How good an advisor would you be?

[debkorb1]

I was reading the thread about advising newbies and it made me realise how much I've learned from DIS and the UG. I was thinking what were the real gems I've picked up? So here's a scenario.

You have a friend going to Disney. She is middle aged and going with her husband, adventurous teenage son and less adventurous grade school daughter. They are going in Mid-July, staying offsite (about 10-15 minutes from Disney), they have rented a car and have a 6 day park hopper, as well as a ticket for Sea World and Universal studios. Here's the catch. They are anti anti planning - adamant that they want to be 'free spirits'. She is giving you 1 minute to give her three pieces of crucial info. What would you tell her?

I'd say

1.) Going to www.touringplans.com to see which day is best (that will ensure EMH is avoided).

2.) Get to the park lot 50-60 minutes before opening, tour till twelve and then take a long break. Arrive back no earlier than 4.30.

3.) Explain Fastpass.

What would you tell her?

 

[safetymom]

1. Decide what are the must rides at each park.

2. Go with the flow. Don't feel pressured to do everything in one trip.

3. View one or all of the fireworks for a magical Disney experience.

 

[tjkraz]

1. Explain FastPass.

2. Explain Prioirty Seating.

3. Do NOT let them buy any sort of Disney vacation package (particularly with those ridiculous "add-ons".)

 

[slo]

1.) I would buy her a Birnbaum book and tell her to take it with her and refer to it when she wants to know what's what and if they should go.

2.) I would explain the transportation proceedures such as the Transportation Center and the buses and to use them with their Park Hopper tickets.

3.) I would tell her when the parades are in each park and how children her age may not be interested and how to take advantage of this time to do rides that are more jammed.

 

[kilee]

1) FASTPASS, this can help make a trip sooo much better. So many people don't get it!

2) Waiting times. For things like fireworks, parades, Fantasmic. So many people get disappointed when they arrive w/ 5 minutes to spare and they can't get a seat or even see (or can't get in for Fantasmic).

3) PS-- at busy times of year. You can wait forever as a walk-in.

 

[LindaD]

Being a free spirit is fine if you are experienced, staying on-site, and not going during the middle of the summer. That's just a recipe for disaster!
These are the people that will come back from Florida disappointed, and wondering how anyone could enjoy the theme parks. Some people, even us our first trip, need a learning experience trip.
Good Luck!

 

[debkorb1]

Just to be clear - this hypothetical person isn't me. I'm 21 with a boyfriend also 21 !

 

[RedShorts]

Save the lay-ins until you get home, don't waste time in bed.

Plan to go again because you won't fit it all in.

Persuade them to do some research. By doing this they will soon discover that you cannot possibly fit it all in and you have some sort of plan.

 

[Disney Debbie]

Originally posted by debkorb1
.

adamant that they want to be 'free spirits'. She is giving you 1 minute to give her three pieces of crucial info. What would you tell her?

I'm afraid I'd be an "advisor" with an attitude if that was HER attitude!!

I'd say - go, have fun, don't whine to me about what a disaster it was when you get home.

 

[disneymom3]

Fun thread!

Okay #1 ARRIVE EARLY and yes I say this loudly! Do not under any circumstances arrive after park opening and at the same time, do not go on EMH days. (Tried to tell our relatives this, they didn't listen!)

#2 Buy both Birnbaums and the UG and hand them to her. I think they balance each other out well.

#3 If you refuse to read the books and have some idea of what you want to do, then by all means-- Do not stand in the middle of main street and try to decide where to go, just walk and you will see something cool! (And you will avoid looking like an idiot!)

 

[Duckfan]

Okay, first I would advise her to try and get disney onsite reservation, they would have much more flexiblity if they stay on site in the summer so that they can come and go as they please.

Make sure everyone has comfortable shoes, there is more walking than people really expect and comfort is king!

If they want to be somewhat free, they should at least decide what is most important for everyone to do, and make sure those things get done first, they can then wander to their hearts content.

Drink lots of water, and try to get hungry at off times so that they won't need to be trying to find a place to eat without ps.

at least this is where I would start!

 

[cindyfan]

Obviously......if she wants to be the "free spirit" ......she won't listen to any advise......
In which case just "remind" her of these 3 things.....

1. HOT HOT HOT in July!!!

2. CROWDS CROWDS CROWDS in July!!

3. FASTPASS FASTPASS FASTPASS......might be the only thing that will save them!


Otherwise convince them to have some kind of plan.....at least a plan for "MUST SEE'S" and "WHO CARES" for each park.

Also, lots of water!! they will get awefully thirsty standing around trying to be "free spirits" and not knowing which direction to go, and not being on-site with the ability to return to the resort quickly to relax.

 

[mickeysaver]

1) Really encourage them to do some planning. If dead set against it, advise them to think about joining www.tourguidemike.com 's planning service or for free, to commit www.allearsnet.com to memory and join the Dis!

2) Fast Pass explaination

3) Don't buy a package through WDW!!!

 

[AMaloy314]

Ok, not that I'm an expert by any means, but here's my advice....


1. As a free spirit, be prepared to wait. There's lots of fun things to see while you are waiting, so plan to be patient and LOOK AROUND! (and remember to keep a positive attitude...you CHOSE to do it this way!)

2. If you get a chance, at least look at a park map ahead of time. You'll be familiar with the layout and may have an idea of "must do's". Besides, it's fun to look at all the neat things to do!

3. Read the DIS boards. Not only will you pick up information that you may or may not decide to use, but it will keep you excited about the trip! Anticipation is half the fun!!

 

[HaleyB]

I actually have a friend like that. I had to walk away.
I did manage to mention FP, and PS.