Help for first time adult travelers..

[mouseketeer_mom]

Hi there. I was wondering if you folks could help me out. Here's the short version.

We (hubby, kids and me) took our first WDW vacation last year. I spent over a year planning. I feel pretty confident in the basics of a WDW vacation for a family with small kids.

But.... my parents have decided to take an unplanned trip this Feb. This is their first EVER trip to WDW. They booked just last week.

My question is this.... What might the adult traveler enjoy that I might not have known about traveling with small kids? Anything a must do for adults?

They arrive in AM on 2/11 and leave PM 2/16, they are staying at BWV, dining plan, and 6 day hoppers. They have made 3 or 4 dinner reservations for places that they really wanted to try. In case it matters, they have no health issues, mid-fifties, physically fit, and a flexible budget. Any suggestions?

OT: I can not begin to fathom that these people, who gave birth to the most overplanning freak ever to grace the planet, just woke up last week and said "let's go to Disney, we'll leave in 4 weeks and just wing it!"
Then my mother says to me,the aforementioned overplanning freak, very casually, "you think you could help me come up with some sort of flexible plan for this trip?" .... Can I come up with a plan??? CAN I COME UP WITH A PLAN!?!?

Thanks!

 

[Imagination]

Any plan you do, try not to force feed them with it. I have gone so many times, but once I planned out down to the half-hour, color coded, excel spreadsheet. I planned, but used the plan only as a suggestion and not as a must do. Worst type of trip imho is one that is micromanaged to the point someone feels they must do everything in their plan and furthermore do it exactly when they planned it. Remember it is a vacation.....ok...more directly to the question:

Cirque Du Soliel - If they never seen or been to this, it's a must.

Boat Trip out to into the lake to watch the fireworks. Alternately if you plan a california grill meal at the right time, sip some wine and watch the castle while hearing the soundtrack as fireworks go off.

Extra Magic hours at the Magic Kingdom...Frontierland has no rides open then and is partly closed, but is a nice quiet place for a couple to walk through perhaps on way to pirates.

Catch the movie outside by the lake at Beach and Yacht club ..if it is warm enough.

Don't forget about EPCOT Illuminations and Disney Studios Fantasmic(Usually good to get the meal combo for it so that one can guarantee seating)

Sounds like they have meals planned out already, but if not, and spending a good deal of money on a meal doesn't cause indigestion, then Vistoria and Alberts (Proper Atire required). Menus with their names on it and a rose for her.


So many things one can do as a adult couple, I could go on and on.



Imagination(....who is solo....lol)

 

[Chellymouse]

The best way to help them plan is by their interests. Do they like to ride and what types of rides? Would they rather see shows? How much time are they planning on spending in the parks? Do they like to dance? Do they golf or prefer other recreation? By answering these questions, you will best able to help them plan for their time.
If they want to ride, give them the best rides in each of the parks and then once they've done those, take time to go back and do some of the things they've missed. If they like shows, Hollywood Studios is the best place for the most shows, but don't miss the Fireworks at MK and Illuminations at Epcot! Pleasure Island is a great time for adults with a wide variety of clubs and experiences if they are looking for some nightlife. The Atlantic Dance Hall over at the Boardwalk is a popular hang out for the "over 40" crowd also.
Also remember that with only 6 days, there is NO WAY they are going to be able to take advantage of everything WDW has to offer, so it's best to go on what their expecations are. There is a great new link on the WDW website that helps "first timers" to plan their experience and there is a section for adults not travelling with children. I would highly recommend spending some time on the website, or ordering the free video, so they can see what is available prior to their arrival!

 

[buena vista]

If they only have 5 full days, I think they should keep it simple and stick to the basics and that's to plan a day (morning-afternoon) in each of the 4 major theme parks, with some time in the late afternoons to return to the villas for a dip in the pool and/or shower and change for their dinner plans. With early magic hours, they can get the head start they'll need to take their time discovering the magic at their own pace and before the parks fill up. So I'd start by planning the days around the EMH hours. I still do . As they're staying at BWV, they'll be able to move fairly quickly to and from Epcot and MGM, so that shouldn't be a problem. As for particular attractions or events, I don't think it really matters - you have some time to discuss the must do's with them based on what they enjoy. IMHO, two attractions they shouldn't miss are the American Adventure in Epcot and the Carousel of Progress in MK. As adults, I think they'll really appreciate those. I think the Hall of Presidents is also good for the same reason.

Next, I'd plan the evenings around their dinner plans, so they can enjoy some of the night magic - illuminations, fireworks, etc. I'd also make time to enjoy some of the night life at the Boardwalk. One of the best evenings I had at WDW was drinking and singing at Jelly Rolls with friends until we were hoarse.

I'd never been to WDW as a kid, but my parents took me and my sibs on many many other fabulous vacations. When I bought my DVC membership several years ago, one of the things I did was to take my parents - They loved it so much, they booked a return trip the following year on their own to Port Orleans. It's never too late to enjoy WDW. I hope they have a wonderful time!

 

[meme51]

CIRQUE DU SOLIEL. It may not be in the budget for a family with kids, but it's perfect for 2 adults. I've been to Disney multiple times too, and I have to say this show impressed me the most. It is truly amazing!

 

[pixiestyx]

I second what everyone else has said. My hubby and I also enjoy heading over to DTD and renting a pontoon boat for a bit if we need a break from the crowds & noise. It's nice to just sit back in the sun and cruise around the quiet waterways.