Going to Disney for the first time!!!

[JFMorgan]

First off, I'd like to say hello to all...I'm new here!

OMG...I'm embarrassed to say that I've never gone to Disney! And now for the first time I'm going in December 2004!!! Yep, I know it's a long way off...but I'm SO excited.

I've heard so many wonderful things about the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, etc...and I think that I'd like to stay at the Wilderness Lodge...but, soooooo expensive.

What are your recommendations for a first timer to Disney? Any other helpful hints for me?

I'm sure I'll find all sorts of wonderful info by browsing the boards.

 

[ckmommy]

I just wanted to say welcome to the DIS. You will get some wonderful advice and answers to your questions.

I have never stayed at the Wilderness, but if you would like to see some really good pictures of the resort, try allearsnet.com . I am sure others here can help with ? about the Wilderness! Look forward to hearing from you again!

 

[hannahryan]

Try to get a discount code from Mousesavers.com when they come out for December. That website has a lot of other great info also. You can also ask for the AAA discount...sometimes 20%. Stay at a nice resort...it's worth it especially for your 1st visit. If you are going pre-holiday, you will get a better rate. Don't go the week of Christmas. Warning: Once you go, you'll soon want to go back!

 

[helenk]

I would book the resort that will fit into your budget now, then if deals or codes come out later you can always upgrade. I always try to book within my budget so that if nothing comes along for my dates I do not have to struggle to pay for the trip.
That said....I stayed in the Port Orleans Riverside resort this past September and in my opinion it has theming that is a nice as some of the deluxes. I stayed in on of the Mansions and I loved it, it is a beautiful resort. If a moderate is in your price range I highly recommend the POR.

 

[daannzzz]

Don't over research your trip. Avoid looking at to many pictures.
I did so much research and looked at pictures online, in guide books and videos that there were no surprises. If you can plan your trip with minimal photos ( I know it is difficult) the act of discovery when you actually get there will be so much better. I knew what every lobby and building was going to look like. I would love to have not known what the Wilderness Lodge looked like and then walked in that first morning for breakfast.

 

[missmac]

congrats, our first visit was in 2000, going back in 2005 we stayed at por and loved it, to be honest we left early in the mornings and didn't get back to our rooms till late night, so much to see and do. I wouldn't worry about the delux resorts your first visit you won't spend much time there anyway.

 

[Kimberle]

Welcome!!!

You will LOVE LOVE LOVE WL!! We did!

 

[KELLIE JONES]

congrats on your trip to disney world!! my first trip was oct. 2003,(i am 27 ) and they are right.... its addictive!! going back for halloween this year also we stayed at the port orleans riverside, and we really liked it. i would suggest this resort for your first time, even though we are staying at the AKL this year. just be sure to ask for a room close to the lobby and the bus stop!! trust me, this is a vast resort! i think going to WDW for the first time as an adult might be better than going as a child because you paid for it all, and by gosh you appriciate things like that more!! also, do your research,do your research, do your research!!! you will get soooo much more if you know what you are doing! ( i could have written a travel book with all the info i found )

 

[magsmom]

My 1st trip (I'm 39) was in March 2002. We loved it so much we went 2 times last year, then ended up buying at SSR. Our 1st trip on property was at CBR and we loved it ... As you can see, our next trip is coming to WL very, very soon!



Welcome to the boards! Between here, mousesavers.com, and allearsnet, there is a wealth of information.

 

[susy]

I would go early December.

Low crowds, good weather and all of the decorations and festivities are going on.

We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge over Thanksgiving. It was so magical!!! I can't think of a better place to spend the holidays!

 

[Vavasmon]

We went to Disney the first time in Dec 2001 - It was beautiful that time of year. Since my daughter is in school we can only go during breaks.

We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge the first time this coming April. I am very excited about the trip.

If you are concerned about the cost I would agree with the Port Orleans suggestions. We stayed in the French Quarter 4 weeks before it was closed for rennovations last year. We loved the resort. Both Riverside and the FQ have wonderful pools (since they are considered 1 resort guests can use both). The boat ride to Downtown Disney was a lot of fun (but not the fastest way to get there). They were also offering carrage rides in the evening last year (not sure if they still do).

The grounds were beautifully landscaped and the service was excellent. SOme of the guide books state that the bus service is a negative. We had a wonderful experience with the buses. The only wait over 10 minutes we had was for a bus back on night as the Magic Kingdom was closing.

While I have never stayed there the new Pop Centry sounds very cool. We found the All Star rooms (same size as the POP) to be a little crowed for the 3 of us. I know other people have not had that problem.

Since you are going in December - try and go as early in the month as possible. It is more crowed the closer to Christmas. The two most memorable holiday events we did was: resort hop to see the decorations and seeing the Holidays around the world presentations at EPCOT. The one thing I wished we had done was the candlelight processional (CP). My daughter was ill the night I had planned it so we had to skip it.

Happy Planning - any trip to Disney is magical

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hi! Welcome to the WDW lovefest, as once you go, you will be hooked!

