HELP (info) requested for family going to WDW for 1st time.

[Cinderellie]

Hi everyone,
I’ve just discovered this great site! I’m Laurie & I live near Toronto, Ontario (in Canada). My hubby, 12 year old daughter & I will be driving to DW Florida in less than 3 weeks. Of course, we are very excited to say the least.
I’m wondering if some of you would be kind enough to give me some comments on our plans & any tips in order to maximize our fun, while minimizing our stress, time in lines & $$ flowing out of our wallets! This is our first trip to DW (I went once as a teenager, but it was with a group & I didn’t have to do the planning or make many decisions. My parents were footing the bill then too, so guess that makes a difference as well).

Here’s an overview of our plans at this point:
Friday 21st
Leave home – stay overnight in Motels on Friday & Saturday nights.

Sunday April 23rd
Arrive at Fort Wilderness on Sunday afternoon & set up camp (Reservations made).
Go into Magic Kingdom Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 12:00am (Evening Extra Magic Hours)
9pm "SpectroMagic" Parade
10pm Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular

Monday, April 24th
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 6:00pm (Morning Extra Magic Hours)
Kilimanjaro Safaris® Run & Do (or get Fastpass 1st thing – animals are more active in morning…)
4pm Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade
Return to campsite for shower & get ready for dinner.
6:45 Arrive @ Fort Wilderness: Pioneer Hall Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (starts 7:15)
(Reservations made)

Tuesday, April 25th
Disney-MGM Studios
Park Hours: 9:00am - 8:30pm
5pm Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade
8:30pm Fantasmic!

Wednesday, April 26th
Epcot®
Park Hours: Future World: 9:00am - 7:00pm.
World Showcase: 11:00am - 9:00pm
Special Events: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 9am - 9pm
Have a field day as Epcot® celebrates spring with a colorful array of fragrant flowers, gorgeous gardens and "toon"-ful topiaries. (Has anyone been? Is it good?)
2:25 Arrive @ Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Location: Norway Pavillion @ Epcot. For Princess Lunch (Reservations made for 2:35)
9pm: IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

Thursday, April 27th
Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 11:00pm (Morning Extra Magic Hours)
3pm Share A Dream Come True Parade
7pm @ Polynesian Resort - Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
(Reservations made)

Friday, April 28th
Pack up & leave campsite. Checkout & drive truck & trailer over to parking lot of Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Arrive about 8:45 for 9am entry.
Park Hours: 10:00am - 6pm (Morning Extra Magic Hours)
Stop for dinner out of the park? (Any suggestions where? We’re heading North. Not too expensive, but nice.) Arrive back home on Sunday afternoon.

- What are the must do rides or events at the parks we are going to?
- Do you see any problems with this plan? Anything we should & may not know?
- Any tips on using Fastpass or minimizing waits?
- Can anyone tell me when the showers are closed for cleaning @ Fort Wilderness & when the lineups are longest or shortest to use them?
- Other than seeing the "SpectroMagic" Parade and the Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular, are there any other things we should do on Sunday evening at Magic Kingdom that we’d miss when we go on Thursday during the day (going to Polynesian Resort for dinner) or to make our Thursday trip better?
- Any suggestions from those of you who have gone before would be most appreciated. Please post a reply and/or send me a PM.
HUGE THANKS!! Cinderellie

 

[Robo]

Thursday, April 27th
Magic Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 11:00pm (Morning Extra Magic Hours)
3pm Share A Dream Come True Parade
7pm @ Polynesian Resort - Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
(Reservations made)

Hang around the Poly after the Luau show and watch Wishes at 10pm form the Poly's beach. Just find the "sweet spot" by walking along the sidewalk next to the beach until the castle becomes clear of the trees and obstructions.
You will be AMAZED at how much bigger (REALLY BIGGER) the fireworks look from here.
You can also see Wishes from FtW where you are staying, but its not nearly as much fun when you can't see the castle at the same time.

 

[Robo]

Monday, April 24th
Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park
Park Hours: 9:00am - 6:00pm (Morning Extra Magic Hours)
Kilimanjaro Safaris® Run & Do (or get Fastpass 1st thing – animals are more active in morning…)
4pm Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade
Return to campsite for shower & get ready for dinner.
6:45 Arrive @ Fort Wilderness: Pioneer Hall Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (starts 7:15)
(Reservations made)

Yes, the Safari in the morning is great.

