Leaving in 5 weeks for WDW for 1st time

[little-ears07]

Hi! I just need some advice. My family DH, DS11, DS8, DS5, DD3 and my in-laws (+4) are going to WDW for 11 wonderful days. I am very excited and also terrified. We are flying and this will be the first time for my kids except the oldest. Should we hit the disney outlets first? Do we get the park hopper pass? I am just overwhelmed!! We come home on Christmas day and Santa will leave gifts at home but do I take some stockings to stuff so they have something on Christmas morning. Any kind of advice I will take. HELP!!

 

[dspads]

We are leaving in 4 weeks and I am excited and terrified, too. You are going for a long time so I think you can relax...less pressure to see what you want.

Are you staying onsite and doing WDW only? If so I would get hoppers. It would be hard to do only 1 park a day for that many days I think. (Unless the increased cost is really an issue -but I'd bet you'd be more likely to end up spending more doing other activities if you didn't want to be in the particular park all day).

Oh, and I am not getting hoppers for my 7 day stay.

 

[TheDizMom]

I agree get the park hopper and in your case maybe the waterparks and more so you can use them too. Plan for a day or 2 to just hang at your resort (especially if its a WDW resort) and enjoy the pool and what it has to offer also. It is so rare to get to go for that long, so your resorts activities kind of go by the wayside in an effort to get everything else in. To me having a day when no one has to get up and get going and being able to just relax and enjoy the warm weather and sunshine (especially if you are from the frozen tundra like I am ) is just the best ! As for the Santa thing see if you can get something from one of the websites(I can't remember what any of them are but I am sure someone else will) or from Disney. I know during Easter they do baskets that can be delivered to your rooms that you can choose what you want. While the outlets are great there is nothing like an actual WDW shop for cool things, so it wouldn't be my first priority.

Have a wonderful trip with the whole family. We just did that over spring break and it was just a blast. It was just a great experience over all and one I am hoping to do again with my side of the family in December of 2008.

 

[carrie1626]

If you haven't already, buy a WDW Travel Book ( or loan a 2007/08 WDW travel book from the library). Research is the KEY to a well informed 1st timer.

Having 11 days will give you optimal chance for "relaxation". Those of us who have visited multiple times know that going to WDW practically requires another vacation when we get home LOL.

Here are a few of my personal suggestions

#1: Learn everything about FASTPASS and use it to your advantage!!!!

#2: Do not feel bad/quilty if everyone is not TOGETHER all the time. Small breaks from each other because of resting and different desires make for a happier vacation!!

#3: If you are close to a Disney Outlet, ask everyone what they think of matching t-shirts. Adults in one / kids in another. I LOVE seeing families/groups dressed in matching t-shirts, it just confirms my feelings that WDW is the "happiest place on earth" and who better to be there with than your family/friends

#4: Make at least one Character breakfast/dinner ADR for everyone. The pictures you will take will be treasured for-ever!!


#5: Have the best time of your life

 

[dpwright]

first timer? The first time at disney, adult or child, is absolutely magical! It's still great every time after that, but never again do you have that sense of wonder when you look up at Cinderella's castle as you come up Main St. USA. Have a terrific time!!!
I agree, grab a book and learn as much as you can before you get there. There are many disney planning books out there, Disney for Dummies, Frommer's, and many others. You have a lot of time so take it easy as you go, too, no need to rush. Enjoy your hotel/resort and some down time as you get exhausted. Shop a little bit here and there as you go, though if you have a little girl who wants to dress as a princess, you might want to go to the outlet and get that before you go. You'll have time for all the parks and even to sample the water parks or the "other" park if you like.
I really envy you.... just like all the other important firsts in life - first time you hold your new baby, first kiss, first home you buy, etc, the first time in WDW is a "forever" memory.

 

[thedizwizkid]

Well I don't think you should worry at all to have them fly. The first time I flew I was younger than all of your children(2and a half) yes and I also think it's a good idea for the park hopper. because then you won't have to worry about waiting another day to see an attraction.your kids will love being there at christmas time. That has been my dream to go there at that time.
HAVE A GREAT TIME