New and would like advice

[pkrebs1220]

Hi, Just found this board today while searching to make my trip to Disney fantastic.
This is the first time my family has been -- I went 20 years ago --

Leaving Saturday -- Have 3 kids, 14,13,9 and hubby and I --

Would like advice on how to visit parks, how much time for each, which one to skip if had to skip one, what my kids ages would enjoy most, just whatever advice I can get on how to make the most out of my trip. Not worried about seeing everything or putting too much pressure on us -- just want fun and enjoyment and not to miss anything that is a must see/do.

Thanks ever so much, PK

 

[Sorcerer Figment]

I would suggest you purchase a guidebook such as the Unofficial Guide or the online planning guide Tour Guide Mike. Also, use the search feature at the top of each DIS page to find similar threads. You don't have a lot of time, but no need to worry. Just start planning in earnest and you'll have a great time. Best wishes!

 

[GeorgiaTiggerGirl]

One piece of advice is to realize that WDW is so big you can't possibly see/do everything on one trip. So my advice is, as suggested, purchase a guidebook and decide what attractions are priority. Are you staying onsite? If not, find out the Early Magic Hour schedule (for onsite guests) and avoid that particular park. You might also build in a little mid-day rest time at your hotel, a restaurant, or a show. I like to be at the gates when the parks open. It works well for us, but it's not for everyone. I'm leaving Friday night for a week's stay, so I'm excited, too! Have a wonderful time!

 

[GeorgiaTiggerGirl]

Another thing, will you have hopper tickets? I like to hop to a different park each day.

 

[kandmwedding]

Can you give us a little more information? How long are you going for? What types of tickets do you have? Are you staying onsite?

A few tips that are helpful no matter what:

* Don't plan to see everything! It's impossible. Pick a couple things that are must-see if each park, make them a priority and fill in with other stuff if you have time. That way you won't be disappointed if you miss out on something you really wanted to see.

* Plan to use fastpass! Use fastpasses and plan to get them early, especially for the bigger rides (ie. Soarin, Splash Mountain, Kilimanjaro Safari, etc). Remember each person in your group needs their own fastpass.

* Go to the left! If a park is set up in a circle (ie. Magic Kingdom, Epcot's World Showcase, etc) it typically helps to try to go to the left first when you arrive. Most people naturally head to the right, so you're likely to hit smaller crowds if you go to the left first.

* Don't miss the nighttime shows! Wishes (MK's firework show), Fantasmic (MGM's fire and water show) and Illuminations (Epcot's fireworks's show) are all fantastic! If you're in either of those parks in the evening be sure to plan to see the show. Wishes can best be seen from anywhere on Main St or around the hub, but if you want an actual seat somewhere (rather than standing) you have to snag it about an hour before. Illuminations can be viewed from anywhere around the World Showcase lagoon. Again, if you want to sit, grab a bench (or some ground) about one hour before. Fantasmic takes place in an amphitheater and has limited seating. Normally, arriving 30-45 minutes before the show will give you plenty of time to get a good seat.

As for how much time in each park - that depends on your group. My dh and I typically spend 2 days and Magic Kingdom, 2 days at MGM, 1 1/2 days at Epcot and 1/2 day at Animal Kingdom. People with younger kids skip out on Epcot a lot and spend more time at Animal Kingdom. A word of advice about Animal Kingdom - arrive early and head straight to the Safari. The animals are more lively earlier in the day since it's cooler. Either hop on the ride right away, or get a fastpass and come back later.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head, but feel free to ask specific questions if you have them.

 

[Okiemom]

I guess I have the same advice. Get a guide book and read . It will be very helpful to you. Also, if you were going to do Table Service for dinner or lunch, I would make the ADR's for them. I know my kids did not want to wait long for food, and it worked great for us.

 

[J and R's mom]

It's hard to be too specific since the answers to your questions vary from one family to the next and depend on where you're staying (on-site or off) and for how long. But I'll give it a try.

Must sees:

MK --Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Carribean, Peter Pan, Wishes fireworks

EPCOT --Test Track, Mission Space, Soarin', Illuminations

MGM --Tower of Terror, Rockin' Rollercoaster, Osbourne Spectacle of Lights (if they have it up when you're there), Fantasmic, Eat a cobb salad at the Hollywood Brown Derby (...mmmm...good)

AK --Dinosaur, Kilimanjaro Safari, It's a Bugs Life, Festival of the Lion King (one of my favorites)

DTD --Be sure to spend some time shopping/strolling/eating at Downtown Disney. If you go early enough in your trip, they can send your packages to your resort free of charge. Last time I was there, they wouldn't do it within 48hours of my departure date.

WDW Resorts --If you have extra time, you might want to hop in the monorail and visit some of the Magic Kingdom resorts (Grand Floridian, Poly, Contemporary).

ALSO, here is a site that has some links so that you can see which days are best to be at certain parks (the list actually breaks it down for each day of the year). It also has ALOT of other info: http://www.touringplans.com/

You might also check out http://mousesavers.com/ and http://www.allearsnet.com/. Both of these websites address your questions.

A previous poster did make a good suggestion: Make ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) NOW or as soon as you can. With the dining packages that are out there, alot of places are already booked up, especially for the busy Thanksgiving holidays.

Have a great trip. I'm jealous that you're going so soon.

 

[Marimar]

Thanks everyone!!!

Not the OP, but this info helps a great deal.

 

[missypie]

1. Arrive at least 20 minutes before park opening...more if you have to buy tickets.

2. Hit the most popular rides first.

3. Learn how to use Fast Pass.

If it were me, I would buy the current "Unofficial Guide" and follow the touring plans religiously.

 

[pkrebs1220]

Thanks for the advice. I really don't know what specific questions to ask because I have not been in 20 years. It is so overwhelming and I just don't want this to be a typical vacation where there is stress and agravation. (I mean it is the happiest place on earth right? LOL)

Mainly I guess I wanted Must Sees and Dos. Thanks for the help.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

Relax.......go over to allearsnet.com and look over the vast information available on WDW. Also try mousesaver.com and this site, wdwinfo.com.
Just remember that it is absolutely impossible to see and do everything. Decide on what you would like to try and don't forget to make some advanced dining reservations.

Ask away over here.....we are always available to help.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I think the advice given so far is very good.

I would not rush around too much and try and see everything, if you take things at a steady pace you will find you enjoy the experience so much more.

 

[J and R's mom]

Thanks for the advice. I really don't know what specific questions to ask because I have not been in 20 years. It is so overwhelming and I just don't want this to be a typical vacation where there is stress and agravation. (I mean it is the happiest place on earth right? LOL)

Mainly I guess I wanted Must Sees and Dos. Thanks for the help.

I be happy to offer some additional input. Where will you be staying? How long is your stay? Does your family enjoy thrill rides (similar to roller coasters)?