The obvious new thing to "DO" here is the just-opened (April 7) Expedition Everest coaster.
It has gotten rave reviews (including from me) from even folks who are not "coaster fans" due to EE's creativity of design and its smooth (non-stomach-churing) ride.

 

[Robo]

We've been to Epcot at "Flower" time and its very beautiful (expecially if you're a gardener or outdoor-type.)
There are the free "Flower Power" concerts every day.
But, you're probably too young to remember any of the acts that are featured.
The day you are there its "The Buckinghams".
These are very short (30-45 minutes) concerts but (if you know any of these acts) they are FUN (and very popular).

>>>>>>>>>>>

You have done a GREAT job of putting these plans together.

I know you'll wish you had MORE DAYS because you'll have so much fun!

But that just means... YOU'LL HAVE TO COME BACK AGAIN!

BTW:
Be sure to mention, when asked, (and there are plenty of occastions) that you're from Canada (lots of folks at WDW are) but ALSO say from WHERE in Canada... we "southerners" below the border need to learn more about your beautiful country!

 

[MommaluvsDis]

Your plans sound great! I'm glad to see that you've allowed 2 days for MK because you'll need them! I see you're taking advantage of EM hours and that's a good thing. Just know that when you go for fast passes you have to put each person's park ticket into the machine to get the passes out. One pass per ticket.

I suggest on the AK, MGM, and Epcot days you go back to FW in the late afternoon to rest or relax a little and then return to the parks in the evening for the nighttime fireworks, dinner ressies and parades. You're not going to see and do it all in one trip but your plan is pretty comprehensive and that's wonderful. However, you'd be surprised how just a couple hours to rest, nap, or float in the FW pool will rev you up and get you refreshed. My mistake when we first went was not figuring down time in. We were worn out and grouchy by day 3! You don't want everyone fussing with each other! Remember to "smell the roses" at the Flower and Garden Festival!

 

[TastefullyChris]

Also, on the night you are doing the Poly Luau...if you are hanging around after to check out Wishes, you might also want to see if they are still running the Electrical Water Pageant. I think it circles the MK stopping at CR, Poly, GF and maybe FW around 9 or 9:30. It is not as huge and spectacular as Spectro, but is cute and worth seeing!

Have an awesome time...your plans look great! We will be there the week after...arriving on Fri. 4/28 staying at CSR. Can't wait!

 

[WEDWDW]

WELCOME!You have really done your homework!That is a great plan.I just have a few suggestions for your Epcot day.At park opening,go STRAIGHT to Soarin'.It is VERY popular and AWESOME!If you like,you can also get a Soarin' FASTPASS upon exiting the attraction and ride it again later in the day with little wait. If the band Off Kilter is playing on the day you are at Epcot,I think you would really enjoy them.You can find them in "your" pavilion-CANADA!Also,there will be three Flower Power concerts in conjunction with the Flower And Garden Festival.I am not sure which band will be there that day,but it will be the same band for all three shows.These shows are free and a lot of fun.Finally,I also would suggest taking a couple of hours of "downtime" to return to Fort Wilderness to swim,shower,nap,etc.A short break from the Parks can really recharge and refresh.Fort Wilderness is WONDERFUL!Have fun and let us hear from you when you return.

 

[Cinderellie]

I want to thank everyone who has already posted ideas for us. Yes, we've done some homework, but it's hard to make great plans when we haven't been there before (ok I did many years ago, but that doesn't really count as I didn't do the planning & many areas of the park weren't even built yet). Your suggestions are very valuable & appreciated. ANY OTHER IDEAS??
My hubby & daughter are waiting for me to play Scrabble so I have to go for now. Look forward to hearing from others & maybe meeting some of you at some time... Cinderellie

 

[kittythepoohbear]

