how to hit MK with a first timer?

[Philadisney]

Well not a FIRST timer, but DBF has not been to WDW in about 15 years. I spent four months living there on the WDW College Program in college and visited many other times on vacations, so I'm a bit of a commando. I'm not too worried about the other parks, but with MK I am concerned which direction should I go in first to ensure that we are able to hit all the attractions (we will only have one, MAYBE one and a half days at MK) - without making poor DBF feel like he is being dragged here there and backwards without being able to relax? Any attractions that I should make a beeline for to grab a FP, or will we be OK just wandering in a circle starting in Adventureland?

 

[LaurieG]

When are you going?

 

[Addicted2TheMouse]

Hmm... I think that depends on waht you're DBF is like. I just went with my DH for his first trip last week and he was unimpressed with MK. He's a 26 year old guy and MK just wasn't his thing. How old is your DBF? Anyway, I'd start with Space Mountain and Splash Mountain, riding one and FastPassing the other then just make your way around in a circle.

BTW, my DH really liked MGM and I wish we would have had time for a 2nd day or at least another 1/2 day there.

 

[Disney Fool]

Sometimes when you're so used to everything, you forget how to see things through a newcomer's eyes. I feel your pain! But, I think that's the key. Try to find enjoyment yourself in watching him experience everything brand new. Go at a slower pace and stop and smell the roses. Make a mental map of the park, and in each land, pick out the highlights of what you'd like him to experience. Don't forget Buzz Lightyear's space ranger spin. Have a contest as to who gets more points. But at the same time, remember to point out the little things that most people miss, such as:
Lady and the Tramp's footprints in a valentine heart carved in the sidewalk right in front of Tony's TownSquare Restaurant.
Or the wedding ring embedded in the walkway at Haunted Mansion
How about listening for the tap dancing, and singing lessons in the alcove off Main street. Speaking of Main Street, allow him time to take in the Main Street entertainers--it's all part of the magic!
If you know where it is, lead him to the abandoned paintbrush and bucket on Tom Sawyer's Island.
Have him make his own concoction of an ice cream sandwich on Main street. Take time to listen to the piano player at Casey's.
NEVER, EVER refer to MK as "the children's park" SO NOT TRUE!
Above all, go there determined to have fun, and you will.

 

[salmoneous]

Just make sure that your DBF really does want to "see all the attractions", rather than just relaxing and having a good time hanging out with his DGF.

 

[Terry in NJ]

DD (9) and I have the best system !!!!!!

If you want to drive the racecars on the speedway (no fastpass, so you MUST do that right away or the lines are awful) and do Space Mountain,
do those FIRST. Skip everything else, you're coming back.

Skip Mickey's Toontown, save for later if time, it's probably not open yet anyway.

Then continue around to the left and do everything you wish in FantasyLand, then get out of there ASAP before the mobs of strollers descend --- it gets crowded and HOT. Don't miss Mickey's Philharmagic or you'll have a tough time getting in later.

Then we continue left to Haunted Mansion and Frontierland. We get a FastPass for either Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, whichever wait is longer and go on the shorter one. Off the ride, then do the other with the FastPass, or do lunch, waiting for the FastPass.

Continue left to Pirates of the Caribbean, then a fast pass for Jungle Cruise if the wait is too long. Have a dole whip swirl while waiting !! Tiki Birds ALWAYS get fit in.

Cross Main Street to finish Tomorrowland. Get Buzz FP, then do Carousel of Progress and/or Tomorrowland Transit Authority while waiting. Pick up a FP for Stitches' Great Escape.

Finish up w/ Hall of Presidents if you wish. Or save time for the afternoon parade in between all this.

My daughter and I have been going 3 times a year for the last 5 years, and this system works FANTASTIC for us. We're doing it again next Saturday !!!!!!!!!!

Toodles ! Terry in NJ

 

[Philadisney]

thank you for the advice everyone! those are some great tips. i should have explained that DBF is a big ride junkie so I'm not worried about him not being into MK - this entire trip was actually his idea! what a sweetie i guess basically i want to take our time and move at a relaxing pace as much as possible, but i know he wants to ride all of the mountains, and my fear is we'll be stuck with a huge wait for any of those rides because we didn't FP them properly. we'll be going the third week of may (NOT overlapping with memorial day weekend thank goodness, the week before). i suppose reading all the trip reports on these boards where people say things like "first we beelined for Splash, FP'd it and ran across the park to Space, then hit Buzz and ran back to Splash FP'ing Philharmagic on the way" has just made me nervous that we will not have enough time to do anything, but I certainly don't want to make him (or myself) do all that racing around! i really appreciate all of your tips and reassurance, thank you.