Newbie levaing in 2 days...any advice/tips...

[UGAFan0829]

It looks like we'll be leaving in 2 days for our first ever trip to Disney. We are staying at ASMo, and aren't on the dining plan. Just wondering if any of you veterans out there had and helpful hints/advice/tips to offer to us. We are really excited, and even though I know we won't be able to do all the parks, we are hoping to make the best of it! Thanks in advance!

 

[Gary M]

Welcome to the DIS. My suggestion is get to the parks when they first open. The crowds start coming in about 1 1/2 to 2 hours after opening. If you are interested in Fantasyland at the MK, go there first, because the lines get much longer as the day goes on.

Others will have suggestions.

 

[inloveindisney]

Take hotel breaks in the afternoon, be prepared to feel like a kid again when you see that castle, stay in the parks if it starts to rain because you will be one of the only ones. We had some of our best days when it rained.
Have a great time-I know you will!

 

[lizanne]

Don't wander around aimlessly in the parks. Know what rides (attractions) you want to do (see) and seek them out. If time allows, you can always go back and do the things that weren't on your list. I think it's very easy to waist a lot of time standing around wondering "should we do this".

I've never been to WDW in September, but the heat and humidity can be brutal in Florida. If you need a break, but can't leave the parks, go into an air conditioned sit-down venue or just walk around in the air condiditoned stores.

Most of all, just enjoy. I remember our first trip like it was yesterday (20 years ago). IT was the best.

 

[GaMsStella2]

Have a plan in mind and I agree get their early. Have a wonderful time

 

[Disneynut71]

The first time you go to MK make sure you take the boat over it is a must!

Make sure you don't miss the evening parade and wishes. I like to go to the second parade. Take advantage of lower ride line times during the first parade.

Try a dole whip and a mickey premium bar they are the best!

You are not going to see everything, I keep a map and x off everything we did this trip and plan what we will see the next. Fast Pass is great, get a fast pass for splash and wait in line for BIg Thunder. Or Fast Pass Rock n ROller coaster while riding Tower of Terror.

most importantly have fun your in the best place on Earth!!!

 

[we3disneygo]

get there early and have fun!!!!!

 

[pickles]

wave hello to us as we will be there in less than 36 hours!!

I agree about having a plan..we wasted time last year wondering 'what next'

you will find not such bad lines, so you should be able to get most the things done you want.
Do try the 3d shows..its tuff tb a bug is great and the Mickey one is also very good

enjoy!

 

[Glendamax]

Take more than 2 pairs of shoes. Last year one pair was a bit uncomfortable, so I was stuck wearing one pair the whole time.

Take 2 outfits for each day. It was so hot last September that I showered and changed every afternoon.

If you see something you want and have the money, buy it. No, it does not matter that it's not practical. When you get home you will regret leaving it.

As soon as you start to feel tired LEAVE!It doesnt matter that you didnt get to see/do everything on your list. In the notes I wrote last Sept. I read that "I wanted to die" as I was leaving EPCOT. This year, I do NOT want that phrase in my notes!

If you're not sure if you should ride something because it may be hokey, RIDE IT! At least you'll know first-hand, so you'll make better decisions the next time you go. (Yes, this does apply to Stitch and the Country Bears)

Get up early! You'll be soooooo mad when your alarm goes off, but you'll be REALLY happy at 12 noon when it feels like 100 degrees, and you've done all the major rides (as you're on the air-conditioned bus to go back to your room for a break!)

 

[stites1]

have fun. Just remember its a vacation. Try to slow down, look around, watch the kids (yours and everyone else's), enjoy just being there. You'll appreciate what I mean about a week after you get home.

 

[I'm No Fool]

Make a list of sights that are easy to overlook, e.g., hidden Mickeys, street performers, interesting fountains or statues, etc. Then don't forget to read the list when you get to the parks.

 

[stina]

Have a plan. Very important. If you have a chance in the next 2 days run to Barnes and Noble and buy the WDW Passporter 2006 and read it on the plane. It has short descriptions of all restaurants, rides, shows, hotels, etc. plus fold out maps of all the parks. Also check the park hours before you go. If you are staying On Property you can participate in Extra Magic Hours. Those are great especially in the mornings. Getting up early is SO worth it. Especially for Animal Kingdom. The earlier the safari ride the more animals you'll see. So... if AK regularly opens at 9am. Extra Magic Hours will allow it to open to Disney resort guests at 8am. This can make a real difference in animal viewing. The animals are more active in the mornings when it is not so hot.

If you haven't made any Advance Reservations and you'd like to dine at a few table-service restaurants call now! 407-WDW-DINE Try to get reservations for a few that you'd really like to try and organize your day around those. For example if you are dining at an Epcot restaurant for lunch, arrange to be at Epcot that morning or afternoon. (Lunches at all fancy restaurants are generally cheaper)

Bring ponchos!!! (avail. at Target/Wal-Mart) and waterproof sandals

Bring tons of sunblock and reapply throughout the day, bring a sunhat/cap

Again if you are staying on-property have your "mousekeeping" tips ready in $1 bills. Average is $3 per day per room.

Carpe Diem! Go ahead ride Tower of Terror! You only live once!

Best place to see characters is at Camp Minnie-Mickey in Animal Kingdom. It is never busy there.

Get park-hopper passes so you can do one park in the a.m. and one in the p.m. Splitting up your time in parks is good. I like to do a waterpark in the a.m., take a break then do a regular park in afternoon to evening. Oh, what bliss!

Try to hit one of the waterparks -- either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. For a newbie I'd recommend Typhoon. I NEVER considered myself a "waterpark person" and yet they have become one of my favorite parts of Disney. Picture it: floating around on a lazy river innertube with tropical music playing. Hello, HEAVEN!

The best dining is at the resort hotels. Anyone can dine there even if you are not staying there. You can even walk around the hotel lobbies/grounds and look at them. I LOVE doing this, especially at hotels I always dream of staying at! For example if you eat at Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge, get in some FREE animal viewing on their savannah!

Visit the Boardwalk. (ride the friendship boats over, or walk from the rear entrance of Epcot) It's beautiful and fun to walk around at night. Plus great dining. Don't miss Jellyrolls!

Try a dole whip in Magic Kingdom!

Don't miss the parades or the really cool shows like Indiana Jones and Festival of the Lion King. You will appreciate getting off your feet as well.

Don't try to do everything! I know it's tempting. But remember, you're gonna have an amazing time and you'll get the WDW-Fever like the rest of us which means another trip on the horizon!!! That's how we are at the DIS, we haven't even left and we're planning future trips!

Have an incredible trip!

stina

 

[aztecgoods]

I would recommend putting at least a day or 2 in for Universal. It is my favorite. If you are going for a full week you'll definitely have the time. I love disney but I always spend more time at U.