with the PP, picking some favorites and letting her experience them with you. In April 2006, my family took my BF for his first trip to the World ever. My family and I are a bunch of Disney veterans, so we know the things we don't want to miss. So we wanted to make sure he got to do things he wanted to do, but he kept pointing out that he didn't even know what everything was, and was happy to tag along for our favorites most of the time. LOL but he couldn't understand why were so "GET UP AND GO!" every day to hit parks early.

But if your friend sees something she wants to check out or a ride she wants to try, don't hesitate! Odds are she'll just be happy to be there, and will probably enjoy relaxing without a stressful itinerary. But I think the "1st" visit pin is a great addition! Maybe some Mickey ears with her name embroidered? Hope this helped! And enjoy your trip!!

 

[dopeydiva]

I went to disney for the first time when I was 36. My husband (at that time boyfriend) took me and I will never forget the first parade I saw at MK. When Snow White and the 7 came marching down the street, I was literally crying. It was so wonderful and he, too talks about that moment every time we talk about wdw or go. We will be taking our 4 yr old twin sons 7 Sept. I made them autograph books for the 10 day Disney cruise last year. I can honestly say I never thought of getting the autographs for me, but it was really a blast. I say get or make her if you are a scrapbooker, an autograph book. Make sure someone gets a picture of her with each character as they are signing for her. She can include the photo on the page next to the autograph or pop it in a scrapbook if she scraps. I don't care how old you are, something magical, probably the ole' pixie dust, takes hold, and you are smiling and giddy and just having the most wonderful time. How wonderful for her to share her first Disney experience with such a great friend. Do you want me to mail her a postcard from there from a 'character' telling her we can hardly wait for her to arrive? If so, email me imstamphappy@optonline.net and I will be happy to do that for you. When we go, my mom will meet us in Fla. She's 65 and has never gone. I'm sure it will be memorable.
Stay well,
AnnMarie

 

[snowwhite84]

Thanks for all the ideas! I really like the idea of getting her an autograph book. I suspect she will get into the characters once she sees them (she is a princess person). I thought it might be silly having a group of 25 year olds getting autographs, but the more I think about it, the more I like it!

Thanks for the advice!