Helpppppppp

[PumpkinPrincess]

Hi we(myself,DH,DS,DS,DD) are leaving Sept 21th and I just found this wonderful place(DISBoards.com) I am so overwhelmed and I and not sure where to start and what I really need to know before I go. First time we are staying on site(Pop Century) 1st time MNSSHP and 1st time for IFAWF. Can anyone help?

 

[mytwinklestar]

I found the Dis about two years ago and cannot imagine how I ever made it without the Dis! Use the search to find tips/hints/info for whatever topic you are interested. There are no better, more helpful, happy people that these Dis members. Welcome!

 

[WillCAD]

Sounds like you're panicing, and you really don't need to.

Planning a trip to WDW is like planning a trip anywhere else.

Start with the basics:

1) Where am I going?
2) When am I going, and for how long?
3) How am I getting there?
4) Where am I staying?
5) What will I do when I am there?

The answers to each of these questions will probably lead to more questions, but it's a linear progression that you can handle more easily by keeping it simple and addressing each issue one at a time.

Your short, 1-paragraph post answered some of these questions already:

1) You are going to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
2) You are going on Sept 21. You didn't say how long.
3) You didn't say how you're getting there.
4) You're staying at Disney's Pop Century Resort.
5) You're going to enjoy the WDW theme parks, the International Food & Wine Festival, and Mickey's Not So Scary Haloween Party.

I imagine that you probably know the answers to those questions that I couldn't answer, and that info was simply not in your post. So you have the basics covered; everything else is just details.

Come back with some more detailed questions about each topic, and you'll get plenty of useful information.

 

[Aliceacc]

I am SO not the right person to be answering your questions, since it's been 17 years since my first trip. Yet I continue to type away

You didn't mention the ages of your kids, or whether or not you're on the meal plan... Let the peole here know and they'll come up with some great ideas for you.

Without that info, the best advice I can give you is this:
If you're planning any table service meals, you'll want ADR's (Advanced Dining Reservations.) It's late if you don't have any yet, but you probably still want to look into it, even if it means "brunch" or a mid afternoon meal at the restaurant of your choice. There seem to be so many wonderful restaurants at WDW that it would be a shame to miss out because you couldn't get in to any of them. Look at the restaurant reviews, get on the phone, and make reservations for at least one or two.

 

[PumpkinPrincess]

Thanks, I have all the basics down. Where I am going how I am getting there,where we are staying, We have priority seating for one table service meal every day for all ten days of our trip. My DS's are 7 and 5 and my DD will be turning one while we are there. We have seating for the Luau. We are celebrating our 8th Anniv. on the 25th. Maybe I am just freaking out but I just can't shake the feeling that I am missing something or tips that could make this trip an even better experience. Sorry if I didn't post my concerns in the right place, but I am still learning about computers as well as this site. Any special tips or advice that is a must see or do would be great. For now I will keep looking around. Only six more days, Thanks Maggie

 

[KKB]

If you have time to check these boards out this week, great. If not, you are still sure to have a wonderful time!
Be sure to check out these boards:
--WDW tips (here! )
--WDW for families
--Theme parks & activities

If you have time: check out the restaurant board (I have been reading reviews for months...there are definitely lots of opinions, both good & bad, about each restaurant. So read all of these with a grain of salt.
Also check out the POP thread under the resort board (we are staying there, too!..Oct. 21 for us!)

The key is to relax...10 days leaves you so much time to enjoy everything (but don't feel the NEED to do everything).

My best advice: take daily naps (ESSENTIAL with the ages of your children...my children are 12/9/7 and we will either do early to bed or naps daily)

If you should stumble across a great tip here, super! But your trip will NOT be worse if you miss something.

Good luck! Let us know if we can answer any questions!

 

[coolbeans]

6 more days!!! Maggie, you should be packing!!!

just kidding, relax, you have some meals planned so you know where you will be on each day...just enjoy!

and take lots of pictures...

and don't forget diapers...

 

[Donald is #1]

Let's see, you have the most important things done. You already have your ADRs so you should be all set.

My advice is:
1) Remember that you will not see everything!
2) Take some time to relax and soak in the atmosphere
3) Have fun!
4) Remember that you can have your purchases in the park sent back to your resort.
5) Have fun!

 

[IggyLans]

Thanks, I have all the basics down. Where I am going how I am getting there,where we are staying, We have priority seating for one table service meal every day for all ten days of our trip. My DS's are 7 and 5 and my DD will be turning one while we are there. We have seating for the Luau. We are celebrating our 8th Anniv. on the 25th. Maybe I am just freaking out but I just can't shake the feeling that I am missing something or tips that could make this trip an even better experience. Sorry if I didn't post my concerns in the right place, but I am still learning about computers as well as this site. Any special tips or advice that is a must see or do would be great. For now I will keep looking around. Only six more days, Thanks Maggie

We will be leaving for WDW on the 21st as well! Sounds like you have everything pretty well set! You will have a great time, and Happy 1st Birthday to your DD, and Happy Anniversary to you and your DH! Relax!

 

[Donald is #1]

Let's see, you have the most important things done. You already have your ADRs so you should be all set.

My advice is:
1) Remember that you will not see everything!
2) Take some time to relax and soak in the atmosphere
3) Have fun!
4) Remember that you can have your purchases in the park sent back to your resort.
5) Have fun!

6) Remember to use Fast Passes often
7) Remember to use Photo pass



PumpkinPrincess, do you know how to use FP & Photopass?

 

[Elmo888]

Do you have any books? I really appreciated the Unofficial Guide to WDW. Since much of your trip is planned, you could just read the chapters that you need (for example, touring). It was a great help.

In addition watching to the DISboards mentioned, I would do a searches on the topics that interest you (MNSHHP, etc.) That might help with some tips.

If you are on the Disney Dining Plan (DDP), read that board. If you are on DDP, it helps to know two things...

First, check your receipts to make sure that they charge to the DDP and not to your room. If you don't catch at the restaurant, your resort can fix it for you.

Second, always tell the restaurant that you are on the DDP when you hand them your card (if not before).

Just relax - it sounds like you did a lot of planning and I'm sure that you will have a great trip!

 

[Safari Queen]

You're going at a great time for low crowds. Relax, take time to enjoy instead of doing a death march from one attraction to another. One IF&WF tip...don't go on the weekend, wait until Monday for shorter lines 'cuz local folks hit Epcot hard on weekends.