If you knew then.....

[CinderellaDreamer]

Don't underestimate how important it is to get to the parks before opening. Especially on a first trip, when you want to experience a lot of the attractions, it is incredible how much you can get done in the first hour or two.

In the same theme, do not plan a meal during the first hour or two of park opening. Either have an early breakfast before, or a small snack and late breakfast later.

This is the most valuable tip!! Get there early, do rides early, eat later! You can ride so many rides in those first two hours! Then take a nice break for a good meal.

If you haven't gotten the ADRs you wanted, check now and every day forward as so many get canceled at the last minute. I usually am able to get something fantastic a day or two in advance of all of my trips: Cinderella's Royal Table, Be Our Guest, etc.

Rent a stroller if you think your kids might possible need it. If nothing else, it's awesome to put all your non valuable stuff in: rain gear, water bottles, jackets, etc.

Layer. The weather is all over the place this time of year. And the sun can make cooler temps feel really warm there.

Go back to the resort early one afternoon and just enjoy the pool. Pick the warmest day of your trip. Let the kids swim while you lay in a chair in the sun.

Get the kids a snack around 3 pm. Preferably a Mickey bar or some other treat. They will start getting cranky and tired right about then, so get ahead of the hungry. Sit and eat it.

A good touring plan is a must for a first trip. I really liked Touring Plans. Worth the $9 to me. There are free ones.

Character meals are so worth the money if your kids like to meet characters and get autographs. Even if you don't think they would like to meet them, they just might surprise you.

Enjoy! I look back at the photos of our first trip with such fondness! It was so magical. I wish you and your family the best trip ever!!

 

[piscesmama]

If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can use Amazon Prime Now to order groceries and incidentals to be delivered to your resort. You can order from home and schedule the delivery to coincide with your arrival. Bell Services will hold it if you're not there yet. We just used this last week and it was great. Especially useful for things like bottled water and snacks.

You probably know about this already, but, just in case . . . there's a boat that goes from your resort to Disney Springs. Nice way to get there.

There are storage lockers at the front of all the parks. Useful if you're going to be out all day and into the evening, since the weather can change and you might not want to lug around your sweatshirts all day.

If there's a ride you really want to do again and you've used up your 3 FP+s, keep refreshing the app. On three different days last week I was able to score day-of FP+s for FoP, including one I scored only an hour before the FP+ time. All 3 of these FP+s were procured on days when the standby queue was between 3 and 4 hours long. In fact, one of the FP+s was gotten when the posted standby time was 5 hours. My point is that you never know. Keep trying. And, BTW, FoP is amazing.

If you're doing Soarin'--one of my faves, although FoP blows it away--ask to be seated in B1. That's where the best and least-distorted view is. Tell the CM who's directing people into the lines that you want B1 and that you're willing to wait for it. Never a problem and the CMs are always accommodating.

Remember to enjoy one of the most fun things at WDW: people-watching! And just strolling around and admiring the pretty landscaping and cool architecture. All 4 parks excel in these areas.

Have a great trip!

Soaring is one of the Fps my mom is looking forward ro...when you say B1, is rhat a specific seat orbis it a section that can seat 3? Thanks for the tips. Day 1 is a no park day...so we are planning to get on the boat to Disney Springs. And yes I am a prime member!

 

[piscesmama]

If you're using these boards, you're already ahead of the curve! However, I would echo the FP+ refresh. Over Thanksgiving week we were able to score same day FoP, 7DMT, TSMM and many others while just standing in line for other attractions.

The other piece of advice (as you appear to also be the primary planner), roll with it once you are there. If everyone is tired, take a break. If kids need to sleep in, do it. Pushing everyone too hard isn't worth it, and they'll really never know what they missed. Our best day was a day I had to completely replan because our kids needed to sleep in. I refreshed during a late unplanned breakfast, put the day back together, and everyone was in a really good place.

Have a fantastic trip!

Thanks! My DD is 11 and is already rearing to be up at 6 daily. Lol so we'll see how that goes. My mom may need to sleep in and we can certainly allow her. That's a good point though. One of my biggest fears is being COMPLETELY exhausted the day after we get back.

 

[piscesmama]

Bring a disposable poncho! I can't tell you how many times we have been so thankful we brought one, especially this time of year. Nothing is worse than being cold and wet all day. Rain, Splash Mountain, Fantasmic, etc. - having a poncho is essential! They are expensive at the parks, so I get mine at Target for $2 and bring them along.

Just mentioned to my mom...we gotta get ponchos....today. it's on our Wal-Mart list. Thanks!

 

[piscesmama]

Biggest issue we had our first time is waiting to long to eat quick service meals and not knowing ahead of time what quick service restaurants appealed to us. It is no fun when you're already hangry and wandering around a park trying to figure out where to eat. We were getting caught up in visiting all the attractions and trying to figure out food only when we could not hold off any longer. So we ended up losing time and eating whatever was close by and weren't excited about. Now we make sure we have a general idea where we will be during mealtimes and what quick service restaurants we would prefer.

