Newbie needing advice

[shawnha]

Hi, I live out west in Utah and I'm coming to Orlando November 8th -15th for a business conference. I'll be staying at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Disney World. Since it's also my 25th wedding anniversary I'm bringing my wife with me. Neither one of has been to Disney World before and I'd be surprised if we're able to make it out again but we will have one or two full days and one or two half days that we can spend at Disney World and I'm hoping folks can give us some advice on the best way to optimize the time we will have. Neither one of us will be interested in water parks or golfing.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Shawn.

 

[nkereina]

First, I'd recommend posting this same question on the Attractions & Strategies board. You're inclined to get more suggestions.

I think my biggest tip would be to purchase park hopper passes. IMO, I'd rather do the highlights at three or four parks than only visit one park and do everything. We're also two adults that visit and there are a lot of attractions we don't feel bad skipping over in order to save time. To maximize your time, you'll want to get to a park at opening as well since you can get the most done during the morning.

Your trip is coming up fast, but it would behoove you to purchase your tix ahead of time and create a profile on the Disney site so you can book some fast passes as well.

 

[msb578]

Not everyone realizes this, but the Hilton is eligible for Extra Magic Hours.

Some people say to avoid parks with EMH, but you may find them useful (either early entry or late-hours).

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Just to clarify the Hilton is not in WDW. Its a good neighbor hotel located across the street from DTD.

The best way to optimize your time is to go to a park that has extra magic hours in the eveing. Ususally the park will be open up to 3 hours later after closing to the general public and it just for guest staying onsite or at a good neighbor hotel. You can get a lot done since the only people allowed on the attractions must either be staying at a WDW resort or good neighbor hotel.

 

[msb578]

The DTD hotels are technically located on Disney property. But in most senses, you might as well be off the property, except for the short walk to DTD and a couple of Disney perks.

Hilton LBV is actually the *only* hotel besides Swan, Dolphin, and Shades of Green to have EMH. For now at least. Unless you own a mansion at Golden Oaks

 

[fairyjess]

Use your one full day at Magic Kingdom. If you have two full days, use the other at Epcot.
Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios don't require more than half a day (if you are a planner) as a lot of their attractions are.... shifting, renovating, closing for the foreseeable future. I don't think I would want to 'skip' any parks if it was me, but you aren't sure how much time you have, and Disney World is bigger than you think. No matter how big you think it is. So make the Magic Kingdom a priority.

Take a look at WDW Prep School. Shannon really knows her stuff, and her information is great for making a plan and whittling down to what you really want to see and do.

Make dining reservations and fast pass plus reservations, and have a plan of attack.