Hello and Welcome! It sounds like you have a great plan. Heed the warnings of the other posters and don't try to do too much in one day. It is really tempting since there is so much to do, but too much commando-style touring can leave everyone grouchy and sore. Plus I find it makes the vacation seem so much faster when you are on the run for 12 hours a day. Take the time to enjoy the different resorts, especially the monorail resorts. A great mini-break from the day is to take the monorail from the Magic Kingdom to the Grand Floridian, the Poly, or the Contemporary resort for lunch (Try Chef Mickey's for a character buffet or Kona Cafe for a nice bite)or a just a cool drink in the lounge area. It is a great way to get off your feet and into the air conditioning for a while without having to schlep to FW and back to the park. My sis and I really enjoyed the hour and a half we spent at the lounge in the Contemporary, drinking sodas, having some munchies and watching the monorail go by. It will also allow you to see the different resort which can be very interesting on their own.
In Epcot, don't miss Impressions de France in the French Pavillion. It is a lovely movie and you get to sit down unlike the movies in China and Canada. Epcot is a HUGE park and can be difficult to see in one day. You didn't mention if you have hopper passes, but if you do it may be worth it to hop to Epcot on Thursday if you get to see everything you want in MK. You can always take the monorail to the Poly for your dinner reservations. BTW - I was thinking of seeing the Spirit of Aloha show when I visit in September. Please post a review of it when you get back!
Enjoy your trip!

PS - please do not hold the Canada movie against us - we know that it is old and a bit out of touch. But take heart that "your" pavillion is one of the prettiest in the World Showcase!

 

[Wendy1953]

Welcome to the Dis Boards, and have a magical trip! I didn't see that you had all your advanced dining reservations (you did mention some)....be sure to make reservations for all your meals (especially character ones)! The rest of your plan looks great....suggest Expedition Everest at AK...newest ride in WDW (plan on fast passes)....Soarin in Epcot...epcots newest ride and wonderful....MGM...great movie ride and you already have fantasmic in your plans!...MK...dumbo, splash mountain, peter pan's flight (don't forget to visit Wendy and Peter Pan across from the Pirates of Carribbean)..have you thought about taking a tour? The Family Magic Tour in MK is great!

May this be the first of many magical visits!

 

[YesYourMajesty]

Your plans look good. My advice would be to allow yourself enough breathing time to enjoy yourself. I realize time is limited, but WDW can very easily seem like bootcamp if you dont pace yourself. Another thing I would advise would be to bring the moleskin patches with you. Carry them with you in the park. If you develop a blister, this will come in as a lifesaver. Also, last I checked most, if not all, counter service restaurants offer ice water at no charge.

- What are the must do rides or events at the parks we are going to?
Our must do rides are: AK - Dinosaur Epcot - Mission Space for my husband and Soarin for me. We also love to linger in the shops in the World Showcase-so much cool stuff to look at. MGM - Rock N Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror MK - Mad Tea Party, Splash Mountain and Space Mountain.
- Do you see any problems with this plan? Anything we should & may not know? If you have time, and the money, I would reccommend Cirque du Soleil in DTD. It is amazing, but expensive. Maybe 200.00 for the three of you...pure guess.
- Any tips on using Fastpass or minimizing waits?- This is such a crap shoot. Sometimes, for some rides, FP are gone by noon. Other days, they are not. You have to play this by ear. You need to allow yourself to be flexible and not expect to be able to do things in a certain order. Also, we have found that in eating at counter service restaurants, it is always quicker to go to a cashier on the left side of the entry. Somehow, we have decided, that is most peoples natural reaction to turn right, therfore we turn left. Often, no one will be at the left side of the restaurant, and 10 people will be in line on the right side. Strange isnt it?
- Other than seeing the "SpectroMagic" Parade and the Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular, are there any other things we should do on Sunday evening at Magic Kingdom that we’d miss when we go on Thursday during the day (going to Polynesian Resort for dinner) or to make our Thursday trip better?- If you have time, try to ride in the front car of the monorail. Take a trip all the way around. It is a whole new perspective. If you are able, go to the Wilderness Lodge. Have a meal there or just look around. It is a wonderful place.

Have a good trip!

 

[TinkerKim]

I 2nd the Soaring and Expedition Everest rides, both are awesome. Make sure if you are traveling by the bus system, you give yourself a little extra time. We had to wait a few times on the buses. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your reservations, sometimes you have to go to the transportation area to change buses or catch the monorail.
Have a wonderful time, we just got back Saturday from our first trip. It was the best vacation we have ever had, hands down. Have a blast!!!