I am actually worried about this. My daughter and mom think I am overplanning with Qs meals, but i just want to be prepared. Thanks for the tip! While we're at it...best QS in epcot?

 

[WDW_fan_in_TX]

My biggest piece of advice is to take a break. We went a Sun-Friday on our first trip. By Thursday, we were wore out and didn't enjoy the final 2 days. Every trip since then, we've taken an afternoon break every day. We also take a day off in the middle of the trip. We sleep in, maybe go to DS or take a late (I mean like 6 p.m.) trip to the parks and just hang around the resort most of the day.

 

[piscesmama]

Most people overpack... I rarely travel with more than a carry on, even for trips as long as 10 days or more. If there is a minimal chance I will use/need it, I don't bring it. If I do need something I can always buy it and paying resort prices for a thing here and there is not going to break the bank...and it keeps me from lugging to the airport massive amounts of things I probably don't need and won't use.

Use Uber when needed. Inexpensive and saves a lot of time.

Use RAC when leaving but skip DME and take a rideshare or car service. Gives you 2 more hours on departure day whether that is more park time or more sleep time!

As most others have mentioned, don't waste your time in standby lines. We never get in a line of over 30 minutes and never miss out on anything we want. Use MDE to get same day fastpasses and use the Lines app (from Touring Plans) to see what real wait times are and where/when fastpasses are available.

I guess that is more than one thing...

Have a great time and look for us, we arrive in 4 days... We will be the one family that refuses to wear matching t-shirts!

Thats funny. We have 1 set of matching shirts....probably only because of my poor planning.

Can you tell me the meaning of RAC...still A newbie. You raise a valid point with taking an Uber instead of the MDE to the airport. We will have to consider that.

 

[King of Naboombu]

I am actually worried about this. My daughter and mom think I am overplanning with Qs meals, but i just want to be prepared. Thanks for the tip! While we're at it...best QS in epcot?

Sunshine seasons is the best qs for quality and selection, but we love the food at La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico so we usually eat there. The first trip at Epcot we ended up just getting a hamburger in American pavilion because we had no plan, and there are so many better options in Epcot. Hope you have a great trip. Your Mom and Daughter will understand and appreciate the need for all the planning once there!

 

[piscesmama]

My biggest piece of advice is to take a break. We went a Sun-Friday on our first trip. By Thursday, we were wore out and didn't enjoy the final 2 days. Every trip since then, we've taken an afternoon break every day. We also take a day off in the middle of the trip. We sleep in, maybe go to DS or take a late (I mean like 6 p.m.) trip to the parks and just hang around the resort most of the day.

I wish I had known this during our initial stages, I would've advocated for a middle rest day. As it is, were only in the parks 4 days and our first day we're heading to DS on the ferry boat. So oddly enough, our FIRST day about "rest day".

 

[LSUmiss]

Could you elaborate? I've been to WDW a lot and my experience has been that if something's for sale, the price is evident.


I understand what you mean, but, for me, I expect people to be nice and, in general, they are. I've had innumerable wonderful encounters with people at WDW--and that's what I expect.

Have to agree with the pp. So many guests seem to be rude either obliviously or intentionally. Sometimes when I come home after a trip & I’m in public like the grocery store or something, I forget ppl aren’t usually as rude here. I’m surprised when someone doesn’t try to run in front of me, cut me off, stop short in the middle of the aisle &/or says excuse me, please & thank you. I really try not to let other guests’ behavior bother me but so many times it is so outrageous.

 

[Gehrig1B]

Can you tell me the meaning of RAC...still A newbie. You raise a valid point with taking an Uber instead of the MDE to the airport. We will have to consider that.

Resort Airline Check-in. Check your bags at your Disney resort before leaving for airport, similar to curbside check in at airport. You can then choose to take DME or get a rideshare or taxi later. Check at the Disney website for RAC times and airlines involved.

 

[LSUmiss]

This is the most valuable tip!! Get there early, do rides early, eat later! You can ride so many rides in those first two hours! Then take a nice break for a good meal.

If you haven't gotten the ADRs you wanted, check now and every day forward as so many get canceled at the last minute. I usually am able to get something fantastic a day or two in advance of all of my trips: Cinderella's Royal Table, Be Our Guest, etc.

Rent a stroller if you think your kids might possible need it. If nothing else, it's awesome to put all your non valuable stuff in: rain gear, water bottles, jackets, etc.

Layer. The weather is all over the place this time of year. And the sun can make cooler temps feel really warm there.

Go back to the resort early one afternoon and just enjoy the pool. Pick the warmest day of your trip. Let the kids swim while you lay in a chair in the sun.

Get the kids a snack around 3 pm. Preferably a Mickey bar or some other treat. They will start getting cranky and tired right about then, so get ahead of the hungry. Sit and eat it.

A good touring plan is a must for a first trip. I really liked Touring Plans. Worth the $9 to me. There are free ones.

