My first solo trip, and trip to DW, what do i do?

[Uuaww]

So i got my airplane ticket and paid my package, now what? do i need to confirm anything? Is there anything special i need to do with magical express? I listed the 2nd part of my flight (Im going fromi oakland to lax, then lax to orlando) so I will check in when i get to the hotel and from there they will just put my bag in my room when its ready? how does going home work, is there a constant shuttle or do i need to arrange it? how does getting to disney work? is there a constant shuttle or do i need to arrange it? AHH so confused, please help.

 

[peemagg]

First of all did you sign up fro Magical Express? If not then you need to call them and sign up now. If you did then you need to make sure that they have all your information on your fights both coming and going. If they do, then just sit back and wait for your tags from Magical Express. Once you get them there will be information in about what you do when you get to the airports and such.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[spiceycat]

decide where you want to eat and then make those reservations now.

you might be too late for some of them.

to see a menu
www.allearsnet.com

or here
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningmain.cfm#disneydining

how do you feel about taking a tour?
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/tours.htm

do you have maps of the parks? so you can plan your days?

this site has some nice maps
http://willcad.org/disney_maps.html

make a list of what you want to see - then cut it in half....

this descriptives what is in each park - so you can decide for yourself if you want to ride something or not
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/themeparks.htm#HM-themeparks-nav

once you have decided what you want to ride. then go to theme park forum and ask questions there to make sure of your choices.

 

[Mickey28]

Go to you nearest Books a Million or Barnes and Nobles and pick up Birnbaum's Guide to WDW for Singles. It should help you a lot.

 

[Uuaww]

Im not eating at any restaurants, I don't want to nor do I have the money for it so that is fine. So they are going to send me tags in the mail? Plus I am only doing magical express on the way to Orlando, not on the way home.

 

[KittyKitty]

What time are you getting into MCO? If early, then pack a little carry on bag to take with you. Stuff like bathing suit, pj's(in case checked bag gets to the hotel late).
I think it takes up to 5+ hours for the checked bag to get to your room. Or you could pick up the bag yourself at MCO, and then give it to Magical Express when you check in. That way the bag goes with you. But it you do this, don't put the Magical Express tag on your checked bag.

Double check you have a reservation w/Magical Express. And you have the voucher and bag tags that come with your documents.

Double check your documents when you get them,make sure they have the right information. You should get them at least 2 weeks prior to leaving. (I'm a old travel agent, always double checking ). If you don't have them, then call Disney(or who you got the pkg with).

It seems to take 2 hours from when your plane lands to when you arrive at your resort. So plan accordingly.

What does your pkg have? Most ppl going in Sept are doing the free dining pkg. The dining is free, but the resort maybe higher priced, than just getting the resort only.

I could go on and on, but will stop.

Have a great time!!!. Just think, you can do anything you want!!

 

[Uuaww]

read below

 

[Uuaww]

Thanx, maybe I should just check and pick it up myself, that way I won't have to worry about it, my flight gets in at 6:33 AM (Red eye from LAX) and I will prob have a while to kill before the park opens so I might just pick up my bag myself. Stupid Question: How and where do I get my park tickets? I don't have free dining b/c I litterally just bought my package yesterday, I got the reduced room rate. So it might take a while for things to get to me.

 

[KittyKitty]

Most parks will open up at 9am so by the time you get to your resort, check in, the parks will be open.

Contact where you got your pkg, and ask them about park tickets. I think it is still called Magic Your Way. You probably will want to do park hopper(can go to more than 1 park in the same day), but if you can do it, 1 park per day is cheaper. Also expiring tickets(expire when you leave) will be cheaper. Hope this isn't too confusing
You might want to sign up for www.mousesavers.com newsletter. They have information on tickets. Or go to disney's own web site. It has a decent price on tickets also.
The way Disney works, the more days you buy, the less it is per day.

Have a great time.!

PS. If you want more info(and there is tons of it!), go to www.allearsnet.com . Besides DIS here, this site is great.

(I think I miss being a travel agent )

 

[spiceycat]

some people have reported getting their luggage in less than 30 minutes once they checked in their rooms....

oh don't be surprised if the hours that people waited on the luggage to arrive - you don't spend in Orlando airport waiting for the luggage to arrive.

Once waited over 4 hours for luggage - the airport delivered it to the wrong que...

 

[KittyKitty]

Spiceycat brings up a good point. So, it could be awhile, or short time,no matter which you choose.

I've not had a problem bringing my luggage to Magical Express(ME), but others have. I also take redeyes being from Seattle, and I was the only one at ME when I arrived at 730am. That was great!!If I remember right, when you get down to baggage, they direct you(they have BIG Mickey Hands ) to ME's counter.

Planning for WDW can be overwhelming. Just start reading. PLanning can be half the fun!!.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I think you can still buy tickets in the hotels, but don't know...it has been a long time since I bought tickets at WDW. It used to be set up that tickets for the Magic Kingdom had to be purchased at the Ticket and Transportation center (not at the park itself.) I don't know if that is still the case.

I am copying this from the DIS' ticket section.

DISNEY TICKET SALES LOCATIONS MAGIC YOUR WAY TICKETS -Whenever possible, it's recommended that you do not arrive at the theme park when it opens and then purchase your tickets. The lines have been extremely lengthy in the mornings as guests decide which ticket option to select. We suggest that you buy your tickets in advance here.

• Walt Disney World Ticket Booths located at the Theme Parks
• Transportation and Ticket Center
• Walt Disney World Water Parks (only selling tickets that include the water park admission)
• Guest Relations at Downtown Disney
• Concierge desk located at Walt Disney World Resorts
• Orlando International Airport Disney shops
• Disney Gateway at at the Gaylord Palms Resort located on Osceola Parkway
• The Disney Stores located at the Florida Mall, West Oaks Mall, Seminole Towne Center, most of the East and Midwest Disney Stores and the World of Disney Store in New York City
• The Character Warehouse at the Belz Outlet and Premium Factory Outlet
• The Disney Welcome Center in Ocala
• Florida Military Bases (exclusive for Military personnel)

SELF SERVE KIOSKS These Ticket Vending Machines are automated self-serve Kiosks where 1 thru 10 day Magic Your Way gate priced tickets can be purchased. In addition, select Will Call orders from internet and DRC transactions can be picked up from these kiosks.

The purchase of tickets requires a credit card. Will Call pick ups require the confirmation number. Tickets purchased at the kiosks can be modified according to the current rules for Magic Your Way tickets.

Locations:

• Transportation and Ticket Center - 10 Vending Machines
• Magic Kingdom - 3 Vending Machines at the Guest Relations Window
• Contemporary Resort - 1 Vending Machine on the 4th Floor Concourse
• Pop Century Resort - 1 Vending Machine in Classic Hall

If an error occurs during the transaction, a "Ticket Replacement Receipt" will be generated which can be taken to a Host/Hostess for assistance

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[Uuaww]

i already bought my tickets with my package, so they should be there when i get to the hotel as i was told.