How much advice do you give newbies?

[epcotobsessed]

When friends or family ask you for advice in planning their first Disney trip, how much do you tell them? I would be happy planning an entire trip for someone else - resorts, ADRs, FPs, touring plan, etc - taking all of their requests/likes/dislikes into account, of course, but feel that you have to actually be there for most Disney 'stuff' to make sense and over planning your first trip can actually backfire. Just curious what others think/do in this situation.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

In real life, I do not let on about any Disney knowledge level very much.

I may answer some basic questions or give ideas if asked, but I stay away from detailed planning, for the most part. The way people tour and why Disney does/doesn’t work for all of us is so different, and I don’t necessarily want to be held responsible for someone else’s success/happiness on (what can be an expensive) vacation!

 

[marcyleecorgan]

I ask the basics:

where are you lodging? do you have any plans for food? do you know how the FP+ system works?

then I give them REALLY basic info on where to find the details they need for planning. I don't go all full-blast infomercial on them unless they are lamenting about something, like getting crazy conflicting info from CM's or talking about a program that was phased out a few years back.

Most people either start to feel uncomfortable with my excitement about Disney planning, or they feel like the entire trip is already overwhelming and they haven't even made reservations yet.

 

[nooneshome]

I just give them the basic info. I don't want to plan anyone's trip but I would like to help them have a good time. Oh, and I always recommend they check out the DIS.

 

[Ben E N]

I always tell them to load up on Disney Giftcards at target. Everybody likes the 5% savings that I bring up. Other than that, yeah, just make sure they get the 180 and 60 day deadlines and what they have to do for them, and then offer to help if any specific questions come up.

 

[Tksolomom]

I always tell them about fastpasses and what rides I think can or cannot be missed based on the group going. I recommend rope drop if they can do it. I also mention 180 ADR if they want a character meal. If people ask for more information or help with the fastpass selections, I am happy to ho help, but only if asked.

 

[Wild4Walt]

I give them the basics. I'll explain about the resort types and guide them to websites to help them make their decisions, after all - it's their vacation. Tips like decent shows or something that I think may really spark their interest I let them know about and let them be the deciding factor.

I, personally, wouldn't want to plan someone else vacation that I wouldn't be a part of. Too many pitfalls even with the best of advise/intentions.