Character meals are so worth the money if your kids like to meet characters and get autographs. Even if you don't think they would like to meet them, they just might surprise you.

Enjoy! I look back at the photos of our first trip with such fondness! It was so magical. I wish you and your family the best trip ever!!

And I would say the opposite. Don’t feel like you have to do rope drop. If you’re a late night person, you can get just as much done by efficiently using fast passes & staying late. Go with what works for your family. Don’t make yourself miserable.

 

[WDW_fan_in_TX]

And I would say the opposite. Don’t feel like you have to do rope drop. If you’re a late night person, you can get just as much done by efficiently using fast passes & staying late. Go with what works for your family. Don’t make yourself miserable.

one of my teaching buddies can only go in busy times. He never does rope drop. In fact, his family does the opposite. They sleep late, hang around the pool, eat lunch at the resort or whatever and then go to the parks around 4 p.m. They'll then close them down and then do the exact same thing the next day. In the summer, it can somewhat beat the heat.

 

[LSUmiss]

one of my teaching buddies can only go in busy times. He never does rope drop. In fact, his family does the opposite. They sleep late, hang around the pool, eat lunch at the resort or whatever and then go to the parks around 4 p.m. They'll then close them down and then do the exact same thing the next day. In the summer, it can somewhat beat the heat.

That’s basically what we do in summer if we go then. Sleep late & start off with an ADR then take it easy doing fast passes til it gets dark then stay til park close.

 

[piscesmama]

Hope for some cancellations, but I would try for a dining package to Fantasmic and River of Lights shows. You get reserved seating for the shows that way. You have to eat anyway; so, get a package and enjoy reserved seating.

Take in a Disney tour. I love the behind the scenes tours.

We love early extra magic hours. I couldn't believe how much we accomplished each day doing this in our December trip this year. We took an afternoon nap and then returned to a park for the evening.

Don't forget about the street, live entertainment in each park. Don't miss DeVine in Animal Kingdom Park, for example.

My only issue with extra magic hours is....i wish I had known about which parks would have them when I was planning my fast passes. We don't have a hopper and now all of our days we're scheduled to be in a park are days that they font have the EMH. So I'm afraid we will miss out on them.

 

[piscesmama]

On the night you first arrive in the area, don't drink any soda or coffee that contains caffeine. Get a good night's sleep, and then if you want caffeine, have it any time after the first night.

Thats really a great tip! Thanks! As for getting a good night sleep....may be hard to do....we arrive on NYE, and of course we want to be up for the ball drop.

 

[Ress76]

I cannot stress enough-take the time to enjoy-don't just rush from attraction to attraction. Stroll up Main Street-don't half run to make RD somewhere. Relax in France at Epcot with an adult beverage or an ice cream-don't worry about the next thing you need to get to. See Voices of Liberty at American Adventure and The Dapper Dans on Main Street. Camp out on a curb with some popcorn or a funnel cake for a parade. Take a launch form MK to Wilderness Lodge to look around. Disney has so many things to do, and you've put so much time, energy, money, research and effort into it, the to me, the BEST Disney is in the details. It's windows on Main Street, rustic rocking chairs on Tom Sawyer Island, slushies in France, a walk to the Boardwalk Bakery or taking in streetmosphere at DHS.

 

[piscesmama]

Thanks everyone for all the useful information!!!

 

[deedubb]

Keep hydrated. Any quick service place or anywhere that serves drinks in a cup will give you free ice water.

I hope you don't need a stroller going at this time of year, but if you do, remember where you parked it. Some attractions exit at a different spot from the entrance. The CM's will also shuffle them around at times to keep them organized, so it may not be in the exact location you parked it.

Prepare for any kind of weather and don't trust the extended forecast before you leave. FL weather can change in a heartbeat and it can get really cold in FL.

If parades and fireworks are a must do (and I would definitely say they should be), make sure you give yourself some time to find a good spot.

Bring patience. NYE is one of the busiest times of the year and you won’t be able to see and do everything. I hope you have some ADRs. If using quick service only, make sure you use mobile ordering whenever possible.

Have a great time!

 

[PollyannaMom]

...While we're at it...best QS in epcot?

I definitely like Sunshine Seasons in that side of the park. In World Showcase, I like just getting different snacks from the carts in each country.

I wish I had known this during our initial stages, I would've advocated for a middle rest day. As it is, were only in the parks 4 days and our first day we're heading to DS on the ferry boat. So oddly enough, our FIRST day about "rest day".

I do like a middle rest day if we're there for a long time, but your plan should work as well. You'll get to adjust and rest up a bit after the stress of travel, and ease into your vacation. Besides, if you're staying up for New Year's Eve, you'll want to sleep in that morning.

Don't worry about missing EMH either. My family likes to do the morning ones because we're wicked early birds, but some people specifically plan to avoid them, because the EMH park tends to be more crowded overall that day.

In fact, don't worry about anything you're missing in general - because there is no way to do it all in one trip anyway. Just enjoy things as they happen. (Sometimes, we even make a list on the way home of things we want to do on future trips.)