Newbie -- first visit to Disney!

[ddstratton]

Hi all! I've been lurking/reading for some time now. Since we've finally decided when our trip will be, I thought it would be a good time to jump on in.

This will be the first trip ever to Disney for all three of us -- me, DH and DD (who will be 9 when we go). We are really looking forward to it -- even though the planning can get overwhelming. Just choosing where to stay is mind-boggling...

 

[Goofy_4_WDW]

 

[patches07]

 

[Jrabbit910]

Welcome to the boards! You will find many of your questions answered here as well as opinions on everyones favorites... its so much fun to plan so enjoy!

 

[swtnikki]

Welcome!

 

[kathie859]

Welcome. I hope you have a lot of fun learning about WDW...

 

[vanillasoftserve]

Welcome to the DIS ! You will have a really great time on your trip. Hope the DIS will help with some of that planning

 

[pixiemel]

Welcome and Happy Planning!!!

 

[jpugsley]

Hi- i'm a newbie too- sort of I guess if you haven't been for over thirty years you become a disney virgin again. We are going to arrive August 6, 2007 and are staying off-site to save money. Thanks for all the info I've gotten in the past few months just from peaking.

 

[Indianadisneyfan]

 

[nym4588]

Your first Disney trip, how exciting! I hope you all have a great time experiencing the Disney magic!

I have been there dozens of times yet I have never stayed on property-my dear father, stepmom & little sis live in Kissimmee...usually visit twice a year. My mother (we both live in PIttsburgh) hasn't been there for years-and I mean years...the last time was when I was a toddler & I'm not 28!) so we've finally decided to book a trip for January 2009. I agree that this might get a little overwhelming! I will be the one planning & booking things...not sure whether to go through Disney or perhaps AAA. I honestly have no idea where to start. Thank goodness for the DIS boards!

 

[luvmickey5374]

Welcome....come on in the waters fine!!! If you can, stay on property....so many advantages! Have a great time planning....it what us disneyfreaks live for

 

[jpugsley]

Your first Disney trip, how exciting! I hope you all have a great time experiencing the Disney magic!

I have been there dozens of times yet I have never stayed on property-my dear father, stepmom & little sis live in Kissimmee...usually visit twice a year. My mother (we both live in PIttsburgh) hasn't been there for years-and I mean years...the last time was when I was a toddler & I'm not 28!) so we've finally decided to book a trip for January 2009. I agree that this might get a little overwhelming! I will be the one planning & booking things...not sure whether to go through Disney or perhaps AAA. I honestly have no idea where to start. Thank goodness for the DIS boards!

We are renting a vacation home with a pool- we save a lot of money and get a lot of space. My DS9 has ADHD so he needs the space big time!

 

[abcboys]

We are taking a first ever family trip around the same time as you (I'm guessing for us it will be the first or 2nd week in May) It will be me and DH and sons 9,6,2. It is overwhelming!!! I almost feel like I'm planning for a big exam or something. What if I do something wrong? What if I don't make the best use of our time?? So many decisions but this board is wonderful. I've learned so much yet I feel like I know nothing at all. Good luck!!!

 

[byoung]

Welcome to the DIS!!!

 

[beebumble]

Welcome!!

 

[Metro West]

 

[grumpy.uncle]

The first thing I would do is head to a bookstore and purchase a couple good Disney related travel books. They even have travel guides geared to children that they might enjoy reading to help plan your trip. You can get free DVD's from WDW on the parks and also on the resorts. Just call up Disney and ask what they can send you to help w/ planning. You might want to check out the resorts section on the DIS to get an idea on what previous visitors have to say. You need to decide if you are staying onsite or offsite. We have always stayed onsite because we love the Disney resorts and find that they really add alot to our vacation. We have stayed our first nights offsite and we just can't wait to get back to our Disney resort. The Disney resorts are each themed so that they are really a part of the whole experience. You will have a blast planning. Just try not to get too overwhelmed. There is alot to do and alot to absorb. You won't be able to do everything. Try to decide what you would most like to do and plan your trip around those things. Most of all, remember to have FUN!