Help taking 1st time Disney visitors

[Danauk]

So fellow Disney vets. If you, as seasoned Disney park lovers were to take some other adults (i.e. your parents!) for their 1st ever Disney experience what would you show them 1st? DH and I are taking my parents for their 1st ever Disney experience for their 40th wedding anniversary and we are staying at the Disneyland Hotel. We plan on heading straight into the parks as soon as we get there, so where would you take them 1st? What do you think are the 1st must sees? Where would you take them to eat? I was thinking California Grill, Inoventions, Walts but am not sure where else (we would need 4 lunches.) My mum has a bad back so thrill rides are out (although my dad might ride a few!!)
I know the parks well enough to know overall what they would enjoy. I just don't know where to start for the perfect 1st Disney experience!

So, what would you do 1st and why?

 

[Cyrano]

A wander down Main St and then catching sight of the castle

 

[Bolanette87]

Depends what time of day you're getting there.... If you get there at a mealtime, I would take them to somewhere like Walt's for lunch to get them in the mood for all things Disney....!

If not, I'd head straight for the Castle and a look round inside it- I never realised you could go in it on my first trips, so it was an absolute joy to go in this time. Plus, all the wonderful views from the Castle leave you feeling in the mood to go and explore!

Bob xoxox

 

[Danauk]

I agree the castle would be the 1st must see, after a stroll down Main Street. Then maybe a lap of the park on the train (my dad loves trains!)But what about 1st rides? I was thinking Phantom Manor, or maybe POTC. Or would you start with something else?

 

[Bolanette87]

I would do something a bit more laid back for a first ride.... Maybe something like the Storybook Boat ride? Or perhaps Peter Pan? Thats a good crowd pleaser!!

Bob xoxoxox

 

[Orion33]

hI dANA i HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN YOUR POWERPOINT SHOW!

Damned caps lock can you PM your adress please and I'll post the CD (too big to email!)

I personally would stroll up Main Street to the castle then into Fantasyland! or of not too busy get the train all the way round the park from main street so they can see what is ahead of them or even do a round robn on the train from fantasyland!

Depending on what time you get there You could always from Fantasyland go to dinner (if they are fun people I reccomend Lucky Nugget, or for something romantic and special then def Walts)

Whilst there take it easy and let them look at the map and see where they want to go, you might think they should see something because in your experience it's good, but if you had all never been there before you might look at something and all go oooh lets head for there!.

Might be nicer to plan as a family than to say we'll go here, then here, then here....like a tour guide!

Or just go with the flow and wherever your feet take you! (would def do the shows there though!)

 

[A Small World]

I would do something a bit more laid back for a first ride.... Maybe something like the Storybook Boat ride? Or perhaps Peter Pan? Thats a good crowd pleaser!!

Bob xoxoxox

We took my Mum for the first time at Christmas (although she had been to WDW) and did Small World as a first ride.

 

[Danauk]

I agree about the planning as a family. I plan to show them the guide books, maps etc and together work out what they want to do. Then they will be happy for me to plan from there as they know I would do that to the full potential!! We wil be getting to DLP about 11am. So I figured we could check into the DLH then head straight into the parks. I was thinking of Lucky Nugget for lunch then head out to the rides. I'm guessing Fantasy land will be busy so that would be best to wait until the following morning. I think the canal boats will be closed as it is October. So I think the castle, followed by a lap on the train is a must (my parents now retired help run a steam railyway - the one used as Hogwarts station in the Harry Potter films and the village there is the setting for Heartbeat on ITV.) Then I guess whatever rides they have expressed an interest in and then evening meal at Walts (if that isn't open then California Grill.)
I know what they will say though, you're paying so we will do what you want!! They are not used to being spoilt!!

Thanks for the advice so far.

 

[edinburghlass]

We took my Mum for the first time at Christmas (although she had been to WDW) and did Small World as a first ride.

I once took an elderly neighbour who knew nothing about Disney and the ride she enjoyed most was Small World and she loved Chip and Dale

 

[Danauk]

Yep, I already told DH he has to endure Its a small world! He refused to go on it last month and he is getting out of it in the summer as the one at DL is closed (much to the amusement of the DLRP CM's I found out!!)

 

[Bolanette87]

I just thought if you did a slower, calmer ride first then built up to the bigger ones, the excitement builds up too!! We started our last trip with Peter Pan, then headed over to Buzz Lightyear for lots of turns!! Another idea would be Casey Jnr if it was open....

I'd also take them to Cafe Mickey for a meal at some point.... Lots of characters for your Mum to meet there!!

Oh, I'm not much use here am I? I'm just telling you to do everything at once with them!! Lol!!

Bob xoxox