Our first stay in 1996 was at Dixie Landings, which is now called Port Orleans Riverside (POR) and as all the previous posters have attested, this is a beautiful resort. We have started going deluxe, but have thought about POR each time.

My advice is to accept that you will not be able to see and do everything on your first trip. WDW is so huge, overwhelmingly so for a first timer, and each park is so elaborately themed, you cannot expect to be able to see everything all at once! Read as much as you can, and then choose what your "must-sees" are, then try to relax and take it all in. Be sure to take breaks at your resort during the day - this makes all the difference between truly having fun, and "having today's fun" that you feel you must fit in because you have paid so much!!

Have a great trip, you are going to love it!

 

[TeresaNJ]

Just wanted to say "Welcome to the DIS" JFMorgan!! You will find a vast amount of info here to help plan your trip and make the best decisions. We all would love to help you, but need a little more info. First off, who all are going, and what ages. That may come into play when deciding on a resort. The other big factor is cost. How much are you willing to pay? I have always stayed deluxe, except for one time at POFQ, and the rest of my stays have been at the Home Away From Home resorts. I thought POFQ was quite lovely, and would try any of the moderates. I'm a little reluctant about the value resorts, as I'm use to a patio or balcony and really enjoy that and use it, not to mention a little more space, but for a short trip could live without it. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you'd like, you won't find a friendlier bunch of Disney lovers anywhere else.

 

[Connears]

Welcome,
You will have fun researching and these boards are very helpful. We are DVC members and have stayed there since we joined in 1994, but this year, we rented our points and stayed at the Swan. If you are a teacher, nurse or government employee, you get great discounts and even during the holidays(WDW discounts stop around 12/24 check-in);we were there 12/28-1/02/04. Teachers include college professors(like me) and nurses may include other hospital employees. If you fit any of these categories its a great savings and the Swan and Dolphin are wonderful hotels with great locationnear Boardwalk and Yacht/Beach club(Epcot area) and transportation(WDW buses-AK, MK and boats to MGM, Epcot) and wonderful restaurants, pools, etc. You also have early entrance privilages as other WDW resorts. The Swan is a Westin hotel and to get it for $149/night is a steal(that's a moderate rate at WDW hotel). We upgraded to club level which was wonderful. Join Starwood preferred and you could get upgraded compli. If you have Entertainment discount book, there are also discount at Swan/Dolphin using these. Anywhere you stay, its magical at christmas time. Hve fun.
Connears

 

[arielfan]

This is the best place to get help, our first trip was last year and we went twice we loved it so much...The best time to go in Dec. the first week no crowds at all and you can enjoy your trip more..
Just remember your only in your room to sleep and shower the first trip we stayed at Allstar Movies, we loved it and the 2nd trip we stayed at CBR we loved it also, were going back this Dec. the same time and were going to stay at Movies again...

 

[airhead]

The info you'll get here will help you plan everything!!!.


airhead

 

[JFMorgan]

I'm sorry...I forgot to mention that it is only my husband and I who are making this trip to disney!

I can't wait...all of your responses have been very very helpful!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

JFMorgan -

If it is just you and DH, I would suggest the Poly - it is so lovely and romantic there!! It is however one of the most expensive resorts, so I would keep watch on mousesavers.com for codes and AP rates.

We went this past Dec. 8-13 and I have to agree with PP's this is the best time to go. Beautiful decorations, good weather, and low crowds!!

 

[Grumpy92]

Welcome,
I would suggest ordering the free vacation planning video/dvd from wdw. It gives a good overview of the parks, resorts and activies. This can easily be done on the wdw website and take 3-4 wks to arrive.
You dont need the books but have to say that the Unofficial guide gives some great tips.

WL is a beautiful resort and especially so at xmas time.

Dec is a wonderful time to visit as you will get to enjoy the holiday festivities. All the resorts will be decorated so allow yourself some time to visit a few. Think about the Candlelight Processional dinner pkg. It is well worth the $$ and the show is phenomenal. You also might enjoy the Yultide tour which is a backstage look at how they decorate the place. Hopefully the Osbourne lights will return next year as they are the most incredible xmas light display you have ever seen.

Think about PS for the restaurants. You really wont need them unless you are going during a holiday, want to eat at 7pm, want to do a character meal or one of the popular restaurants.
Popular Restaurants: Cal Grill, Cindys, Narcoosees, WC, Le Cellier, Sci Fi, 50s PT or Flying Fish.
If you can swing the expense Cal Grill is great and has a wonderful view.

Most importantly keep the questions coming these people give the best advice.

 

[PamNC]

Welcome! I'll bet once you visit you'll be addicted like the rest of us. I suggest that you do a lot of research. Disney can be overwhelming and the planning and learning is part of the fun. Visit these boards often. Buy a Birnbaum Guide. Go on the official website. Visit mousesavers.com for money saving tips.

As far as where to stay - you can't go wrong if you stay on-site. The resorts you've mentioned are great. Figure out what you can afford and what theme you would prefer.

Oh - go to the official site and order a Vacation Planning Video.

You can really enjoy the process of planning your December trip.

have fun - see you on the boards.

PamNC